Healthcare management is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that jobs in healthcare management are anticipated to grow 18 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Thus, the need for healthcare providers and facilities is growing, as the population ages and life expectancy increases due to medical advances. The need for professionals to manage healthcare facilities as a result is rapidly expanding.
Either a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can lead to a world of possibilities for your career. Students with an interest in healthcare may have a tough time deciding which degree will best prepare them for a career path that addresses their unique skills and interests.
An MBA is designed to give students an extensive overview of the business world. The main difference between an MBA and an MHA is that the MBA gives students a broader understanding of general business practices rather than those specific to the healthcare industry.
An MHA offers a specific curriculum that revolves around business as it relates to the healthcare industry. If you are contemplating a career as a healthcare administrator, an MHA will provide you the specific knowledge, skills, and tools to succeed in this specialized industry.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students are admitted into the program six (6) times each year.
While the ideal candidate for admission into the program will present with at least one (1) year of work experience in healthcare, candidates can be admitted into the program without prior experience in healthcare.
Candidates who present with less than one (1) year of work experience in healthcare will be required to complete HCA 593 and HCA 594 (the program’s practicum courses) to gain experience in the field of healthcare management.
Our program classifies students' work experience based on the following three designations:
No, the MHA program does not require, as part of its admission requirements, the completion of the GRE or GMAT exam(s).
Admissions will be completed on a rolling basis. As applications are completed, students will be notified of programmatic admissions decisions based on the application timeline of the respective period of which the student has applied.
The MHA Program is an entirely online program. The program is noted as being “accelerated,” as the courses are offered in a seven (7) week, asynchronous, format. Students are admitted into the program during six (6) admission cycles per year.
Students can complete the program in a full-time or part-time format allowing for individualized student progression through the program.
Students are admitted into the program during six (6) admission cycles per year. Students can complete the Program in a full-time or part-time format allowing for individualized student progression through the program. The Program can be completed in as little as one (1) year (dependent on prior student academic and work experiences).
Given that the program is offered asynchronously, in a full-time and part-time format, the program allows for individualized student progression and work/life balance while enrolled in the program.
All MHA Program courses are three (3) credits. Traditionally, a three (3) credit face-to-face course requires you are in class three (3) hours per week - in addition to outside assignments completed. For an online course - every one credit hour in which you enroll, you will spend approximately three to five hours studying/engaging in related content.
Therefore, to help determine the course load most appropriate for you, use the formula: 3 credit hours (1 course) = 3 hours in class per week = 9-15 hours study time per week (total of 12-18 hours per week per 3-hour course). How much time you need to study always varies on course and person.
A good plan is to create a schedule on your weekly calendar and plan for blocks of time to complete your coursework.
The University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW) is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Regional accreditation ensures that an institution's academic programs meet acceptable levels of quality. Institutions must be accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency to qualify for participation in federal financial aid programs.
Programmatic accreditation, also known as specialized or professional accreditation, is designed for specialized departments, programs, schools, or colleges within a university or institution that has already received accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is considered a programmatic accreditation. The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program, part of the College of Health and Human Services - School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, is seeking programmatic accreditation via CAHME.
The CAHME process is a rigorous and multifaceted review process beginning with the submission and approval of an Eligibility Statement, next Candidacy phase, followed by a Self-Study year, and culminated by a CAHME Site Visit and subsequently an accreditation decision outcome. As of April 2020, the MHA program has officially submitted its application for candidacy.
Please direct any questions you have regarding accreditation to the department email.
Eric Richardson, PhD, MPH, MBA | Program Coordinator & Associate Professor
For questions regarding admissions, advising, transfers and program of study, please contact the CHHS Student Success Center at (910) 962-3208 or chhs@uncw.edu.