YOUR CAREER, YOUR WAY
Whether you’re looking to lead a hospital, manage a clinic, or specialize in a growing field, our program is built for your goals. The MSHSA program courses are online with two in-person executive seminars (one in your first semester and one in your final semester), so you can earn your degree on your schedule.
Curriculum Information
Choose the Path that Fits Your Passion
Throughout the MSHSA program, you’ll explore the role of ‘healthcare leader’ and what that means in both a traditional and non-traditional learning setting. You’ll also access and use current research and data in important decision-making. By the end of your program, you’ll emerge with a ready-to-implement leadership style that will put you leaps and bounds ahead of the competition when it comes to taking the next step in your career.
Learn the necessary skills to lead various health care groups in a community and/or
hospital setting. Master operations, financial management, quality improvement, and
ethical leadership. Click each of the tracks below to find out what classes you’ll
be taking.
Specialty Tracks:
- Health Institution Leadership
- Health Economics & Outcomes
- Healthcare Quality & Outcomes
- Rural Healthcare Coordination
- Healthcare Entrepreneurism
Specialize in a critical area of the biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industry.
These specialized tracks prepare you to navigate everything from product integrity
and risk management to pharmaceutical ethics and patient well-being. Click each of
the tracks below to find out what classes you’ll be taking.
Specialty Tracks:
- Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance
- Healthcare Risk Management
- Forensic Pharmacy
- Biopharmaceutical Product Representation
- Healthcare Ethics & Equity
READY TO GET STARTED?
We’ve made the application process as straightforward as possible because we believe
a master’s degree should be attainable for as many healthcare and support professionals
as possible.
You won’t be bogged down with excessive requirements or massive essays. We just need
a few key things from you to get started.
You’re eligible to apply if you have a bachelor’s, master's, or doctoral degree in any field with an upper-division GPA of 3.0 or better. If your GPA is a little lower; we’ll still consider your application based on your professional experience and your commitment to graduate study.
What You Need to Apply:
- Official Transcripts: Send us a transcript from an accredited institution that shows you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Your Resume or CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae is all we need to get a sense of your professional experience.
- A Personal Statement: Tell us about your goals in healthcare and why you’re ready for this next step. There's no need to go overly in-depth with this; a short and to-the-point approach is best.
- References who can provide additional information about your professional experience and interests.
- A $50 Application fee: This is the standard fee to process your application.
We can’t wait to see your application in our inbox and help you begin your journey toward becoming a leader in the healthcare industry!
The deadline to apply for the Spring semester is January 12th, 2026 Classes start mid to late January.
YOUR PROGRAM, AT YOUR PACE
Designed for working professionals
Complete your degree in as little as 5 semesters or take up to 6 years – it’s your call. You can start in either of the fall or spring semesters.
A Truly Flexible Format
Our online classes let you learn from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. We use an easy-to-use online system for all your coursework. While some of our virtual classes require once or twice a week live attendance in the evening or weekend, we also provide plenty of flexible, self-paced coursework.
A Human-Centered Experience
We’re not just providing an online program; we’re forming a community. Over the course of the program, you’ll participate in two intensive, real-world executive seminars in Laramie, Wyoming. One at the beginning of your program, and one at the end. We’ve found that these provide powerful opportunities to connect with your peers and faculty in person and form a professional network that will benefit you throughout your career.
No Thesis Required
And we mean it! Instead, you’ll complete a final individual project, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned to a real-world healthcare challenge, all with the guidance of an advisor.
Our program and our faculty, at their core, believe in a personalized approach. We will work with you one-on-one to create a learning plan that meets your unique needs and goals. We’re here to help you get an education that’s highly relevant to your career aspirations.
Meet Our Faculty
OUR MISSION IS YOUR SUCCESS
Our faculty members are experienced professionals who are leaders in the healthcare industry, dedicated to your growth. They bring real-world knowledge and a commitment to your success into every course. You can count on them to guide you on your journey to becoming the best leader you can be.
Dr. Elliott Sogol – Department Chair
An expert in pharmacy leadership and postgraduate education, he brings extensive experience
from corporate, retail, and academic roles.
Learn More →
David Brushwood
A pharmacist and attorney, he provides expertise in the legal and regulatory aspects
of patient safety and medication use.
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Paul Carnes
Drawing from over 25 years as a Chief of Pharmacy, he shares a passion for mentoring
the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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Erica D. Lindsay
As a licensed pharmacist and healthcare attorney, she provides critical knowledge
on healthcare law, compliance, and malpractice.
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John Matthews
A distinguished entrepreneur and executive leader, he teaches strategic leadership
and business skills essential for modern healthcare.
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Helen E. McKnight
With 30 years in healthcare, she offers expertise in accreditation, medication safety,
and pharmacy compounding.
Learn More →
David P. Nau
A pioneer in medication quality measures, he brings an accomplished background in
academia and the development of national standards.
Learn More →
Shaun Phillips
As a seasoned CEO, he offers extensive executive leadership experience in both hospital
and health systems.
Learn More →
Troy Shirley
A vice president of pharmacy services, he brings expertise in financial planning and
the strategic direction of large-scale healthcare operations.
Learn More →
Cody Wiberg
With a distinguished career as a pharmacy board director, he provides valuable insight
into regulatory policy and healthcare leadership.
Learn More →
David Bobb
Cynthia Hall
Casey Nelson
Eli Phillips
The best way to see how our faculty can help you is to talk with them yourself. Contact us to get connected with a program advisor who can answer your questions and help you decide if the MSHSA program is the right fit for you.
What Our Students Have to Say
WHY OUR STUDENTS LOVE OUR PROGRAM
“The MSHSA program through UW has helped prepare me in several ways in my role today. First, the curriculum is directly correlated with what a leader or manager can expect to see from the side of an Administrator within health services. From understanding organizational behavior, to health finances in health services, and even to the clinical side of quality & compliance management, the foundational knowledge from all the courses in the program have been extremely useful for me in my role. Next, the diverse background of the faculty and students within the program provides a wide range of points of view, and they are able to provide an understanding of the clinical and non-clinical side of administration. Finally, how the program is set up has helped me tremendously in my role in navigating critical thinking situations that aren't always easy win-win type of situations within administration, throughout the programs courses students are faced with similar challenges and topics where the answers aren't always black and white from an administration standpoint which forces students to think as a leader or executive faced with similar situations in an organization and how they could handle these different types of problems.”
“One of the most impactful skills I gained from the MSHSA program came from a seminar in my very first semester, which focused on navigating difficult conversations. The session featured an incredible speaker, whose expertise in confrontation and conflict resolution was shaped by experience facilitating high-stakes discussions in the Middle East. His ability to articulate strategies for managing tense situations, fostering productive dialogue, and approaching conversations with empathy and clarity left a lasting impression on me. Even now, this lesson remains a fundamental part of my professional practice. Before every meeting, my co-teacher and I intentionally walk through the steps of effective communication in difficult conversations, ensuring we are well-prepared to address challenges, listen actively, and engage in constructive discussions.”
“The online format was essential to my success. Working part-time allowed me to study on my own schedule and maintain a balance between professional responsibilities and academic progress. The structure supported my ability to stay engaged and excel in the program. Since graduating, I’ve taken on more leadership opportunities in my department, helped improve workflows in patient access and insurance navigation, and contributed to broader hospital initiatives focused on increasing coverage and reducing barriers to care. The degree also helped me feel more confident and credible in my role. It also allowed me to network with more people around the state and made me confident in creating projects.”
“The MSHSA program has given me a focused, real-world understanding of how healthcare truly works, and how to adapt within it to succeed. It’s helped me see the bigger picture while also recognizing the small, measurable steps that lead to real impact. Because of this program, I feel equipped to grow in my career with clarity, purpose, and the tools to make a difference. I think what surprised me the most was how easily digestible the program made the material. It did a stellar job at stripping healthcare down to very bite-sized pieces and attacking it day by day. At the end of the program, you walk away with an outstanding perspective of healthcare, but also a better understanding of your position in that world as well. And with that knowledge and placement, you can be a force to be reckoned with!”
Our students’ stories are a testament to the power of a flexible and purpose-driven education. Join them and start building your own future in healthcare leadership.
READY TO LEAD?
The Future of healthcare needs skilled, compassionate leaders who are prepared to meet today’s challenges head-on. With our flexible online program and a community of expert faculty and dedicated peers, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Start your journey toward becoming an innovator, a problem-solver, and a leader in healthcare.
Your Journey Starts Now
The deadline to apply for the Spring semester is January 12th, 2026.
Have Questions:
We’re here to help you get started. If you have questions about the curriculum, admissions, or career paths, our team is ready to provide you with the information you need.
Send our team an email by clicking here.
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