Dual MPH (Health Policy)/MSHA Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Louisville offers a Dual Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Policy and a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) program. This program is designed to develop advanced professionals equipped with knowledge and practices from both public health science and healthcare management domains. Graduates are prepared to serve in leadership roles within public health institutions, federal-state-local agencies, and healthcare organizations.

The University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences (SPHIS), which houses the MPH program, is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The MSHA program component, including its residential and online formats, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Delivery Modes

This dual degree program requires students applying for the MSHA component to select the MSHA Evening track, suggesting an on-campus evening format for that part of the program. The curriculum also includes courses delivered online, such as PHMS-620 Healthcare Strategic Management. The MSHA program itself offers both residential (on-campus) and online options. The comprehensive and structured course sequence implies a full-time commitment.

Curriculum Overview

Students must complete a total of 84 credit hours to earn the dual MPH (Health Policy) - MSHA degree, with 18 credit hours shared between the two degrees. The MPH core curriculum includes foundational courses in:

• Public Health Practice and Administration (PHMS-501)

• Health Behavior (PHPB-501)

• Epidemiology (PHEP-501)

• Biostatistics for Public Health I & II (PHST-500, PHST-501)

The program includes specialized courses for the Health Policy concentration within the MPH, an MPH-HP elective, and comprehensive MSHA coursework. A significant emphasis is placed on practical experience, incorporating Public Health Practice Experience (I, II, III) and MSHA Practicum Experience (I, II, III). The program culminates with an Integrating Experience in Public Health (PHPH-698) and an MSHA Capstone Course (PHMS-690).

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must apply separately to and be accepted into both the MPH program (with a Health Policy concentration, MPH-HP) and the MSHA program. Each program requires a separate application. When applying for the MSHA Program as part of this dual degree, students must apply for the MSHA Evening track.

Career & Practical Experience

The dual MPH (Health Policy) - MSHA program prepares graduates for leadership roles in public health institutions, federal-state-local agencies, and healthcare organizations. The curriculum integrates extensive practical learning through required Public Health Practice Experiences and MSHA Practicums, providing hands-on experience. This is complemented by an MSHA Capstone project and an Integrating Experience in Public Health.