Patient Safety, M.S.

The Master of Science in Patient Safety is a four-semester online and classroom hybrid program that provides advanced didactic education complemented with experiential and simulation training to prepare experts and leaders in patient safety field. The program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree with background in sciences, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, dentistry, or related areas. The program of study is developed individually in consultation with the student’s mentor and is designed to ensure expertise in the student’s principal field. This will present the student with the opportunity, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, to tailor his or her academic program towards a chosen career path in a growing patient safety field. Patient quality and safety officers exist in a variety of healthcare roles in all institutions involved in patient care. Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in health care, pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industry, public organizations, contract research organizations, and consulting firms, among other organizations.

Continuous enrollment is required throughout the M.S. program. See Continuous Enrollment  for additional information. The maximum time allowed for completion of the M.S. is seven years.

Admission requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree in sciences, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, dentistry, or related areas from a regionally accredited university or college or international university with a cumulative 3.000 GPA or higher. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in other areas will be considered if the applicant demonstrates substantial academic or work-related experience in the fields of Healthcare and Patient Safety.
2. Two letters of recommendations from a professor or employer who is familiar with your academic abilities. If applicant graduated within last three years, one letter must be from a professor with whom they studied.
3. Resume or curriculum vitae with relevant experience.
4. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
5. A personal statement of approximately 500 words, which describes the applicant’s:

• Interest in the M.S. in Patient Safety program at Chapman University.
• Research goals.
• Career goals.
• Professional, academic, research, and extracurricular achievements.

Additional requirements for international applicants

1. Transcripts - Applicants submitting transcripts from foreign universities must submit official academic transcripts/mark sheets from the degree-granted university in both the original language and English.
2. English Proficiency Exam - International applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the CAE, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA.

• CAE minimum score = 180
• TOEFL minimum score = 80
• IELTS score = 6.5
• PTEA score = 53

International applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university in the United States or in another country where English is the official language are not required to take the English proficiency examination.

Requirements for Master of Science in Patient Safety degree

Students pursuing the M.S. in Patient Safety degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

• Completion of at least 30 credits to fulfill the requirements for the program.
• Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
• Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
• Complete a thesis PHS 698  or non-thesis capstone PHS 696 .

The Master of Science in Patient Safety degree requires completion of at least 30 credits. These include 18 credits of core courses, at least 9 credits of elective courses, and 3 credits of thesis or capstone project.

A program of study is developed individually in consultation with the student’s mentor and is designed to ensure expertise in the student’s principal field. This will present students with the opportunity, under the supervision of the program advisor, to tailor their academic program to prepare them for the career path of their choice.

The following courses make up the M.S. in Patient Safety degree curriculum: