Nov 23, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 
    
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Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 Previous Edition

Health Administration, MHA

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The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program develops healthcare leaders prepared to advance health equity and well-being in an urbanizing world.

This mission is pursued through education, research, and service that:

  1. Gives students the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead dynamic health systems.
  2. Creates knowledge needed to lead people and organizations providing health services.
  3. Increases the diversity of health services leaders, with a special emphasis on individuals and groups historically underrepresented in graduate education.
  4. Promotes the public’s health.

Vision Statement

The Master of Health Administration program is to be the premier program in developing healthcare leaders who promote healthy communities partnered with responsive population health systems.

Values Statement

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

Job Opportunities

Master’s prepared health services managers may work as chief or executive administrators, 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, medical 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, among other venues. 

Pathways

Full-time and part-time pathways (two, three and four-year options) are offered to complete the program.  Classes are scheduled primarily in the evenings at the UNC Charlotte main campus and at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.  MHA applications are considered on a rolling basis for Summer or Fall admission. Spring admission is limited to Early Entry Program applicants.

The MHA Program may also be combined with graduate certificates or dual degrees to provide further specialization, breadth, or depth.  Formal dual degree options with the UNC Charlotte MBA  and Professional Science Master’s in Health Informatics and Analytics  programs are also available.  Ad hoc combinations with other related programs are possible.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are invited from a variety of undergraduate degree specializations who share in the program’s mission and vision.  

A portfolio approach is used to evaluate applicants. An applicant’s portfolio consists of reference letters, previous professional experience (resume), goal statement, and transcripts (undergraduate and previous graduate work, if applicable). The portfolio approach allows for a holistic assessment of applicants for potential success in the program.  Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0, or make a compelling case for their capacity as part of their essay (goal statement). 

Expectations

In meeting the application requirements set forth by the Graduate School, applicants are expected to:

  1. Provide a resume as part of their application materials
  2. Have mastered basic computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets
  3. Select recommenders who can reflect on their prior academic and/or professional performance and capability for success in the graduate program
  4. Convey their demonstrated and potential capacity for verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning through their transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation

Applicants should consider potential gaps in such evidence when preparing their statements and soliciting letters of recommendation to put forth a compelling case in support of their admission. Applicants are encouraged to review the competitive profile of our applicants and to consult with the MHA Program Director if concerned about meeting expectations.

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 a total of 51 credit hours, including 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 apply classroom lessons in practice through an approved internship.  Proof of immunizations, a criminal background check, and a drug screen are among commonly imposed internship requirements.  Students who are unable to be placed in an internship face dismissal from the program.

Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

Students should select two elective courses that complement their professional interest and educational goals.  Elective courses are available in a variety of areas, including health informatics and analytics, management specialties, long-term care, community health, and nonprofit organization.  Students may choose from elective courses offered by the program or avail themselves of any graduate offerings from across the University that may be open to them. Sample courses include:

Degree Total = 51 Credit Hours

Advising

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor.  In addition, the MHA Program Director serves as the back-up advisor for all students.  Registration for MHA courses is by permission only and follows a proscribed sequence.  Consequently, students are required to meet with their advisor on a regular basis to plan their progression through their program of study.  Course substitutions are sparingly allowed and must be approved by the MHA Director in advance.  

Assistantships

Positions as graduate teaching assistants or student temporary hires (formerly known as graduate administrative assistants) may be available. Grant-funded research assistantships may be available as well. Students seeking assistantships should contact the MHA Program Director.

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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