Full time or Executive Studies: Which program is for me?
One Degree, Two Paths
Applicants to the MHA Program sometimes wonder whether they should attend the full time or executive studies program. While both programs prepare students for leadership in a healthcare organization, distinct differences exist between coursework delivery, student income, and work experience.
Full time MHA
60 Credits, 21 months
The Full time program is designed for students with limited healthcare management experience. Prior work experience is not required. Students are immersed in onsite classroom, teamwork and practical experiences and participate in leadership development and extracurricular activities. Students typically work no more than 10 hours per week outside of the program and scholarship funding is available. Age range is 21-33.
A summer residency between the first and second year of studies provides real life work experience and an opportunity to apply the Minnesota Problem Solving Method to a management project. During this period students are mentored by a senior-level preceptor and introduced to the daily activities of a healthcare organization from a top management perspective.
At graduation the majority of students are placed in an administrative fellowship where they receive guided experience to strengthen their management and leadership skills and bridge the gap between being a student and becoming a junior executive. Many organizations offer full time employment upon completion of a fellowship.
Executive MHA
42 credits, 25 months
The Executive Studies program is designed for employed executives, physicians and healthcare professionals and requires limited time on campus. A minimum of three years management or clinical leadership experience in a healthcare organization is required. Students average 10 years work experience. Most coursework is online and asynchronous allowing minimal interference with work and family. Face-to-face classroom time is limited to 28 days spread across 5 on-campus sessions during the 25-month program. Students work full time while completing coursework. Scholarship funding is not available but many students receive employer support including tuition reimbursement and release time. Typical age range is 25-53.
Working with faculty and advisors, students design and conduct a project to introduce an innovation into their organization. The project provides the opportunity for students to bring together many aspects of their learning into an innovation of significant value.
Upon graduation over 70 percent of students remain in their place of employment while earning a new title and position.