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California State University, Long Beach
Health Care Administration Program
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Graduate Application Procedure

Step-by-Step Application Procedure:

The MSHCA, Certificate Program & MSN/MSHCA application procedure consists of a few simple steps. Provided below are guides for both the domestic and international application process.  Before you begin, read the following requirements to determine which process applies to you.

Program Requirements:

MSHCA Program Requirements:

The minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement for the MSHCA graduate study program is 3.0 based upon your Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Your GPA is determined by the last 60 units of your undergraduate study, with a minimum of 12 units of course work to include: financial accounting, microeconomics, information systems, and statistics. The minimum university requirement for the TOEFL score is 550. The GMAT score is evaluated in comparison to the strength of the entire application.  The total score should represent a good balance between the quantitative and verbal sections. Please note: the GMAT should have been taken during the last two years. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

MSHCA Accelerated Program Requirements:

The MSHCA Accelerated Program also requires a 3.0 GPA and minimum TOEFL score of 550 (for international students). Three years of experience in a health care or health-related organization or business environment is also required. Undergraduate preparation should include course work in financial accounting, microeconomics, information systems, and statistics. MSHCA-AP applicants are not required to take the GMAT.

Certificate Program Requirements:

Admission to the Certificate Program requires that you have a Bachelor's degree (conferred or expected) or advanced degree.  Prerequisite course work includes Accounting 201, Economics 101 or 300. CSULB undergraduate students can enroll in the Certificate Program as the equivalent of a "minor."

MSN/MSHCA Program Requirements:

The minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement for the MSN/MSHCA graduate study is 3.0 based upon your Bachelor's degree in nursing or related health field from an accredited institution.  Your GPA is determined by the last 60 units of your undergraduate study, with course work to include: upper division or graduate level courses in statistics, ethics (or equivalent), nursing administration (or equivalent).  Co-requisite courses which can be taken at any level of post secondary education include: General Accounting, Micro Economics, and Information Systems (IS 233) or Nursing Informatics.  Students in this course of study should hold a current license as a registered nurse in California.

Students must successfully complete the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) and submit quantitative and verbal scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). 

The GRE/GMAT score is evaluated in comparison to the strength of the entire application.  The total score should represent a good balance between the quantitative and verbal sections.  Please note: the GRE or GMAT should have been taken during the last two years. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

To apply for the MSN/MSHCA Program contact the Nursing Department at: www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/nursing.

Who should use the domestic application procedure?
US citizens or permanent residents who have their bachelor's degree from a US accredited university should follow the domestic application procedure.

Who should use the international application procedure?
Anyone with a bachelor's degree from a foreign university, or any foreign student should follow the international application procedure

Domestic Application Procedure for MSHCA Degrees:

Please note: There are two separate applications required for admission to our program.

  1. The first step is to submit the HCA department application ( to download application click link MSHCA Application Form ).  Next, mail copies of transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendations, and GMAT scores to:

    Health Care Administration Program
    California State University, Long Beach
    1250 Bellflower Blvd.
    Long Beach, CA 90840

  2. The second step is to submit a university application.  Apply online through CSUMentor.

HCA Department Checklist:

  • Official Transcripts (one copy)
  • GMAT Score (traditional program)
  • Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation (three)
  • Personal Statement

University Admissions Checklist:

  • University Application
  • (Note: This is a separate application from the HCA Program Application)
  • Official Transcripts (one copy)
  • Application Fee of $55 made out to CSULB

International Application Procedure:

Please note: There are two separate applications required for admission to the HCA program.

  1. The first step is to submit an HCA department online Statement of Intent. Next, mail copies of transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendations, and GMAT scores to: CSULB, Health Care Administration- Mailstop 4801, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach CA 90840.
  2. The second step is to submit a university application.  The application is available in PDF format online through CSUMentor,or in additional electronic formats through our CIE office. An admissions application booklet can also be requested  by calling the Center for International Admissions at (562) 985-4106.  For more information about studying at CSULB, visit our Center for International Students Web Site.

HCA Department Checklist:

  • Intent to Apply to HCA Program
  • GMAT Score (traditional program)
  • Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation (three)
  • Personal Statement

International Checklist

  • Completed University application form
  • Application processing fee (US$55.00)
  • Official original TOEFL Score
  • Affidavit of Financial Support form
  • Bank statement/letter from financial sponsor
  • Official academic records and English translations
  • Immigration documentation if applying within the United States

Upon completion of the application and receipt of all documents, the admissions check will be completed. Those students who are granted admission will receive an acceptance notice and either a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) or an IAP-66 form.

Application Deadlines:

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline for your file to be evaluated.  For the traditional MSHCA, Certificate, and MSN/MSHCA, Fall admission deadline is June 15, Spring admission deadline is November 15.  For the Accelerated MSCHCA program, the deadline is July 1. There are no exceptions or conditional admits.

GMAT testing is required for all HCA graduate programs except the MSHCA Accelerated Program. This requirement can only be waived for applicants who have previously earned a doctoral degree; there are no other exceptions.  We recommend that you take a comprehensive preparation course that simulates this computer-based test. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.  You may take the GMAT as frequently as you wish and we will evaluate your highest set of scores. For more information about the test, you can contact GMAT directly.

TOEFL testing is required for international applicants.  The minimum university requirement for the TOEFL score is 550.  The TOEFL requirement can only be waived for applicants with a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited US university. For more information on fees, preparation, and locations, visit the TOEFL web site.