FAQ

Are you wondering if Peirce College's Master of Science of in Healthcare Administration is the right program for you? Check our FAQ for quick answers to any remaining questions you have so you can enroll today with confidence.

How would you describe the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program?

The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHCA) is a practical program for those working in healthcare organizations and those who have healthcare backgrounds who desire to advance into leadership and management positions in these fields. The program is designed to provide skills to influence and guide people and their interpersonal relationships in the workplace, in order to effectively attain organizational goals. The program is of a practical, career focus and primarily for working adult students.

Peirce College’s Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program was designed in collaboration with Philadelphia’s top healthcare employers to provide graduates with the key skills employers look for in management candidates. Today’s healthcare managers face evolving challenges that require fast, strategic and ethical decision making. Peirce’s MSHCA program teaches students how to analyze healthcare policies and develop solutions for delivering innovative care services and strategically managing the industry’s financial and business needs.

The MSHCA degree program provides the essential skills for developing organizations and increasing organizational effectiveness, focusing on organizational behavior, development, structure, effectiveness, leadership and management – all with specific emphasis on healthcare organizations and their unique needs. Graduates of the program will be equipped to become effective leaders in the competitive healthcare community by developing and implementing interventions to create interpersonal, group, inter-group or organization-wide change. In the MSHCA program, our primary goal is to prepare students for successful, rewarding careers in as leaders in the growing healthcare field. Students will utilize their leadership skills in completing both a healthcare simulation as well as an applied healthcare capstone project.


How many credits are required for the MSHCA program?

A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete the MSHCA degree.


Can I transfer credits into the program?

You may apply a maximum of six graduate credit hours earned at an accredited institution toward the requirements for a master's degree at Peirce College, dependent upon the course description and learning outcomes. Approval to apply any transferred credits toward the MSHCA degree program must be granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

You must have completed courses considered for transfer within five years prior to the date of enrollment at Peirce College, and you must have earned a grade of at least a B.


What is the course schedule format?

You may take the master’s degree program may be taken entirely online, entirely on campus, or in a combination of online and on campus. All classes are offered in a flexible format (Peirce Fit®) through which you may choose on a week-by-week basis whether to attend on campus on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings or online.

Courses are offered in seven-week sessions in the fall, spring and summer sessions. Students may attend on a full-time or part-
time basis. Students may complete the program in as few as 18 months.


When is my application due?

Application deadlines are posted to here. You may begin the program any year in May, September or January.


How can I apply?

You may submit your application and supporting documents in hard copy or online. Please mail hard copy documents and letters of recommendation to:

The Office of Graduate Studies
Peirce College
1420 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102.


What are the admission requirements?

You will be considered for enrollment if you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a baccalaureate GPA of 2.75 or above. In some cases, undergraduates in Peirce College’s programs may apply for early admission through our Graduate Scholars program. To apply for admission, you must submit the following items to the Dean of Graduate Studies:

  • Application and fee ($50)
  • A current resume
  • One letter of recommendation from a current or past faculty member, dean, and/or supervisor
  • One official copy of transcripts from all accredited undergraduate institutions attended
  • A statement of intent or career objective written in essay format (one or two pages)

How can I check my application status?

Email us at peircegradstudies@peirce.edu or call 215.670.9325 or 1.888.273.4723.


How soon after I apply will I hear if I'm accepted?

Our goal is to inform you as soon as possible. You should expect to hear if you've been accepted within two weeks of completing your application and submitting all required documents.


Is the program accredited?

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management falls within the regional accreditation of Peirce College. Peirce is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 267-284-5000.


What is the tuition?

The 2017-18 tuition is $772 per credit hour. Each course is three (3) credit hours. For information regarding financial aid availability, please contact the Dean of Graduate Studies or visit the Graduate Studies Financial Aid page.


Are there any additional fees?

There is a one-time $50 application fee and a $200 per term services fee. Textbooks for each course will cost approximately $100 - $150.


What financial aid is available to me?

  • Eligible students may apply for student loans. Students applying for loans must
    complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Students may also be eligible for other Peirce College grant programs, including those
    for Corporate Partnerships and the Protect-and-Serve grant.
  • For additional financing information, please contact the Dean of Graduate Studies or visit the Graduate Studies Financial Aid page.

How can I use tuition reimbursement to fund my education?

Tuition reimbursement is available to students who have the option of being reimbursed by their employer. Other payment options include Tuition Deferment, Direct Billing and Payment Plan. For detailed information on these payment options, please contact the Business Office at 215-670-9600.


Will I feel out of place taking classes if I've been out of school for a long time?

Peirce has a proven track record of working with adult students returning to college after being away from the classroom for years. The average age of our undergraduate students is 35, and we specialize in serving adult learners. Many of our students share your concern about returning to school after being away for so long and need help juggling graduate school with an already busy life. We emphasize convenience and flexibility in accommodating busy personal and professional schedules.

Students may attend the program on either a part-time or full-time basis.

The MSHCA program is specifically structured to accommodate professionals who work full-time and want to enhance their professional credentials. All classes are scheduled in the evening/weekend hours as well as online. If you take and pass one course per session, you will earn the MS degree in just two years (including summer sessions). You are permitted to complete the program in a period of time between 18 months and 6 years.


What if I have a busy schedule?

The program’s flexible format allows you to choose on a weekly basis whether to attend on campus or online as long as you participate during each instructional week.


Does it matter that I don't have a business undergraduate degree?

No. The MSOLM is a broad-based program applicable to business and non-business majors.


Do I need any prep courses?

You may be asked to take a refresher course and/or a writing course if the graduate faculty or Dean of Graduate Studies determines that some additional skills development would enhance the opportunity for your success in the program.


What are the criteria for completing the MSHCA master’s degree?

Approval of the faculty advisor indicating that all academic requirements have been fulfilled:

  • Successful completion and presentation of the capstone research project as defined by the MSHCA program.
  • Successful completion of the total number of credits and all courses required for the program.
  • Successful completion of all course-related program requirements with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
  • Compliance with all academic requests including submission of a graduation application.

What courses are required?

  • Foundations of Contemporary Leadership Theory & Practice
  • Applied Research Methods
  • Introduction to Healthcare Administration
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Healthcare Informatics
  • Healthcare Law and Compliance
  • Risk Management and Insurance in Healthcare
  • Business and Professional Communication
  • Strategic Management and Finance
  • Capstone Project

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