Find answers to common questions about the online UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration degree.
The UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration is intended for individuals who have existing experience in hands-on patient care, healthcare administration, or health information management, or those with non-healthcare management experience who would like to change careers to pursue this in-demand field. Working parents, professionals, and veterans will find the flexibility of online courses especially convenient.
Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in nearly any field, but will have a strong desire to be decision makers in their organization and set healthcare policy.
Prerequisite coursework in elementary statistics, medical terminology, and oral communications and/or public speaking is required. If you need to complete a prerequisite course before applying or are not sure whether you meet these requirements, please contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu. Program academic directors have the option to waive one or more of the above prerequisites based on student work experience and background.
For information on how to apply to the program, view our Application and Admission page. An enrollment adviser would be happy to help you through the process. Call 1-877-895-3276 or email learn@uwex.edu.
The UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration is offered by five UW System campuses: UW-La Crosse, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout.
Although you will take courses taught by faculty from all five partner campuses and complete your program online, you will be asked to choose a “home” campus from one of the program’s degree-granting institutions: UW-La Crosse, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive advising, career services, and your diploma.
Yes, this degree is offered online. Although there are no on-campus meetings or requirements, students may need to meet with their preceptor to complete their final capstone project. Details of the capstone will start to take shape during the 1-credit Pre-Capstone course taken prior to enrolling in the Capstone course. Students are encouraged to start discussing capstone requirements with their academic advisor as they plan their academic calendars. Books and materials are handled through an online bookstore. Learn more about online learning.
You may enter the program at the beginning of any term: fall, spring, or summer. Fall semester begins in early September, spring semester in late January, and summer semester in early June. For semester schedules and a list of courses view the Course Schedule.
Check out our About Online Learning page and call an enrollment adviser at 1-877-895-3276 to discuss whether the online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration is a good fit for your learning style and career goals.
Courses in the UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program are taught by faculty from the five participating University of Wisconsin campuses. Online courses have the same rigor and requirements as on-campus classes and are taught by the same expert faculty. Meet the faculty.
It depends on whether you choose to study full or part-time. Students are required to complete all 13 healthcare- and management-focused courses in the curriculum (37 total credits), which includes 11 core courses (3 credits each), one capstone prep course (1 credit), and the final capstone project course (3 credits).
Courses are offered during all three semesters on a rotation. Completion time depends on how many courses a student takes during a semester and whether they attend all three semesters. Students should work with their advisor to formulate a completion plan that takes into account personal time constraints such as work and family obligations. Many students take two courses per semester and some take more. Some of our graduates achieved their degree by taking one course per semester. There is not one approach that works for all students. Our offerings will help you customize to best fit your personal situation.
Individual campuses have different completion requirements. Please check with your home campus for the actual policy. In some cases, there is the option to petition for more time when needed.
There is no traditional internship requirement. However, the capstone course, HCA 790 Capstone, requires students to complete a field experience project with the goal of gaining valuable, hands-on experience. Students may be able to complete the project at their current place of employment, or arrange for online project work with an external organization.
A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus for more information.
Yes. Contact the Veterans Coordinator at your home campus for details.
Call 1-877-895-3276 or email learn@uwex.edu.
Have questions about the UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration online program? Our enrollment advisers are available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, or by appointment. Call: 1-877-895-3276, or email: learn@uwex.edu.