Master of Health Administration Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-MHA Questions

1. What are the admissions requirements “really” like?
   
   All admissions requirements are presented in the applications link, for both full and provisional admissions. Individuals with significant experience must still complete the GRE or GMAT in order to be admitted. We are looking for a variation of individuals to represent the MHA as alumni, so all individuals are encouraged to apply.
2. Are there pre-requisite courses required prior to the MHA?
   
   Yes, there are three pre-requisite courses that must be fulfilled at the undergraduate or graduate level either prior to starting the MHA or during the first semesters of the MHA. Those three courses are intro to statistics, health economics and healthcare accounting (finance based). Students may elect to take one, two or three transition courses at the graduate level to fulfill the pre-requisite requirement. Those transition courses are MATH 1231 Into to Statistics, HCMG 5020 Health Econometrics and HCMG 5030 Healthcare Accounting. For further information on the pre-requisite requirement, please contact the MHA Program Manager. 
3. I completed the GRE more than five years ago, how do I get the scores when the ETS will only provide them for the past five years?
   
   If you have GRE scores that are more than five years old, you MUST retake the GRE. Scores from more than five years ago are not similar to the current GRE scores. 
4. I am an International Student and need help with admissions, where do I go?
   
   There is a link from the School of Graduate Studies to help with International Students, including Tuition and Fees, and Visa questions. 
5. I am an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and have a Medicine Bachelors, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Does that meet the requirement for an advanced degree to waive the GRE requirement?
   
   Technically, the MBBS is an undergraduate degree in an academic framework (bachelor’s level) and is not considered an advanced degree. If you do not have another degree at the master’s or doctorate level, you must complete the GRE.  

MHA Completion Questions

1. How is the MHA structured for coursework?
   
   All courses are provided in an online and seated framework. When classes meet, they are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Specifically all courses meet one day at the beginning of the semester, and one day at the end of the semester (eight hours each day) as well as two days in the middle of the semester. The rest of the coursework is conducted via online discussions and with potential chats, as well as projects and research papers that are typically turned in at the end of the semester. All classes meet for the eight hours (each) for the Friday, Saturday, Sunday class meetings. Therefore, there are a total of 22 contact hours of coursework that is seated (face to face) and typically an equivalent of another 20 hours of online instruction for each course. 
2. What is the thesis really like?
   
   The thesis is typically a large paper in the range of 30-50 pages. It builds on previous papers in your coursework and is conducted with your faculty advisor or a graduate faculty member who can chair a thesis. All individuals must complete the thesis using either a quantitative means (statistics involved) or in a qualitative means (showing a trend of some form). The thesis must present recommendations for improvement in healthcare, with a quality of care outcome, an operations outcome, or a resource-based outcome. (As of Spring 2011 the Thesis is no longer required, it is now optional.)
3. What is the typical course “load” in terms of papers or labs?
   
   Almost all MHA courses have a paper ranging from 20 to 30 pages. The courses without a paper have a significant amount of lab work to indicate proficiency in a particular skill set (e.g., HCMG 5700 Research Statistics and Methods in Healthcare that uses both EXCEL and SPSS). Most students spend at least a minimum of 10-20 hours of studying per week per course to maintain a successful progression towards MHA completion (At least a 3.0 GPA).
4. Are faculty available on campus as well as off campus via online?
   
   All MHA faculty members have been carefully chosen to represent both academic excellence and previous health administration experience. Therefore, all faculty members are available during the MHA on-campus sessions as well as online via email during the online sessions of the program.
5. What if I have more specific questions than those here about completion of the MHA?
   
   Each student admitted to the MHA will receive an MHA Graduate Handbook that specifies the procedures for MHA completion (e.g., course planning and completion as well as thesis requirements).
6. How long will it take to complete the degree? 
   
   For students with a full load (nine credits) in the Fall and Spring Semesters and a full Summer load (six credits), they may be able to finish the program in two years. Obviously for students attending part-time, it will take longer to complete the degree. 

MHA Graduation and Post-MHA Experiences

1. Do I have to go through graduation and what are the colors of the MHA gown?
   
   All MHA graduates are expected to go through their appropriate graduation. Exceptions are made only in rare circumstances (e.g., out of country residency at the time of thesis completion). The color of the MHA master’s robe is royal blue over a master’s black gown. The master’s gown is slightly longer than the bachelor’s gown and has unique curved sleeves.
2. What are my prospects with a new MHA degree?
   
   Several faculty members have networks for individuals who are new to the health administration profession. You will develop a strong rapport with your faculty that will help find that “right” position in health administration. Also, several links will be provided during your courses to help you find potential employment. 
3. Are there any licensure requirements to national examination passage and state approval)?
   
   New certification requirements for assisted living administrators are at the state level of legislation. All other health administrators are not required to complete a licensure examination. However, it is strongly encouraged that all health administrators complete continuing education for respective type of administration (e.g., acute, long term care, managed care, private practice). 
4. What can I expect as reimbursement for my MHA?
   
   There is a wide variation of MHA reimbursement, depending on the amount of previous education and experience, as well as type of employment. New MHA graduates rarely make six figure salaries but may make that amount after five to ten years of experience. 
5. How can I help improve healthcare in general now that I have the MHA?
   
   That is a question your faculty members will answer during your MHA courses!