MBA-Health Systems Leadership
The MBA in Health Systems Leadership prepares future executives to make a meaningful difference in a wide range of healthcare delivery and financing organizations. In addition to administrative managers, the program is well suited for physicians, pharmacists and other clinicians, lawyers, accounting professionals, and other consultants and advisors serving health system clients.
There is an expected high demand for highly trained and experienced leaders in health care organizations, and graduates of advanced degree programs in health care leadership have excellent earning potential. Learn more - HSL White Paper 2. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports a positive outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers. And the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) projects growth in health care management related career options and compensation.
- Program Highlights
The 42-credit MBA-HSL curriculum was designed in close collaboration with The Henry Predolin School of Nursing and local healthcare system experts, and based on the Commission on Accreditation of HealthCare Management Education (CAHME) competency criteria. It includes courses such as Managerial Health Economics, Health Policy and Law, Healthcare Service and Clinical Quality, taught by highly qualified health professionals and faculty. The program receives ongoing guidance and support from a distinguished group of local health care system leaders who serve on the MBA-HSL Executive Advisory Council.
The School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is a member of the American College of Health Executives (ACHE). Students in the MBA Health Systems Leadership program are eligible for a free ACHE membership.
- Degree Requirements
Degree Prerequisites
Most students admitted to the MBA-HSL program satisfy Basic Mathematics and Basic Computer Skills prerequisites based on either previous academic work or job experience. Additional preparatory work may be required to help ensure that you succeed in the program. Our admissions staff will review of your academic record and GMAT scores and will be able to answer any questions you have about any additional requirements.
• Basic Mathematics
Requires mathematical proficiency at the level of college algebra and finite mathematics. Students requiring a course in this area may take BUS 500 Quantitative Business Analysis.• Basic Computer Skills
Requires computer proficiency to include basic systems operation, word processing, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and Internet research.Foundational Work -
Foundation courses are the skill and experience-broadening courses upon which the remaining curriculum is built. They include coursework in accounting, mathematics, legal issues for business and economics. One or more of these courses may be waived based on your previous academic experience. These courses should be taken as early as possible in the program.- BUS 501 Financial Accounting
- BUS 503 Introductory Business Statistics
- BUS 505 Macro-Economics
- BUS 506 Micro-Economics
Degree and Program Requirements
MBA-HSL coursework is separated into the following two categories. Students must complete a total of 42 graduate credits to receive the degree.
1. Core courses (18 credits) -
- BUS 601 Executive Communications
- BUS 602 Accounting for Managers
- BUS 603 Organizational Development and Behavior
- BUS 605 Statistics for Managers
- BUS 606 Strategic Marketing
- BUS 616 Business Ethics
2. Health Systems Leadership Content Courses (24 credits) –
- BUS 775 Managerial Health Economics
- BUS 784 Healthcare Finance
- BUS 785 Health Policy and Law
- BUS 786 ERP for Health Systems
- BUS 787 Health Systems Operations
- BUS 788 Health Insurance Principles
- BUS 789 Healthcare Service and Clinical Quality
- BUS 796 Strategic Management (Capstone Course)
3. Electives
Students who have completed prior relevant educational courses/credits with a grade B or better, that satisfy the above requirements, may, with the approval of the Graduate Advisor, substitute elective courses/credits from appropriate Edgewood or other qualified programs. The total number of credits must still equal 42 to complete the degree requirements.
- Tuition and Financial Aid
Attending graduate school is one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself and your future. While the benefits related to personal development and growth are priceless, you can also expect your MBA degree to expand your career options and enhance your earning power in the marketplace. Remember, completing your MBA is an investment in yourself and your career. Be sure to consider not only the total cost of your education, but think about how that total breaks down in terms of monthly costs, which can make your investment feel more manageable and affordable.
Financing your Edgewood College MBA degree
Graduate tuition for the 2018-19 year (beginning Summer 2018) is $963 per credit. You can expect that cost to rise by approximately 3.5% per year in the future.
Most MBA students are working professionals who take courses part-time. A general MBA requires completion of 37 credits. An MBA in Health Systems Leadership requires completion of a total of 42 credits. Typically, a part-time student completes their MBA in 2.5-3 years.
Based on current tuition rates, the estimated total tuition cost of your Edgewood College MBA degree would be $38,895. An MBA in Health Systems leadership would be $41,991. If you compare this cost with other institutions in the Madison area, you’ll find that this total lies somewhere in the middle range.
Note – These estimates assume that you have satisfied all foundation requirements before enrolling in the program. If foundation courses are required, that will increase the total cost of the MBA degree and delay your completion. Please contact an admissions counselor for more details.
Financial Aid
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Graduate Student Financial Aid
Our admissions and financial aid counselors have worked with thousands of students who have questioned how they could afford to complete their graduate education. They will use their experience to suggest creative solutions for financing your MBA education. We work with students and organizations to manage tuition reimbursement plans, extend tuition discounts to various corporate partners in the region, offer third party billing and monthly payment plans, and work with veterans to maximize their available aid.
Don’t think you can do it? Edgewood College thinks you can!
- Admission Requirements
New students may enroll in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Application deadlines:
Fall - August 1
Spring - December 1
Summer - May 1To be considered for admission, applicants must provide the following:
- Completed graduate application. (The $30 application fee is waived for graduates of Edgewood College and for veterans.) This application is for graduate students who want to pursue a Master’s degree, certificate, or take courses as a non-degree student.
- Official transcripts reflecting evidence of completion of a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Please request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution be sent to Edgewood College. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application.
- Two letters of recommendation from college or university professors, supervisors, and/or professional colleagues who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in the Edgewood College MBA program. Letter of Recommendation Guidelines
- A written statement explaining what the applicant hopes to gain from her/his participation in the program, what he/she brings to the program, and how specific background experiences will aid in the applicant’s success as a student.
- A detailed resume evidencing at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
- The Graduate Management Admission Test* (GMAT) with a score of at least 430 (or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) converted to comparable GMAT score).
The GMAT is NOT required if the applicant meets one of the following criteria:
- Five or more years of relevant professional experience AND a GPA of at least 3.25 overall or on the last 60 credits, OR
- Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in Business from Edgewood College AND a GPA overall or on the last 60 credits of at least 3.25, OR
- Current, active military or former military personnel, or veteran, honorably discharged. Veterans are considered those who have served at least 180 days of active duty (not including training) or who have been injured and determined to have a disability before 180 days. (Does not include those who served the length of their term in the National Guard or Reserves without being activated at any time.)
The entirety of the application materials above are considered in evaluating candidates. However, preference will be given to applicants who meet A , B, or C above, or who score in the 40th percentile or better on the GMAT or GRE.
International Students may have additional admission requirements. Learn more.
Please submit items 2 through 6 to: Edgewood College, Attn: Admission Manager, 1255 Deming Way, Madison, WI 53717.
* GMAT Preparation – For additional review and study assistance, visit: www.princetonreview.com, www.kaplan.com, or http://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/free-gmat-prep-software.aspx
To register for the test, call 1-800-717-4628 (GMAT) or go online at www.MBA.com. Enter the name of the school and city.
The Madison test center is:
Pearson Professional Center
8517 Excelsior Drive
Madison, WI 53717
608-833-3991GMAT Fee Waiver - Applicants with financial need may qualify for a GMAT fee waiver. To be considered for a fee waiver, please complete the following by December 15:
- Complete a FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov
- Submit a statement of need to gps@edgewood.edu. Please include the following information:
a. A description of your current financial situation, including any details about job or income changes, or other extenuating circumstances
b. A statement indicating the amount of any tuition reimbursement from your employer
For more information, please contact Edgewood Central at (608) 663-4300.
Transfer Credits
You may submit up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit for consideration of transfer to Edgewood College for application to a degree program. Approval of the respective department is required. To be considered for application to a degree program, a course must have been taken within the past five years. For more information about transfer credits, please contact your admissions counselor.
Questions? Contact Call 608-663-2232 or email LPittelkow@edgewood.edu for more information.- MBA-HSL Executive Advisory Board
The MBA Health Systems Leadership program is privileged to have several community health system leaders providing guidance and advice to the program. The Council meets several times each year to provide perspective and feedback on the program content and design. The members of the Council also help to promote the program including offering internship opportunities to students desiring such an experience. Council members are also guest lecturers and join students in dialogue in the classroom.
Tim Size
Executive Director
Rural Wisconsin Health CooperativeTim Size has been the Executive Director of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative in Sauk City since helping to found it in 1979. From 1974 to 1979 he was an Assistant and then Associate Superintendent at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics following three years as the administrator of El Hospital Metodista in La Paz, Bolivia. His graduate studies included work at St Thomas’s Hospital, London England and at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago. Tim has an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, an MBA in Hospital Administration from the University of Chicago and an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humanities, from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Cheryl DeMars
CEO
The AllianceCheryl DeMars joined The Alliance in 1992, becoming CEO in 2006. Cheryl works with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team to establish the strategic direction of the cooperative. Cheryl participates in a number of national and regional initiatives that align with The Alliance’s mission of controlling costs, improving quality and engaging individuals in their health. She is the Chair of the National Business Coalition on Health. Cheryl serves on a number of state-based organizations, including the Advisory Board of the Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Statewide Value Committee’s Leadership Council. Prior to joining The Alliance, Cheryl was a program manager at Meriter Hospital in Madison. She earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Tim Gaillard
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
UW Hospital and ClinicsTimothy M. Gaillard was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UW Hospital and Clinics in October 2014. Tim provides leadership for pharmacy, radiology, clinical laboratories, and the orthopedic, oncology and radiation oncology and neurology/neurosurgery service lines. In addition, Tim is responsible for the heart, vascular and thoracic and transplant service lines and is the preceptor for the Hospital Administrative Fellowship program. He works closely with the senior UW Hospital and Clinics leadership to ensure high quality patient services, financial viability, and to develop strategies to achieve the organization’s mission and goals. Tim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism from the University of South Carolina, Columbia; his Masters of Science in Business Administration from Boston University, Heidelberg, Germany; and his Masters of Health Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is also a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives.
Jesi Wang
VP of Healthcare Transformation
MetaStar, Inc.Jesi Wang is Vice President of Healthcare Transformation at MetaStar, Inc. She is also the Project Director for the Regional Extension Center for the state of WI with the goal of providing education and technical assistance to providers in Wisconsin as they select, implement and achieve meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Ms. Wang is responsible for leading large-scale quality improvement initiatives, and working with federal funding agencies such CMS, ONC, and CDC. She is also currently serving at the Transformation Measurement Workgroup Facilitator for the State Health Innovation Plan. Under her leadership, MetaStar has successfully assisted hundreds of healthcare organizations to make improvements in the areas of prevention, healthcare acquired infections, transitions of care, and health information technology to name a few.
Ms. Wang earned a Bachelor’s degree in community health education from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 2001. In addition, she earned CPEHR and CPHIT certifications in 2007 and CPHQ in 2010, and will graduate with a Master of Business Administration in Health Systems Leadership from Edgewood College in 2015.
Geoff Priest
Chief Medical Officer
Meriter - Unity Point HealthGeoffrey R. Priest, M.D. serves as Chief Medical Officer at Meriter-UnityPoint Health. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Medicine from Northwestern University in 1972 followed by graduation with distinction from Northwestern University Medical School in 1974. Dr. Priest also received his Executive Masters of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2003. He is responsible for operations of the Medical Staff Services Division and for the oversight of patient safety and clinical quality for the Meriter Hospital.