Strategic Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
Position yourself to strategically lead a healthcare organization and understand how value, quality, and price intersect. You’ll learn how to create and deliver on an organization’s vision and goals—within budget—by exploring practice and system management, strategic planning, and change leadership. This program prepares you for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) accreditation exam.
At a Glance
Free Application
University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.
Skills You'll Learn
Develop and implement strategic plans
Manage budgets, finances, and healthcare economics
Champion the value of healthy organizational culture in the successful healthcare management
Curriculum
Master of Science in Healthcare Management with a concentration in Strategic Leadership in Healthcare Organizations requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Healthcare Management program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.
Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.
Sample Schedule
Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Interested in a graduate certificate?
Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Strategic Leadership in Healthcare Organizations.
Take a Course Before You Apply
We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.
Career Outcomes
Predicted outcomes for graduates of Strategic Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
As healthcare workers navigate the global pandemic, skilled leaders with management, innovation, and policy knowledge are needed to advocate for patients.
Demand for medical group practice management is expected to increase as medical group practices grow and become more complex.
Job Titles
Medical and Health Services Manager Salary: National Average
Get Ahead with Career Services
One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews
Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni
Résumé and cover letter guidance
Hear from Our Students
"It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and has contributed to my self-esteem, to my career, to [my company] overall...” —Jennifer Hines, graduate.
Flexible Online Classes
We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.
Advisory Board
Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you'll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.
Featured Instructors
Accreditation & Associations
University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.
To ensure our programs meet industry needs, the curriculum is closely aligned with national organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives and Medical Group Management Association, as well as local organizations such as the Denver Medical Study Group.
The HIMSS Academic Organizational Affiliate program shares industry knowledge and educates our students on critical issues in health information and technology by offering complimentary student memberships to HIMSS and other key benefits.