Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Health Administration – MH8157 (Traditional), MH8186 (Healthcare Leadership), MH8187 (Business Analytics), MH8188 (Project Management) , MH8189 (Aging Studies), MH8190 (Quality Improvement)

Department of Social and Public Health
Grover Center W324
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.4675
sph@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Online

Terms of Entry:  Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Overview

The mission of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is to provide quality graduate education to early- to mid-career professionals currently working within and those who aspire to work within the healthcare industry by developing students’ leadership, interprofessional communication, and innovative problem-solving skills relevant to the dynamic healthcare system. Our mission is aligned with the student-focused and community-driven aspirations for our department, college, and institution. Faculty within the MHA program engage in relevant health services research and professional development activities that contribute to the greater good of the industry. 

The MHA online degree program prepares early- to mid-career professionals for leadership positions in a variety of U.S. health organizations and teaches them the needed competencies to develop strategic solutions to health care challenges – today and into the future.

The program is delivered entirely online. Students taking a normal load of two courses per semester (Fall/Spring/Summer) will complete the program in two full years.

The MHA offers a traditional track and 5 specializations:

Traditional MHA (MH8157)

The traditional MHA offer s a breath of course topics related to the healthcare industry including epidemiology, health information systems, and an elective option so students can explore a new area or course that is of interest to them.

MHA with a specialization in Healthcare Leadership (MH8186)

Designed to offer high-quality educational opportunities to assist health professionals in leading people more effectively, improving quality and safety, enhancing the patient experience, stimulating financial growth, and further developing a robust organizational culture for staff. Given the current complexity of the healthcare delivery system and its related programs and services, effective leadership is a critical success factor. Students who pursue this option earn a graduate certificate in Healthcare Leadership at the same time. 

MHA with a specialization in Business Analytics (MH8187)

Gain specialized training in the use of advanced analytical techniques for managerial decision-making. Focus will be placed on managing, processing, and analyzing data to address a multitude of business challenges and opportunities. Specialization draws upon a portfolio of methods that include data mining, optimization, and database management so that data can be transformed into information and insights in order for organization to meet their strategic goals. Students who pursue this option earn a graduate certificate in Business Analytics at the same time. 

MHA with a specialization in Project Management (MH8188)

The Project Management specialization focuses on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), as identified by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This concentration serves as a graduate-level option for working professionals to pursue a graduate educational experience and can augment other graduate experiences at Ohio University. Students who pursue this option earn a graduate certificate in Project Management at the same time. 

MHA with a specialization in Aging Studies (MH8189) (not enrolling in 2024-25)

This specialization addresses the educational needs of graduate students and professionals not only in healthcare but a variety of disciplines that work with the aging or elderly population. Students gain knowledge and skills related to working with the elderly. Students who pursue this option earn a graduate certificate in Gerontology and Aging at the same time. 

MHA with a specialization in Quality Improvement (MH8190)

Students take a deep dive into the concepts associated with the delivery of quality in the U.S. healthcare system, trends in quality improvement, and Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. This specialization creates a strong foundation in the concepts and interactions of cost, quality, and access to care within the U.S. healthcare system, the theoretical models and transformation of quality improvement over time, the structure, function, and goals of healthcare teams, the fundamental principles of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. These courses cover the body of knowledge for the Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) exam by American Society for Quality (ASQ). Students who pursue this option earn a graduate certificate in Quality Improvement in Healthcare at the same time. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• analyze and recommend financial management and systematic concepts and tools to evaluate organizational viability and effectiveness.

• evaluate research, epidemiological, and evaluation concepts and tools for quality improvement strategies. 

• critique the principles of organizational behavior and diverse workforce strategies to improve organizational operations, efficiencies, and workplace communities. 

• differentiate effective leadership methods and strategies to balance ethical values, risk management techniques, and policy requirements in administrative decisions.

• synthesize and disseminate organizational and community-based, legal and ethical, financial, and regulatory data for effective decision making as informed healthcare leaders.

Specialization Learning Outcomes

• Leadership: Students will be able to apply evaluation methods and tools that contribute to positive outcomes related to quality matters. 
• Business Analytics: Students will be able to apply analytical methods to find solutions to problems. 
• Project Management: Students will be able to synthesize the appropriate responses and documentation using modern project management tools and techniques to manage projects concerning stakeholders, budgets, timelines, quality, and other project specific requirements.
• Aging Studies: Students will be able to apply knowledge of diverse life course components that shape older adulthood to respective fields of study.
• Quality Improvement: Students will be able use data for effective decision-making for quality improvement purposes.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/social-public-health/health-services-admin/graduate

Admission Requirements

• Entrance Examinations Required/Recommended: English Language Testing when English is not first language

1. IELTS 8.0 minimum across all bands

2. TOEFL 100 (iBT) minimum, 26 minimum on Writing Section, or

• Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution or equivalent with minimum GPA: 3.00
• Resume or Vitae
• One letter of recommendation
• Professional Statement - Statement should detail purpose and professional goals (250-500 words) identifying skills, career and educational accomplishments, and professional plans and why the Ohio University MHA online program is the right educational path.
• Work experience preferred.

International Students

This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to the program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete 36 credit hours as follows: