Online MBA Specializations

The Online MBA at Chico State features two specializations for students who have a clearly defined career path in mind and the practical vision to make it a reality. By selecting an MBA specialization in Health Services Administration or Project Management, you can prepare yourself for a thriving career in your field of choice.

Health Services Administration Specialization

Advance in one of the fastest growing fields in the country. The Health Services Administration (HSA) specialization provides students with sought-after skills and knowledge to enable graduates to help organizations plan, direct and manage medical and health services. Step into leadership roles with this unique online offering that is the only one of its kind in the California State University system.

The growth rates for the industry are four times faster than the average for all professions.¹

Graduates from the program will have management and leadership opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, physician offices, outpatient care centers, insurance companies, managed care organizations, rehabilitation facilities, pharmaceutical companies, government, and as clinical managers overseeing a specific department such as surgery, physical therapy, or nursing.

This specialization combines important business concepts in management, finance, marketing, and operations with the business side of healthcare. You will get hands-on experience in healthcare leadership through the specialization coursework, which includes the creation of a comprehensive business plan for a healthcare organization. These valuable experiential learning opportunities give you healthcare leadership experience prior to graduation.

Hospital administrator talking to two doctors

    A Health Services Administration specialization can open doors to titles like:

    • Director of Operations
    • Medical Staff Services Director
    • Clinical Director
    • Healthcare Consultant
    • VP of Health Services
    • Chief Executive Officer
    $101,340
    Median annual salary for medical and health services managers in 20211
    32%
    Projected growth for medical and health services managers through 20301

    Project Management Specialization

    The Project Management (PRMG) specialization provides the in-demand skills and knowledge required to succeed as a project manager in any organization. Students who select this specialization learn how to efficiently and effectively initiate, plan, execute, manage, and monitor projects while optimizing organizational goals. Students who complete the Online MBA with the Project Management specialization will be prepared to sit for either the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam.

    Savvy organizations are investing in project management talent to ensure they operate smoothly and efficiently in today’s complex, rapidly evolving industries. While the PMP is more highly regarded than the CAPM due to the higher amount of project management work experience it requires, both certifications are key indicators for employers that you have received elite training in the intricacies of the profession. The PRMG specialization features an in-depth seminar in project management, as well as courses in optimizing project goals and outcomes and in conflict resolution, negotiation, and teamwork.

    The smartest employers know that certified project managers deliver more projects on time, on budget, and on track with the organization’s goals.

    With a recent pass rate of 100 percent on these qualifying exams, well above the national average, Chico State can put you in the driver’s seat for these high-impact roles.

    Learn About the CAPM Exam
    Learn About the PMP Exam

    33%
    Average salary premium for project managers with PMP certification2
    33%
    Projected growth of project management roles by 20273

    Learn More About the Online MBA

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    A Faculty of Innovators

    Meet the committed faculty who teach in our Online MBA program.




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    Admissions Deadlines for the Online MBA

    Dec
    9
    Priority Application Deadline
    Spring 2025 term
    Jan
    3
    Application Deadline
    Spring 2025 term
    Jan
    21
    Next Start
    Spring 2025 term