Program Competencies

The CSUN MHA curriculum is built upon a competency framework that aligns with national standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This structure supports our mission to deliver a carefully crafted educational experience that prepares students for success as healthcare administrators and leaders.

The curriculum incorporates six (6) core domains and twenty-one (21) program competencies that reflect the skills and knowledge required in today’s complex healthcare environment:

Domains

Competencies
Leadership
  • Professional values and ethics
  • Cultural sensitivity and competence
  • Competitive and collaborative strategies
  • Working effectively with other professionals
  • Team development methods
Critical Thinking
  • Systems components
  • Internal/external system structures & factors affecting them
  • Issues from a different perspective
  • Decisions in the presence of uncertainty
Science / Analysis
  • Quantitative analytical methods
  • Examine data both qualitatively and quantitatively
  • Information systems and knowledge management
Management
  • Organization of work, economics, finance and decision theory
  • Strategic thinking, planning and management
  • Human resource management, change management & organizational development
  • Continuous quality improvement concepts and skills
  • Impacts of legal, regulatory and political environments
Political and Community Development
  • Major stakeholders of an organization
  • Social and human relationship skills
Communication
  • Articulate ideas and information
  • Use appropriate communication strategies

Each course in the MHA curriculum integrates a specific subset of these domains and competencies, using applied learning strategies such as case studies, team projects, presentations, and real-world consulting work, to ensure students demonstrate mastery of the material.

This approach ensures our graduates are not only well-versed in healthcare systems but are also equipped to lead change, improve quality, and advance equity in health organizations across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.