Health Administration (M.H.A.)
The Master of Health Administration program is designed to prepare individuals for administrative roles ultimately leading to top-level executive positions in complex health organizations. The curriculum emphasizes strategic and operational management, thus orienting students toward the broad spectrum of managerial problems and functions likely to be encountered by health organizations.
The MHA will provide graduates with the necessary organizational and leadership skills needed to effectively manage and shape health care organizations from an operational perspective. The MHA degree is intended for individuals seeking to pursue upper-level careers in health administration or related fields. The program provides students with an advanced understanding of administrative, managerial and operational principles of health organizations. The degree will combine didactic coursework with applied experiences as students learn about measuring the quality and safety of care in health facilities, budget funding, health record information and controlling the costs of healthcare.
Admission Requirements
Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School.
Program Requirements
Students accepted into the program will complete 40 total credit hours consisting of 12 core credits, 24 credits of electives, and 4 capstone credit hours. Enrolled full-time, students can complete their program within 24-27 months. All courses will follow an accelerated format consisting of seven weeks of instruction per course. Each course will be delivered online (asynchronously) with several virtual (synchronous) components throughout the program except for the internship and study abroad courses which with will be delivered in person and the capstone course which will be delivered in a hybrid (synchronous and asynchronous) mode.
A four-credit capstone course (Plan C) will be required for MHA degree-seeking students during their last semester. Within this course, there are three comprehensive assessments accompanied by course instruction. Students will perform a case study of a defined health organization and present their findings and recommendations within a written and verbal assignment. Second, students will engage in a group eLearning module making weekly decisions which impact the organization. Based on the weekly results, team members will adjust their decision for subsequent weeks. They will be competing against other teams within the course and a computerized model. Lastly, students will develop an organizational strategic plan drawing on the learning outcomes from the program’s core courses.
Consult the Graduate School Academic Regulations for further university and graduate school requirements https://bulletins.wayne.edu/graduate/general-information/academic-regulations/.
Core Courses (12 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HA 7000 | Health Administration Organizations | 3 |
| HA 7010 | Health Administration Finance & Budgeting | 3 |
| HA 7020 | Health Administration Quality & Safety Improvement | 3 |
| HA 7030 | Health Administration Operational Management | 3 |
Capstone (4 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HA 7200 | Health Administration Capstone | 4 |
Electives (24 credits)
All elective courses must be at the 7000 level or higher and must be offered within the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The written approval of the Dean or his/her designee is required to take any course as an MHA elective outside of the program or the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Concentrations
Wayne State University’s Master of Health Administration program offers three specialized concentrations designed to align your graduate education with your career aspirations. While selecting a concentration is not required, these focused pathways provide opportunities to develop deep expertise in areas critical to modern healthcare leadership, entrepreneurship, and analytics.
Healthcare Analytics
The Healthcare Analytics concentration equips Master of Health Administration graduate students with analytical, technical, and strategic skills to leverage data for improved clinical and operational outcomes. Through coursework in data management, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and health information systems, students learn to transform complex health data into actionable insights.
This concentration emphasizes the real-world application of analytics to inform strategy, evaluate performance, and drive continuous improvement across healthcare organizations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HA 7100 | Health Administration Data Analytics | 3 |
| HA 7120 | Health Administration Research | 3 |
| HA 7140 | Health Administration Informatics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Healthcare Entrepreneurship
The Healthcare Entrepreneurship concentration explores how leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking drive healthcare innovation. Students learn design thinking, problem-solving, and strategic analysis to create sustainable solutions for real-world challenges.
Coursework emphasizes opportunity recognition, market analysis, marketing strategy, operations, financial forecasting, and regulation. Graduates can design, launch, and scale initiatives to improve care delivery, access, and outcomes. They are equipped to develop business plans for healthcare ventures, blending theory with practical skills. Students learn to identify unmet needs, design solutions, and create viable business models aligned with regulatory and ethical standards.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HA 7150 | Health Administration Business Planning | 3 |
| HA 7160 | Health Administration Contracts and Negotiations | 3 |
| HA 7115 | Exploring Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Healthcare Leadership
The Healthcare Leadership concentration trains Master of Health Administration students to lead in complex healthcare systems. It combines leadership theory, strategic management, health policy, and quality improvement, developing skills in planning, organizational leadership, data-driven decision-making, and change management.
Students learn to handle regulatory, financial, and operational challenges while promoting equitable, high-quality, patient-centered care. Graduates are equipped to lead with a system-focused, ethical, and outcomes-driven approach.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HA 7170 | Health Administration Strategic Planning | 3 |
| HA 7110 | Health Administration Change Management | 3 |
| HA 7115 | Exploring Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Public Health (Bridge Graduate Certificate)
The integration of the Bridge Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice (BGC-PH) within the Master of Health Administration (MHA) offers an interprofessional pathway that prepares professionals to address complex health challenges at both the population and organizational levels. The MHA program delivers core competencies in healthcare operations, healthcare finance, health record management, healthcare analytics, and global healthcare. The Bridge Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice (BGC-PH) provides specialized training for individuals of varying backgrounds and experience who are committed to working in a public health related field. The BGC-PH provides a valuable foundation of core public health knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and the social basis of health. Together, these academic offerings enable students to translate public health evidence into effective management decisions within healthcare systems.
This integrated approach bridges the gap between public health and healthcare administration. Students gain the ability to interpret epidemiological data, design evidence-based health interventions, and manage resources to implement and lead programs and health systems that improve population health outcomes.
Courses completed in the BGC-PH may count toward the Wayne State University Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and students may choose to pursue the remaining MPH coursework after finishing the Health Administration program, if admitted to the MPH program.
Students doing the MHA with the BGC-PH must complete 46 credits, which is comprised of the following.
MHA Core Courses (12 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HA 7000 | Health Administration Organizations | 3 |
| HA 7010 | Health Administration Finance & Budgeting | 3 |
| HA 7020 | Health Administration Quality & Safety Improvement | 3 |
| HA 7030 | Health Administration Operational Management | 3 |
MHA Required Electives (15 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 15 credits from the following: | ||
| HA 7100 | Health Administration Data Analytics | 3 |
| HA 7110 | Health Administration Change Management | 3 |
| HA 7115 | Exploring Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 3 |
| HA 7120 | Health Administration Research | 3 |
| HA 7130 | Health Administration Information Management | 3 |
| HA 7140 | Health Administration Informatics | 3 |
| HA 7150 | Health Administration Business Planning | 3 |
| HA 7160 | Health Administration Contracts and Negotiations | 3 |
| HA 7170 | Health Administration Strategic Planning | 3 |
| HA 7180 | Health Administration Global Immersion | 3 |
| HA 7XXX | (Course will be created at a later date - contact advisor for details) | 3 |
MHA Capstone (4 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HA 7200 | Health Administration Capstone | 4 |
BGC-PH Required Courses (15 credits)
Admission to the BGC-PH is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. (See also School of Medicine Graduate Program policies.) Contact the MPH Program for specific admission requirements. BGC-PH applications are considered for fall, winter, and spring-summer semesters. Students may enroll in the certificate program concurrently with a regular graduate degree program (e.g. M.S., M.A., or Ph.D.).
BGC-PH candidates must complete a minimum of 15 credits of course work. All course work must be completed within three years in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine governing graduate scholarship and degrees.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FPH 7011 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| FPH 7012 | Social Justice in Public Health | 3 |
| FPH 7015 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| FPH 7240 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| MPH Elective | 3 | |
HA 7000 Health Administration Organizations Cr. 3
This course provides a holistic overview of the healthcare organizations within the United States and globally. Students will examine the key components of each key functional area including marketing, communications, human resources, customer relations, operations and financial management. Students will also review organizational behavior strategies and the goal setting process. Offered Every Term.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7010 Health Administration Finance & Budgeting Cr. 3
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the financial principles and practices essential to the management of healthcare organizations. Students will gain a solid understanding of the financial operations within healthcare settings, including budgeting, financial reporting, cost control, and resource allocation. Key topics include the analysis of financial statements, the development of operating and capital budgets, revenue cycle management, healthcare reimbursement models, and financial decision-making in the context of healthcare policy and regulation. Offered Fall.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7020 Health Administration Quality & Safety Improvement Cr. 3
This graduate-level course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of quality improvement (QI) and patient safety in healthcare administration. Students will learn the methodologies and tools used to assess healthcare systems, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that enhance patient care outcomes and safety. Topics include the use of data for quality measurement, the implementation of evidence-based practices, risk management, patient safety culture, and the role of leadership in fostering continuous improvement. Offered Winter.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7030 Health Administration Operational Management Cr. 3
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices involved in the operational management of healthcare organizations. The course emphasizes the integration of operational strategies within healthcare settings, focusing on improving efficiency, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Topics include healthcare systems and processes, workflow optimization, resource management, risk management, patient safety, and compliance with healthcare regulations. The course also covers leadership in healthcare operations, strategic planning, and the role of healthcare administrators in driving continuous improvement and organizational change. Offered Winter.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7010 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7100 Health Administration Data Analytics Cr. 3
This course introduces graduate students to the principles and applications of data analytics in healthcare administration. Students will learn to collect, analyze, interpret, and present healthcare data to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning. Emphasis is placed on using data to improve healthcare quality, reduce costs, and enhance organizational performance. Topics include data governance, health information systems, data visualization, predictive modeling, population health analytics, and the ethical use of data in health care. Students will gain experience with industry-standard tools such as SQL, Excel, Tableau, and basic programming in R or Python. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7110 Health Administration Change Management Cr. 3
This course provides an in-depth exploration of change management principles and practices within the context of healthcare organizations. Designed for healthcare administrators and leaders, the course focuses on the strategic, operational, ethical and human aspects of developing and managing organizational change in the healthcare sector. Students will examine various change management models, theories, and frameworks, with an emphasis on their application to healthcare settings. The course will cover key topics such as leadership strategies for driving change, assessing organizational readiness, addressing resistance, and designing effective change management plans. Offered Spring/Summer.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7115 Exploring Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Cr. 3
Examines how leadership, collaborative teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking drive innovation across healthcare systems. Students engage in design thinking, systems-based approaches, and strategic problem-solving to develop sustainable solutions for real-world healthcare challenges. Expert-led sessions bridge theory and practice, equipping students to lead change, cultivate high-performing teams, and transform innovative ideas into actionable outcomes. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7030 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7120 Health Administration Research Cr. 3
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of health care research. It emphasizes the importance of research in improving patient outcomes, guiding health care policies, and supporting evidence-based decision-making in clinical settings. Students will learn how to design and conduct research, analyze data, and interpret findings to advance knowledge in health care. Offered Spring/Summer.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7130 Health Administration Information Management Cr. 3
This course provides advanced knowledge and skills in the management of health information systems in healthcare organizations. Students will explore topics such as managing health data governance, electronic health records (EHRs), clinical classification and coding systems, regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, HITECH), data analytics, and quality improvement. Students will explore how health data is collected, secured, analyzed, and applied to improve clinical and administrative outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership and decision-making skills necessary to manage people, processes, and technologies in complex healthcare environments. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7140 Health Administration Informatics Cr. 3
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of health informatics with a focus on the strategic application of data science and information systems in complex healthcare environments. Students will engage in critical analysis of methodologies for interpreting diverse health data sources and designing advanced electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical decision support tools that align with regulatory, ethical, and operational standards. Emphasis is placed on leveraging predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to address challenges in population health management. The course also examines the technical and policy dimensions of achieving interoperability across heterogeneous health information systems. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7100 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7150 Health Administration Business Planning Cr. 3
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop comprehensive business plans for entrepreneurial ventures in the health care industry. The course blends theory with practical application, guiding students through the process of identifying unmet needs in health care, designing innovative solutions, and creating viable business models that align with industry regulations and ethical standards. Students will explore key components of entrepreneurial success, including opportunity recognition, competitive analysis, marketing strategy, operations planning, and financial forecasting. Offered Spring/Summer.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7010 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7020 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7030 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7160 Health Administration Contracts and Negotiations Cr. 3
This course provides students in health administration with a comprehensive understanding of contract development, negotiation strategies, and legal principles relevant to healthcare organizations. Students will explore the structure and content of various types of healthcare contracts, including provider agreements, managed care contracts, vendor agreements, employment contracts, and partnership arrangements. Emphasis will be placed on the negotiation process, ethical considerations, risk management, and the alignment of contractual terms with organizational strategy and compliance standards. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7010 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7030 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7170 Health Administration Strategic Planning Cr. 3
This graduate-level course focuses on the development and implementation of strategic planning within healthcare organizations. Students will explore advanced concepts and tools necessary for making informed, strategic decisions in a dynamic, highly regulated healthcare environment. Emphasizing a systems-thinking approach, the course elevates key areas such as organizational assessment, competitive analysis, market research, policy considerations, sustainability, change management and resource allocation, all tailored to healthcare settings. Building organizational capacity, driving improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction will also be addressed. Offered Spring/Summer.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7010 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7020 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7030 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7180 Health Administration Global Immersion Cr. 3
This course provides students with a deep, experiential understanding of global healthcare systems through immersive global studies. Students will examine healthcare delivery, financing, policy, operations and innovation across diverse cultural and economic contexts. The course combines asynchronous coursework combined with synchronous engagements with one or more international locations, where students will engage directly with healthcare leaders, practitioners, policy makers, and entrepreneurs. Key themes include comparative health system analysis, global health operations, technology and innovation in healthcare, public-private partnerships, and the role of culture and governance in shaping health outcomes. Students will also explore the challenges and opportunities of delivering high-quality, cost-effective care in varying environments. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7010 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7020 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7030 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
HA 7200 Health Administration Capstone Cr. 4
The Health Administration Capstone course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize and apply the principles, theories, and practices of health administration through an individual a case analysis, verbal defense and in a comprehensive group project. Each capstone project includes a thorough review of industry and competitive conditions and situational analysis of the company, including financial trends and concluding with defendable recommendations for specific strategies that improve organizational performance and sustainability. This course serves as the culminating experience for students pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree. Offered Every Term.
Prerequisite: HA 7000 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7010 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7020 with a minimum grade of C and HA 7030 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.