Sample Dual Degree Programs
Dual MHA/MPA Degree
Many health care policy graduates pursue careers in public agencies and non-profit organizations. Additional training in public policy can bring a social science perspective in understanding policy and public organizations. A dual MHA/MPA degree requires 41 credit hours unique to Public Policy and Management if earning a master of public administration. A student in the MHA/MPA dual degree program completes all the core courses in both programs with the following exceptions:
- Public Management and Human Relations (public policy)
- Data Analysis (health services management and policy)
- Information Systems (health services management and policy)
- Strategic Leadership (public policy)
In addition to the core courses, each student in the combined program is required to complete at least three electives as part of the MHA degree. These could be taken from the remainder of the offerings in Public Policy and Management or Health Services Management and Policy or from other appropriate departments.
Students would be assumed to follow the non-thesis option for the MHA degree. The thesis option would be possible but strongly discouraged, since the student will also have to meet the policy paper requirement for the MPA. It should be possible to arrange a joint internship experience so that the student will not be obligated for two summers.
Graduation requires successful completion of the Master's Comprehensive Exam, encompassing the core courses in the dual degree program. Students pursuing the MHA/MPA dual degree have the option of using a policy paper (B+ or better grade only) as their exit criterion.
Students pursuing the MPA as a dual degree option should also consult the MPA Planning Handbook.
Dual MHA/MBA Degree
The MBA is a business management degree with the opportunity to develop depth in particular business skills, such as finance, marketing, etc. The MHA has the advantage of course work designed to give a solid foundation of skills grounded in the unique challenges of health care, as well as a strong network of career contacts in the health care industry and a faculty well-recognized in that setting.
This dual degree can be completed in three academic years. In order to take maximum advantage of the opportunity for course substitution, it is advantageous for the student to take the first year of the dual degree program in the MBA curriculum, completing the MBA core. The second year is concentrated in the MHA curriculum, with some openings for electives, and the third year combines courses from both programs. A minimum of 138 credit hours is required for this dual program.
The MHA/MBA program is designed for persons who intend at the time of initial application to pursue both degrees. It is possible after beginning either program to apply for admission in the other; but this may not permit the usual dual degree schedule efficiencies.
Visit the Fisher College of Business Web site for more information about the MBA program.
How to apply
Click here for information on how to apply to programs in the College of Public Health.
