Student/Alumni Profiles
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the University of Maryland, College Park offers students a rigorous, multi-disciplinary program with courses in public health services administration, epidemiology, environmental health, biostatistics, health behaviors and determinants, health policy, health law and ethics, health economics and analysis, strategic management of human resources, health service information systems, financial management of health organizations, marketing for competitive health service, quality assessment and evaluation, and health care leadership and communications.
The MHA is a 45-credit professional degree that will prepare graduates to manage the many complex health-related organizations including hospitals, health care systems, insurance companies, long term care facilities, managed care organizations, rehabilitation agencies, public health clinics, state agencies, among others.
Public health and health services now comprise the largest industry in the United States, producing nearly one-seventh of the United States' gross national product. According to a World Health Organization, the health care system should be conceptualized as including not only health services, but also public health and social welfare activities. The Department of Health Services Administration adopts this integrated approach to address current health needs, provide leadership in a rapidly evolving health care industry, and anticipate future health challenges in an expanding global economy.
The MHA program is considered to be equivalent to the MPH and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). MHA students must complete 16 courses (6 MPH core courses, 8 courses in cognate areas, and an internship and capstone/thesis) and at least 45 credits to graduate.
The curriculum is adaptable to both full and part-time student status.
All MHA students will complete the following five modules:
Important note: Students must take 8 courses (24 credits or more) in Modules 2, 3 and 4 which are cognate areas for the MHA.
Module Description and Course Details
Important note: Students must take 8 courses (24 credits or more) in Modules 2, 3 and 4 which are cognate areas for the MHA.
** requires advisor approval
* Students completing a thesis (6 credits) instead of a capstone project (3 credits) can select to take 7 courses instead of 8 courses from the cognate area to compensate for the 3 additional thesis credits.
The elective courses in the MHA cognate area are selected by the student and approved by the advisor so that the MHA competencies are met.
Click here for possible degree pathways and electives
Click here for the program plan and competency checklist
How to Apply:
- Applications to graduate programs in the University of Maryland School of Public Health are processed through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).
- Please see the Applications, Deadlines, and Requirements page on how to apply to the MHA program.
For more information, please contact Dr. Neil Sehgal at sehgal@umd.edu(link sends e-mail).
Admission Criteria:
MHA applications are reviewed with consideration to the following criteria:
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Undergraduate and any graduate transcripts
- GRE scores taken within the past 5 years (Submit electronically to the University of Maryland, code 0485 & 5814)
- 3 letters of recommendation that address your academic capabilities
- Statement of goals and interests
- Relevant academic/work experience