Program Overview
The online Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) 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 M.B.A. 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 (non-thesis) 39-45 credit hours
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.
Applicants who enter the program with a conferred baccalaureate degree in business will need to complete the 39 credit hours of advanced course work [(thesis) or (non-thesis)]. Note: (thesis) also available. Six credit hours of thesis are required in lieu of elective courses. An applicant who does not have a conferred baccalaureate degree in business will need to complete (non-thesis) with six credits of Essentials coursework replacing the electives and will have a 45-credit hour program of study (M.B.A./Health Services Administration).
Business Administration Core Coursework: 27 credit hours
Select one of the following for 6 credit hours (Business Essentials* or Electives**)
- Business Essentials courses 6 credit hours (required for those without a business undergraduate degree)
- Business-related elective courses 6 credit hours **
* Essentials Coursework Required for students with non-business baccalaureates
** Elective courses may be used for required specialization coursework
M.B.A./HSAD Specialization Coursework: 12 credit hours
General Application Requirements
- Completed application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts*
- Letters of recommendation*
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV*
*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog
B.B.A. / M.B.A. Accelerated 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 accelerated option will be awarded both an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree. The undergraduate degree will be awarded first, upon completion of all undergraduate degree requirements and the graduate degree will be awarded second, upon completion of all graduate degree requirements.
Students may apply for admission to the M.B.A. program using the standard graduate application process after completing 75 credit hours.
The accelerated 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.
Distance Program Leading to Professional Licensure
Location Matters. This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for a professional license or certification and allows students to enroll in at least one course through distance education during the first semester. Pursuant to Federal Regulations, the program may only admit students who are located in states where the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or who attest in writing that they intend to seek licensure or employment in a state where the program meets those requirements. As part of your application to this program, you will be asked to provide additional information regarding your location to assist the program in determining your eligibility for admission.
If you have questions regarding licensure, we encourage you to contact a program representative prior to submitting your admission application, as the application fee is non-refundable. For more information, visit USD’s Licensure-Track Programs page for links to the USD program websites and state licensure board websites.
Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. If you have questions regarding supervised field study, please contact a program representative.
Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outsides of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) whether the program meets licensure or certification requirements in the country including the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.
