Curriculum

The MS in Healthcare Leadership and Management program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. With flexible course options—evening on-campus classes or many online offerings—students can tailor their schedules to balance work, life, and study.

The curriculum includes artificial intelligence in healthcare, featuring a dedicated AI course that equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven industry. While prior experience in healthcare is beneficial, it is not required for admission.

Students are encouraged to consult the UT Dallas Graduate Catalog for the most current curriculum and course details.

Degree Plan Highlights

“SCH” indicates “Semester Credit Hours.”

27SCH

Core Courses*

27 semester credit hours

27 semester credit hours in healthcare-focused core business classes

9 SCH

Elective Courses*

9 semester credit hours

Prerequisite*

MAS 6102 Professional Development

4Tracks

Tracks are for informational and guidance purposes only and do not appear on your degree. You may switch from one track to another as long as you follow our degree plan. When you are not able to strictly follow one of the first (4) specialty tracks listed below, you should make sure that you, at a minimum, meet the criteria of the Healthcare Leadership and Management degree. All tracks include nine core courses and three electives. Contact the program manager for customized degree plans.

4 Specialty Tracks

Core Courses – 27 semester credit hours
Elective Courses – 9 semester credit hours

  • HMGT 6323 MIS 6317 Healthcare Informatics
  • HMGT 6327 MIS 6381 Electronic Health Records Applications
  • HMGT 6334 MIS 6324 Healthcare Analytics
  • OPRE 6301 SYSM 6303 Statistics and Data Analysis (Pre-Req for Healthcare Analytics)
Click here for Fall 2025 Semester-by-Semester sample plan with highlighted courses denoting certificate courses.

Students desiring an internal auditing career with a healthcare provider organization should consider the following courses:

Core Courses – 27 semester credit hours
Elective Courses – 9 semester credit hours

Click here for Fall 2025 Semester-by-Semester sample plan.

Core Courses – 27 semester credit hours
Elective Courses – 9 semester credit hours

Earn Academic Certificate in Six Sigma and Beyond Yellow Belt

  • HMGT 6320 The American Healthcare System
  • HMGT 6321 Strategic Leadership of Healthcare Organizations
  • HMGT 6323 Healthcare Informatics
  • HMGT 6332 Quality Improvement in Healthcare – Six Sigma and Beyond

Earn Professional Certificate in Six Sigma and Beyond Green Belt

  • OPRE 6332 Spreadsheet Modeling and Analytics
Click here for Fall 2025 Semester-by-Semester sample plan with highlighted courses denoting certificate courses.

For students desiring a career in supply chain management.

Core Courses – 27 semester credit hours
Elective Courses – 9 semester credit hours

  • HMGT 6325 Healthcare Operations Management
  • OPRE 6301 Statistics and Data Analysis
  • OPRE 6332 Spreadsheet Modeling and Analytics
  • OPRE 6362 Project Management in Engineering and Operations
  • OPRE 6371 Purchasing, Sourcing and Contract Management
Click here for Fall 2025 Semester-by-Semester sample plan.

Certificates

The graduate certificate in Healthcare IT emphasizes practical concepts and hands-on experience, essential to professional careers in the Healthcare IT industry. Technical skills, such as the utilization of electronic medical records (EMR) software such as Epic, are built into the certificate program. The learning outcomes for the program include the following:

  1. Identify and evaluate the types of information systems prevalent in healthcare organizations.
  2. Utilize hands-on, practice-oriented opportunities to learn the core components of clinical information systems used by major healthcare providers in the United States.
  3. Formulate a conceptual understanding of healthcare analytics and decision-making, in addition to developing technical skills in business intelligence and prescriptive analytics using decision analysis.

Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA to be in good academic standing with the university AND also a minimum 3.0 GPA in Basic Core Courses (check degree plan for list), for the degree, and overall in order to graduate with certificates. All courses for a certificate must be completed within 72 months.

  • HMGT 6323 Healthcare Informatics
  • HMGT 6327 Electronic Health Records Applications
  • HMGT 6334 Healthcare Analytics*
    • **OPRE 6301 Statistics and Data Analysis is not required for the certificate but is a prerequisite for HMGT 6334. Certificate-seeking students can request a waiver for OPRE 6301 if previous graduate coursework was taken that demonstrates an equivalent level of proficiency.

Please see the current graduate course catalog for course descriptions, course prerequisites and other information.

Degree-Seeking Students and Certificate-Seeking Students

Current degree-seeking graduate students are eligible but still must formally apply to the Healthcare IT Certificate Program. Academic certificate programs follow the same application and admission processes as graduate degree programs. All dates and deadlines can be located in the UTD Academic Calendar.

Non-degree seeking students can apply as a new student to the Healthcare IT Certificate Program using the JSOM admission website. Please note that non-degree seeking students are not typically eligible for financial aid. Please see the UTD Bursar webpage for information regarding tuition and fees.

Application Process

Current UTD Students

  • Even if you are currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UTD, you must submit a separate UTD graduate application for the certificate program. Regular deadlines apply. For application instructions and to apply, visit the UT Dallas Steps to Graduate page.
  • Note that current UTD students are exempt from the following parts of the graduate application:
    • Application fee
    • Recommendation letters
    • GRE/GMAT test scores
  • Once you are offered admission, you must accept your admission to the certificate program in Galaxy.

Not Currently Enrolled at UT Dallas

Cost

  • Texas residents can expect to pay approximately $11,750 in tuition and fees (assuming 2 courses per term for 2 terms) to complete four classes. Please see the UTD Bursar webpage for information regarding tuition and fees.
  • Please note that non-degree seeking students are typically not eligible for financial aid.

Graduation

  • At the beginning of the semester in when a student intends to graduate from the certificate program, they should email Amye.Broyles@utdallas.edu or Keith.Thurgood@utdallas.edu with this information to be made eligible to apply for graduation. Students should then submit their application for graduation within the regular deadlines.
  • Once the semester is complete, the registrar will audit on the student record. If all requirements have been met, the student will receive the certificate in the mail 6-8 weeks after the semester concludes.
  • Please note, if you apply to graduate from the certificate program during a semester in which you are not enrolled in any classes, you will be charged a $100 absentia fee at the end of the semester.

Forms and Deadlines

Forms

Apply Now

Intent to graduate students – apply for graduation in Galaxy with the information found above under the Graduation portion and email Amye.Broyles@utdallas.edu or Keith.Thurgood@utdallas.edu with your intent graduate the program.

Deadlines

Graduate Certificate Deadlines for U.S. Citizens and International Applicants are available on the UT Dallas Deadlines page.

Lean Six Sigma is a framework used to improve quality by focusing on re-engineering the processes involved in delivering a product or service. The Six Sigma concept was introduced in the mid-1980s to improve manufacturing processes, and it has evolved over many decades. Lean Six Sigma has become popular in the service sector and has increasingly been applied to improve the quality of healthcare processes and reduce overall costs.

Admission Requirement

Students currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership and Management program are eligible but still must formally apply to the Yellow Belt Certificate Program. Academic certificate programs follow the same application and admission processes as graduate degree programs. All dates and deadlines can be located in the UTD Academic Calendar.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA to be in good academic standing with the university AND also a minimum 3.0 GPA in Basic Core Courses (check degree plan for list), for the degree, and overall in order to graduate with certificates. All courses for a certificate must be completed within 72 months.

  • HMGT 6320 The American Healthcare System
  • HMGT 6321 Strategic Leadership of Healthcare Organizations
  • HMGT 6323 Healthcare Informatics
  • HMGT 6332 Quality Improvement in Healthcare – Six Sigma and Beyond

Please see the current graduate course catalog for course descriptions, course prerequisites and other information.

Degree-Seeking Students

Current degree-seeking graduate students are eligible but still must formally apply for the Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare Quality Yellow Belt Certificate. Academic certificate programs follow the same application and admission processes as graduate degree programs. All dates and deadlines can be located in the UTD Academic Calendar.

Application Process

Current UTD Students

  • Even if you are currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UTD, you must submit a separate UTD graduate application for the certificate program. Regular deadlines apply. For application instructions and to apply, visit the UT Dallas Steps to Graduate page.
  • Note that current UTD students are exempt from the following parts of the graduate application:
    • Application fee
    • Recommendation letters
    • GRE/GMAT test scores
  • Once you are offered admission, you must accept your admission to the certificate program in Galaxy.

Cost

Texas residents can expect to pay approximately $11,750 in tuition and fees (assuming two courses per term for two terms) to complete four classes. Please see the UTD Bursar webpage for information regarding tuition and fees.

Graduation

  • At the beginning of the semester in when a student intends to graduate from the certificate program, they should email Amye.Broyles@utdallas.edu or Keith.Thurgood@utdallas.edu with this information to be made eligible to apply for graduation. Students should then submit their application for graduation within the regular deadlines.
  • Once the semester is complete, the registrar will audit the student record. If all requirements have been met, the student will receive the certificate in the mail 6-8 weeks after the semester concludes.
  • Please note that if you apply to graduate from the certificate program during a semester in which you are not enrolled in any classes, you will be charged a $100 absentia fee at the end of the semester.

Forms and Deadlines

Forms

Apply Now

Intent to graduate students – apply for graduation in Galaxy with the information found above under the “Graduation” portion and email Amye.Broyles@utdallas.edu or Keith.Thurgood@utdallas.edu with your intent to graduate from the program.

Deadlines

Graduate Certificate Deadlines for U.S. Citizens and International Applicants are available on the UT Dallas Deadlines page.

After completing an Academic Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certificate from 4 core courses in the master’s program, use an elective for the Professional Green Belt certificate. UT Dallas also offers Professional Certificates in the Brown and Black belt training. The Green Belt Professional certificate includes one course (OPRE 6364) and an industry project. The project will likely span two terms. Connect with Dr. Kannan Ramanathan to declare your interest in the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Professional Certificate.

Admission Requirement

Students currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership and Management program are eligible but still must formally apply to the Green Belt Certificate Program. Professional certificate programs follow the same application and admission processes as graduate degree programs. All dates and deadlines can be located in the UTD Academic Calendar.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA to be in good academic standing with the university AND also a minimum 3.0 GPA in Basic Core Courses (check degree plan for list), for the degree, and overall in order to graduate with certificates. All courses for a certificate must be completed within 72 months.

Please see the current graduate course catalog for course descriptions, course prerequisites and other information.

Degree-Seeking Students

Current degree-seeking graduate students are eligible but still must formally apply for the Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare Quality Green Belt Certificate. Professional certificate programs follow the same application and admission processes as graduate degree programs. All dates and deadlines can be located in the UTD Academic Calendar.

Application Process

Current UTD Students

  • Even if you are currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UTD, you must submit a separate UTD graduate application for the certificate program. Regular deadlines apply. For application instructions and to apply, visit the UT Dallas Steps to Graduate page.
  • Note that current UTD students are exempt from the following parts of the graduate application:
    • Application fee
    • Recommendation letters
    • GRE/GMAT test scores
  • Once you are offered admission, you must accept your admission to the certificate program in Galaxy.

Cost

Texas residents can expect to pay approximately $2,938 in tuition and fees (assuming 1 courses per term for 1 terms) to complete two classes. Please see the UTD Bursar webpage for information regarding tuition and fees.

Graduation

  • At the beginning of the semester in when a student intends to graduate from the certificate program, they should email Amye.Broyles@utdallas.edu or Keith.Thurgood@utdallas.edu with this information to be made eligible to apply for graduation. Students should then submit their application for graduation within the regular deadlines.
  • Once the semester is complete, the registrar will audit the student record. If all requirements have been met, the student will receive the certificate in the mail 6-8 weeks after the semester concludes.
  • Please note that if you apply to graduate from the certificate program during a semester in which you are not enrolled in any classes, you will be charged a $100 absentia fee at the end of the semester.

Forms and Deadlines

Forms

Apply Now

Intent to graduate students – apply for graduation in Galaxy with the information found above under the “Graduation” portion and email Amye.Broyles@utdallas.edu or Keith.Thurgood@utdallas.edu with your intent to graduate from the program.

Deadlines

Graduate Certificate Deadlines for U.S. Citizens and International Applicants are available on the UT Dallas Deadlines page.

For undergraduate students who desire to earn a master’s degree while finishing an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Management. Fast Track students will need to complete MATH 1325, ACCT 2302, OPRE 3360, BCOM 3300 and HMGT 3311. Plus, the volunteer and internship requirement.

UG Course Requirements – complete requirements and apply
MS Core Courses – 9 core courses (27 hours)

HMGT 6311 Healthcare Financial and Operations Accounting

HMGT 6320 The American Healthcare System

HMGT 6321 Strategic Leadership of Healthcare Organizations

HMGT 6323 Healthcare Informatics

HMGT 6324 Healthcare Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

HMGT 6325 Healthcare Operations Management

HMGT 6330 Healthcare Law, Policy and Regulation

HMGT 6331 Healthcare Economics

HMGT 6332 Quality Improvement in Healthcare: Six Sigma and Beyond

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON:

  • May 1st for the Fall Semesters
  • April 1st for the Summer Semesters
  • November 1st for the Spring Semesters

Please use the following flowchart to run your Orion Audit: (You need at least 15 hours at UTD and have completed 36 core UG courses.)

  • GALAXY –> My Academic tile –>
  • My Degree Audit –> Academic Requirements, click on ‘View my Advisement Report’ to run the report

*These details apply to the most recent catalog. Catalogs from previous years are available online at the main UT Dallas Catalog page. Please contact the JSOM Academic Advising Office if you have further questions. See catalog for course requirements.

Visit the graduate catalog for a full list of courses in this concentration.

Healthcare Leadership and Management Course Modalities

Type Course Name Pre-Req Spring Summer Fall
Elective MAS 6102 Professional Development (1 credit)   Multiple Modalities Multiple Modalities Multiple Modalities
Core HMGT 6311 Healthcare Financial and Operations Accounting   Online Online Online
Core HMGT 6320 The American Healthcare System   Multiple Modalities Online Multiple Modalities
Core HMGT 6321 Strategic Leadership of Healthcare Organizations HMGT 6320 Online   Online
Core HMGT 6323 Healthcare Informatics   Online   In-Person
Core HMGT 6324 Healthcare Negotiation & Dispute Resolution   Multiple Modalities   Multiple Modalities
Core HMGT 6325 Healthcare Operations Management   In-Person   In-Person
Core HMGT 6330 Healthcare Law, Policy and Regulation HMGT 6320 Online   In-Person
Core HMGT 6331 Healthcare Economics   Asynchronous In-Person  
Core HMGT 6332 Quality Improvement in Healthcare – Six Sigma   Online   Online
Elective HMGT 6327 Electronic Health Records Applications HMGT 6323 In-Person    
Elective BUAN 6398 Prescriptive Analytics   In-Person In-Person Multiple Modalities
Elective MIS 6356 Business Analytics w/ R   In-Person   In-Person
Elective HMGT 6334 Healthcare Analytics OPRE 6301 or OPRE 6359 or BUAN 6359     Online
Elective HMGT 6335 Spreadsheet Modeling and Analytics   Multiple Modalities In-Person Multiple Modalities
Elective HMGT 6336 Information Technology Audit and Risk Management   In-Person   In-Person
Elective HMGT 6380 Internal Audit   In-Person   In-Person
Elective HMGT 6390 Healthcare Capstone Practicum   In-Person   In-Person
Elective HMGT 6393 Advanced Auditing ACCT 6334 or ACCT 6380 or HMGT 6380   In-Person In-Person
Elective BUAN 6320 Database Foundations for Business Analytics   Multiple Modalities Online Multiple Modalities
Elective OB 6331 Power and Politics in Organizations   In-Person   In-Person
Elective OPRE 6301 Statistics and Data Analysis   Multiple Modalities Online Multiple Modalities
Elective OPRE 6332 Spreadsheet Modeling and Analytics   Multiple Modalities In-Person Multiple Modalities
Elective OPRE 6359 Advanced Statistics   Multiple Modalities Online Multiple Modalities
Elective OPRE 6362 Project Management in Engineering and Operations   Multiple Modalities   Multiple Modalities
Elective OPRE 6371 Purchasing Sourcing and Contract Management   Online   Multiple Modalities

MS Healthcare Leadership and Management Mission

The mission of the MS in Healthcare Leadership and Management program is to conduct relevant industry-related research; prepare students to lead and thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven healthcare environment and engage with our business and healthcare communities to deliver high-quality leadership and management education for early and mid-careerists. We do this by developing key business and healthcare competencies that enable our students to make a positive difference.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes

  • Assess the role of organized efforts in shaping health policy, and evaluate how technology, research, and societal values influence the evolving U.S. healthcare delivery system.
  • Describe the regulatory framework governing healthcare delivery, and analyze the interrelationship between cost, access, and quality in healthcare.
  • Identify and evaluate the various types of information systems commonly used in healthcare organizations.
  • Analyze how healthcare organizations develop and implement sustainable strategies to remain competitive in a dynamic environment.

Competency-Based Curriculum

CAHME Logo

The MS Healthcare Leadership and Management curriculum is developed and updated in relation to the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) which serves the public by advancing the quality of healthcare management education globally, with 158 CAHME programs accredited worldwide. In Fall 2023, UTD’s MS Healthcare Leadership and Management program received official accreditation. Learn particulars about our accredited program.

The purpose of the competency model is to enable you to develop the right knowledge, skills and abilities to make an immediate difference upon graduation. Each competency is tied to specific course objectives in each of our nine core classes. By improving your leadership and technical skills, you will graduate as a valuable resource in the healthcare industry.

Our competency model has five domains, which are shown below, along with their associated competencies. You can find more information in the Competency Booklet, and once enrolled, within a course’s online learning module. Modules provide more practical insights into the competencies within the UTD Blackboard platform (log in with your UTD ID, search organizations and Building Healthcare Competencies).

  • Build collaborative relationships
  • Develop and maintain medical staff relationships
  • Build trusting, collaborative relationships with staff, peers, other disciplines, physicians, vendors, community leaders, legislators, nursing and other educational programs
  • Present data analysis results to decision-makers
  • Mediation, negotiation and dispute-resolution techniques
  • Foster an environment of mutual trust and ethical decision-making
  • Advocate and participate in healthcare policy initiatives
  • Critically analyze organizational issues after a review of the evidence
  • Create a compelling vision and serve as a change agent, assisting others in understanding needed changes, reasons for change and the change process
  • Promote continuous organizational learning and improvement
  • Participate in the legislative process concerning healthcare through membership in professional organizations and personal contact with public officials
  • Healthcare and medical terminology
  • Managed care models, structures and environment (e.g., group, staff, IPA, PPO)
  • Evidence-based management practice
  • Healthcare economics and emerging trends
  • Analyze and evaluate information to support a decision or recommendation
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis
  • Assess organizational perception of systems and departmental effectiveness
  • Financial management and financial analysis principles (e.g., balance sheets, income and cash flow statements, ratio analysis)
  • Outcomes measures and management
  • Define roles, responsibilities and job descriptions
  • Evaluate existing and emerging technologies in planning the technological direction to support organizational strategy and systems architecture
  • Strategic planning processes development and implementation

Customize Your Degree

The nine hours of electives allow students to customize the degree to fulfill their specific career goals, such as proficiency in IT, quality improvement, supply chain or internal audit.

View Elective Courses

Student Testimonials

Jason Mikhaiel, BS’22/ MS’23

Jason Mikhaiel is the Medicaid Eligibility Area Manager, following his role as a CSO Manager in Training at Parallon. With extensive experience in customer service and a passion for engaging with people, Mikhaiel is always eager to gain new experiences and embrace new opportunities. He recently earned his Master’s degree in Healthcare Management from the University of Texas at Dallas. Mikhaiel thrives on challenges that push and motivate him to innovate and find better ways to accomplish tasks. He believes in the endless pursuit of knowledge, regardless of one’s experience or tenure.

Sonal Patel, MS’24/ MBA’23

Sonal Patel, RDN, is a Public Health Specialist at Dallas County Health and Human Services. She completed her MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership and Management at the University of Texas at Dallas in 2024. As a dedicated health and wellness professional, Patel brings a wealth of experience from corporate wellness to clinical practice, consistently achieving high patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes. With extensive expertise in program development and implementation, she excels in communication and collaboration, making her a valuable asset in any health and wellness initiative.

Karun Joseph, BS’22/ MS’23

Karun Joseph is a Senior Sourcing Analyst at Health Care Service Corporation. She graduated from the MS in Healthcare Leadership and Management program in 2023. Joseph has successfully implemented sourcing strategies and processes, managed supplier relationships, and led cross-functional projects aimed at optimizing continuous improvement within the procurement organization. Her expertise in strategic sourcing and process improvement is instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement function.

Dr. Sai Lakhan Kyasa, MS’24

Kyasa is a dedicated physician from India. Upon graduating from the MS Healthcare Leadership and Management program, he secured a position as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. With a robust proficiency in Epic software, eClinicalWorks, and clinical monitoring, Kyasa brings a diverse skill set to healthcare operations. His expertise extends to research design development, marketing strategy, and the pharmaceutical industry. Kyasa is committed to advancing healthcare outcomes and is eager to connect and collaborate with others in the medical community on innovative healthcare solutions.

Steven Match, MS’24

Match is the Director of Procurement Solutions at Vizient, where he leads initiatives aimed at improving healthcare performance. With a focus on leveraging analytical insights and fostering client partnerships, Match drives project success through strategic thinking and outstanding communication. His dedication to maximizing the benefits of Vizient’s offerings across diverse client scenarios highlights his commitment to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare procurement. Match’s ability to build positive relationships and deliver strategic solutions underscores his expertise and enthusiasm in the field.

Rolando Perez, BS’20/ MS’23

Perez is a distinguished MS Healthcare Leadership and Management graduate from UT Dallas. During his time there, he also served as the president for the Elite Scholar and Leader Program. He is currently working as a Schedule Capacity Analyst II at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He also serves as the Vice-Chair for the ACHE NTX Student Council and as the Chair for the Member Engagement Committee for NALHE DFW. Driven by a commitment to innovation in healthcare, Perez aims to enhance healthcare quality and access while reducing costs, ensuring that everyone can afford high-quality care. Deeply rooted in Texas, he is dedicated to fostering collaboration and understanding within the healthcare community, believing that unity and mutual respect are key to achieving common goals.

Monique Tran, MS’25, BS’23

Monique Tran, a Spring 2025 MS graduate and fast-track student, has been a standout member of our program since her undergraduate years. While she initially pursued a clinical path, her internships with Elevance Health, Parkland Health, and Amentum sparked a deeper interest in the broader impact of healthcare systems. Monique’s academic excellence is reflected in her outstanding 3.9 GPA, and her leadership as Vice President and President of the Elite Scholars and Leaders Program.

Kennedy Shaffer

Kennedy Shaffer, MS’20

Patient Coordinator, Identity Eyecare

Upon graduation, I approached one of my professors with my dilemma, and he introduced me to ‘the business of healthcare.’ I have been hooked ever since!
Blake Cedeno

Blake Cedeno, BS’21, MS’23

Assistant Market Director – Patient Access, Parallon HCA Healthcare

Cedeno started his career with Parallon in January 2022 as part of Parallon’s Manager In Training program where he served at Medical City Dallas, Medical City Heart and Spine, and Medical City Arlington. Cedeno received a recent promotion to Assistant Market Director for Patient Access where he continues to drive exceptional operational performance and deliver team engagement. During his tenure with Parallon, Cedeno has been involved with many projects and has been instrumental in Medical City Dallas’s top tier performance. Cedeno graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management in 2021 and his Master’s degree in 2023 as part of the Healthcare Leadership and Management program.

See all Master’s in Healthcare Leadership and Management Student Testimonials

Start your graduate application

Before you apply, get familiar with the application process for Jindal School graduate programs at UT Dallas.

How to Apply