Healthcare Administration
Valparaiso University’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHCA) provides students with the skills and experience to become leaders in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates go on to positions such as hospital administrators, health information management directors, nursing home administrators, healthcare managers, and more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected a 28% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2021 and 2031. A degree in healthcare administration provides the essential knowledge and fundamental skills for a successful future.
Valpo’s MHCA program teaches students to use critical thinking skills to effectively communicate and manage employees; to improve patient safety, clinical processes and health outcomes; and to respectfully recognize the diversity of their patients and populations while executing the policies of their healthcare organization.
Outside the classroom, students acquire practical experience through an internship totaling 240 hours (3 credits at 80 hours per credit).
Students may complete this 39-credit program on either a full-time or part-time basis.
| Requirements | 36 Credits | |
| Healthcare Administration 501 |
Understanding Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 517 | Leadership and Team Building in Healthcare Administration | 2 |
| Healthcare Administration 520 | Financial Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 601 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 602 | Managing and Analyzing Healthcare Information | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 650 | Managing People and Human Resources | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 665 | Population, Community, and National Health | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 672 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare | 3 |
| Healthcare Administration 675 | Organizational and Government Policy in Healthcare | 3 |
| Interprofessional Education 640 | Applications in Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, and Population Health | 3 |
| Inter-Professional Education 518 | Global Health Issues | 3 |
| Interprofessional Education 710 | Leadership in Quality and Patient Safety | 1 |
| Master of Business Administration 505 | Marketing Management and Consumer Expertise | 3 |
| Internship | 3 Credits | |
| Healthcare Administration 686 | Internship | 3 |
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All international students are required to take GRD-500.
*Effective Summer 2025 |
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Admission to the healthcare administration graduate program is decided by the following criteria for fall and spring start dates:
- A completed Graduate School application form (Graduate application fee of $30 for U.S. applicants, $50 for international applicants).
- Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work. Applicant must have maintained a 3.0 grade point average in all previous coursework.
- Two letters of reference, at least one of which needs to be from an employer or academic adviser
- An essay indicating reasons for studying healthcare administration
Please note:
- A non-native English speaker is required to have a minimum TOEFL (iBT version) 82 or IELTS 6.5.
Online applications may be submitted through the Graduate School website.
We understand that every student’s journey is unique, which is why we also offer the flexibility to pursue our master of healthcare administration online in a full-time or part-time basis. Whether you’re looking to dive into your studies full-time or balance your education with other commitments, we have options that cater to your needs and goals.
CONTACT
Phrosini Samis-Smith, MS, ’06 MS, DHEd
Assistant Dean for Health Professions
Email: phrosini.samissmith@valpo.edu
Phone: 219.464.5289
4+1 HL/MHCA PROGRAM IS SERVING BELLA RAVOTTO WELL
Standout women’s volleyball student-athlete, Bella Ravotto, recently completed her Bachelor’s in Healthcare Leadership and is now pursuing her Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
“One of my favorite things is the interprofessional collaboration among your peers and professors. I am learning from those that have been on the administration side, but also on the clinical side. That collaboration, among different occupations in the healthcare field, gives me great experience going into the workforce.”