College of Health Professions + Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management
Why we need to fix our data before we fix healthcare with AI
Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety
book_2 Learning Mode: OnlineProgram Overview
The Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety (MSHQS) is a fully online graduate degree that prepares healthcare professionals to lead quality improvement, patient safety, and high-reliability initiatives across complex health systems. Designed for working clinicians, administrators, and non-traditional learners, the program emphasizes applied problem-solving using data, evidence-based methods, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. With a flexible online format and rolling enrollment, the MSHQS equips graduates to advance regulatory compliance, performance improvement, and system-level outcomes across hospitals, health systems, and related health care organizations.
Application Timeline
Spring 2027
Jul 1, 2026 - Dec 2, 2026
Summer 2027
Jul 1, 2026 - Apr 7, 2026
Fall 2027
Jul 1, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
Learning Experience
This engaging online curriculum blends theory with real world practice to build skills in quality improvement, safety science, data analysis, and leadership for measurable health care impact.
Inside the Program
Step into a learning environment designed to accelerate your impact in health care quality and patient safety. The Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety (MSHQS) delivers more than academic theory it equips you with the tools, confidence, and systems perspective needed to lead meaningful improvement across complex health care organizations.
Designed for working professionals, the program is delivered fully online and asynchronously, allowing you to balance career, education, and life without sacrificing rigor or relevance. Courses are offered in focused seven-week modules, enabling timely skill development with immediate application to real-world health care settings.
The curriculum is intentionally aligned with CAHME standards and emphasizes applied learning, systems thinking, and measurable outcomes in quality, safety, and performance improvement. Students learn from faculty with deep professional expertise in patient safety, regulatory science, quality improvement, and high-reliability organizations. Applied projects and practice-based learning explore how data, leadership, and innovation, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence, drive safer, more effective, and more accountable health care systems.
Throughout the program, students engage in a collaborative learning community that reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern health care teams. Graduates will emerge prepared not only for career advancement, but to lead sustainable improvements in quality, safety, and equity across health care organizations.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety curriculum consists of 36 credits and is designed to be completed in three semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Standard
Semester 1
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS601 | Introduction to Healthcare Quality & Safety | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HAP720 | Epidemiology, Population Health, & Quality | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Semester 2
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HAP726 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HAP704 | Health Policy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Semester 3
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS611 | Quantitative Methods, Measurement, & Tools for Quality Improvement | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HQS603 | Fundamentals of Patient Safety | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Semester 4
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS734 | Project Management for Healthcare Initiatives | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HAP736 | Managing Healthcare: Operations, Quality, & Projects | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Semester 5
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS733 | Advanced Data Use in Quality Improvement & Safety | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HQS728 | Evaluating & Designing Quality Improvement Models | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Semester 6
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS726 | Leadership in High-Reliability Organizations | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HQS790 | Healthcare Quality & Safety Capstone | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Curriculum Total | 36 | |
Advanced
Semester 1
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS601 | Introduction to Healthcare Quality & Safety | 3 |
| HAP720 | Epidemiology, Population Health & Quality | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HAP726 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| HAP704 | Health Policy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
Semester 2
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS611 | Quantitative Methods, Measurement, & Tools | 3 |
| HQS603 | Fundamentals of Patient Safety | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HQS734 | Project Management for Healthcare Initiatives | 3 |
| HAP736 | Managing Healthcare Operations, Quality & Projects | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
Semester 3
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| HQS733 | Advanced Data Use in Quality Improvement & Safety | 3 |
| HQS728 | Evaluating & Designing Quality Improvement Models | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| HQS726 | Leadership in High-Reliability Organizations | 3 |
| HQS790 | Healthcare Quality & Safety Capstone | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
| Curriculum Total | 36 | |
Your path to admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
Preference is given to applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be asked to submit additional materials (e.g., resume, letters of recommendation) or participate in an admissions interview to assess readiness for graduate-level study.
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice.
Application Requirements
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Complete the MUSC application.
- Once all materials have been received and verified your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
- After applications have been submitted, qualified applicants may be invited for a virtual interview.
- Offers will be sent as applications are reviewed. Admissions decisions for this program are made on a rolling basis.
Application Requirements
- MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application, which will include submitting the following supplemental materials.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume
- All information above must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of their application to ensure that all application materials have been submitted.
International Applicants
MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admissions process.
Funding your path forward
Explore ways to support your education with information on tuition, cost of attendance, scholarships, and financial planning resources designed to help you invest wisely in your future.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees listed below apply to the 2026-27 academic year and are per semester unless otherwise noted.
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $100 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $500 |
Full-Time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition (per credit hour) | $542 | $542 | $542 |
| Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour) | $542 | $542 | $542 |
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance, or COA, estimates the total educational expenses for an enrollment period. The information below reflects the 2026-27 academic year. The COA includes direct costs, such as tuition and fees, billed by the university, as well as indirect costs you may need to plan for, including housing, food, transportation, books and other personal expenses.
The COA helps determine the maximum amount a student may borrow in an academic year and supports funding-related determinations, such as grants, scholarships, loans and others.
Your actual expenses may be lower than the COA, especially with careful budgeting. MUSC's Office of Student Financial Literacy can help you create a budget that supports your education, personal needs and long-term financial goals.
Standard
Fall Start
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| In-State Tuition | $9,756 | $9,756 | $19,512 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,756 | $9,756 | $19,512 |
| Health Insurance | $4,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| Fees | - | - | - |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $13,756 | $13,756 | $27,512 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $13,756 | $13,756 | $27,512 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $27,144 | $27,144 | $54,288 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,880 | $2,880 | $5,760 |
| Transportation | $3,240 | $3,240 | $6,480 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $2,410 | $2,410 | $4,820 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $35,674 | $35,674 | $71,348 |
| Estimated Total Costs | |||
| In-State Total Costs | $49,430 | $49,430 | $98,860 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $49,430 | $49,430 | $98,860 |
Spring Start
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||||
| In-State Tuition | $6,504 | $9,756 | $3,252 | $19,512 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $6,504 | $9,756 | $3,252 | $19,512 |
| Health Insurance | $2,311 | $4,000 | $1,689 | $8,000 |
| Fees | - | - | - | - |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $8,815 | $13,756 | $4,941 | $27,512 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $8,815 | $13,756 | $4,941 | $27,512 |
| Indirect Costs | ||||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $15,834 | $27,144 | $9,048 | $52,026 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,680 | $2,880 | $960 | $5,520 |
| Transportation | $1,890 | $3,240 | $1,080 | $6,210 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $2,060 | $2,410 | $1,030 | $5,500 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $21,464 | $35,674 | $12,118 | $69,256 |
| Estimated Total Costs | ||||
| In-State Total Costs | $30,279 | $49,430 | $17,059 | $96,768 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $30,279 | $49,430 | $17,059 | $96,768 |
Summer Start
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| In-State Tuition | $9,756 | $9,756 | $19,512 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,756 | $9,756 | $19,512 |
| Health Insurance | $5,045 | $4,000 | $9,045 |
| Fees | - | - | - |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $14,801 | $13,756 | $28,557 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $14,801 | $13,756 | $28,557 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $27,144 | $27,144 | $54,288 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,880 | $2,880 | $5,760 |
| Transportation | $3,240 | $3,240 | $6,480 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $2,410 | $2,410 | $4,820 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $35,674 | $35,674 | $71,348 |
| Estimated Total Costs | |||
| In-State Total Costs | $50,475 | $49,430 | $99,905 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $50,475 | $49,430 | $99,905 |
Accelerated
Fall Start
| Item | Year 1 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||
| In-State Tuition | $19,512 | $19,512 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,512 | $19,512 |
| Health Insurance | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Fees | - | - |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $23,512 | $23,512 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $23,512 | $23,512 |
| Indirect Costs | ||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $27,144 | $27,144 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,880 | $2,880 |
| Transportation | $3,240 | $3,240 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $3,460 | $3,460 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $36,724 | $36,724 |
| Estimated Total Costs | ||
| In-State Total Costs | $60,236 | $60,236 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $60,236 | $60,236 |
Spring Start
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| In-State Tuition | $13,008 | $6,504 | $19,512 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,008 | $6,504 | $19,512 |
| Health Insurance | $2,311 | $1,689 | $4,000 |
| Fees | - | - | - |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $15,319 | $8,193 | $23,512 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $15,319 | $8,193 | $23,512 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $15,834 | $9,048 | $24,882 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,680 | $960 | $2,640 |
| Transportation | $1,890 | $1,080 | $2,970 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $2,760 | $1,380 | $4,140 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $22,164 | $12,468 | $34,632 |
| Estimated Total Costs | |||
| In-State Total Costs | $37,483 | $20,661 | $58,144 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $37,483 | $20,661 | $58,144 |
Summer Start
| Item | Year 1 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||
| In-State Tuition | $19,512 | $19,512 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,512 | $19,512 |
| Health Insurance | $5,045 | $5,045 |
| Fees | - | - |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $24,557 | $24,557 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $24,557 | $24,557 |
| Indirect Costs | ||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $27,144 | $27,144 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,880 | $2,880 |
| Transportation | $3,240 | $3,240 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $3,460 | $3,460 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $36,724 | $36,724 |
| Estimated Total Costs | ||
| In-State Total Costs | $61,281 | $61,281 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $61,281 | $61,281 |
Scholarships & Aid
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Career Outlook
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan 16, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh.
Program Faculty
Learn from accomplished educators who guide students through the curriculum with academic and professional expertise.
Eric Richardson, Ph.D., MBA, MPH, PHR, SHRM-CP, CHHR
Professor and Chair
Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning Experience
The MSHQS is designed for working professionals, including clinicians, administrators, quality professionals, and non-clinical leaders who want to advance their impact in healthcare quality, safety, and performance improvement roles.
No. The MSHQS is intentionally designed for both clinical and non-clinical professionals. Students come from diverse backgrounds including nursing, administration, quality improvement, public health, informatics, and operations.
Career Outcomes
Yes. Career pathways extend across health systems, ambulatory care organizations, public health agencies, payer organizations, consulting firms, and other health care related entities focused on quality, safety, and performance improvement.
The curriculum develops competencies in leadership, quality science, safety culture, data analysis and systems improvement, which directly support advancement into higher-impact leadership and improvement-focused roles.
Guided by purpose & principles
This program is built to empower future leaders with insight, values, and skills to create meaningful change in complex health systems and to support ethical, accountable decision-making.
Program Learning Objectives (PLOs)
- PLO 1: Demonstrate systems thinking and project management expertise to design and scale improvement initiatives across diverse healthcare environments.
- PLO 2: Integrate data analytics and AI- enhanced tools to support continuous quality improvement and decision- making in healthcare systems.
- PLO 3: Apply evidence-based practices to address challenges related to the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.
- PLO 4: Navigate legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks to ensure compliance and promote ethical leadership in healthcare quality and safety.
- PLO 5: Lead interdisciplinary teams to implement, evaluate, and sustain high- reliability, patient-centered care initiatives.y
Competencies
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply systems thinking and quality science principles to evaluate and improve healthcare delivery models
- Analyze performance data using AI-enabled tools to inform clinical and operational decision-making
- Design, manage, and lead projects that address real-world safety and quality challenges in healthcare organizations
- Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders using data-driven insights and strategic messaging
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors that foster interprofessional collaboration, continuous learning, and organizational resilience
Vision
The Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety (MSHQS) program envisions a future in which healthcare organizations are transformed through leaders who advance quality, patient safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. By anticipating the evolving needs of healthcare systems and the future of healthcare delivery, the program seeks to be a national leader in preparing agile, innovative, and evidence-informed professionals who leverage data, technology, and systems thinking to improve organizational performance and the health of communities in South Carolina and beyond.
This vision guides curriculum design, competency development, and learning experiences that prepare graduates to lead quality improvement, patient safety, and healthcare transformation across a wide range of healthcare organizations.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing innovative ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety (MSHQS) program is to prepare early- and mid-career healthcare professionals to become ethical, innovative, and systems-oriented leaders who improve quality, patient safety, organizational performance, and health outcomes through evidence-based management, continuous improvement, and the responsible use of data and technology. Through rigorous, applied graduate education, the program equips graduates to lead across a wide range of healthcare organizations, advance healthy communities, drive healthcare transformation, and strengthen the future healthcare workforce in alignment with the mission of the Medical University of South Carolina.
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Accreditation & Recognition
The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety. To learn more about MUSC’s institutional accreditation and find contact details, please visit our Accreditation page.
The Master of Science in Healthcare Quality & Safety has been determined eligible to apply for CAHME candidacy, marking the first step in a self-driven journey toward accreditation. Eligibility does not constitute an accredited status nor guarantee candidacy or accreditation. While CAHME establishes data collection timeframes, the pace of accreditation is ultimately program-driven and depends on proactive engagement. CAHME accredits master's-level healthcare management programs and is recognized by CHEA.