Dual MPH/MHA Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business is designed to be flexible and career-friendly, catering to working professionals. Key features include evening and online class offerings, a cohort-based model to foster strong peer relationships, and a curriculum focused on management and practical skills. The program emphasizes real-world application and is housed within the Business School, distinguishing it from many MHA programs typically found in Colleges of Health or Public Policy. Students benefit from instruction by career-line faculty with extensive executive-level experience in healthcare.

The MHA program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education ( CAHME ) since 2012, ensuring it meets rigorous academic and professional standards. It is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business ( AACSB ), signifying excellence in business education. Recent completion rates are high, with 97% for the graduating class of 2023 and 96% for the graduating class of 2024.

Delivery Modes

The MHA program offers several formats to accommodate diverse student needs:

• Professional MHA: Features an evening class schedule with classes offered in-person, online, or both (hybrid). Suitable for part-time study.

• MHA Online: Offers all classes online, providing maximum flexibility. Suitable for part-time study.

• Full-Time MHA: Combines online and evening classes, with courses offered primarily in-person. Designed for full-time students.

All required classes are offered in the evening and online, allowing students to maintain full-time jobs. Most students graduate in two to three years. Yearly cohorts start in the fall (August).

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is regularly reviewed with input from accrediting bodies, local healthcare leaders, and alumni. Total credits vary by program format: Professional MHA and MHA Online require 43.5 credits, while the Full-Time MHA requires 48 credits.

Core courses cover essential areas such as Business Ethics, Healthcare Accounting and Finance, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Economics and Policy, Healthcare Strategic Management, Quality Management, and an Experiential Learning Capstone. Additional core courses are specific to each MHA format (Professional, Online, Full-Time).

Students can further specialize their education through Areas of Emphasis (e.g., Healthcare Data Analytics, Leadership/Fellowship, Long-Term Care), Dual Degrees (e.g., MHA/MBA, MHA/MPH), a Concurrent Degree (MHA/MSF), and Graduate Certificates (e.g., Business Analytics, Information Systems).

Admissions Requirements

Specific admissions requirements are not detailed on this page. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with an admissions specialist for information on the application process, prerequisites, and required components. Contact information and an appointment scheduling link are available on the program website.

Career & Practical Experience

The MHA program prepares students for administrative and leadership roles in various healthcare settings. The curriculum includes an Experiential Learning Capstone, providing real-world experience and opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and networking skills. The Full-Time MHA format includes dedicated courses on Career Strategies and Career Readiness. The Leadership/Fellowship area of emphasis is ideal for students seeking practical experience for leadership roles or post-graduate fellowships.