MBA/Master of Health Administration

36 Months On Campus Masters Program

Georgia State University

Program Overview

The MBA/Master of Health Administration (MBA/MHA) at Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business combines business management education with specialised healthcare administration training. The dual-degree programme is designed for students and early-career professionals who want to develop the leadership, financial, analytical and strategic skills needed to manage hospitals, healthcare systems, medical facilities, consulting firms and other health-related organisations.

Curriculum Structure

The programme combines MBA business courses with specialised health administration subjects and a practical administrative residency. Students typically complete the programme in 24–36 months, with evening classes designed to accommodate working professionals. The university allows up to five years for completion.

Business Foundation and Core Courses: Students build a broad understanding of business operations, financial management, analytics and leadership. Core courses include Strategic Business Communication (MBA 8015), Financial Statement Analysis (MBA 8025), Data Driven Decision Making (MBA 8040), Managerial Accounting and Control Systems (MBA 8115), Corporate Finance (MBA 8135), Marketing Management (MBA 8145) and Leadership and Organizational Behavior (MBA 8165).

Business Electives: Students select a business elective to strengthen their knowledge in an area relevant to their career goals. Options include Health Insurance and Risk Management (AS 8370), Introduction to Programming and Predictive Analytics for Business (IFI 8410), Digital Innovation (MBA 8125), Project Management (MGT 8730) and IT Project Management (CIS 8000).

Health Administration Courses: The healthcare-focused curriculum covers the structure of the US healthcare system, healthcare policy, economics, finance, operations, technology and strategic leadership. Courses include Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System (HA 8160), Health Policy and Ethics (HA 8190), Health Economics and Financing (HA 8250), Executive Leadership in Health Care (HA 8440), Legal Environment of Health Care (HA 8450), Healthcare Planning and Financial Management (HA 8550), Operations Management and Quality in Health Care (HA 8620), Digital Health Strategy (HA 8670), Care Management and Delivery Systems (HA 8680), Health Care Analytics (HA 8750) and Strategic Management in Health Care (HA 8990).

Administrative Residency: Students complete Administrative Residency (HA 8810), a practical experience that helps them develop managerial skills in a healthcare organisation. Previous residency placements have included Johns Hopkins Health System, Piedmont Health System, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Grady Health System, Wellstar Health System and Northwestern Medicine.

Focus Areas

Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Finance, Healthcare Economics, Healthcare Policy, Strategic Management, Hospital Management, Healthcare Operations, Quality Improvement, Health Information Systems, Digital Health, Healthcare Analytics, Risk Management, Human Resource Management, Healthcare Leadership, Clinical Service Management and Organisational Performance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to manage healthcare organisations, evaluate financial performance and make strategic decisions in complex healthcare environments. They learn to analyse healthcare policies, understand legal and regulatory requirements, manage operational processes, improve service quality and use data to support organisational decisions. The programme also develops leadership, communication, ethical decision-making, teamwork and change-management skills, preparing students to lead healthcare teams and manage organisational challenges.

Professional Alignment

CAHME accreditation: The MBA/MHA programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), a recognised accrediting body for graduate healthcare management education.
Healthcare management competencies: The curriculum follows a competency model covering business knowledge, leadership and professionalism, and healthcare environment knowledge.
Financial and operational management: Students develop skills in healthcare financial management, operations, strategic planning, analytics and organisational performance.
Healthcare leadership: The programme addresses healthcare ethics, legal and regulatory environments, workforce management and healthcare policy.
Practical experience: The Administrative Residency provides an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a healthcare organisation and develop professional management capabilities.
Professional development: Students can participate in networking events, industry visits, mentoring opportunities and professional activities through the Future Healthcare Executives student organisation.

Reputation and Employability

Programme ranking: The university reports that its MBA/MHA is ranked No. 8 among public institutions and No. 12 nationally by Eduniversal in 2025.
Salary improvement: Graduates from the Class of 2023 reported an average salary increase of 28% after completing the programme.
Return on investment: The university reports an average time of 1.1 years for graduates to recover their educational investment.
Employer connections: Graduates work for organisations including Grady Health System, Northside Hospital, Wellstar Health System, UPMC, PruittHealth, Houston Healthcare and Brightpoint Health.
Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Administrator, Healthcare Consultant, Administrative Fellow, Healthcare Analyst, Healthcare Operations Manager, Director of Healthcare Services, Clinical Operations Manager, Healthcare Project Manager, Health Policy Analyst, Quality Improvement Manager and Healthcare Strategy Consultant.
Professional networking: Students benefit from healthcare industry events, guest speakers, site visits, mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Georgia State University, students in the MBA and Master of Health Administration programs are immersed in experiential learning that equips them with practical skills essential for success in their careers. The university emphasizes hands-on experiences through various facilities, tools, and opportunities that foster real-world application of classroom knowledge. This approach not only enhances learning but also prepares students to tackle challenges in their respective fields effectively.

Here are some key components of experiential learning available to students in these programs:

- Capstone Projects: Engage in real-world projects that allow you to apply your knowledge to solve actual business problems, often in collaboration with local organizations.
- Internships: Gain valuable work experience through internships with leading companies and healthcare organizations in Atlanta, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
- Health Administration Simulation Lab: Utilize state-of-the-art simulation tools to practice decision-making and management skills in a controlled environment, mimicking real healthcare scenarios.
- Networking Opportunities: Participate in events and workshops that connect you with industry leaders, alumni, and peers, fostering professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research labs and resources, including the J. Mack Robinson College of Business and the School of Public Health, to conduct studies and projects that contribute to your field.
- Digital Tools: Use advanced software and analytics tools that are integral to modern business and healthcare management, ensuring you are well-versed in the latest technologies.
- Field Trips: Experience firsthand the workings of various organizations through field trips that provide insights into different sectors and operational practices.
- Library Resources: Benefit from extensive library resources, including databases and journals specific to business and health administration, to support your research and studies.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enhance your educational journey and prepare you for a successful career in business or healthcare management.

Consider applying to the MBA or Master of Health Administration programs at Georgia State University to take advantage of these enriching experiences!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing an MBA or a Master of Health Administration at Georgia State University opens doors to a wealth of career opportunities. Graduates from these programs often find themselves in high-demand roles such as healthcare administrators, business analysts, and management consultants. With a strong foundation in both business and health administration, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of today’s dynamic job market.

Here’s how Georgia State supports your journey toward success:

- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events tailored specifically for MBA and MHA students.
- Employment Statistics: Over 90% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with average starting salaries exceeding $70,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Georgia State has established partnerships with leading organizations in healthcare and business, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience that enhances employability.
- Accreditation: Both the MBA and MHA programs are accredited by the AACSB and CAHME, respectively, ensuring that your degree holds long-term value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to hold influential positions in top companies and healthcare organizations, showcasing the effectiveness of the education and training received.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA or MHA, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA). These advanced degrees can deepen your expertise and open up even more leadership opportunities in academia, research, or high-level management roles.

By choosing Georgia State University, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re investing in a future filled with possibilities.