Information Sessions

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

Quick Reference

Student Handbook: Click to open handbook Starting semester: Fall Length of program: 5 semesters Degree awarded: Master in Health Administration (MHA) Admissions deadline: March 1, 2009 Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Contact info: (843) 792-2118 (843) 792-3327 (fax) dhapinfo@musc.edu

The residential master in health administration (MHA) program is designed to develop the health care leaders of tomorrow. The curriculum prepares individuals for administrative roles and responsibilities in a variety of health care settings. Graduates from the program will:

• have a broad understanding of the health care system and factors impacting its various components;
• be able to apply concepts and managerial skills in human resources, strategic planning, decision-making, finance, marketing, and information systems;
• be able to take an integrated approach to managing health care professionals and facility operations.

Application Information

The Profession
Healthcare facilities are complex and dynamic organizations. They have been impacted by several changes in the healthcare environment such as the increase of older adults in our population, advancements in technology, increased governmental regulation, and greater demand for accountability regarding cost and quality.

Healthcare organizations require talented and skilled administrators to work in partnership with clinicians to improve the health of the communities they serve. Administrators are involved in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the organization’s human, financial, and information resources. They find employment in a variety of settings including:

• Hospital
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Long term care facilities
• Public health agencies
• Physician-based practices
• Managed care organizations
• Consulting firms

• Mental health organizations

The American College of Healthcare Executives reports that today an estimated 100,000 people serve in health management positions at numerous organizational levels, from department head to chief executive officer. Health administrators may work in a variety of specialized areas such as finance, human resources, information systems, marketing and public affairs, medical staff relations, planning and development, patient care services, and others.

Curriculum
The Residential MHA curriculum consists of 60 semester hours: 48 semester hours of core coursework, 6 semester hours of coursework in elective courses, and 6 semester hours in a health administration internship. 

This curriculum provides students the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and competency in highly marketable areas of administration. In addition, students gain practical, "real world" experience doing internships or field projects. Following completion of coursework, students may compete for administrative fellowships.

 Admission requirements

• 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. All majors are accepted; however, undergraduate Statistics and Microeconomics are required prerequisites.
• 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.
• Three recommendations from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s professional background, academic capabilities, and motivation.
• Program faculty usually request a personal interview.
• Students should have working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

Application deadlines
Applications for the 2009 cycle will be accepted beginning July 1, 2008.  Qualified early applicants may be interviewed and accepted prior to the application deadline of March 1, 2009. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Interview dates
January through April

Acceptances offered
Mid-April

Admissions Contact
Admissions Coordinator
Dept. of Health Administration and Policy
Phone: (843) 792-2118
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 checklist
(Applications are accepted at any time.)

1. Confirm prerequisites (Statistics and Microeconomics)
2. Complete university application (the essay and 3 references' email addresses are included in the on-line application)
3. Submit completed application and: 
4. 1. GRE or GMAT scores
   2. Application fee
   3. Official transcripts of all college work

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