Curriculum
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is built around a rigorously structured core curriculum that develops the high-level decision-making skills needed in the complex world of healthcare. The curriculum includes the classic management disciplines such as finance, human resources, information technology, operations, and organizational behavior, but stresses the unique applications of these areas within the healthcare sector. Coursework in problem solving, innovation and design, leadership, and interprofessional teamwork are hallmarks of the Minnesota MHA.
Full Time Program
The full time program is designed for students with limited healthcare management experience. The curriculum includes two years of classes (60 credits) and a summer residency between the first and second year. Full time students also may choose to design a subspecialty. See the detailed listing of courses on the right.
MHA/MBA Dual Degree for Full Time Students
The MHA/MBA dual degree option has been in existence for over 15 years, and is designed for students who wish to earn an M.B.A. degree as well as an MHA degree. Both degrees can be completed in three years upon completion of the required 95 credits. The dual degree option prepares students for management careers in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.
JD/MHA Joint Degree for Full-Time Students
Developed in 2008, the JD/MHA Joint Degree Program can be completed in four years. This option prepares individuals for a career as legal advisor or general counsel in a healthcare organization.
Summer Residency
All students enrolled in the full-time program are required to complete a summer residency (2 credits). The residency provides students with a consolidated period of time to relate and apply what they have learned in the classroom to a healthcare organization. Students are mentored by a preceptor and introduced to the daily activities of an organization from a top management perspective.
Subspecialties
Full-time students may choose to design a subspecialty in the following areas:
- Financial Management
- Long Term Care Administration
- Health Policy
- Information and Decision Science
- Integrated Delivery Systems
- Marketing Management
- Maternal and Child Health
- Operations Management
- Strategic Management
- Health Products
Full Time Curriculum
60 Credits Required for Graduation
2011-2012
Year 1: An Introduction to Healthcare Administration
Fall Semester
- PubH 6542 (3 cr) Management of Healthcare Organizations
- PubH 6560 (2 cr) Operations Research & Quality in Health Care
- PubH 6556 (3 cr) Health and Health Systems
- PubH 6541 (3 cr) Statistics for Health Management Decision Making
- PubH 6562 (2 cr) Information Technology in Healthcare
- PubH 6535 (3 cr) Healthcare Services Accounting (also offered online)
Total Credits = 16
Spring Semester
- PubH 6547 (2 cr) Human Resource Management
- PubH 6557 (3 cr) Health Finance I
- PubH 6561 (2 cr) Quantitative Methods Applied to Health Administration Problems
- PubH 6544 (3 cr) Principles of Problem Solving in Health Services Organizations
- Electives (4 cr)
Total Credits = 14
Summer Session I & II
- PubH 7596 (2 cr) Residency and Clerkship Report
Year II: Advanced Courses & Specialization in Healthcare Administration
Fall Semester
- PubH 6555 (2 cr) Health Economics, or PubH 6832 (3 cr) Health Economics
- PubH 6564 (2 cr) Private Purchasers of Health Care: Roles of Employers and Health Plans in U.S. Health Care System
- PubH 6558 (3 cr) Health Finance II
- PubH 6565 (2 cr) Healthcare Delivery Design and Innovation
- PubH 6568 (2 cr) Interprofessional Teamwork in Healthcare
- Electives
Total Credits = varies
Spring Semester
- PubH 6553 (1 cr) Healthcare Management Ethics
- PubH 6554 (2 cr) Healthcare Marketing and Strategy
- PubH 6727 (2 cr) Health Leadership and Effecting Change
- PubH 6596 (3 cr) Legal Considerations in Health Services Organization
- Electives
Total Credits = varies
Capstone (choose one)
- ENTR 6041 (3 cr) New Product Development, Fall and Spring
- PubH 6577 (2 cr) Advanced Problem Solving
Electives to complete (60 credits)