Dual MPH/MS-HSA Program

Program Highlights & Mission

The Master of Science in Health Services Administration (MS/HSA) and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program (MS/HSA—MPH) at Barry University is a graduate education program offered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. This program is structured to include coursework in a number of health disciplines, providing a foundation in Public Health and Health Services Administration, which collectively offers diverse career opportunities in federal, state, private, and not-for-profit health care environments. The MS/HSA—MPH dual degree program aims to prepare students for positions in program and services development, research, leadership, management, and administration.

The program's mission is to provide an educational experience which results in transformational leaders with a background in public health for national and international health care organizations. It provides students with opportunities to learn the analytical and organizational skills necessary to solve complex problems and collaborate with other professionals to meet the public health needs of a multicultural community. Additionally, students explore the concept of social justice and strategies for combating health disparities nationally and internationally. No specific accreditation (e.g., CEPH) for the MPH component of the dual degree is mentioned in the provided context.

Delivery Modes

The MS/HSA-MPH dual degree is a fully online program. Courses are offered online through Cisco Webex, featuring scheduled synchronous lectures that require student engagement and participation. The learning management system used is Canvas. The program is structured over seven sequential semesters, typically completed in 2.5 years.

Curriculum Overview

Students are required to successfully complete a total of 60 credit hours, consisting of nineteen required courses. Key components include a Field Experience in Public Health (MPH-567, 3 credits, 240 hours) and two capstone courses: HSA-690 Strategic Planning Capstone and MPH-697 Special Topics in Healthcare Capstone. The curriculum is designed to be completed over seven semesters. A maximum of six graduate credits may be transferred from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution, subject to program director approval and meeting Barry University criteria.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale or better. Those with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis for provisional acceptance. Additional requirements include:

• Submission of GMAT/GRE test scores is no longer required.

• Two letters of recommendation supporting graduate work from an employer, previous instructor, or professional colleagues, addressing potential as a healthcare leader and exhibited leadership.

• A Statement of Purpose focusing on reasons for choosing healthcare leadership, relevant talents/skills, and why Barry University's program is chosen.

• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

• International applicants must meet all requirements for international students listed in the general admissions section of the University Catalog.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for diverse career opportunities in management and administration in settings such as hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, the insurance industry, and other sectors of the healthcare industry. The program focuses on developing skills for program and services development, research, leadership, and administration.

A key practical component is the MPH 567 Supervised Field Experience in Public Health (240 hours). This internship ensures students demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and management competencies in applied settings. Students with over five years of healthcare management experience may be assigned an applied research project instead of the internship. Barry University also fosters strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions like Cleveland Clinic, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, and Jackson Memorial Hospital, which can provide internship and cohort learning opportunities.