Healthcare Quality and Project Management (CERT)

Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Project Management
Unit: School of Public Health and Information Sciences
Department: Health Management & Systems Sciences
Program Webpage 
Academic Plan Code(s): HQPMCGRO

Beginning in fall 2024, this program is not accepting applications for admission during the the 2024-25 academic year.

The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Project Management provides students the foundational competencies of Healthcare Quality and Project Management: healthcare strategic management, healthcare quantitative analysis, healthcare quality, project management, and health operations and management sciences.

Those interested in the possibility of pursuing the Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) may use this program as a stepping stone towards completion of the MSHA degree. University policy states that, "Upon approval of the graduate program, students may apply the coursework from no more than one certificate program towards a graduate degree program." (See the Graduate Catalog, General Policies, Procedures and Requirements - Transfer of Credit.)

This program is available in an online format only.

Competencies

The successful student is able to demonstrate:

• Analytic Thinking
• Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Awareness
• Performance Measurement
• Self-development
• Strategic Orientation
• Change Leadership
• Innovative Thinking
• Accountability
• Process Management and Organizational Design
• Talent Development
• Team Leadership
• Project Management
• Information Seeking
• Information Technology Management

Prior to graduation, students in the program will have demonstrated these competencies by completing the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Application requirements are submitted to the Graduate School and include:

• Graduate application submitted to the Graduate School
• Official transcripts indicating conferral of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States will require a foreign credential evaluation.
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• One-page personal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of his or her goals in public health and healthcare management.
• Application fee
• Students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by attaining one of the following:
  • TOEFL score of 79 or higher (after conversion for test type)
  • IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher
  • Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher
  • Demonstration of a degree award from an acceptable English language institution, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official.

For specific information about the degree program or the application process, students should contact the HMSS Program Coordinator.  

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted for the Fall and Spring semester. There are no Summer admissions. Preferred, to facilitate processing, application deadlines are August 1 for Fall starts and November 15 for Spring starts.

Certificate Requirements

Program Information

This certificate includes 15 credit hours of required coursework.

Academic Standing

To maintain good academic standing in the Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Project Management program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all coursework in the program. A student must be in good academic standing in order to receive the degree.

Any Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Project Management student with a program cumulative GPA below 3.0 will be placed in probationary status. Any student who remains in probationary status for two consecutive terms may be considered for dismissal from the program.

If a student chooses to pursue the Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) degree at any time after enrolling in or completing the Certificate program, then all coursework completed within the preceding three years with a grade of B or better may be applied towards the coursework for the MSHA degree.

MSHA graduates or currently enrolled MSHA students are not intended to be eligible to receive this certificate as the CAHME-accredited degree is appropriate and sufficient development and credentialing.

Formerly enrolled MSHA students may apply for certificate admission and utilize previously earned credits (grades of B or higher) toward certificate completion.

Accreditation

The School of Public Health and Information Sciences is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more information, see the School of Public Health and Information Sciences accreditation webpage.