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GVSU Health Campus on Grand Rapids' Health Hill.

Health Administration, M.H.A.

The Master in Health Administration (MHA) prepares graduates for managerial and leadership roles in the challenging and complex field of nonprofit health care administration. The curriculum develops nationally recognized healthcare leadership competencies and provides specialized areas of concentration.

Visit the program website for more information.

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Program Overview

The program centers on interdisciplinary learning experiences that integrate classroom study, applied research, professional development, and field experience. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to act ethically and effectively in complex organizations and to transcend traditional boundaries in pursuit of prosperous, safe, and healthy communities. There are five concentrations available: continuing care administration, finance, health system administration, practice management, and a self-directed option.

Why Study Health Administration at Grand Valley?

  • Students learn from, are mentored by, and conduct research with experienced faculty members from diverse specialties.
  • The program emphasizes management principles that are relevant to health organizations prominent in Michigan.
  • Professional networking opportunities are available through the graduate student group, internships, and class projects.
  • The program accepts students from any undergraduate field.
  • The MHA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Accreditation

The Master in Health Administration (MHA) program is accredited by CAHME, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

Location & Format

Classes for this major are a combination of online and in-seat at the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.

Format:

Coursework

Students will study a variety of topics, including:

  • Healthcare financial management
  • Quality improvement/assurance
  • Health policy and politics
  • Population health
  • Healthcare law and ethics
  • Health information technology
  • Human resource management

Application Deadline

Deadline for fall semester is July 1; winter deadline is November 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.

Admission Requirements

  • An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale calculated on the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework
  • Official transcripts from all previous institutions 
  • Three letters of reference from informed sources
  • A detailed resume
  • An essay on career and educational objectives (250-750 words)
  • A demonstrated commitment to community and public service. Ideally this would be five or more years of professional work experience since receiving a baccalaureate degree.
  • Submitting a GRE score is recommended for applicants who have neither a 3.0 undergraduate GPA nor five years of professional experience. The GRE is also recommended for applicants applying for a graduate assistantship with SPNHA.

For More Information

School of Community Leadership and Development

gvsu.edu/healthadministration
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575

Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/gradapply

Program Director

Lara Jaskiewicz, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6580

 

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