Master of Healthcare Administration

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Utah

Program Overview

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business prepares students to lead and manage healthcare organisations through a combination of business education and specialised healthcare management training. The programme develops expertise in healthcare finance, operations, policy, analytics, quality improvement, and leadership, helping graduates prepare for administrative and strategic roles across hospitals, health systems, clinics, insurance organisations, and other healthcare settings.

Curriculum Structure

The University of Utah offers three MHA pathways: Traditional MHA, Professional MHA, and Online MHA. The Traditional pathway requires 48 credits, while the Professional and Online pathways require 42 credits each. Most students complete the programme in two to three years, and all pathways share a core curriculum focused on healthcare management and leadership.

First Year

Students develop foundational knowledge of healthcare administration, business ethics, economics, financial management, and healthcare data analysis. Core courses include Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Economics and Policy, Healthcare Financial Management, and Healthcare Business Intelligence I. These subjects help students understand how healthcare organisations operate, how policies influence service delivery, and how financial and analytical information supports management decisions.

Second Year

Students advance their knowledge through courses in healthcare operations, strategic management, human resources, patient safety, population health, and quality management. Courses such as Health Services Operations, Healthcare Strategic Management, Patient Safety, and Quality Management prepare students to improve organisational performance and healthcare delivery. Students also complete an MHA Integrative Experience, which typically involves a team-based field study addressing a significant issue faced by a local healthcare organisation.

Note: The curriculum and additional requirements vary by pathway. The Traditional MHA includes additional experiential learning and career-readiness coursework, while the Professional and Online pathways have different elective and delivery requirements.

Focus Areas

Healthcare administration, healthcare management, healthcare economics, health policy, healthcare financial management, managerial finance, healthcare business intelligence, healthcare analytics, health services operations, strategic management, human resources management, managed care and insurance, patient safety, population health, quality management, healthcare leadership, business ethics, healthcare informatics, telehealth, healthcare marketing, healthcare law, and healthcare data analytics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to manage healthcare organisations, evaluate healthcare policies, analyse financial and operational data, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and service delivery. They also learn to improve patient safety, assess healthcare quality, understand population health needs, lead multidisciplinary teams, and develop strategies for organisational improvement. The programme strengthens analytical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills required in healthcare management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

CAHME Accreditation: The MHA programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which evaluates the quality and professional relevance of graduate healthcare management education.
AACSB Accreditation: The David Eccles School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Industry-Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by faculty members with healthcare industry experience, including current and former healthcare executives.
Practical Learning: The MHA Integrative Experience gives students the opportunity to work in teams on significant issues facing local healthcare organisations.
Specialisation Opportunities: Students can develop additional expertise in healthcare data analytics, leadership and fellowship preparation, or long-term care through elective pathways.

Reputation (Employability and Career Opportunities)

Career Development: The programme includes career development coursework covering career exploration, résumé and cover-letter preparation, mock interviews, and salary negotiations.
Industry Connections: Students benefit from guest speakers, professional panels, networking opportunities, and connections with healthcare organisations.
Professional Experience: The programme's executive adjunct faculty collectively bring more than 175 years of healthcare administration experience.
Employer Network: Organisations associated with graduate career opportunities include Intermountain Healthcare, CommonSpirit Health, Optum, Northwell Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Primary Children's Hospital.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Administrator, Healthcare Operations Manager, Healthcare Finance Manager, Healthcare Consultant, Health Services Manager, Quality Improvement Manager, Healthcare Data Analyst, Patient Safety Manager, and Healthcare Strategy Manager.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Utah, the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience that is crucial for success in the healthcare industry. Through a combination of classroom learning and practical application, students gain valuable skills that prepare them for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various facilities, tools, and opportunities that enhance the educational experience.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MHA program:

- Internships: Students have the chance to engage in internships with local healthcare organizations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and build professional networks.

- Capstone Projects: The program includes a capstone project where students work in teams to solve real healthcare challenges, providing practical experience in problem-solving and project management.

- Access to Healthcare Facilities: Students can visit and collaborate with various healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to gain insights into operational practices and management strategies.

- Digital Tools and Software: The curriculum incorporates the use of industry-standard software such as Tableau for data visualization and analysis, as well as other healthcare management tools that are essential for modern healthcare administration.

- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to healthcare organizations and conferences, offering exposure to industry trends and networking opportunities with professionals.

- Research Laboratories: The university provides access to research labs where students can engage in healthcare research, contributing to advancements in the field.

- Libraries and Resources: The Marriott Library offers extensive resources, including databases and journals specific to healthcare management, supporting students in their research and studies.

- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Research: This institute provides additional resources and opportunities for students to engage in research and collaborate with faculty on healthcare delivery projects.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare administration field.

Consider applying to the MHA program at the University of Utah to take advantage of these incredible opportunities and prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare administration!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at the University of Utah prepares graduates for impactful careers in the healthcare sector, equipping them with the skills needed to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving industry. Graduates often find themselves in roles such as Healthcare Manager, Health Services Administrator, and Policy Analyst, where they can make significant contributions to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Here’s what you can expect from the program:

- University Services: The University of Utah offers robust career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events specifically tailored for healthcare administration students. The university also hosts job fairs that connect students with leading healthcare organizations in the region.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, graduates from the MHA program have a high employment rate, with over 90% securing positions within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for MHA graduates is around $85,000, with potential for significant growth as they advance in their careers.

- University–Industry Partnerships: The University of Utah has established partnerships with prominent healthcare institutions, such as Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Health, providing students with valuable internship opportunities and real-world experience.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MHA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), ensuring that the education you receive meets the highest standards in the field and is recognized nationally.

- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the program have gone on to hold leadership positions in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MHA program, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA) or a Ph.D. in Public Health. These advanced degrees can open doors to academic positions, research opportunities, and high-level administrative roles within healthcare organizations.

The University of Utah’s MHA program not only prepares you for immediate employment but also lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and career advancement in the dynamic field of healthcare.