Graduate HSA Programs

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  MHSA Application and Admission

  Graduate Application Requirements

  • A baccalaureate or advanced degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale). Your undergraduate degree does not have to be healthcare-related.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vita.
  • Work experience, in health care and otherwise, is very helpful in this program but not required.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professional and academic (if graduated less than 5 years ago) recommenders, including one from a direct supervisor. Recommendation letters should be on the recommender’s employer’s letterhead and sent directly by the recommenders from their professional (not personal) email address either to HSAprogram@udmercy.edu or through the Detroit Mercy application portal.
  • Official transcripts sent directly from all colleges and universities attended.
  • A brief (1-2 pages) essay explaining why you are interested in pursuing the MHSA Program at the University of Detroit Mercy (see "Essay" below).
  • For international students: TOEFL score of 6.5 or equivalent test score
  • A personal interview with the Health Services Administration Program Director may be requested.

  Essay
  

  Your admissions essay should include:

  • how your prior professional and/or personal experience led to your choice of a career in health administration
    why the MHSA program at the University of Detroit Mercy is of particular interest to you (including how you see your professional and/or personal goals relating to the mission of the MHSA Program)
  • what your professional goals are upon graduation from the program / how you plan to use the MHSA degree upon graduation
  • For international students: why you chose the U.S. as your study destination

  MHSA Program has zero tolerance for plagiarism in all application documents and academic work. Please see references below to assure that all of your application documents meet the University of Detroit standards for admission.

  References:

  ApplyBoard.com (2021). Preventing Plagiarism in Your Statement of Purpose or Admissions Essay.

  U.S.  Homeland Security (2016). Students: avoid plagiarism on your college application.

  Probationary Admission

  Students who do not meet the admission requirements, but who show other indicators of potential success will be considered for probationary admission. If admitted on probation, the student will be required to pass the first three HSA courses with a grade of B or better in each of the courses. These courses may not be repeated. 

  Application Deadlines 

  Please note: Official application deadlines for each semester are

  • Fall Semester: August 1
  • Winter Semester: Nov. 1
  • Summer Semester: April 1

  Applying after the deadline

  It is always best to submit a completed application by the deadline in order to ensure that there is sufficient time for the MHSA Program and Admissions Office to review and process it. Although it is possible to submit a late application after the official application deadline has passed, it would be reviewed and processed only if time permits. Your chances depend on the number of students who applied on time and accepted their spot after the admission selection round.

  There are two ways to apply:

  Option 1 is directly through Detroit Mercy, the online application is free - click here to apply. Admissions Office, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48221. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-635-5020.

  Option 2 is through the Healthcare Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application System (HAMPCAS).  
  Our graduate program in Health Services Administration is a participant of HAMPCAS. This means that applicants can now apply to health management, administration and policy programs across different colleges and universities throughout the U.S. by way of a single, web-based application.  See below for the benefits to applicants when using HAMPCAS.
  Go to HAMPCAS to apply now.

  International Students

  In lieu of sending foreign transcripts directly to us, applicants who have studied overseas must submit official foreign transcripts to an approved (WES and ECE) foreign transcript evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. Contact the foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. The service may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript once it is received.

  Applicants who are not United States citizens must contact the International Admissions Office for information about the application process and status. For more information click here. You may also contact them at:
  
  International Admissions Office
  Phone: 313-993-3310

  Fax: 313-993-3326
  admissions@udmercy.edu
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  Healthcare Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS)

  About HAMPCAS

  The Healthcare Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS) is the first national centralized application service designed for students applying to graduate programs in health administration, healthcare management and health policy. The service enables applicants to apply to multiple colleges and schools through a single web-based application.

  To provide applicants with the most efficient application process, we are pleased to announce that University of Detroit Mercy’s Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) degree program is a participant in the Healthcare Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application System (HAMPCAS). Applicants can either apply directly to University of Detroit Mercy or through HAMPCAS.

  By using the HAMPCAS portal, applicants apply to health management, administration and policy programs across a variety of colleges and universities throughout the U.S. by way of a single, web-based application.

  The benefits to applicants using HAMPCAS are many, including:

  • Decreases the time and cost of applying to multiple programs.
  • Eliminates duplication of effort that required applicants to submit multiple copies of credentials, transcripts, essays and more.
  • Allows for the customization of essays or the use of a standard essay. For each school applying to you can select which option you prefer within one online application.
  • Allows completing your application over multiple sittings before submitting to all schools simultaneously. Also allows updating your application with new information after the application has already been initiated.
  • Enables you to check application status within the system from anywhere you have Internet access.
  • Enables one-time payment for all applications via secure e-commerce.

  HAMPCAS Application Processing Fees

  Application processing fees are dependent on the number of designated programs/degrees selected by the applicant. The first designation is $115 with each additional application being $40.

  Tips for a Successful HAMPCAS Application

  • Apply as early as possible
  • Read all of the instructions within each section of your HAMPCAS application before submitting your completed application
  • Review the specifics of the programs to which you are applying via the program links within the HAMPCAS application
  • Print a copy of your HAMPCAS application for your records
  • Make sure to monitor your application online and check for email messages from HAMPCAS or the schools via the online application and email account you provided in your application.

  Remember that your application is not considered complete and will not be processed, until you have e-submitted the application, paid your application fee and an official transcript from every college and university you have attended is received by HAMPCAS.

  Questions?

  Need assistance with the HAMPCAS portal? Call 617-612-2882 or email hampcasinfo@hampcas.org. HAMPCAS Customer Support is available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

  More Help from HAMPCAS

  Have more questions about HAMPCAS? Contact AUPHA at 703-894-0940.

  AUPHA mailing address is 2000 14th Street North, Suite 780, Arlington, VA 22201  www.aupha.org.

  The HAMPCAS mailing address for the purpose of sending your transcripts is: HAMPCAS Transcript Processing Dept., PO Box 9122, Watertown MA 02472.

  Additional Resources

  FIND A PROGRAM
  To search for a program, both HAMPCAS programs and non-HAMPCAS programs, go to the AUPHA website to search via lists or via the AUPHA Online Directory of Programs at http://network.aupha.org/main/resourcecenter/futurestudents/.

  APPLY TO HAMPCAS PROGRAMS
  To find out whether the programs you want to apply are available via the HAMPCAS portal, visit http://www.aupha.org/HAMPCASSchools on the AUPHA website or go directly to HAMPCAS.

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  Curriculum

  MHSA Sample 2-year Plan of Study - Courses (McNichols Campus)

  This is a sample sequence of course offerings for students enrolled in Fall 2021 or later. Classes may not be offered in this exact order. Please consult your advisor prior to registration. *

  Term I Fall

  HSA 5001 - Theory and Practice of Health Services Management (co-req HSA 5005) (2 cr) 
  HSA 5005  - Career Management for Health Services Administrators   (co-req HSA 5001)   (1 credit)
  HSA 5010 - Accounting Principles in the Health Care Profession (3 credits)
  HSA 5500  - Information Systems for Health Services Administration (3 credits)

  Term II Winter

  HSA 5020  - Financial Management of Health Services  (pre-req HSA 5010)  (3 credits)
  HSA 5825  - Professional Development for Health Services Administrators (1 credit)
  HSA 5055 - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Services Administration (3 credits)
  HLH 5700  - Health Care Delivery and Policy Issues  (also offered in summer) (3 credits)

  Term III Summer

  HSA 5070  - Population Health (3 credits)
  HSA 5090  - Human Resources in Health Care Organizations  (co-req ** HSA 5150)  (1.5 credits)
  HSA 5150  - Leadership in Health Care Organizations  (co-req ** HSA 5090)  (1.5 credits)

  Term IV Fall

  HSA 5060  - Health Economics (3 credits)
  HSA 5160  - Marketing for Healthcare Organizations  (co-req ** HSA 5190)  (1.5 credits)
  HSA 5190  - Strategic Planning for Healthcare Organizations  (co-req ** HSA 5160)  (1.5 credits)
  

  HSA 5400  - Healthcare Research Methods and Statistics  (3 credits)

  Term V Winter

  HSA 5350  - Foundations of Physician Practice Management (3 credits, elective)
  HSA 5780  - Quality Improvement in Health Care Organizations (3 credits)
  HSA 5860  - ***Internship in Health Services Administration  (offered every term) (2 credits)
  

  HSA 5940 - ***Health Services Administration Capstone (3 credits)

  *  See course catalog for additional information

  ** Courses that are corequisites must be added to the registration basket at the same time.

  *** Students must have completed at least 35 credits in the MHSA program before enrolling in the internship and capstone courses.

  Related Links

  • Registrar's Office
  • Course Catalog
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  Mission, Vision and Values

  Mission

  In the Mercy and Jesuit traditions, the mission of University of Detroit Mercy’s Master of Health Services Administration program is to educate students to become competent leaders in a variety of healthcare settings. Consistent with the missions of the University and the College of Health Professions, the MHSA program is guided by our commitment to academic excellence, continuous innovation and Jesuit and Mercy values in serving our students, as well as complex healthcare needs of local, regional and global communities. The program equips graduates with a comprehensive and practical set of core competencies, knowledge, skills, and values in a student-centered interdisciplinary environment. We strive to attract a diverse student body from differing cultural and religious backgrounds and work experiences, coming to us from various local, regional, and international locations.

  Vision

  Consistent with the visions of University of Detroit Mercy and the College of Health Professions, the Master of Health Services Administration Program will be recognized as a center of academic excellence, distinguished by community partnerships and graduates, who as health care administrators, lead, serve and promote health and social justice.

  Values

  The MHSA program, in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, values the following:

  • Passion for Excellence
  • Student Focused Education
  • Integrity and Ethics
  • Evidence-based Decision-Making
  • Professional role and leadership development
  • Social Justice and responsiveness to the Healthcare Industry and the Community
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  MHSA Degree Competencies

  MHSA PROGRAM DOMAINS AND COMPETENCIES

  DOMAIN 1: LEADERSHIP

  1. Generate a shared vision and manage change that aligns with the organization’s strategic performance
  2. Manage continuous organizational learning, improvement, and growth that support governance and stakeholders.
  3. Foster appropriate organizational climate and culture that inspire individual and organizational excellence, encourage teamwork and valuing diversity and inclusion

  DOMAIN 2: COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

  4. Communicate clearly and concisely; provide and receive constructive feedback in multiple settings
  5. Facilitate constructive interactions with individuals and groups.
  6. Summarize analytical results to stakeholders.

  DOMAIN 3: PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS

  7. Align personal and organizational conduct with ethical and professional standards.
  8. Practice ongoing self- assessment to stay current with knowledge in the field
  9. Demonstrate responsibility to the community by actively engaging in community service utilizing Jesuit and Mercy values to improve the health of populations

  DOMAIN 4: KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT

  10. Understand the different types of organizations in which healthcare managers and providers function
  11. Integrate evidence-based-practice process into the administrative decision making.
  12. Seek and identify opportunities to optimize the performance of local and global healthcare organizations through the application of fundamental concepts of economics
  13. Promote the practice of patient and family centered care.

  DOMAIN 5: BUSINESS SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE.

  14. Incorporate outcome measurement theory into financial and operational decision making
  15. Utilize information technology systems to improve organizational efficiency.
  16. Critically evaluate and improve the organizational structure to accomplish strategic priorities.
  17. Demonstrate knowledge of concepts of risk management.
  18. Incorporate systems theories of quality improvement to optimize organizational performance and promote patient satisfaction and safety
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  Teaching and Learning Methods

  The teaching and learning methods (TLMs) used throughout the course of study are aligned with the curriculum design and emphasize methods that involve active student participation and real-world experiences. The range of these higher-level TLMs used in our courses includes In class Presentations, Case Studies, Team Activities, Simulations, External Field Experiences, Strategic/Consulting Projects, Reflective Learning, and more. These higher-level TLMs tend to be more effective in developing student competencies.

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  Assessment Methods

  Assessment methods used throughout the course of study are aligned with the curriculum design and emphasize methods that involve active student participation and real-world experiences. The range of higher-level assessment methods used in our courses includes Analytical projects / papers (with grading rubrics and feedback), Case reviews (with feedback), Team Effectiveness Assessments, Strategic/Consulting Projects, Experiential Reports/Portfolios, Journaling/Discussion Board assignments, active class participation, Synthesis & Analysis Based Exams/tests.

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  Accreditation

  The University of Detroit Mercy Master of Health Services Administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

  University of Detroit Mercy is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – and includes the programs within the University.

  The MHSA program is a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration and the Higher Education Network which is through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).  Members of the HSA faculty serve on the Executive Board of the local chapter of ACHE, the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (MCACHE) and participate on the chapter committees.