Master’s in Healthcare Degree Programs in California (A-M)

By
portrait of Staff Writers
Staff Writers
Read Full Bio

Writer

The staff writers for BestColleges collaborate to deliver unique, student-driven content on topics such as career development, college life, and college planning....
Updated on September 27, 2022
Learn more about our editorial process

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Students who are interested in the health care field will find no shortage of accredited healthcare degree programs in California. With several colleges and universities to choose from, prospective students can find programs at the graduate level to pursue careers that integrate health care into other fields such as business, psychology, and public health. Students with a background in nursing will find that they can expand their career options if they want roles as nurse administrators in addition to patient care. The available programs offer applied experience and research opportunities, so that students can use their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable work experience before graduation.
Convenient Online Options:

California Baptist University (CBU)

Department of Health Sciences

The Department of Health Sciences at CBU offers degree programs in various fields of health care to become service professionals. Students are prepared as researchers in addition to practitioners to help in problem solving and furthering the advancement of their career field. The college offers students an opportunity to participate in a leadership program, which encourages networking and developing strong leadership skills. The department lecture series gives students the opportunity to learn about information in their career field by experts. Attending lectures can help students learn about career opportunities and subspecialties within the field.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The MPH program at CBU is a 47-credit program that prepares students as practitioners and researchers in the field of public health. Students begin the program by completing 24 credits of core requirements, which includes topics such as biostatistics, environmental health, and human behavior. In addition to the core requirements, students must complete courses in one of the focus areas: food and nutrition, physical activity, or health administration. Students end their program requirements by completing a sequence of capstone courses, which include research methods and the completion of a practicum and project. A strong background in statistics and research prepares students to work in many research-oriented environments or to assume roles as post-secondary educators.

School of Business

The Jabs School of Business provides students with a solid education to become competent business professionals in a variety of settings. The school offers business degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level, with the goal of encouraging entrepreneurship and to apply business principles to areas such as health care. Students can participate in global field trips to gain first-hand experience in the area of international business. The School of Business hosts a special dinner where former graduates of programs speak about their careers after graduation. Current students are encouraged to attend to gain insight into available opportunities and career paths.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Healthcare Administration Concentration

The MBA program with a concentration in Healthcare Administration is offered in conjunction with the College of Allied Health. Students begin their studies by completing foundation courses in business. To begin concentration courses, students must complete courses in accounting, marketing, business statistics, and information technology. Requirements for the healthcare administration concentration include health care policy, budgeting, ethics, and regulations. Completion of the program prepares students to work as planners and directors of various health organizations including clinical settings or larger medical facilities. Accreditation
  • Accreditation Counsel for Business Schools and Programs
Contact 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 Phone: (951) 343-4249 Email: graduateadmissions@calbaptist.edu Websites:

California State University, Chico (CSU Chico)

School of Nursing

CSU Chico's School of Nursing grants both bachelor's and master's degrees in this field. The MSN degree program, initiated in 1970, offers two tracks: Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership. Students' educational success is the primary focus at this campus, and MSN candidates are given high-quality instruction through the use of emerging technology and critical thinking skills. Students and faculty alike are encouraged to remain involved in their communities and to embark on a course of lifelong learning pursuits.

Master of Science in Nursing/Nursing Leadership

CSU Chico's master of science in nursing leadership degree program enphasizes the needs of nurses in rural areas. Graduates are typically employed in state health advisory agencies as healthcare administrators and as professional practitioners. Candidates must complete a leadership practicum under the guidance of a professional proctor in a clinical setting and write a final thesis. Graduates will have the leadership skills that influence the quality of care delivered through healthcare organizations and systems. Their financial skills include business quantitative methods, budgeting, financial and managerial accounting, planning, and cost control. Accreditation
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact Peggy Rowberg, Interim Director California State University Chico School of Nursing Chico, CA 95929-0200 Phone: (530) 898-5891 Fax: (530) 898-6709 Email: mrowberg@csuchico.edu Website: http://www.csuchico.edu/nurs/programs/masters/index.shtml

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Department of Health Care Administration

The Department of Health Care Administration at CSULB prepares students to become effective professionals in the changing world of health care. Small class size is one of the major emphases of the department, in hopes of improving the quality of education. Students are prepared for their future career goals through applied experiences and learning important skills such as teamwork, analytical thinking and leadership. The Center for Health Care Innovation is an important asset to CSULB where students can collaborate with faculty and students from other departments on research projects.

Master of Science in Health Care Administration

The MSHCA at CSULB is a 45-credit graduate program that prepares students to become leaders in the health care field. Before beginning MSHCA courses, students must have completed approved classes in statistics, accounting and microeconomics. The core MSHCA courses include topics in health care organization systems, human resources, financial management, law, ethics, and quantitative methods. Students are required to complete two elective courses from managed care or an internship. With prior approval, students may select relevant elective courses from other departments. The MSHCA program is also offered as an accelerated degree program for highly motivated undergraduates. Students who are pursing nursing education at the graduate level can enroll in the MSN/MSHCA dual degree program. Accreditation
  • Commission on Health Management Education
Contact 1250 Bellflower Boulevard Mailstop 4903 Long Beach, CA 90840-4903 Phone: (562) 985-5694 Email: hca@csulb.edu Website: http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/hca/programs/MasterofScienceinHealthCareAdministration.htm

California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Department of Health Sciences

The Department of Health Sciences at CSUN has several accredited healthcare degree programs in California that are available at the undergraduate and graduate level, and are designed to prepare students to be effective leaders and practitioners in their chosen profession. Students are prepared to work in both public and private health care environments. Through education and applied experiences, students can apply their knowledge to many aspects of health care such as advocacy, disease prevention or patient care. The department offers an interdisciplinary approach to all programs by integrating physical and social science aspects into educational programs.

Master of Science in Health Administration

The MSHA program at CSUN is designed to prepare students for health management in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, or government organizations. Students obtain the education and skills necessary to manage facilities in a diverse range of health specialties including physical and mental health facilities, or public health and community organizations. As part of the 45-credit requirement, students must complete core classes in accounting, statistics, health systems, and health administration theory. Students also complete courses in ethics, organization, managed care, finance, and planning. The program includes nine credits that are available for electives such as aging, mental illness, and hospital administration. As students near the end of the program, they enroll in seminars, supervised field training, and choose to complete a thesis or major project. Applied experience is a major goal of the program, and students are required to work in a health care setting to complete the program. Accreditation
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Contact Jacaranda Hall 2500 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8285 Phone: (818) 677-4081 Email: janet.reagan@csun.edu Website: http://www.csun.edu/health-human-development/health-sciences/master-science-health-administration

Claremont Graduate University (CGU)

School of Community and Global Health

The School of Community and Global Health at CGU is focused on improving access and quality of health care at the community and global level. Several dual degree programs are offered to encourage students to apply public health competencies to other fields of study such as psychology and business. The school has several relationships with research institutes that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can increase their skills and career marketability by participating in various research opportunities. The close proximity to area hospitals and medical facilities gives students the opportunity for clinical rotations and internships. The school works with other CGU departments to collaborate on research and projects.

Master of Public Health

The MPH of CGU requires 48 credits for completion and students can choose one of three concentration areas: health education, biostatistics and epidemiology, or management. Students complete 28 credits of core classes that include biostatistics, epidemiology, health services, grant writing, and supervised field experience. Either working in a public health setting or supervised research with a faculty member can qualify as field experience. After completion of the core classes, students begin their 16-credit concentration area. Students are also required to complete a major project. The structure of the program prepares students as problem-solvers and researchers in public health field.

Accelerated Bachelors/Master of Public Health Degree

Students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at CGU can apply to the accelerated MPH program during their junior year. The program allows students to obtain their undergraduate and graduate degree within five years by simultaneously enrolling in both programs. Beginning in their senior year, students enroll in courses that can apply to the undergraduate and graduate degree. The year after graduation with their bachelor’s degree, students finish the remainder of the program by enrolling full-time at the graduate level.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)/Master of Public Health (MPH) Dual Degree

The MBA/MPH dual degree program is a joint program offer by the School of Community and Global Health and the School of Management. Completion of the program prepares students to apply business principles to public health concerns in a variety of settings. Simultaneous completion of both degrees requires 76 credits. The program offers students the opportunity to pursue a concentration in marketing, strategy, finance, leadership or global marketing for their MBA. Students can complete a concentration in leadership and management for their MPH degree. Master of Arts in Applied Psychology (MA) /Master of Public Health (MPH) Dual Degree Prospective students can apply for admission to the joint MA/MPH program to complete the requirements for degrees in psychology and public health. The School of Community and Global Health and the School of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences offer the program. Students are prepared to work as researchers that integrate public health with psychological theory and applications. Furthermore, students are prepared to work as post-secondary educators in both psychology and public health. The program requires 64 credits for completion and students can select concentration areas that are applicable to both programs. For the MPH degree, students can concentrate in biostatistics and epidemiology, health promotion, or education. The program is available for full-time or part-time enrollment. Accreditation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
Contact 150 E. 10th St. Claremont, CA 91711 Phone: (909) 607-3240 Email: stuart.wann@cgu.edu Website: http://www.cgu.edu/pages/5930.asp

Dominican University of California (DU)

Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing at DU offers degree programs in various aspects of nursing at the undergraduate and graduate level. Students become skilled practitioners through coursework and several hours of clinical experience. At the graduate level, there are opportunities to specialize in the field of nursing. The department encourages students to pursue opportunities in research. Students who have an interest in global health can participate in clinical field experience in other countries. Seminar series offered by the department gives students valuable information on current trends and problems in health care.

Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader

The MSNCNL program at DU is for students who have completed their undergraduate degree in nursing (ASN or BSN) and want to pursue graduate studies for a multidimensional approach to health care. Upon graduation, students are prepared to assume various roles in health care settings including patient care, health advocacy, and health care management. Students with an ASN will require 48 credits to complete the program, whereas students that enter with a BSN will need 32 credits for completion. The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, and places an emphasis on applied experience rather than coursework. Students do not enroll in summer courses, and meet weekly during the fall and spring. The required coursework includes biostatistics, nursing research, pharmacology, leadership, economics, and a capstone project. Accreditation
  • Commission on Collegiate Nurse Education
Contact 50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael, California 94901 Phone: (415) 257-1314 Email: eira.klich-heartt@dominican.edu Website: http://www.dominican.edu/academics/hns/nursing/graduate-program/index_html

Holy Names University (HNU)

Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing at HNU is dedicated to educating nurses in various fields of practice. Students are prepared to work as practitioners, researchers, administrators, and teachers. The department offers several options for students who want to integrate nursing with other fields of study such as business. Students are expected to graduate with strong leadership potential, while advocating for patients. The skills acquired from education and clinical practice will allow students to pursue professional goals in their community or globally.

Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)/ Administration Option

Students with a BSN can apply to the MSN program with an option to become a nurse administrator. The program requires 36 credits for completion, with eight credits as applied experience. Students meet for classes once each month, allowing them to continue working part- or full-time as nurses while completing their education. Monthly meetings are scheduled between Thursday and Saturday. The required courses include topics such as theory, ethics, health promotion, and a capstone course. Students interested in the administration option will complete courses in management, finance, human resources, and leadership. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to integrate administrative responsibilities into their health care career, or may want to transition from patient care into full-time administrative roles. The administrative option allows students to work in various health care setting including clinics, hospitals, or community-based organizations. Accreditations
  • Commission on Collegiate Education
Contact 3500 Mountain Blvd. Oakland, California 94619 Phone: (510) 436-1551 Email: jenkins-weinrub@hnu.edu Website: http://www.hnu.edu/academics/graduatePrograms/msnAM.html

Loma Linda University (LLU)

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at LLU provides students with another option for accredited healthcare degree programs in California. In addition to educating students to become clinicians, students obtain the knowledge to become administrators, researchers, and teachers in the field. The school encourages students to participate in one of several outreach programs that are designed to help the community. Additionally, students can participate in global programs to practice nursing in other nations. Exceptional nursing students can participate in the nursing honor society where members engage in research, networking and community activities.

Master of Science in Nursing Administration

The MSNA program at LLU prepares current nurses for administrative roles in various health care settings. Students complete 55 credits and 240 clinical hours. The core courses for the program include health policy, advanced practice, theory, leadership, statistics, law and ethics. For the nursing administration concentration, students must complete courses in accounting, organizational behavior, law and quality management. Students have several options for electives when completing their concentration requirements. Courses in the areas of aging or family care can be used to prepare nursing students to work in specialty settings. Students are required to complete a nursing practicum and may choose a thesis option if it is relevant to their career goals. Accreditation
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Contact 11262 Campus Street, West Hall Loma Linda, CA 92350 Phone: (909) 558-4923 Email: graduatenursing@llu.edu Website: http://www.llu.edu/assets/nursing/programs/documents/Nursing%20Administration.pdf

Mount St. Mary's College (MSMC)

Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing at MSMC prepares students to become practitioners and researchers in the field of nursing. Students can select programs that emphasize career development in the areas of nursing administration, geriatrics, or nurse educators. Each program uses a multidimensional approach to nursing education. Additional goals of the department are to educate professionals who improve health care quality, work with diverse patient populations, and collaborate with other professionals. Beginning in 2013, the department research symposium is used to highlight nursing research throughout the department. Students have the opportunity to present their thesis research projects and learn about other student or faculty research. MSMC's graduate nursing program was also ranked "Best Graduate School for Nursing" by U.S. News and World Report in 2012.

Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Administration Track

One of several options for the MSN at MSMC is the Leadership and Administration track. This option prepares students to work as leaders for other nurses in their work environment and to perform administrative duties. The program requires 36 credits for completion and can be completed in two years with full-time enrollment. Students complete courses in theory, health care policy, technology, ethics, leadership, organizational management, research, and thesis. The program offers some of their courses in a hybrid format, combining features of traditional and online instruction. Students in the MSN program receive a liberal arts based education by combining elements of nursing and administration with technology, communication and health education coursework. Accreditation
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Contact 10 Chester Place Los Angeles, CA 90007 Phone: (213) 477-2561 Email: nursingadmission@msmc.la.edu Prospective students who are looking for accredited healthcare degree programs in California will find a diverse range of options. Additionally, many of the programs are created for working professionals by offering hybrid, online, or weekend course schedules. Students can pursue their education and meet their career goals by enrolling on a full-time or part-time basis. Related Resource: Master’s in Healthcare Degree Programs in California (N-Z)

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.