Major and Degrees Offered:
       Healthcare Administration, M.H.A.
         Healthcare Human Resources, M.S.
         Health Services Research, M.S.

Certificate Programs Offered:
       Healthcare Administration
         Health Informatics
         Long Term Care Administration
         Healthcare Human Resource Management

Admission Policy
     Admission to the graduate degree programs is selective and designed to identify those applicants who have the ability and interest to manage the rigors of the program of study.  Application deadlines are June 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.  Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and submit the following to the Graduate College:

1. An official application for admission.
2. A non-refundable application fee of $40.00 (check or money order payable to Texas State University in U.S. currency), which is required of all degree-seeking students.
3. Non-Texas State graduates must submit one official transcript from each senior level post-secondary institution attended.  These transcripts must be mailed directly from the institutions to the Office of the Graduate College.
4. An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal and quantitative portions combined.

    Once all of the above referenced materials have been received by the Graduate College, the application, transcripts, and GRE scores will be forwarded to the School of Health Administration for a recommendation.  Prior to making the recommendation, the School will request by letter/email the following materials from the applicant which should be submitted to the School of Health Administration:

• Three letters of reference from professionals competent to assess the applicant’s interest in pursuing a career in the area of study represented by the degree programs;
• Applicant’s written statement of purpose indicating ability and interest in completing the degree program and a current resume;
• An interview used to confirm the applicant’s ability and interest to not only pursue, but to complete, the program.

    Using the above referenced materials in addition to a minimum score of 2,000 on an admission index calculated by adding the applicant’s GPA (in the last 60 hours leading to the bachelor’s degree) times 400 to the applicant’s GRE score (verbal and quantitative combined), the School will make a recommendation to the Graduate College.

Healthcare Administration
    The major in healthcare administration offers courses designed to enhance the career mobility of persons currently employed in health professions as well as to provide a solid base of academic and directed experiences for persons who may desire entry into the field of health administration.  The primary focus of the curriculum is middle-to senior-level management.
    Principal areas of study include health and disease; sociological, economic, legal and political forces which affect health care; and management organizational behaviors including such specializations as financial management, human resource management, planning, marketing, and data generation and analysis.
    Degree Requirements.  The 49-53 semester hour M.H.A. degree with a major in healthcare administration usually includes 43 hours of core courses and either a field experience of six to eight hours or six hours of thesis, depending on the student’s previous health administration experience.
    Prerequisites.  Course prerequisites for healthcare administration majors include the following: statistics, economics, and financial accounting.  These prerequisites may be accepted from other universities and must be taken prior to entering the graduate program.
    Minor or Cognate.  The School of Health Administration offers a 15-hour minor in healthcare administration.  Students are required to take Healthcare Organization and Delivery (HA 5300), Healthcare Law (HA 5321), and Healthcare Organizational Behavior/Theory (HA 5362).  The remaining six-hours are selected with the graduate advisor according to the student’s area of interest and needs.
    For those majors not requiring a 15-hour minor, a nine-hour cognate is available.  Courses to be taken for the nine hour cognate are: Healthcare Organization and Delivery (HA 5300), Healthcare Law (HA 5321), and Healthcare Organizational Behavior/Theory (HA 5362).

Healthcare Human Resources
    The major in healthcare human resources is designed to prepare professionals in the management and development of human resources for the rapidly changing health care environment.  Students entering this major may have career interests in human resource development, working directly with employee development and training; or in human resource management, working with staffing, recruiting, evaluation, or compensation issues.
    The keystone of the healthcare human resources program rests on the non-traditional approach to out-reach education, i.e., scheduling courses and educational experiences in San Marcos and nearby metropolitan centers.  These educational opportunities are presented at times (late afternoons, evenings, and weekends) chosen to avoid conflict with the student’s employment.
    Degree Requirements.  The hours for the degree may vary depending on student career goals, but generally will require between 39 and 40 semester hours of courses including healthcare human resources and supporting disciplines.  Depending upon the choice of supporting course options, the major normally ranges from 24 to 31 semester hours.  The degree can be either thesis or non-thesis, with most students choosing non-thesis and completing an internship or directed study.  Students selecting a major in healthcare human resources may choose degree options supportive of a variety of career possibilities, some of which include a minor in other graduate programs or a variety of cognates or supporting courses chosen to reinforce particular career paths.  Students should seek consultation about the many career options available.  Just a few of the fields from which supporting courses can be selected include health care administration, psychology, mass communication, education, speech communication, and health education.  Supporting areas or cognates are typically three courses, but can be as few as two or as many as four courses.
    Prerequisite.  The prerequisite for healthcare human resource majors is statistics (HP 3302 or equivalent).  This prerequisite may be accepted from other universities and must be taken prior to the graduate course for which it is required, but need not necessarily be taken prior to admission to the program.
    Minor or Cognate.  For students desiring a minor in healthcare human resources, a full minor of 15 semester hours may be taken.  If a student from another major wishes to take healthcare human resources courses as a cognate then the choice of courses and their sequence will be defined through consultation between the student and faculties from both programs.

Health Services Research
    Health services research while focusing on health informatics, effectively utilizes biostatistics, epidemiology, and management engineering.  The program prepares the graduate to be a vital contributor to clinical research, quality improvement, or policy development in the health sciences.  The Texas State program represents the practical application of computer based qualitative, quantitative and analytical methods of problem solving and decision making in both clinical and administrative settings.  Graduates work in public health, biotechnology, or other careers related to health services administration where their quantitative and computer skills are a strong asset.  The program is designed for entrance by students with diverse academic preparations, including both the health and non-health professional.
    Degree Requirements.  The degree may vary depending on student career goals and course of study for the 42 to 43 semester hour program.  The choice of elective courses will be greatly influenced by the career objective of the student, and should be discussed with an advisor.  Students will complete a health services cognate of three courses to reinforce their career path.  Programs from which students can select supporting courses include health administration and health information management.
    Prerequisite.  The prerequisite for health services research majors is statistics (HP 3302 or equivalent).  Course equivalent for statistics may be accepted from other universities.  This prerequisite must be taken prior to or during the first semester of graduate courses.  Health service research majors should have knowledge of various computer applications, including Excel, Word, and Access.  Students lacking knowledge in these applications may be required to take a computer application class.
    Minor or Cognate.  Selected courses from health services research are available as a minor or cognate option to students from other programs who desire stronger preparation in quantitative skills such as statistics, epidemiology, forecasting, modeling, management science, or market research.  The choice of courses and their sequence will be defined through consultation between the student and faculties from both programs.  A minor of 15 semester hours, a split minor with six or nine semester hours, or a cognate between six to twelve semester hours may be taken in health services research.  Undergraduate prerequisites for a full 15-hour minor include at least one course in statistics and one in computer applications.  Prerequisites for split minors or cognates are negotiable depending on the selection of health research courses.

Certificate Programs
    The School of Health Administration offers graduate certificates in four disciplines: healthcare administration, healthcare human resource management, health informatics, and long term care administration. The certificate coursework is scheduled at times convenient to students with full-time jobs.
      Interested applicants seeking admission to a graduate certificate must have a bachelor's degree and a 2.50 GPA on the last 60 hours leading to the bachelor's degree. Applicants should apply for admission through the Graudate College as "Texas State Certificate Program" applicant.
    Certificate in Healthcare Administration.  The graduate certificate in healthcare administration is designed to offer the core MHA degree content to healthcare managers and other healthcare professionals. The graduate certificate in HA is taught in a learning environment where students with management and professional experience can supplement their existing practical knowledge with new theoretical knowledge of healthcare organizations, healthcare organizational behavior, healthcare law, and related healthcare administration topics. The graduate certificate in HA includes five courses (15 semester hours) available on both the San Marcos and Round Rock campus and may be available at other off-campus locations depending on student enrollments.
     In addition to the admission requirements listed above, applicants applying for the graduate certificate in HA must have at least two (2) years of experience as a healthcare manager and/or healthcare professional and must provide a current resume during the application process.
    Certificate in Healthcare Human Resource Management.  The graduate certificate in healthcare human resource management is designed to offer the core MS-HHR degree content to professionals in healthcare human resources and other professionals interested in a career move. The graduate certificate in HHR introduces the theoretical foundations and related skills necessary to be a successful human resources manager in a variety of healthcare settings. The graduate certificate in HHR includes five courses (15 semester hour) available on the San Marcos campus.
    Certificate in Health Informatics.  The graduate certificate in health informatics is designed to educate healthcare managers and other professionals interested in a career  move to be effective developers, users, and managers of health information. Students will learn how to identify and provide the health information needed by hospital and system executives, governmental planners, public health officials, and other healthcare professionals. Applications of outcome measures provides students with the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of decision making regarding both health and healthcare status. The graduate certificate in HI includes five courses (15 semester hours) available on the San Marcos campus.
    Certificate in Long Term Care Administration.  The graduate certificate in long term care adminsitration is designed to offer the coursework and field placement necessary to become a licensed nursing facility administrator. Long term care is a rapidly growing field with increasing demand for licensed administrators. The graduate certificate in LTCA is designed to meet the Texas license requirements for nursing facility adminsitrators (note: all questions regarding licensure and State exam requirements should be directed to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) at 512-231-5825).

Courses Offered

Health Administration (HA)
    5111 Topics in Health Administration.  (1-0) An in-depth study of a singular topic or a related problem being faced by practicing managers in the rapidly changing healthcare industry.  Special emphasis will be placed on the topic’s current relevance and its utilitarian value to the participant.  May be repeated if topic differs.
    5191 Field Experience Orientation.  (1-0) This course will assist the student to prepare for the field experience and to prepare for the comprehensive exam. An extensive orientation to the field experience will be provided to better enable students to move from the classroom setting to a workplace senario.
    5211 Topics in Health Administration.  (2-0) An in-depth study of a narrow range of topics or related problems being faced by practicing managers in the rapidly changing healthcare industry.  Special emphasis will be placed on the topic’s relevance and its utilitarian value to the participant.  May be repeated if topic differs.
    5300 Healthcare Organization and Delivery.  (3-0) A survey of the organization and delivery of health services focusing on the history and development of health systems as they relate to the overall health and medical care systems.  Major attention is given to governing bodies, patient care organizations, and executive management structures.
    5301 Healthcare Administration Research Methods.  (3-0) A study of research methodology as it pertains to healthcare administration.  Included are hypothesis forming, designing research, and the collection, manipulation and analysis of data.  Knowledge of numeracy and statistics is essential.
    5303 Information Systems Management in Healthcare.  (3-0) This course provides a comprehensive introduction to information systems management for healthcare organizations.  It covers the determination of information required by whom, design of information flows, procurement of information systems technology resources, assurance of information security, and management of systems integration.
    5304 Healthcare Financial Theory.  (3-0) A study of financial and economic theories that have an impact upon the healthcare industry.  Special emphasis will be placed on emerging financial research and potential policy ramifications in the future.
    5311 Trends in Health Administration.  (3-0) An in-depth study of singular trend or a related problem being faced by practicing managers in the rapidly changing healthcare industry.  Special emphasis will be placed on the topic’s current relevance and its utilitarian value to the participant.  Examples of trends, which are typically offered, include trends in rural health, managed care ethical issues, and in total quality management.  This course may be repeated for credit with a different subject area.
    5316 Healthcare Financial Management.  (3-0) An introduction to healthcare financial management including the financial management in healthcare organizations, healthcare payment systems, financing and investment decisions, and financial planning, analysis, and control.  Prerequisites: accounting, economics, and statistics.
    5321 Healthcare Law.  (3-0) An in-depth analysis of healthcare law and its effect on the relationships between the patient, the patient’s family, the provider, and other interested third parties.  Analysis of cases is the primary method of study.
    5325 Advanced Patient Care Management and Quality Improvement in Health Care.  (3-0) A study of alternative delivery systems, managed care organizations, consumer-driven healthcare and the quality movement in health care. Quality management will be explored with special attention given to the quality management process, the rold of outcomes, the characteristics, uses, and sources of quality standards, and risk management and information management.
    5323 Administration of Managed Care Organizations and Alternative Delivery Systems.  (3-0) A study of alternative delivery systems and managed care organizations in healthcare.  Analysis of the administration of healthcare delivery systems, including market assessment, legal and regulatory requirements, network development, negotiation and contracting, health plan operations and marketing, financial and medical management, competition and antitrust concerns.
    5334 Operational Decision Making for Healthcare Managers.  (3-0) An introduction to the fundamentals of selected operations research techniques essential to the analysis of healthcare managerial problem situations, the design of new and improved systems, and the implementation of systems to achieve desired systems performance.
    5335 Public Health for Healthcare Administrators.  (3-0) This course introduces the healthcare manager to public health and its role in preventing illnesses and improving the health of the community.  Students will learn of the role of the manager in disease prevention and how to participate and lead community efforts for the wellness of the community.
    5346 Healthcare Strategic Management.  (3-0) Examination of planning theory and techniques within the context of healthcare management practices.  A fundamental management function, students learn basic planning concepts, specific methods, and current practices.  Students develop skills by analysis of a major case, reports on planning theory and methods, and by traditional testing methods.
    5355 Human Services Management in Healthcare Facilities.  (3-0) A study of personnel administration in the healthcare facility and the environment in which it functions.  Emphasis will be on the role of the Personnel Office in forecasting, developing, and managing human resources, in addition to a review of current legislation affecting the personnel function.
    5356 Policy Development in Healthcare Arena.  (3-0) Prospective healthcare administrators analyze changing healthcare paradigm to determine decision-points where policies can be affected.  Course allows students to apply existing skills to real world policy issues at state and national levels and to analyze policy development from numerous stakeholders’ viewpoints.
    5362 Healthcare Organizational Behavior/Theory (3-0) This course is a study of theory and concepts drawn from the behavioral and social sciences.  These concepts are applied as a foundation and conceptual framework fro the analysis, diagnosis, prediction and guidance of human behavior in healthcare organizations.
    5371 Marketing of Health Services.  (3-0) A study of marketing functions and principles as they relate to the healthcare delivery system.  Analysis of marketing concepts such as market segmentation, marketing planning, marketing audit, marketing positioning, and marketing mix will be discussed.
    5375 Healthcare Accounting.  (3-0) An introduction to financial accounting in healthcare with an emphasis on the preperation of non-profit financial statements for healthcare service organizations, control procedures for healthcare entities, and accounting issues unique to the healthcare industry. This course does not count for graduate degree credit. Graded on a credit (CR), no credit (PR) basis.
    5390 Healthcare Seminar.  (3-0) This course requires students to integrate and synthesize previous healthcare administration courses through readings, discussion, and case studies.  The format of the course is a seminar that engages the student in discussion of issues that transcend individual courses.
    5399A Thesis.  This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment.  No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in Health Administration 5399B.  Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
    5399B Thesis.  This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments.  The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.  Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
    5640 Administrative Practicum.  (0-20) A one semester, part-time field experience, which provides an orientation to the organization and special projects.  Designed for the student already working full-time in healthcare.
    5840 Administrative Internship.  (0-40) A one semester, full-time field experience, which provides a limited rotation and special projects.  Designed for the student with prior work experience in healthcare.
    5841 Administrative Residency.  (0-40) A full-time field experience, which provides an extensive rotation and special projects.  Designed for the student with no prior work experience in healthcare.  Student must be enrolled in the course for the duration of the field experience.  Repeatable for credit.

Health Professions (HP)
    5300 Teaching in the Health Professions.  (3-0) This course is an introduction to curriculum, instruction, and assessment methods in teaching and covers topics related to instruction in lecture, laboratories, and clinical settings.  This course is required for first year teaching assistants and graduate instructional assistants.  This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

Health Research (HR)
    5101 Independent Study in Health Services Research.  (1-0) An in-depth study of a single topic or related problem solved through health services research.  The course may be repeated once if the topic studied is different.
    5111 Seminar in Health Services Research.  (1-0) A seminar course which allows beginning and advanced students to interact with faculty in an informal setting for discussions related to skills required of the health services research student.  Special research and evaluation skills or case studies from the health field may be discussed.  May be repeated if topic differs.
    5301 Independent Study in Health Services Research.  (3-0) An in-depth study of a single topic or related problem solved through health services research.  The course may be repeated once if the topic studied is different.
    5311 Seminar in Health Services Research.  (3-0) This course will introduce the student to some of the latest trends and issues in health services research, as well as newer analytical techniques, focusing on research applications where possible using real data and problems.  This course may be repeated for credit with different area of study.
    5330 Biostatistics for Health Professionals.  (3-0) An applied course addressing statistical and analytical techniques important to researchers and practitioners within the scientific and health profession communities.  This course provides in depth coverage of biostatistical methods from simple ANOVA and regression, through selected multivariate techniques.  Effective Fall 2007, this course can not be used for degree credit.  Graded on a credit (CR), no credit (PR) basis. Prerequisites: HP 3302 or equivalent.
    5331 Experimental Design and Biomedical Research.  (3-0) An introduction to analysis of variance procedures applicable to health research, beginning with simple factor designs and proceeding to higher order factorial designs and analysis of covariance.  ANOVA procedures will be examined along with appropriate experimental designs for biomedical research.  Prerequisite: Health Professions 3302.
    5333 Regression Analysis and Biostatistics.  (3-0) An introduction to multivariate analysis techniques appropriate to the health sciences.  Multiple statistical packages such as the Biomedical package (BMD) will be utilized.  The analysis of health data using least-squares analysis for the study of multiple regression and analysis of variance will be examined.  Time series analysis will be studied for its utility in forecasting needs within health agencies.  Prerequisite: Health Research 5331 or consent of the instructor.
    5337 Clinical Trials and Statistical Analysis.  (3-0) A survey of statistical techniques important in the analysis of biomedical data, statistical analyses related to bioassay, clinical trials, and survey research with special emphasis on mathematical modeling techniques.  Confidentiality and privacy of records, safe-guarding computer data, and rights of human and animal subjects will be addressed.  Prerequisite: HR 5333 or consent of instructor.
    5339 Advanced Multivariate Health Data Analysis.  (3-0) Advanced multivariate analysis techniques are examined for their utility to the health sciences.  Statistical computer packages, such as the Biomedical Statistical Package (BMD), will be used for the study of each statistical procedure.  Applied to health data will be procedures such as multivariate analysis of variance, canonical correlation, factor analysis, and discriminate analysis.  Prerequisite: HR 5333 or approval of instructor.
    5341 Operations Research in Health Administration.  (3-0) Adaptation and application of procedures and principles of operations research to the specific needs and requirements of health service institutions.  Specific attention will be given to the improvement of effectiveness and efficiency of management functions and the delivery of health services.  Emphasis will be placed on techniques to optimize allocation of resources, inventory control, customer service/cost factors, and project management within health institutions.  Prerequisite: Healthcare Human Resources 5391 or Health Research 5331.
    5343 Decision Support Systems for Health Care.  (3-0) An examination of financial modeling and decision support systems as aids to decision making in healthcare.  Applications of Monte Carlo simulation, modeling, and risk analysis are examined for their utility in healthcare service improvement.
    5345 Simulation Modeling in Health Care.  (3-0) Application of simulation modeling to analyze healthcare systems.  Examine complex interrelationships existing between variables and predict how changes to these variables affect the total system.  Emphasizes design, analysis, and construction of computer based simulation models to evaluate complex healthcare issues that cannot be solved using conventional quantitative methods.
    5351 Principles of Epidemiology.  (3-0) Principles of epidemiological methods are examined as they may identify factors influencing health and disease in a population.  Epidemiological methods are examined for their technique of hypothesis formation, retrospective and prospective methods, and sampling problems.
    5353 Advanced Methods in Epidemiology.  (3-0) This course will examine advanced epidemiological methods important to public health research.  It will focus on quantitative methods and issues surrounding their use.
    5355 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology.  (3-0) An examination of environmental and occupational exposures related to disease or injury.  Topics covered include exposure assessment, cancer and the environment, reproductive epidemiology, radiation, and a variety of occupational exposures such as heavy metals and pesticides.
    5357 Clinical Epidemiology and Outcomes Research.  (3-0) Examination of techniques and issues important to clinical epidemiology and how they can be applied to health outcome research.  A study of variation in the measurement of illness to include diagnostic and screening tests; experimental design; outcome measures; patient satisfaction; and risk adjustment for severity, co-morbidity, and demographic factors.
    5362 Bioinformatics.  (3-0) Examines clinical information systems and statistical issues in the emerging field of genomics and proteomics.  Topics examined include medical advances, gene mapping, database issues, ethical issues surrounding genomic research, stochastic models, dynamic programming, Markov-Chain Monte Carlo methods, neural networks, and Bayesian statistical techniques.  Prerequisite: HR 5330.
    5363 Medical Informatics.  (3-0) An examination of clinical aspects of health care information systems to include administrative systems, diagnostic systems, and patient care monitoring systems.  Current challenges and future technologies will be discussed.
    5369 Health Information Systems.  (3-0) Critical examination of concepts and theories of medical information systems and their integrated support in functional areas of health institutions, such as pharmacy, clinical laboratory, radiology, food service, wards and clinics, patient administration, patient appointment scheduling and logistics.
    5383 Healthcare Marketing Research.  (3-0) Examination of methods for internal and external environmental analysis, including patient demographics and economic factors.  Patient satisfaction surveys, institutional image analysis, competition analysis, and sources of health marketing research data will be introduced.
    5399A Thesis.  This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment.  No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in Health Research 5399B.  Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
    5399B Thesis.  This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments.  The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.  Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
    5490 Internship in Health Research and Evaluation.  (4-0) Allows the student to reinforce skills learned in the classroom through the development of practical skills for the researcher/evaluator.  Students are expected to work with key decision makers in an agency or institutions to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a specific area of study.  May be repeated once with permission of the chair.  Graded on a credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis.
    5495 Directed Study in Health Services Research.  (4-0) A course where the student investigates a topic of importance to Health Services Research under the supervision of a faculty member.  Topics may be selected to advance a student’s knowledge beyond that normally covered in an organized course.  A significant terminal project should result from the investigation.  Graded on credit (CR), no-credit (F) basis.

Graduate Faculty
    Burke, George Cass, III, Professor of Health Administration.  B.A., Southern Methodist University; M.A., The George Washington University; Dr.P.H., University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
    Greene, Lloyd, Senior Lecturer of Health Administration.  B.S., M.S., Kent State University; Ed.D., George Washington University.
    Morrison, Eileen E., Professor of Health Administration.  B.S., M.P.A., University of Tennessee, Ed.D., Vanderbilt University.
    Nowicki, Michael, Director of the School of Health Administration and Professor of Health Administration.  B.A., Texas Tech University; M.A., The George Washington University; Ed.D., University of Kentucky.
    Renick, C. Oren, Professor of Health Administration.  B.A., M.A., J.D., Mississippi College; Th.M., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; M.P.H., Tulane University.
    Shanmugam, Ram, Professor of Health Administration.  B.Sc., University of Madras; M.S., Brigham Young University; M.S., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Ph.D., Temple University.
    Sorensen, Wayne B., Associate Professor of Health Administration.  B.S., University of Minnesota; M.H.A., Baylor University; Ph.D., University of Iowa.
    Strelitz, Philippa J., Assistant Professor of Health Administration.  B.A., M.P.A., The University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., University of California.
    Summers, Jim, Professor of Health Administration.  B.A., University of North Texas; M.A., Ph.D., Tulane University.
    Welborn, Ruth Buckhannon, Professor of Health Administration and Dean of the College of Health Professions.  B.S.N., University of Texas Medical Branch; M.A., University of Texas at San Antonio; Ph.D., Texas A&M University

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