Information Sessions

If you are interested in learning more about the Executive Master in Health Administration program we encourage you to attend one of our Information Sessions. Click here for more information.

Quick Reference

Student Handbook: Download student handbook Starting semester: Spring and Summer Length of program: 6-9 semesters Degree awarded: Master in Health Administration (MHA) Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education  (CAHME) Admissions deadlines: - November 15 for Spring Semester (begins in Jan) FAQs: Click here Contact info: (843) 792-2118 (843) 792-3327 - fax dhapinfo@musc.edu

The Department of Health Administration and Policy at the Medical University of South Carolina is uniquely positioned to offer this program because of our long history of preparing highly qualified health care administrators and our experience in offering doctoral-level health administration coursework in an executive format.

Application Information

The Profession
Healthcare administration is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity in a dynamic industry.  Advancements in technology, changing demographics within the nation, and greater demand for accountability make this healthcare profession vitally important.  There is a pressing need for highly qualified administrators to lead health care facilities in providing high quality patient care in a cost-effective, caring, and professional manner. Health administrators are involved in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the organization's human, financial, and information resources. These administrators may initially find employment as department managers, assistant administrators or administrators in a variety of settings. Some of the settings include:

• hospitals and health systems
• ambulatory care facilities
• physician-based practices
• long term care facilities
• community health agencies
• managed care organizations

Today, an estimated 100,000 people serve in health management positions, from middle management to CEO positions in organizations ranging from a couple of people to major international companies employing several thousand health care workers. Opportunities abound for capable, highly skilled individuals.

Curriculum
Students may take up to three Internet-based courses each semester. Two of the courses include an on-campus, face-to-face session. These sessions are generally offered in June, September, and late January of each academic year.  Each course meets for 16 hours over the four-day period.

Note: Semesters begin approximately 2-3 weeks before the on-campus sessions are held. Check with department for each semester's start date.

On Campus Sessions:

• Fall 2008:  Sept 4-7
• Spring 2009: Jan 14-18
• Summer 2009:  June 3-7
• Fall 2009:  Sept 10-13
• Spring 2010: Jan 13-17
• Summer 2010:  June 9-13
• Fall 2010:  Sept 16-19

The Executive MHA curriculum consists of 54 semester hours:  48 semester hours of core coursework and 6 semester hours of elective coursework.  All entering students should have a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

Core Courses:

• Health Policy*
• Health Economics
• Health Care Delivery Systems*
• Health Behavior and Epidemiology*
• Health Care Management and Operations
• Statistical Analysis in Health Systems
• Health Care Accounting
• Financial Management
• Decision Analysis
• Health Law and Risk Management*
• Organization Theory and Behavior
• Management and Health Information Systems*
• Strategic Marketing and Management
• Human Resources Management
• Reimbursement Systems
• Health Care Marketing
• Quality Management in Health Care Services

*Completely Internet-based course 

• Health Care Financing
• Managing Across the Continuum of Care
• Mediation and Negotiation
• Seminar in Health Services Leadership 
• Health Administration Field Project

Courses and requirements may change as deemed necessary and appropriate.

Professional Organizations

• Graduates are encouraged to affiliate with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

• Students may join the student chapter while enrolled in the MHA program.

Admission Requirements

• Two to three years health care experience (or comparable professional work experience). A resume should be submitted.
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary to be competitive. Previous graduate work should reflect a GPA of 3.0 or above.
• A competitive score on the GRE or the GMAT. A GRE score of 1000 (verbal + quantitative), and 4 or higher on the analytical section; or GMAT score of 500 suggests a student’s ability to be successful in the program.  In some cases, GRE or GMAT scores may be waived.
• Three reference forms from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s professional background, academic capabilities, and motivation. (Applicants provide the email address of 3 individuals on the application and the recommendation form is electronically sent to them to complete.)
• An undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate microeconomics course should be completed prior to entering the program. (Undergraduate Accounting is suggested but not required.)
• Students should have working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

Admissions
Dept. of Health Administration & Policy
Phone: (843) 792-2118
Fax: (843) 792-3327
E-mail: dhapinfo@musc.edu

Admissions Coordinator
MUSC Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-3313
Fax: (843) 792-6615
E-mail: mcgregom@musc.edu

Application deadlines
November 15 for Spring 09

Interview dates
Interviews are not required

Acceptances offered
As received

Application checklist

1. Confirm prerequisites
2. Complete university application
3. Submit completed application and: 
   1. GRE or GMAT scores
   2. Supplemental materials (essay to be written on application and email addresses of 3 references)
   3. Application fee
   4. Official transcripts of all college work

NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made.