Master of Health Administration (MHA)
The MHA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
Health administration professionals constantly face the complex and changing demands of the health care industry. The Master of Health Administration program offered through the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Indianapolis prepares students to meet contemporary health care challenges. The MHA at Indiana University is the only Master of Health Administration program in Indiana accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). The MHA program is also a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
Welcome from Paul Lang, MHA Program Director
Careers in Health Administration
The Master of Health Administration degree prepares students for a variety of leadership opportunities in the health care industry, including:
- Hospitals/health systems
- Long-term care facilities
- Physician practice management
- Clinic/community health centers
- Health departments
- Consulting firms
- VA facilities
- Insurance companies
- Associations, foundations, or voluntary agencies
- Accounting firms
- Home health agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
Program Benefits:
- Internships and work experience at some of the region's finest health care organizations
- Well-respected health care authorities as guest lecturers
- One-on-one mentorship program
- On-site, hands-on health care experience
- National, post-degree administrative fellowships
- Dual-degree programs allow specialization and reduce credits required to complete two separate degrees
- Graduate certificate classes may be applied toward the MHA program
- Careers with hospitals, physician practices, consulting firms, home health agencies, insurance companies, long-term facilities, and more
- Graduates can be found working at organizations like Clarian Health Partners, Eli Lilly, Heart Center of Indiana, St. Vincent Hospital, Indiana Department of Veteran's Affairs, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Curriculum
The 51 credit hour MHA program includes an interdisciplinary curriculum interwoven with current research and events, providing a broadly balanced foundation of theoretical, practical, and technical knowledge. Students complete courses in financial management, accounting, marketing, economics, human resources management, information systems, law, ethics, and policy. Students should have undergraduate courses in accounting, microeconomics, and statistics. Students can be admitted without these courses but these prerequisites must be fulfilled prior to enrolling in certain required courses.
For a complete list of all MHA courses, see below:
All students are expected to complete at least six credit hours each semester and complete the program requirements within five calendar years of matriculation.
Faculty
MHA classes are taught by an impressive cadre of full-time, part-time, and associate faculty. For a complete list of MHA faculty.
In addition to the faculty, MHA students benefit from the knowledge and experience of many health care practitioners. Current health care practitioners representing the full spectrum of the field participate in class sessions and student organization meetings. The involvement of these health care practitioners provides important linkages between the concepts covered in class and what practitioners encounter in their respective areas of health care.
Practical Experiences and Work Opportunities
A great strength of the MHA program at Indiana University is the emphasis on practical experiences and work opportunities for our students. These include internships, part-time employment, mentorship, and fellowship opportunities.
Summer internships between the first and second year of study provide MHA students with excellent opportunities to study with health industry leaders. These paid internships give individuals valuable experience in the health care field and are excellent opportunities to blend academic preparation with hands-on experience.
Full-time students are encouraged to have part-time jobs in local health care organizations during the academic year. These jobs provide students with valuable experience, relationships, and income. Currently, 34 full-time MHA students are employed in these health-related part-time jobs.
The mentorship program gives students the opportunity to meet a variety of practicing area health care professionals. Mentors are available in all segments of the health care industry, providing students with valuable and varied career advice and guidance.
A growing number of students successfully compete for local and national post-degree administrative fellowships after graduation. Most fellowships provide a one year, paid administrative experience. Fellowships awarded to MHA program graduates include: the Cleveland Clinic, Good Samaritan Health System in Nebraska, Baylor Fellowship in Houston, University of North Carolina Hospitals Fellowship, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Administrative Fellowship in Minneapolis, and an Indiana rural health fellowship.
Joint Degree Programs
Master of Health Administration-Doctor of Jurisprudence (MHA-JD)
Offered with the Indiana University School of Law, this four year, full-time program trains professionals in the legal and administrative frameworks necessary to successfully function as a health lawyer or a health services administrator.
View MHA-JD checksheet
Master of Health Administration-Master of Business Administration (MHA-MBA)
Offered with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, this three year, full-time program trains professionals for business careers with a health care emphasis.
View MHA-MBA checksheet