Dec 22, 2024

Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019

Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 Previous Edition

Health Administration, MHA

The UNC Charlotte Master of Health Administration (MHA) program leverages its position within the Department of Public Health Sciences of North Carolina’s Urban Research University to prepare national and international students to advance the public’s health through competent leadership and management of healthcare organizations and systems.

The mission is pursued through education, research, and service efforts that:

Provide qualified and motivated students from a variety of disciplines, levels of experience, and backgrounds - with a special emphasis on individuals and groups historically underrepresented in graduate education - the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become effective administrators and stewards of a dynamic health and healthcare system
Contribute to the body of knowledge related to the design, organization and delivery, evaluation, and leadership of health and healthcare systems
Apply expertise to support health leaders and the communities they serve in advancing the public’s health

Vision Statement

The UNC Charlotte Master of Health Administration program is to be the premier program in developing healthcare leaders who promote healthy people, healthy places, healthy communities by transforming the healthcare environment.

Values Statement

The program values collaboration, community engagement, diversity, innovation, professionalism, health equity, and social justice.

Accreditation

The MHA degree program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). The Department of Public Health Sciences is a full graduate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.

Job Opportunities

Master’s prepared health services managers may work as chief or executive administrator, assistants to chief executives, or as directors and managers of departments and units. Examples of the settings where MHA graduates work include: hospitals and hospital systems, physician practices and clinics, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, consulting firms, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, local/state/federal health agencies, health insurance companies, and medical supply and equipment manufacturers.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to graduate study in health administration, a student must present the following requirements in addition to those required by the Graduate School.

Acceptable scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
An essay describing the applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in health administration.
Basic computer skills including word processing and use of spread sheets.

Applicants with a variety of undergraduate degree specializations have the potential to be successful in the program. Individuals with records of high quality professional experience who do not fulfill the formal requirements should discuss with the Graduate Director of the Health Administration Program other factors that may have a bearing on admission.

Students may enroll in the MHA program on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes are scheduled primarily in the evenings at the UNC Charlotte main campus and at UNC Charlotte Center City.

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

Degree Requirements

Each student is required to complete 45 credit hours (15 courses including the Internship) in the core curriculum. These courses offer a basic body of knowledge, skills, and values relevant to health services administration. Additionally, students select 6 credit hours (2 graduate courses) in elective studies.

Core Courses (42 credit hours)

Internship (3 credit hours)

Each student in the program is required to demonstrate professional experience in the healthcare delivery system through an approved internship. The course is graded on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis. A criminal background check and drug screen are among the internship requirements. Students who fail these screening measures and who are unable to be placed in an internship face dismissal from the program.

HADM 6400 - Health Administration Internship (3)

Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

Students are encouraged to select two elective courses that complement their professional interest and educational goals. Elective courses are available in several areas, including health information technology, management specialties, long-term care, community health, and nonprofit organization. Elective courses are offered each semester by the Health Administration program or may be selected from other graduate programs to meet particular student interest. Sample courses include:

Degree Total = 51 Credit Hours

Advising

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor. In addition, the MHA Director serves as the back-up advisor for all students. Students are expected to meet with their advisor on a regular basis to plan their progression through their program of study. Any course substitutions and selection of electives must be endorsed by the advisor and approved by the MHA Director in writing.

Assistantships

Positions as a graduate administrative assistant may be available. Grant funded assistantships may be available as well. Students seeking assistantships should contact the Office Assistant assigned to the Department of Public Health Sciences.

Financial Aid/Financial Assistance

A wide range of opportunities for financial aid/assistance is available to qualifying students, which may be accessed through the Office of Student Financial Aid. See the Financial Information section for more information on the opportunities that are available, and how to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

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