2010-2011 University Catalog
Health Systems Management, MS
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Banner Code: HH-MS-HSMG
Unit: Health Administration and Policy
This program provides students with the skills and tools to work as leaders and executive-level managers in evolving health systems, health policy analysts, or consultants and managers of health information systems. The curriculum was developed in response to the demand for advanced health management and policy preparation for a variety of health care and allied health professionals. Five concentrations are offered: executive management, health information systems, health care security and privacy, health policy analysis, and risk management and patient safety.
The program of study offers state-of-the-art technical and humanistic skills so that graduates may serve as leaders, managers, consultants, and health policy advisors and analysts in various settings. Graduates are prepared to work in public and private health care systems (including public health agencies); legislative arenas and policy-related professional and advocacy organizations; and health accreditation and regulatory organizations. The curriculum integrates concepts from a variety of disciplines such as business management, economics, philosophy, organizational behavior, information technology, social psychology, public policy, law, and ethics as they uniquely apply to health systems and technology management, assisted living and senior housing services administration, and health policy formulation.
The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare graduates with an understanding of the larger sociopolitical, global health, and economic contexts in which the U.S. health system operates. It provides working professionals with leadership knowledge and managerial skills and abilities that contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health systems and alignment of decisions and resources to optimize organizational and health-related public policy goals. Students examine social imperatives for access to health services and the feasibility, need, and mechanisms of market factors. They create links and alignment between public and private sectors and among voluntary, market, and regulatory forces in the context of a variety of public policy frameworks. Students explore the design and management of seamless systems of care, information technology, and services that support the providers of health-related care and services over the life span continuum. Using ethical principles, students explore approaches to improving access to care and services and the quality and safety of health systems and their integration to maximize quality of life and community health.
Admission Procedures and Requirements
Health care professionals with a baccalaureate degree and one to three years of recent experience in a health or related management, public policy, or technology field are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit the following: 1) transcripts from all previous college-level studies, 2) a letter of interest specifying study goals, 3) a curriculum vita, and 4) a completed Mason graduate admissions form. GRE or GMAT scores may be requested if the applicant does not have a graduate degree or has an undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.00. Applicants are competitively selected. Admitted students begin study in January and August each year. Provisional admission can be made for students whose undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.00, but whose work since school indicates a high likelihood of success in graduate work. Students admitted provisionally with lower than a 3.00 GPA must achieve a 3.00 GPA in the first 12 credits of graduate work.
Program Format
The program schedule is geared toward working professionals. The usual schedule for students involves part-time study, comprising two classes (6 credits) per semester. Classes are held primarily in evenings, with some Saturday daytime classes. Selected courses also are available via the Internet. |