Degrees and Areas of Specialization

The department of public health sciences offers courses of study leading to the following graduate degrees and certificates:

  • Master of Arts in aging studies (MA)
  • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
  • Graduate Certificate in aging studies for health professionals
  • Graduate Certificate in healthcare leadership
  • Graduate Certificate in organizational leadership in aging services
  • Graduate Certificate in senior living
  • Graduate Certificate in public health

All graduate certificates are available for degree and nondegree seeking individuals whose primary goal is advanced core knowledge in those disciplines. PHS also offers the Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Practicum for students holding a bachelor's degree interested in nursing home administration.

PHS programs offer both academic and applied education for students seeking to advance their careers in aging services and health administration. Graduate education is vital for deepening knowledge, enhancing leadership potential, and gaining a competitive edge in the job market. It also expands career opportunities and increases earning potential. Graduate programs in PHS prepare professionals to make a meaningful impact in these rapidly growing and evolving fields.

For the most current information or further questions, please refer to the public health sciences department website1.

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Programs in Public Health Sciences

Certificates in Public Health Sciences

Program Overview

Curriculum Details

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Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Practicum Placement

The AIT practicum placement is available to individuals with a bachelor’s degree, and who have had coursework and/or professional experience in aging services or senior living.

Students who hold a bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing the AIT practicum as a nondegree seeking student can register online to complete the practicum through Wichita State University's conference and community education office. Graduate students pursuing the Master of Arts in aging studies, senior living concentration can complete  PHS 660 AIT Practicum for 3 credit hours to fulfill the MA degree culminating experience requirement.

The AIT is designed to place qualified applicants in a 480-clock-hour practicum placement with a qualified nursing home administrator, as part of the preparation necessary for becoming a licensed nursing home administrator in the state of Kansas. The 480 practicum hours can begin at any point during the year, but must be completed within one year. The student works with their site preceptor to establish a schedule.

Students without relevant coursework and/or professional experience are encouraged to apply to the nondegree seeking aging studies category and pursue the graduate certificate in senior living. All 12 credit hours of the graduate certificate transfer to the Master of Arts in aging studies program for those interested in advancing their education. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree are highly encouraged to consider the MA in aging studies, senior living concentration to advance their education and maximize their career potential.

Graduate Certificate in Senior Living

Course Title Hours
PHS 518Healthcare Coordination3
PHS 562Senior Living Operations3
PHS 626Hospitality and Enrichment in Aging Communities3
FA 760Introduction to Adaptive Leadership3

Courses in Public Health Sciences

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