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MS in Healthcare Analytics

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Master’s in Healthcare Analytics Degree Overview


If you have a healthcare or analytic background and would like to deepen and broaden your expertise or enter the healthcare field, a master’s in healthcare analytics (MSHA) degree is for you. This graduate STEM program will provide you with the technical and management you need to succeed in healthcare analytics, following all best practices in data analytics and the ability to apply them to the many facets of modern healthcare. This master’s in healthcare analytics program will prepare you to knowledgeably engage with stakeholders around health data science and analytics so that you can make a difference in your chosen healthcare organization.

Healthcare is more than just doctors, nurses, and insurance providers; it includes the people working behind the scenes to support the healthcare system and ensure it functions properly. As a healthcare analyst, you’ll make critical predictive and prescriptive analytic decisions, managing data and information. Your expertise in health data analytics will be welcomed in a variety of roles within hospitals, clinics, healthcare devices or services companies, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, and more. The MSHA program delivers a quality education in advanced healthcare data analysis with emphasis on information systems design, foundation of policy, optimization of clinical and medical service quality, the integration of statistical data, and more. 

A Master’s in Healthcare Analytics is a strategic decision for professionals who want to learn the relationship of healthcare management to big data, and health information technology. This interdisciplinary STEM program merges information system, data management, and healthcare administration principles to equip graduates with the skills needed to drive innovation in the health services sector.

Now more than ever, as the pandemic has raised awareness in this STEM field and the volume of health data continues to grow, opportunities for healthcare professionals who know how to analyze and perform data mining to improve patient care are on the rise. With the exponential growth of big data in the healthcare industry, proficiency in health data management is becoming increasingly in demand. Some topics we explore in our health analytics’ core courses include: design and management for healthcare informatics, methods for healthcare data analytics, public health informatics, and healthcare database design. Learn more about our course offerings below.
 

 

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Alliant CSML Celebrates New Partnership with HIMSS

logo of HIMSS

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) recently designated the California School of Leadership and Management (CSML) at Alliant International University as an approved education partner (AEP). HIMSS is a premier reputable, recognized global advisor, thought leader, and member association committed to transforming the health ecosystem. This is a huge honor, and we truly appreciate their recognition of the CSML. HIMSS praised our well-developed graduate programs that provide students with the latest skills, knowledge on a variety of healthcare topics and courses, and a real-world application of the educational content. We are thrilled to join this exclusive group of AEP organizations.

The benefits of being an AEP with HIMSS are numerous. CSML is authorized to offer the MSHA and MSDA programs with their robust curricula now as HIMSS-approved programs. This partnership further strengthens the credibility of the skills and competencies which students receive throughout CSML degree programs. Earning a degree from an HIMSS/AEP partner school will make you a more desirable candidate to recruiters, and more competitive in the healthcare related marketplace. HIMSS members are also eligible for a 15% tuition savings toward CSML master’s and doctoral programs.

Learn more about HIMSS

 

MSHA Program Highlights


Hands-on Learning

Learn through applied research, writing, presentations, discussions, debates, and an internship or a team-based capstone project using data queries, statistical modeling, algorithmic routines, and procedural logic you can use to benefit your current organization.

A Versatile Degree

This health analytics program prepares you to succeed in a wide range of jobs in varying departments within hospitals, clinics, healthcare device companies, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, and more.

Honors Program

Students have the opportunity to participate in a research project which could lead to authorship and publication in a peer-reviewed journal, blog or SIGs (special interest groups) through the school’s technology and quantitative analysis programs.

Practical Training (CPT)

Practical training in the health professions is required and intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. Learn More

 

Admissions


Learn About Admissions Requirements 

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MSHA Degree Information


Honors Program

The MS in Healthcare Analytics program now has an honors program for high-achieving students.

This honors program cohort will meet once a month for a deep-dive discussion on contemporary trending industry issues, gaps, advances, and opportunities. It will engage in research projects led by faculty that are designed to further the reach of their education in a manner commensurate with their existing academic achievement. This research can lead to pieces for publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals, and the teams who successfully publish pieces will be listed as research authors in the publication itself.

Each and every student within the honors program will also receive professional executive mentoring on their selected career path, CV creation, and interviewing advice, as we guide our graduates to be prepared to make their impact in their career as soon as possible.

Finally, honors program members will assist instructors and gain invaluable experience as both a teacher and a leader as they work with these professors on assignment preparation, assist students with coursework, and ultimately conduct student-perspective evaluations in courses where they will provide feedback to instructors on student perceptions of course instruction.

The honors program is for students that have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above for two consecutive terms, and will be required to pass a CSML faculty interview as well. 

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Industry Curriculum Partners

Program content and curriculum are developed in collaboration with industry experts including: 

  • Sriram Bharadwaj, previous Director of Applications and Chief Information Security Officer, Acting Interim CIO, UC Irvine Health 
  • Brett Garcia, Health Plan Supervisor at Kaiser Permanente
  • Dr. Aaron Wester, core faculty at CSML, previous Technical Products Specialist for Press Ganey Associates, and previous National Director Advanced Analytics, Data Science and Research for iProspect / Dentsu Aegis conducting data analytics for Anthem healthcare.

 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students in the MSHA ground program are required to participate in curricular practical training as part of their experiential learning throughout the program. Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. This is required throughout the academic program from start on Day 1 to program completion. Domestic students can contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator directly for guidance.  International students must apply for authorization for Curricular Practical Training to the Designated School Official (DSO).

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CSML CPT Application Process for International Students

  1. Obtain a job offer letter from your employer. The offer letter needs the following: 
    1. To be on company letterhead  
    2. Start and end date. (For example: CPT start date is 10/17/22, End date is 08/20/2023) 
    3. Include specific duties to perform, office location, direct supervisor name and contact number. 
    4. State that it is a part-time position 
    5. Include the following statement: “employer agrees to cooperate with the school in achieving the curricular purposes of the employment/training” 
  2. Complete the Application for CPT and the Advisor Verification Form for CPT. These forms are located on the student portal:  https://alliantintluni.sharepoint.com/sites/IntlStudent/SitePages/International-Forms.aspx 
  3. Email your offer letter and the 2 forms to your Program Director/Faculty Advisor at Alliant. 
  4. Once they have signed the forms, please follow up and email ISSO@alliant.edu.  The DSO is the one who will give you the authorization to start working. 
  5. Also, if it is your first time in the USA, you will need to go to the Social Security Administration office to obtain a social security number, this process can take 2 or more weeks. Your employer will need your social security number for you to work. So please start the process as soon as possible. For the address of local Social Security Administration offices, see: www.ssa.gov 
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Frequently Asked Questions

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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?

In addition to working as a healthcare analyst, graduates of the MSHA degree program can also find themselves working as a clinical manager, health data scientist, insurance analyst, health information technologist, pharmacist, physician, nurse, healthcare consultant, nursing home administrator, or in federal and state government agencies that value this specialized expertise.

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What scholarship and financial aid options are available?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

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Are there licensure exams I’ll need to pass after graduating from the program?

While there are no required licensure exams for health care analysts, the American Health Information Management Association does offer examinations for those looking to achieve unique distinction in this field and become a certified health data analyst (CHDA). Earning the CHDA certification can help you:

  • Validate mastery and specialized competence
  • Demonstrate professionalism and commitment
  • Exhibit broad organizational knowledge
  • Facilitate professional development
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When does the MSHA degree program start?

The MS in Health Analytics is offered as an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar.

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How long does it take to complete the degree program?

The health analytics master’s program is a 33-credit program and takes approximately one year to complete across eight terms.

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aaron wester

"Analytics driven clinical outcomes help achieve greater performance in healthcare management and alleviate the pressures on health systems, which ultimately drives greater patient care and support structures."

Dr. Aaron Wester
Program Lead Faculty
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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

Learn More

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Why CSML

CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.

Why CSML

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MS in Forensic Behavioral Science

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Forensic Behavioral Science Overview


If you have a passion for making the world safer and more secure, and a desire to prevent, investigate, and mitigate conflict and violence, this program is for you. Learn about working within the criminal justice system, addressing and managing crises methodically, and scientifically. If you have an interest in mental health and human behavior and you're looking to make a difference in your community, enroll in our master's in forensic behavioral science degree today.

This program offers five (5) concentrations:

  • Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies: Designed for students interested in gaining a greater understanding of conflict dynamics and in obtaining evidence-based knowledge and skills to support conflict resolution in multiple contexts.
  • Criminal Behavior: Designed for students interested in understanding offenders from a motivational, psychological, and social perspective. Designed to enhance the knowledge base for students aspiring to law enforcement, correctional, investigative, or consulting careers.
  • Forensic Victimology: Designed to support those who want a deeper understanding of victim-offender dynamics to aid in safety planning and civil and criminal investigations.
  • Professional Protection & Security Management: Designed for those seeking to enhance their ability to lead in a variety of security and critical incident contexts.
  • Trial Consulting: Designed for students interested in working alongside attorneys in criminal or civil actions and applying behavioral science to legal proceedings, or in applied research designed to enhance the pursuit of justice.
     

 

Program Highlights


Quality Concentrations

Pursue a concentration in conflict resolution and peace studies, criminal behavior, forensic victimology, professional protection & security management, or trial consulting.

Real-world Knowledge

Learn the most current, evidence-based tools and theories which are proven to be effective, and how to apply them to a variety of professions, disciplines, and environments.

Designed for Working Professionals

The forensic psychology program is offered online with two weekend residencies including simulations, case studies, and a capstone project to support the application of theory to practice.

 

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Degree Information


Faculty Spotlight: Diana Concannon

Diana M. Concannon, PsyD, is associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Alliant International University, dean of CSFS, and director of the APA-accredited California Psychology Internship Consortium. To each of these positions, she brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to support the development and delivery of quality, practical, and accessible education in various mental health disciplines.

She is a forensic psychologist, licensed to practice in California, New York, Utah, and Washington D.C., a professional certified investigator by the American Society for Industrial Security, a rape escape instructor, and a Loyola Law School-trained mediator

She is the author of Kidnapping: An Investigator’s Guide to Profiling and Neurocriminology: Forensic and Legal Applications, Public Policy Implications, as well as numerous journal articles on extremism, threat assessment, and risk management.

 

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?

Graduates of the program can potentially work in the legal system as a crime analyst or in law enforcement. They may also consider pursuing roles in private security, social work and emergency medical services, fire services, corrections, mental health and allied fields, risk management, and forensic linguistics.

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What scholarship and financial aid options are available?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education. Alliant is pleased to be able to offer a significant number of institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

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When does the master’s in forensic behavioral science degree program start?

This is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.

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How long does it take to complete the MS in forensic behavioral science program?

This is a 36-credit program and takes a minimum of one year to complete, across seven terms.

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Who teaches the classes?

CSFS faculty members include criminologists, forensic psychologists, law enforcement officers, security professionals, and legal professionals who are engaged in professional practice.

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What is the modality of this program?

The program is offered online with two weekend residencies, offering flexibility without sacrificing quality.

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Professor Diana Concannon from the Masters in Behavioral Science Program

"The National Academy of Sciences has concluded what many students—particularly those already working in the field—have confirmed: the knowledge they have gained through mentorship, and the expertise conferred by informed intuition, is greatly enhanced when anchored in science. As the National Academy concluded, “Legitimating practices in the forensic science disciplines must be based on established scientific knowledge, disciplines, and practices, which are best learned through formal education.” The goal of CSFS MS in forensic behavioral science is to support our students to ground their skills, expertise, and knowledge in evidence-based practices that allow rapid and effective decision-making and responses that address complex forensic challenges."

Diana Concannon
Dean of CSFS
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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

Learn More

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Why CSFS

CSFS is dedicated to graduating rigorously educated and trained professionals who impact society, public opinion, and policy by applying science in preventing, investigating, and mitigating conflict and violence. CSFS is a corporate partner of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and many of our advanced practice certificates are eligible for continuing education credit.

Why CSFS

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MS in Data Analytics

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Masters in Data Analytics Online Degree Overview


There is always demand for individuals who can harness the vast amount of data being generated in the world today. With a master of science in data analytics degree, this STEM field prepares you to pursue opportunities to excel in the growing technology sector. You’ll be able to decipher data and turn it into the meaningful business intelligence organizations rely on to reduce costs, design new products, improve efficiencies, and maintain a competitive edge.

The masters in data analytics, or MSDA, is a STEM program and is focused on growing your skills in data science through:

  • Technology and quantitative analysis
  • Statistical modeling
  • Critical thinking

Your professional studies in big data structures will include deep analysis, forecasting, and operational problem-solving. Available both on our San Diego campus and fully online, the advanced data analytics program teaches you valuable skills through real-world applications, and ensures that you're knowledgeable in applied data science, big data analytics, data visualization, data engineering and business analytics. You will be fully prepared to work as a professional data analyst within organizations, acting as the mind that can master the machine.
 

 

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Concentrations

Healthcare Analytics

This advanced analytics concentration targets the expertise required in current healthcare analytics environments and provides a clear understanding of practical healthcare analytics decision-making. Students will learn techniques and skills needed to work with diverse data sets, a range of analytics platforms and reporting tools to improve health care. Through the use of innovative and essential techniques, you will be prepared to deliver efficient and quality healthcare analytics. Students of the data science program will learn to select, prepare, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and present health data related to health system performance and effectiveness.

Informatics

Within the information system concentration, students will focus on enterprise level information management tactics, techniques, and modeling methods for extracting, transforming, and loading data into essential reports and visualizations utilized for evaluation, synthesis, data analysis, and interpretation of business operations results. In the master's degree program with focus on information systems, students will learn to establish optimal data-driven recommendations and prescriptions from historic, current, and future data that align with stakeholder departmental end-state objectives, conversions, and goals.


CSML Celebrates Their Partnership with HIMSS

https://www.alliant.edu/business/data-analytics/ms

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) recently designated the California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) at Alliant International University as an approved education partner (AEP). HIMSS is a premier reputable, recognized global advisor, thought leader, and member association committed to transforming the health ecosystem. This is a huge honor, and we truly appreciate their recognition of the CSML. HIMSS praised our well-developed graduate programs that provide students with the latest skills, knowledge on a variety of healthcare topics and courses, and a real-world application of the educational content. We are thrilled to join this exclusive group of AEP organizations.

The benefits of being an AEP with HIMSS are numerous. CSML is authorized to offer the MSHA and MSDA programs with their robust curricula now as HIMSS-approved programs. This partnership further strengthens the credibility of the skills and competencies which students receive throughout CSML degree programs. Earning a degree from an HIMSS/AEP partner school will make you a more desirable candidate to recruiters, and more competitive in the healthcare related marketplace. HIMSS members are also eligible for a 15% tuition savings toward CSML master’s and doctoral programs.

Learn More about HIMSS

 

Program Highlights


From Class to Corporate

The advanced data analytics program gives you the chance to use your education in an existing organization within your chosen industry, building your skills and experience in business analytics and machine learning through internships and other opportunities.

Flexible Schedule

This MSDA program was created to provide flexibility for working professionals, with the option to attend weekly, on-campus meetings in the evenings, or the option to complete the master's degree program online.

Honors Program

In the honors program you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a research project for authorship and publication in a peer reviewed outlet through the school’s technology and quantitative analytics programs. You'll gain experience in leveraging computational data science to solve complex business challenges.

Practical Training (CPT)

Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. Read More

 

A Message from the Program Director


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Aaron Wester, Assistant Professor and Program Director, California School of Management and Leadership 

 

Admissions


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Faculty


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Degree Information


Honors Program

As part of the CSML honors program cohort for high-achieving students, you’ll:

  • Meet once a month for a deep-dive discussion on contemporary trending industry issues, gaps, advances, and opportunities
  • Engage in research designed to further the reach of your education in a manner commensurate with your existing academic achievement
  • Prepare your research for potential publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals; if published, you’ll be listed as a research author in the publication
  • Receive professional executive mentoring on your selected career path, with CV and interviewing advice to prepare you to advance in your in career quickly
  • Assist instructors and gain experience as both a teacher and a leader, working with professors on assignment preparation, assisting students with coursework, and conducting student-perspective evaluations that include student perceptions of course instruction

The honors program is for students that have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above for two consecutive terms, and will be required to pass a CSML faculty interview as well.
 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students in the MSDA ground program are required to participate in curricular practical training as part of their experiential learning throughout the program. Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. This is required throughout the academic program from start on Day 1 to program completion. Domestic students can contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator directly for guidance. International students must apply for authorization for Curricular Practical Training to the Designated School Official (DSO).

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CSML CPT Application Process for International Students

  1. Obtain a job offer letter from your employer. The offer letter needs the following: 
    1. To be on company letterhead  
    2. Start and end date. (For example: CPT start date is 10/17/22, End date is 08/20/2023) 
    3. Include specific duties to perform, office location, direct supervisor name and contact number. 
    4. State that it is a part-time position 
    5. Include the following statement: “employer agrees to cooperate with the school in achieving the curricular purposes of the employment/training” 
  2. Complete the Application for CPT and the Advisor Verification Form for CPT. These forms are located on the student portal:  https://alliantintluni.sharepoint.com/sites/IntlStudent/SitePages/International-Forms.aspx 
  3. Email your offer letter and the 2 forms to your Program Director/Faculty Advisor at Alliant. 
  4. Once they have signed the forms, please follow up and email ISSO@alliant.edu.  The DSO is the one who will give you the authorization to start working. 
  5. Also, if it is your first time in the USA, you will need to go to the Social Security Administration office to obtain a social security number, this process can take 2 or more weeks. Your employer will need your social security number for you to work. So please start the process as soon as possible. For the address of local Social Security Administration offices, see: www.ssa.gov 
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Accreditation


CSML is pleased to announce it has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for its PhD in leadership, doctorate in business administration (DBA), MBA, and a MS in data analytics degree. 

ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes offered within CSML programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by the accrediting body, which is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education across the country. The ACBSP mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize teaching excellence through its recognition of business education programs throughout the world.

 

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

 

Job Outlook


The job outlook for data scientists working in healthcare and information systems is anticipated to experience growth. A significant portion of these openings is expected as a result of the need to replace workers who transition to different professions or leave the workforce, often due to retirement or other reasons.

Data science programs prepare you for leadership roles in the evolving field of information technology. A data analytics master's degree graduate can be qualified for leadership careers such as a:

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Administrator
  • Data Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Information Research Scientist
  • Advanced Analytics Expert

Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/data-analytics-masters-program.ht…;

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?

With an MS in data analytics California, you may be able to build a career in fields such as data scientist, management analyst, consultant, project manager, logistician, data architect, big data engineer, data mining engineer, qualitative analyst, and modeler.

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What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

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When does the MSDA program start?

The degree is offered as an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar.

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How long does it take to complete the MSDA degree program?

The degree is a 33-credit program and takes a minimum of 14 months to complete across seven terms.

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Admissions Undergrad

"I have learned a lot about business and the power of data. Being more educated, especially in a field that nowadays is industry-driving, can help a lot in different fields, such as business, healthcare, and tech."

Iman H.
MSDA Student
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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

Learn More

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Why CSML

CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.

Why CSML

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MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology

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MS in Psychopharmacology Overview


If you are a licensed clinical psychologist and want to expand your toolbox, improve the mental health of your community, and make a difference for individuals suffering from a mental illness, it’s a smart move to earn your master of science in clinical psychopharmacology (MSCP). Clinical pharmacology integrates pharmaceutical science with behavioral science to treat and manage symptoms of mental health disorders. This online program, taught via live classes, will prepare you to add another dimension to your clinical practice by giving you the ability to consult with psychiatric prescribers about psychopharmacology, and prescribe psychotropic medications safely and effectively in states and federal jurisdictions which allow prescriptive authority for psychologists. Your knowledge and clinical practice experience in the use of psychotropic medications will contribute significantly to the development of mental health science. 

In 1998, the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant established the nation's first postdoctoral MSCP program, and its MSCP has been at the forefront of preparing students for consulting practice and prescriptive authority (where permitted by law) in psychopharmacology ever since. Alliant’s MSCP program is designated by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.

The integration of pharmacotherapy with psychology paves the way for the development of targeted treatments for depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders, among many others. MSCP graduates will feel sufficiently knowledgeable to engage in collaborative assessment and treatment planning with prescribing clinicians and responsibly prescribe psychiatric medications where allowed by law. 
 

 

Program Highlights


Pioneers in the Prescriptive Authority Movement

Since 1998, Alliant’s MSCP has graduated more students than any other MSCP program -as of 2025, nearly 700 students have obtained its MSCP, many of whom became prescribing psychologists in various states and federal facilities. 

Unique, Online Program

Two-thirds or more of the 450 lecture hours are delivered ‘live’ via online video platforms like Zoom. This allows interactions with the professors  that closely resemble a traditional classroom environment. Live environment allows students to ask questions and receive real-time learning support to master medical material and discuss clinical case examples.By contrast, most other MSCP programs utilize asynchronous (prerecorded) lectures for most or all of the 450 classroom hours.

Cohort and Class Engagement

The live environment also allows much for student interaction, including group activities. Programs opportunities that mostly utilize asynchronous instruction offer few opportunities for group-based learning.

Broad-based, Expert Faculty

Faculty in the MSCP program include physicians, nurse practitioners, prescribing psychologists, prescribing pharmacists, clinical psychologists, and neuroscientists. The faculty  represents nearly every profession involved in psychiatric prescribing, thus broadening the exposure of our students to various perspectives and prescribing approaches.

Doctoral Students Can Pursue Our Program Concurrently

Alliant’s MSCP is currently one of only two MSCP’s which accept students at the doctoral level, meaning students can concurrently complete their doctoral program in health service psychology (like clinical or counseling) with Alliant’s MSCP program. This can reduce the time toward completion of both programsby as much as two years. 

No Residency Required

The MSCP program at Alliant does not require any residency and has no on-site requirement during any portion of the MSCP studies.

Join an Innovative Program

CSPP is an incubator for clinical psychopharmacology. The MSCP faculty are highly accomplished as clinicians and researchers. With the integration of medication management and biopsychosocial treatment into psychological and behavioral care, the MS in clinical psychopharmacology program is designed to help psychologists across the country become better mental health professionals, providing more comprehensive care.

Earn Your Master’s Online with Two Starts Per Year

The MSCP program is offered online in ten eight-week terms, with classes starting in January and August, with a schedule designed for the working professional. All live classes are held on weekends. In addition to completing the courses, you'll participate in community-based practicum where you will dive deeper into the issues central to the clinical demands, engage in collaborative assessment, and use resources and skills to obtain evidence-based information on medications and treatment guidelines.

Do More for Your Patients

Clinical psychopharmacology, an intersection of knowledge in psychology and medicine, is now recognized as a specialty by the APA. As a licensed psychologist with an MS in clinical psychopharmacology, or MSCP, you will be prepared to reach practical conclusions, make clinical decisions, oversee the mental health treatment for your patients, and ensure that they are receiving the correct medicine, if authorized.

 

Do More for Your Patients with Psychopharmacology


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Program Director, Clinical Psychopharmacology

Dr. George Kapalka
george.kapalka@alliant.edu

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Who is this Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology designed for?

The Master's Degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology is designed for professionals who want to expand their knowledge of psychotropic drug treatments and their effects on patients. This program integrates advanced coursework, hands-on training, and clinical research to prepare students for roles in mental health and pharmacological treatment.

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What scholarship and financial aid options are available?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

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Does this program lead to licensure for psychotropic prescription?

The overall goals of the program are to educate practicing psychologists to work collaboratively with other health care professionals who prescribe medication, to integrate psychotropic medication and its management in treatment of behavioral and mental disorders, and to prescribe safely and effectively in states and federal agencies that allow psychologists to prescribe. California does not currently grant prescriptive authority to psychologists through a psychopharmacology program, while some other states have granted prescriptive authority to psychologists as part of a separate licensure process. Students interested in gaining prescriptive authority in a specific state should contact the MSCP program director to discuss any additional requirements that may need to be completed to become eligible for licensure as a prescribing/medical psychologist.

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What are the admission requirements?

Applicants should hold a relevant graduate degree in psychology or a related field. Some degree programs may require previous clinical experience and licensure as a clinical psychologist. Please refer to the program-specific requirements here.

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When does the clinical psychopharmacology postdoctoral MS degree program start?

The program is offered in ten eight-week terms (five per year) and traditionally enrolls new students each January and August. Students who transfer equivalent courses or challenge some courses by emanination may start with a different term and join an existing cohort. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.

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How long does it take to complete the clinical psychopharmacology MS degree program?

The clinical psychopharmacology postdoctoral MS online degree is a 30-credit program and requires a minimum of ten eight-week terms to complete, which takes two years. Apply for the master’s in psychopharmacology today.

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Can I enroll in individual courses at Alliant?

Alliant only offers full academic programs. If you're interested in taking individual courses, or specific courses for licensure, we recommend exploring our Lifelong Learning and Professional Development program, which may offer what you need. You can contact them directly at ce@alliant.edu for more information.

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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

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Why CSPP

Founded in 1969, CSPP was one of the nation’s first independent schools of professional psychology. Today, CSPP continues its commitment to preparing the next generation of mental health professionals through graduate-level degree programs in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, clinical counseling, organizational psychology, psychopharmacology, and more.

Why CSPP

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