May 08, 2024  
Xavier University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 
  
Xavier University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

Health Services Administration, M.H.S.A.


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The Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) program is committed to meeting the need for effective leadership of the rapidly changing health care system.  Academic work and residency/fellowship experience are designed to provide students with the necessary cutting-edge conceptual, analytical, and interpersonal skills, particularly in the areas of team development, systems improvement, quantitative analysis, information systems, strategic planning, financial strategization, and ethical decision-making.  The MHSA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Management Education (CAHME).  Upon graduation, students obtain managerial leadership positions in a variety of health care organizations, including health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, managed care organizations, medical group practices, insurance companies, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, consulting firms, and governmental policy-making and regulatory agencies.

Admission Requirements


A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is required of all applicants.  Students are admitted to the Graduate Program if they are considered academically qualified and are able to demonstrate potential in the development of analytical, creative problem solving, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.  Students come from a variety of academic backgrounds including health services, psychology, business, natural sciences and general studies.

Go to https://www.xavier.edu/master-of-health-services-administration-program/admission/index to reference the specific admission requirements.

Prerequisites


We highly recommend that applicants complete a basic undergraduate or graduate course in each of the following subjects prior to beginning the MHSA Program: accounting, statistics and mictroeconomics.  Applicants should also be competant with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Academic Standing


MHSA students are held to high academic and personal standards. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in the MHSA curriculum is required to be in good standing in the program and for graduation. In the rare case of an academic setback, a student should contact their advisor and, if necessary, the MHSA Program Director to discuss the reason for the setback as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the semester.

Academic Warning


Students who have a cumulative graduate grade point average less than 3.00 at the end of any semester will be placed on academic warning. Academic warning is noted in a student’s permanent record and extends for the duration of the following semester. No credit is granted for courses in which a student receives a grade of “F”. 

Dismissal from the Program:


MHSA students on academic warning who do not raise their GPA above 3.00 the following semester after being placed on Academic Warning will be dismissed from program at the discretion of the MHSA Program Director.

The full-time MHSA track is cohort driven. Therefore, students receiving a failing grade “F” or withdrawing from a course at any time during their academic program may be dismissed from the program at the discretion of the MHSA Program Director following a conversation regarding the circumstances. 

Curriculum


A total of 66 credit hours must be completed to fulfill the requirements of the MHSA degree: 56 credit hours of didactic coursework and 9 credit hours of administrative residency and master’s project.

Master’s Project


Each student is required to complete a master’s project as a condition for graduation.  The project must demonstrate competencies listed in the Guidelines for the Administrative Residency and reflect an aspect of health systems management of interest to both the student and preceptor, with a final approval from the faculty advisor.

Administrative Residency


The administrative residency is part of the full time curriculum; no didactic courses are taken during this time.  It provides an eight to twelve month “real world” experience in an organizational setting under the preceptorship of senior management.  During the residency, students apply the knowledge and skills mastered in the classroom to an administrative work environment.  The administrative residency serves as an opportunity not only to learn the actual practice of management, but also for creating mentor relationships.

Sample Schedule


Concurrent Degrees Program


Students have the option of obtaining concurrent master’s degrees in Health Services Administration and Business Administration (MHSA/MBA).  Normally, one additional semester of study is required provided the student has the appropriate undergraduate business administration coursework.  The program of study requires 99 graduate credit hours: 57 credit hours of Health Services Administration coursework, 9 credit hours of administrative residency, 33 credit hours of MBA coursework, plus necessary prerequisites.  Candidates must apply and be accepted to both programs.  Upon completion, the student receives two separate degrees.

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