Frequently Asked Questions & Contact Us

The program’s hybrid online/on-campus model requires three face-to-face on-campus sessions. Attendance at each on-campus session is required.

For students admitted for Spring 2026, the dates are:

On Campus #1: Program Orientation, Friday, March 20, 2026

On Campus #2: End of first quarter, Thursday and Friday, June 11-12, 2026

On Campus #3: End of fourth quarter, Thursday, March 18, 2027

For students admitted for Fall 2025, the dates are: 

On Campus #1: Program Orientation: Friday, September 19, 2025

On Campus #2: End of first quarter, Thursday and Friday, December 11-12, 2025  

On Campus #3: End of fourth quarter, Friday, September 4, 2026

* In some cases dates may be subject to change.

Doing your homework is important. There are several websites that explain the difference between the various degrees: geteducated.com and https://www.mphonline.org are two you can start with. One valuable exercise is to compare the curriculum of each program and/or degree you are considering.

The primary objective of the UCSF graduate program in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership is to prepare a cadre of healthcare professionals in management, leadership, and interprofessional teamwork to meet the demands of the changing healthcare environment. If you are working in healthcare and are seeking opportunities to advance in your career, develop your leadership potential, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare system – this program is designed for you.  To be competitive applicants should have at least 2 years of professional or management experience within a healthcare environment. The average number of years of experience of our entering students is 10.

The program curriculum focuses on leadership, health systems management, interprofessional practice, communication, ethics, and research. You will be prepared to understand and address issues facing healthcare professionals every day: organizational complexity, leadership, innovation, healthcare policy and economics, effective business practices, and management of social and human capital. Program graduates will be prepared for management and leadership roles across the health system.

Yes. Academic writing reflects an ability to synthesize, analyze, and present a clear understanding of information or a particular subject. Assignments require scholarly expression of ideas, careful citation of sources and accurate inclusion of references. If needed, students may engage an editor or tutor to help with writing assignments.

You can complete the program in as few as four quarters. You may register for up to 3 courses per quarter. The four-quarter curriculum includes eight online courses, two online/on-campus courses, and two administrative practicum courses in your place of employment. During the program, you will complete an evidence-based project that will be your capstone comprehensive examination. All courses are aligned with UCSF’s 10-week quarter system. You may enroll in the program at the start of the fall or spring quarters.

Eight courses will be completed 100% online. The 2 administrative practicum courses as well as the three online/on-campus courses will include a supportive online component.

Yes. Each of the two three-unit practicum courses counts toward the 36 units required by UCSF for a master’s degree.

The two-quarter practicum is for mentor-supported leadership practice and project design, implementation, and evaluation.

Using an executive format, the on-campus sessions bring students together to integrate core competencies in a face-to-face context. Students come to the UCSF campus for three mandatory on-campus sessions:

1.     Program orientation: prior to the start of classes students attend a one-day on-campus session to meet peers and faculty and participate in interactive learning activities

2.     End of the first quarter: this two-day on-campus session focuses on the integration of  knowledge and skills and development of the evidence-based interprofessional capstone project

3.     End of the final quarter of study:  this one-day on-campus session focuses on capstone related presentations to fulfill program requirements for conferral of the master’s degree

You will be assigned a UCSF academic advisor who will welcome you to the program and provide virtual office hours for regular meetings. You will also meet face-to-face with your advisor during the on-campus courses. Your advisor will assist your progression throughout the program to support your academic and professional goals.

UCSF Student Financial Services professionals will work with you to establish your eligibility for financial aid. They are available to advise both entering and continuing students in person, via email, and phone. Their web page includes information about application and eligibility for loans, scholarships, grants, and other awards as well as budgeting, money management, and other financial matters. You may visit the FAFSA website to access the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) and explore what you qualify for.

Yes. As a registered UCSF student you will have access to all Library services. The Library’s website links to multiple licensed and free resources including 187 databases, 37,000 online journals, and 425,000 e-books, and interlibrary loans and document delivery services free of charge. You will also have access to web-based citation management software, online tutorials, and other information management tools. All of these services can be accessed remotely.

The program consists of 12 three-unit courses. For each course, you will receive the equivalent of three hours per week of instruction (online or face-to-face) or 30 hours over the 10-week quarter. 

UCSF credit hour policy expects students to spend an additional 2-3 hours per unit per week to prepare for class or complete assignments. For a three-unit course, this equates to six to nine-hour per week per course.

On-campus course credit:

207A (quarter 1): You will attend two eight-hour days at the end of the quarter. These sessions are mandatory for successful completion of the course. Across the 10-week quarter, you will complete approximately six hours per week of online instruction and pre-session assignments.

207B (quarter 4): You will attend one eight-hour day at the end of the quarter. This session is mandatory for successful completion of the course. Across the 10-week quarter, you will complete requirements for the comprehensive examination process that includes preparation of two scholarly papers, an academic poster, and an advocacy and capstone podium presentation. You will spend approximately 8 hours per week in online instruction and completion of required assignments.

Administrative Practicums: You will spend the equivalent of 90 hours in your workplace each of the two quarters. 

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Must be employed in a health care setting. To be competitive applicants should have at least 2 years of professional or management experience within a healthcare environment.

Proficiency in English. All applicants whose first language is not English must: 1) demonstrate proficiency in English by completing one year of full-time study with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S., or

2) take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a minimum overall TOEFL score of 92 (Internet-based test), or 550 (paper-based test), or 3) take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and achieve a minimum score of 7. Test scores are valid for a maximum of two years from the test date. 

A laptop computer with a high-speed Internet connection is required. 

Please note: the GRE is not required for admission to the program.

• Official grade transcripts of undergraduate degree(s), any other degrees, and any courses completed.
• Resume/CV
• Three letters of reference are required. One must be from a former faculty or someone who can speak to your academic potential, a second from someone well acquainted with your professional preparation, experience and potential for leadership, and a third from an administrator within your healthcare organization.

You can view the UCSF Graduate Program bylaws here: https://ucsf.box.com/v/mshailbylaws