Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Business Administration - Health Services Administration Specialization (M.B.A.)


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Admissions Information  

Student Learning Outcomes  

Each applicant is expected to have satisfactorily completed the foundation requirements for study in the Beacom School of Business (click on above link).

39-57 CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED ##

Applicants who enter the program with all 500-level foundation coursework or equivalent courses completed will be given “advanced standing” and will only need to complete the 39 credit hours of advanced course work [M.B.A./HSAD Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis)]. An applicant who has not completed any business coursework will have a 57-credit hour program of study (M.B.A./HSAD). Applicants who have completed some of the foundations coursework, either at USD or as part of their undergraduate program, will have an individualized program of study outlining their requirements for program completion. Challenge exams are available.

##Pending SDBOR approval and submission of a revised program request to correct the total hours for the M.B.A./HSAD specialization core and program.

Program Overview


The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Health Services Administration specialization is designed to develop current and future leaders for business, industry and government while giving students the flexibility to select courses to best enhance their career path. In addition to the core MBA courses which prepare you for leadership in any business role, this specialization prepares you for health administration careers which improve the delivery of health services and the health of the populations served through the education of professional managers. The educational philosophy is to provide a balance among general, management and health services education. The Beacom School of Business is the region’s leader in business education offering quality programs that are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International since 1949.  Learn more at usd.edu/mba.

DELIVERY: On campus | Online

M.B.A./Health Services Administration Specialization


The curriculum of the Health Services Administration specialization offers an industry-focused approach to management. It addresses theories and practices required to develop business plans in health service organizations. The evolution of health care systems throughout the world are examined, with an emphasis on the history and organization of U.S. healthcare and including the role of consumers, institutions, labor, and government. Students will learn the nuances of daily operations including governance, effective management and the elements of unique human resource concerns in health care organizations. They will use evidence-based learning and critical thinking as they learn how to address the collaborative, interdisciplinary approach required in today’s healthcare industry. Electives include highly relevant topics such as process improvement to achieve quality, safety, and value goals.

M.B.A., Plan A (thesis): Total 39-57 credit hours


  • Foundation Courses 18 credit hours
  • HSAD Business Core 36 credit hours ##
  • Thesis for HSAD Specialization 3 credit hours

M.B.A., Plan B (non-thesis): Total 39-57 credit hours


  • Foundation Courses 18 credit hours
  • HSAD Business Core 36 credit hours ##
  • Business-related supporting courses 3 credit hours

M.B.A./HSAD Specialization Thesis or Elective: 3 credit hours


Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Admission test scores*
  6. Statement of purpose
  7. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

B.B.A. / M.B.A. Fast-Track Option


Beacom School of Business undergraduate majors meeting requirements for entry into the M.B.A. program may opt to complete both the B.B.A. and M.B.A. concurrently. Students who pursue this fast-track option will be awarded their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, upon completion of the two programs. 

Students may apply for admission to the M.B.A. program using the standard graduate application process after completing 75 credit hours. Applicants for the B.B.A./M.B.A. program are required to submit only two letters of recommendation. Students applying to the B.B.A./M.B.A. program are not required to provide a GMAT exam score for application to the fast-track program if they meet all the following criteria: cumulative GPA of 3.25 and major GPA of 3.25. Applicants who do not meet the above criteria are required to provide a GMAT exam score, which will be evaluated along with all application materials in a manner consistent with applications to the M.B.A. program. 

The fast-track option will confer special student status to those admitted, who will then be eligible to take 700-level courses in the graduate program of study upon completion of 90 undergraduate credits and apply for graduate assistantships. Students must complete the requirements of the B.B.A. program in accordance with the undergraduate catalog and the requirements for the M.B.A. program in accordance with the graduate catalog. All prerequisites for courses in the M.B.A. program apply to students in the B.B.A./M.B.A. program.

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification


The educational curriculum for your academic program may or may not meet educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, please review that state and your program on USD’s Licensure-Track Programs webpage. Licensure-Track Programs

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Beacom School of Business
605-677-5455 | business@usd.edu | usd.edu/business

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad

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