A listing of all course descriptions, core and elective classes, associated with the MHA program.
PSMA 7521 Introduction to the Healthcare System
Systematic introduction to the healthcare delivery system with emphasis on interactions of governmental authorities, delivery systems, financing of health care, regulation, competition, organizational innovations in healthcare services and alternate strategies. 2 credits
PSMA 7522 Healthcare Policy
Current U.S. health policies and their implications with in-depth study of the policy process and analytical approaches to decision making; and special emphasis on the nature and role of healthcare policy studies in decision-making. Examination of comparative international systems. 2 credits
PSMA 7513 Healthcare Management
The role of the contemporary healthcare manager with emphasis on identifying the basic managerial skills and knowledge that contribute to effective healthcare management. Examination of comparative international systems. 3 credits
PSMA 7514 Healthcare Financial Management and Accounting
Principles of accounting as applied to healthcare organizations and the study of the use of accounting as a healthcare management tool. Financial realities unique to health service organizations with emphasis on healthcare financial management concepts and terms, healthcare financial management techniques and their use, and the interpretation and analysis of financial information in healthcare organizations. 3 credits
PSMA 7518 Managing Community Health Systems
This course emphasizes the manager's role, responsibilities and involvement in developing, implementing and evaluating strategies for community health initiatives. Community health focuses on geographically related individuals, groups and organizations sharing health resources. Topics covered include community health assessment with an emphasis on applied epidemiology for planning and outcome purposes, managing distinct types of organizational collaborations, and the application of a population model for community health services and agencies. Opportunities and challenges for integration with organizational systems are also discussed. 3 credits
PSMA 8522 Ethics in Healthcare Administration
Emphasis on medical and healthcare ethics involving clinical practice, legal dimensions, public policy and professional responsibilities and decision making. 2 credits
PSMA 8514 Healthcare Economics
The use of economic theory to understand problems of organization, delivery and financing of healthcare services, with emphasis on the shift toward a market economy, and the application of economic principles and tools of economic analysis useful to the healthcare manager. 3 credits
PSMA 8517 Strategic Planning and Marketing in Healthcare Organizations
Study of the role, functions and application of strategic planning and marketing in healthcare organizations with emphasis on the process of strategy assessment, development and implementation and the unique aspects of healthcare services and service design/ performance as they affect marketing. 3 credits
PSMA 8518 Human Resources and Legal Aspects of Healthcare Organizations
Overview of legal issues associated with the delivery of healthcare and the legal pitfalls surrounding everyday practice and administration. Additionally, explores legal aspects of human resource administration in health care, as well as issues of liability and corporate responsibility. 3 credits
PSMA 8520; 8522-8529 Topics in Health Management and Policy
Designed to meet special student needs and interests in aspects of health management and policies not addressed in other courses and in which faculty expertise exists. 3 credits
PSMA 8521 Quality and Information Management Systems
This course provides an overview of quality and information management systems for health care leaders. Quality management models, approaches, tools and techniques are presented in the context of organizational culture and leadership. Course content includes theory as well as the practical application of techniques for the planning and implementation of quality improvement projects. Current issues in quality and available public information for assessing provider and health care system quality are discussed. Management of information systems is presented in an introductory fashion with a focus on health systems and quality management applications, including such topics as computerized records and order entry systems, electronic health care applications and the use of information systems to reduce health care errors. Ethical, legal and policy implications of both quality management and information systems management will be discussed in the context of current issues and regulations. 3 credits
PSMA 8531 Managing Emergency Preparedness and Health Security
As health professionals at all levels - local, regional, national and global - seek to understand the impact of natural and man-made disasters on health status, best practices for management strategies are emerging. This course provides an overview of emergency preparedness and its application to all aspects of a population's health. A basic all-hazards approach is presented focusing on bioterrorism, food security issues, pandemics and other related topics. Skills necessary for performing risk vulnerability assessments and developing emergency management plans will be covered. 3 credits
PSMA 8711 Topics in Management and Policy Science: Leadership Institute
Provides an opportunity for intensive interdisciplinary graduate study with professors and students from departments in the Stillman School of Business, the College of Education and Human Services, the Master of Public Administration program and the Master of Healthcare Administration program. Focuses on topical leadership issues and strategies. Addresses ways of managing career decisions under conditions of accelerated change. Please note that there is an extra charge to cover some course materials and meals for the four days of class. This fee will be added to students' tuition bills. 3 credits
Applied Research and Practice Experience
*Pre-service students are required to take PSMA 7991. Other students are required to take PSMA 7991, PSMA 7992, or PSMA 7993.
PSMA 7991 Internship
Designed for pre-service students or for those with fewer than two years of management experience, this course affords students an opportunity to learn management skills through onsite experience. The students must complete a minimum of 300 hours of managerial or administrative work under the tutelage of a public service, nonprofit, arts or healthcare administrator and complete all assignments given by the professor of the seminar associated with the internship. 3 credits
PSMA 7992 Practicum
Consists of a 3-credit, group-consulting project related to an area of public service, nonprofit, arts or healthcare administration or management. The practicum typically requires the writing of a management report and the delivery of an oral presentation for the subject organization. All work is completed under faculty supervision. 3 credits
PSMA 7993 Research Seminar
Designed for students currently working full time on a supervisory or management level in the healthcare, nonprofit, or public sector, as well as in the arts, this course gives each individual the opportunity to design and conduct a research project that focuses on a management or policy problem at his/her place of employment or in the public arena. The student presents methodology, results and recommendations both as a written capstone project and as an oral presentation. Students who have completed all degree requirements except the research seminar (PSMA 7993) must register for Thesis Continuation (THCN 7999) for the first semester subsequent to the research seminar (PSMA 7993) registration, and THCN 8000 from the second subsequent semester until the completion and presentation of the culminating research project. 3 credits
