HELP 2012-2013 University Catalog Health Systems Management, MHA Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  HH-MHA-HSMG

Unit: Health Administration and Policy 

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) in Health Systems Management program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work as leaders and executive-level managers in evolving health systems, or consultants and managers of health information systems. The curriculum was developed in response to the demand for advanced health management preparation for a variety of healthcare and allied health professionals to be employed in health-related organizations (hospitals, consulting and regulatory entities, medical practice groups, ambulatory clinics, managed care organizations, government agencies, information systems departments) in both the public and private sectors of healthcare. Concentrations are offered in: executive management, health information systems, health care security and privacy, physician practice management, and risk management and patient safety.

The program of study offers state-of-the-art technical and humanistic skills so that graduates may serve as leaders, managers, and consultants in various settings. The curriculum integrates concepts from a variety of disciplines such as business management, economics, finance, philosophy, organizational behavior, marketing, information technology, social psychology, public policy, law, and ethics as they apply to the administration of healthcare organizations.

The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare graduates with an understanding of the larger sociopolitical, global health, and economic contexts in which the U.S. health system operates. It provides working professionals with leadership knowledge and managerial skills and abilities that contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health systems and alignment of decisions and resources to optimize organizational and health-related public policy goals. Students examine social imperatives for access to health services and the feasibility, need, and mechanisms of market factors. They create links and alignment between public and private sectors and among voluntary, market, and regulatory forces in the context of a variety of public policy frameworks. Students explore the design and management of seamless systems of care, information technology, and services that support the providers of health-related care and services over the life span. Using ethical principles, students explore approaches to improving access to care and services and the quality and safety of health systems and their integration to maximize quality of life and community health.

Admission Requirements

Health care professionals with a baccalaureate degree and one to three years of recent experience in health or a related management or technology field are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in the Admission  chapter of the catalog and must apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall and spring semesters. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements please refer to Graduate Application Database.

Transfer of Credit

Students may transfer a maximum of 12 credits into the Master in Health Administration program from graduate courses taken at other institutions or taken at Mason in nondegree status. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should seek course advising through the department and should submit their application to the Master in Health Administration program in their first semester of study.

Program Format

The program schedule is geared toward working professionals. The usual schedule for students involves part-time study, comprising two classes (6 credits) per semester. Classes are held primarily in evenings, with some Saturday daytime classes. Selected courses also are available via the Internet.