Leadership of Healthcare Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT?

What type of professional backgrounds do the students have?

How long has the degree been in existence? How many graduates have you had?

What is a typical class size?

How do I apply to the program?

I'm still not sure the program is right for me. Can I speak with a program advisor before applying to the program?

Do I have to be enrolled as an MAS student in order to take some of the courses?

I don't have the 5 years of experience in healthcare required for admission. Can I still qualify?

What is a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree?

Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT?: No, the GRE/GMAT is not required for admission to the program.
What type of professional backgrounds do the students have?: The program crosses all healthcare fields and healthcare-related industries and clinical/administrative positions in the military and private and public sectors. To date, the MAS student population is made up of roughly: healthcare/public administration (30%), nursing (20%), physicians (12%), biotech/pharmaceutical companies (12%), other (20%-public health, medical device, pharmacist, dentist), and physical therapists (6%).

Refer to our alumni profiles to see how the MAS degree is benefitting them in their careers.

How long has the degree been in existence? How many graduates have you had?: The program started in January 2001. We've had 52 graduates through
June 2009.
What is a typical class size?: Class sizes range from 8-15 students. The relatively small class size and seminar-style of the classes allows for close interaction among students and the professors as well as provides many valuable networking opportunities.
How do I apply to the program?: The MAS degree is a UCSD graduate degree handled through the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). Formal application for admission to the program is required. Refer to PROSPECTIVE STUDENT LINK for details on the admissions process and program admission requirements.
I'm still not sure the program is right for me. Can I speak with a program advisor before applying to the program?: Certainly. Just contact the Office of Advanced Professional Education and Development to set up an appointment. Refer to CONTACT US LINK.
Do I have to be enrolled as an MAS student in order to take some of the courses?: No, there are opportunities for you to take one or two courses in the program without being formally admitted as a UCSD MAS graduate student. This is handled through Concurrent Enrollment, which is administered through UCSD Extension. Concurrent Enrollment serves the purpose of giving prospective students an opportunity to "try out" the program before applying for graduate admission. If the individual eventually decides to pursue the MAS degree, then the academic credit earned through Concurrent Enrollment will be applied to toward meeting the MAS degree requirements once he/she is formally admitted to the program. Contact the department for more details CONTACT US LINK.
I don't have the 5 years of experience in healthcare required for admission. Can I still qualify?: Possibly. The admissions committee will review your entire application, including the depth of your professional experience outside healthcare, the strength of your recommendations letters, and your academic background. These factors are all taken into consideration in determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for admission to the program. In some instances, the committee will recommend a "conditional acceptance" to the program and suggest that a candidate take a course or two through Concurrent Enrollment prior to the committee making the final admission decision. (See previous question concerning Concurrent Enrollment.) Contact the admissions advisor in the department with your questions on whether or not you might qualify CONTACT US LINK.
What is a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree?: The MAS is an accredited master's degree conferred by UCSD. It is a self-funded, typically part-time, professional degree designed to supplement the education and work experience of the students who enroll in the program. It is often referred to as a "terminal" degree and is designed to provide rigorous, graduate-level curriculum in a specific, timely area of study. For more information, refer to ABOUT THE MAS DEGREE LINK.