Frequently Asked Questions

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.

See the Application and Admission page for details.

The following prerequisite courses are required for admission to this program:

• Elementary statistics
• Medical terminology
• Oral communications/public speaking

Students must satisfy these prerequisites before starting program coursework. Students will not be allowed to take an outstanding prerequisite course concurrently with introductory program courses. Need to complete a prerequisite course before applying? Check out applicable courses at UW Independent Learning.

Program academic directors have the option to waive a prerequisite based, in part, on student work experience and background.

If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, call 1-877-895-3276 or email learn@uwex.edu to discuss your options.

For details about how to apply, see our Application and Admission page. Also, an enrollment adviser would be happy to help you through the process. Call 1-877-895-3276 or email learn@uwex.edu if you’d like their assistance.

The UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration is granted 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 ultimately, your diploma.

Yes, this degree is offered online; although there are no on-campus meetings or requirements, students may potentially need to meet with their preceptor for meetings to complete their final capstone project. Details of your 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 the Capstone requirements right away with your academic advisor as you plan your academic calendars. Books and materials are handled through an online bookstore. For a list of frequently asked questions about online learning, please see our page, 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. View our Courses page for semester schedules and a list of courses.

Check out our About Online Learning page and call an enrollment adviser at 1-877-UW-LEARN (895-3276) to discuss whether the program 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.

View our Courses page for details.

It depends on whether you choose to study full or part-time. The program consists of 12 courses (3 credits each) and one capstone prep course. Students are encouraged to consider their own time constraints when estimating time to completion. Students with work, family, and volunteer obligations may require a slower pace.

There is no completion deadline. You may take as many semesters as you need to earn your degree.

There is no traditional internship requirement. However, the master’s degree course HCA 790: Capstone requires you  to complete a field experience project with the goal of gaining valuable, hands-on experience in this exciting field. (Students may be able to complete the project at their current place of employment, or arrange for online project work with an external organization).

Tuition for the online UW Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program is a flat fee of $725 per credit ($26,825 total for 37 credits) whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. However, textbooks (and software, if needed) are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.There are no additional course or program fees. As this is an online program, you will not pay segregated fees—fees in addition to tuition that cover the costs of student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations such as student health centers.

A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus for detailed information.

Yes. Contact the Veterans Coordinator at your home campus for details.

Call 1-877-UW-LEARN (895-3276) or email learn@uwex.edu.