The University of Scranton is also featured in our ranking 20 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs.
Online Healthcare MBA Program from University of Scranton
Throughout the course of this degree program, students learn advanced business concepts and how these are involved in the healthcare industry. They then practice applying these theories to real-world situations. To graduate, students must complete at least 36 credit hours, and this increases to 48 if foundation classes had not been taken as an undergraduate. Core classes make up 12 hours, and students can choose these courses from specific lists in the following areas.
- Two classes from the Accounting, Economics, and Finance Core
- One from the Operations and Information Management Core
- One from the Management and Marketing Core
After this, students choose six elective courses. One of these must involve an international focus such as Global Health Management. The remaining 5 classes are healthcare-related to achieve the concentration. Some possible options are Health Care Law, Hospital Administration, Health Services and Systems, and Healthcare Financial Management. Also, a 3-hour Cornerstone course called Responsibility, Sustainability, and Justice teaches students about ethics and their professional responsibilities to the community. Finally, before graduation, all students need to complete a capstone about business policy during which they have the opportunity to do research and then present and defend their conclusions.
All of these classes are offered entirely online with no campus visits required. They are also each eight weeks long with the school year composed of six total sessions. This allows students to focus on one or two specific classes to order to fully immerse themselves in these topics.
About University of Scranton
Located in eastern Pennsylvania, the University of Scranton is one of the thirty main Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. At the time of its opening in 1888, the school was first named Saint Thomas College but, shortly after being officially recognized as a university, was turned over to the Jesuits, a group of Catholic priests, in 1942.
Currently, there are approximately 6000 students enrolled in 28 different departments. Regardless of individual major, faculty members emphasize the importance of service and ethical professional behaviors. The Jesuit tradition describes the courage to take a stand when necessary and be a leader in all areas of life. This is especially relevant when it comes to issues of business and policy related to healthcare. The Kania School of Management is home to all business programs, and along with emphasizing the Jesuit principles, faculty focus on the importance and evolution of technology in the field.
University of Scranton Accreditation Details
Regional accreditation is important for a university because it signifies that the school offers a quality education, credits will easily transfer between universities, and students are eligible for federal financial aid. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides accreditation for schools in Pennsylvania including the University of Scranton which has been continuously accredited from 1927 until the present. After passing the last review in 2014, the next self-study evaluation is scheduled during the 2018/2019 school year.
Some individual departments and degree programs are also accredited by professional groups including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB. This organization has certified that all the programs offered by The Arthur J. Kania School of Management, both online and on-campus, meet established curriculum standards and that the school has an appropriate number of faculty members and budget.
University of Scranton Application Requirements
To apply for admission, prospective students need to first submit a free graduate school application. They also need to have all of their prior colleges and universities send official transcripts to the University of Scranton. In lieu of GMAT test scores which are required for the on-campus option, students applying to the online MBA program are required to have at least three years of professional experience detailed on their resumes and need to secure three letters of recommendation from work associates.
While not absolutely required, there are a few courses that students are advised to take during the course of their undergraduate years. These include:
- statistics
- management
- financial and managerial accounting
- finance
- business law
- micro and macroeconomics
- marketing
- operations management
If not taken, students can also apply for credit through experience if they have performed related tasks during the course of their careers. Otherwise, these are extra classes that will be required during the MBA program, prior to more advanced courses.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the MBA program, online and on-campus tuition rates are identical at $965 per credit hour. Since the University of Scranton is a private school, state of residence is not relevant when calculating tuition. The MBA with an emphasis in healthcare requires a total of 36 hours resulting in a total cost of around $35,000 for the entire program.
While it is more difficult to secure funding for graduate studies than undergraduate, the financial aid office recommends that all students initially submit a FAFSA to find out if they qualify for any type of federal financial assistance. This can potentially include grants or programs like Direct PLUS loans or Direct Stafford loans. There are a variety of scholarships also available from professional and educational organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management. Social groups that are underrepresented in the industry can also find assistance including Accenture American Indian Scholarships and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Awards.
The online MBA program caters especially to working professionals. For some, their employer is another possible source for tuition assistance. Many professional jobs will provide reimbursement for all or part of tuition costs, especially if the degree program is relevant to a student’s current position.
With an understanding of the demands already placed on working professionals, this MBA in healthcare degree program provides the necessary flexibility for people to return to school and maintain their employment. The University of Scranton graduate business curriculum gives students a solid and broad background in business theory and practice as well as a thorough understanding of the healthcare niche.