Health Services Management M.S.

Master of Science
  • 30 Credits
  • School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Online
  • Westchester
A Health Care Manager at work.

Health Services Management Overview

This broad, multidisciplinary program prepares students to become health services leaders in today’s rapidly changing health care environment. The program offers an accelerated Master of Science (30 credits) for experienced health care administrators. This program is intended for students who are interested in advancing in their careers in health care management and leadership. 

Our graduates gain knowledge and skills related to research, quality management, information technology, strategic planning and other skills needed to elevate their careers and adapt to changes in the evolving health care delivery system in the United States. 

Students can earn their Master of Science degree in as little as 18 months with flexible online or in-person courses to fit around their schedules.

Applicants and admitted students to the M.S. program must have at least 4 years of managerial experience in the health care field.

A Health Services Manager consulting with doctor.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the health services management program are employed in many areas of the healthcare sector including:

  • Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes and home care
  • Individual medical practices
  • Medical equipment or drugs manufacturers
  • Medical insurance companies
  • Public health and patient advocacy
  • Health care administration

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics career outcomes in health services management are expected to grow 20% through 2026, at a much faster rate of growth than the average occupation (Medical and Health Services Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

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Join us for an upcoming graduate admissions event to learn more about our Health Services Management program and explore how Mercy can help you meet your goals. 

RSVP for an event today. 

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20% Growth

Career Outcomes

Career outcomes are expected to rise 20% through 2026*
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$143K Salary

Average Pay

The highest 10% of earners nationally in medical and health services management is more than $182,600*
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30 Credits

Total Credits to Earn Your Degree

Classes in action research & data analysis, management information systems and health care financing
Continuing Education

The Mercy Advantage

  • No GRE required to apply
  • Full or part-time enrollment in-person or online
  • Enrollment is offered quarterly with fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters
  • Courses can be taken at the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry campuses or completely online, but students cannot switch between modalities
  • Degree can be completed in as little as 18 months
  • Small class sizes, with an enrollment cap of 20 students per section 

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Medical & Business professionals working together.

Mentorship & Faculty

Faculty are experienced health care administrators, consultants, administrative nurses and lawyers, and available as advisors and mentors. Students also benefit from our career development center.

"My favorite aspects of the program to teach to students are the ability to be innovative with each course and the freedom to create relevant content for the new generation of students to use in their careers."

Jessica LeMaine, Program Coordinator and Adjunct Professor, Health Services Management

Application Requirements

Each applicant must submit the following:

  1. Current résumé 
  2. Academic transcripts
  3. Two professional letters of recommendation on letterhead (letters from friends, acquaintances or clergy are welcome but do not replace the two professional letters)
  4. One essay: two - three pages long providing the reasons the student wishes to pursue a graduate degree in Health Services Management
  5. Interview with the program coordinator or the program director

Students applying to enter the M.S. program must have worked in health care as an administrator or a manager for four years. Upon receipt of all transcripts and completion of all requirements and interviews, qualified applicants will be admitted and assigned an advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Health service managers occupy all levels of leadership within a variety of healthcare organizations. Health service managers create, organize and direct health care facilities and organizations. A healthcare manager is in charge of ensuring a healthcare facility is operating as it should in terms of budget, the goals of the facility's practitioners and the needs of the community.

The MS in HSMG is a 30 credit program that requires at least 4 years of experience as a health care manager or administrator. The MPA in HSMG is a 36 credit program which requires no background in health care management, and includes a required internship.

The difference between the Master's in Public Health and our degree is that we focus on a wide range of internal operations and external factors impacting healthcare delivery and management. This degree differs from the MBA because it addresses several aspects of organizational structure, inclusive of, and beyond the financial component of healthcare.

The program director admits qualified candidates 4 times a year: fall, winter, spring and summer. 

Courses are offered in 10 week terms, four times a year.  Students may take 6 credits (2 courses each quarter) so the program may be completed in 1- 1 ½ years or less. The program director can grant permission to strong candidates to take 9 credits, 3 courses per quarter, who can then complete the program in 1 year.

Maximum class enrollment is 20 students, so personal attention can be given by faculty who are experienced health care professionals. 

Internships are required for the MPA so students can apply program concepts and make networking connections.

Most medical and health services managers work in offices in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, and group medical practices.

There is an increasing need for health professionals. Employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021 – 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Program Details & Curriculum

The 30-credit Master of Science program in Health Services Management is organized as follows:

Core Courses: 6 Credits
Advanced Core Courses: 9 Credits
Health Services Management Specialization: 12 Credits
Culminating Experience: 3 Credits

Total: 30 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

For students who began this program prior to Fall 2020, please see the 2019-2020 catalog for program requirements.  

  1. Successful completion of full curriculum (30-M.S.; 36-M.P.A.)
  2. A 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • The student should be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze missions, visions and data to develop programs using research techniques
  • The student should be able to formulate a strategic plan for continuous improvement in a changing health care environment 
  • The student should be able to asses aspects of the U.S. health care system including political, ethical, financial and risk management issues related to effective health facility operations
  • The student should be able to utilize written and oral communication skills in accordance with health industry standards
  • The student should be able to create a plan that facilitates the acquisition of a health care information system. 
  • The student should be able to develop and present an effective professional training program
  • The student should be able to demonstrate the ability to utilize theoretical and applied skills obtained during the course of study in the MS program. This is done by participation in the culminating capstone experience, which includes identifying, analyzing and developing a comprehensive report on issues facing the health care industry or health care organizations

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

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