At Azusa Pacific University, you can choose from multiple graduate-level administrative degree options: including the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and the new Master of Science (MS) in Healthcare Administration.
Which program is the best fit for your skills, interests, and career goals? Here’s some help to decide.
What Can You Do with a Healthcare Administration Degree?
Healthcare administration is booming, and holding a master’s degree in healthcare administration can set you apart in a growing industry. According to the BLS, medical and health service management jobs are expected to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the 8 percent average for all occupations. That’s an addition of 139,600 jobs.
Some entry-level positions are obtainable with just a bachelor’s degree. But an MS degree could increase your odds of landing a higher-paying job right out of school. It could also increase your odds of landing a more competitive position, such as hospital administrator or medical staff director, earlier in your career.
At APU, you can choose from one of three areas of specialization:
- Financial Management in Health Systems
- International Health
- Quality and Innovation in Health Care
No previous healthcare experience is necessary to join the program. You’ll complete coursework in both APU’s nationally ranked School of Nursing and the School of Business and Management, and you can tailor your coursework to the area that interests you most.
What Can You Do with an MBA?
Considered the gold standard when it comes to graduate studies in management, a Master of Business Administration is another sound way to invest in your future. Students who complete MBA programs typically graduate with an enhanced set of thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Plus, the connections you’ll make during the program could help you land your first job and enhance your professional network as your career grows.
Obtaining an MBA degree can enable you to hold a number of positions and job titles, including:
- Marketing manager
- Business operations manager
- Investment fund manager
- Director of leadership development
- Business consultant
- Product management director
- Chief technology officer
- Various leadership roles in ministry or the nonprofit sector
APU’s new online MBA degree offers flexible, customized learning to students seeking advanced knowledge and business skills. With a slate of courses designed for graduation in just 12 months, the program offers you the opportunity to include a variety of “microcredentials”—internationally recognized badges or certificates—that align with your career goals and interests. MBA microcredentials offered at APU include Formstack, Tableau, Python, Excel, Intercultural Competence, and more.
Is a Healthcare Administration Degree or an MBA Right for You?
Both administration degrees offer unique benefits. Depending on your area of interest or even your ideal daily schedule, one program may be better suited for you than another.
A master’s in healthcare administration may be the right fit for you if:
- You know you definitely want to work in the medical field.
- You don’t have prior experience in health care but would like to gain it.
- You’re seeking a marketable degree in a fast-growing industry.
- You prefer an interdisciplinary degree encompassing multiple areas of study.
On the other hand, a master’s in business administration may suit you better if:
- You’re looking for some flexibility in terms of the industries and fields you could work in after graduation.
- You’re passionate about business but aren’t sure where you’d like to apply your skills yet (or are open to different possibilities).
- You need more flexibility for your current availability and life situation.
- You like the idea of shorter terms (APU’s MBA program terms are eight weeks each) and graduating in just 12 months.
- You have aspirations to start or lead your own company one day.
Whichever path you choose, APU will support you the entire journey, including help to make this decision. Explore APU’s Graduate and Professional Admissions page to learn more about all the graduate programs available.