MHA-Healthcare Administration

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare administration has been impacted around the world by seismic, global shifts including advances in medical science, an explosion of health-related technologies and data, a focus on disease prevention and well-being, and the rise of the healthcare consumer.

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree, which is STEM-designated, was developed to meet the needs of evolving healthcare systems around the world through flexible, student-choice instruction. Students decide what works best with their schedules and learning preferences. They can take coursework in the classroom or online. Even online students can complete the coursework independently or blend in weekly enrichment sessions through video conferencing. The 36-credit program can be completed part-time in two years or full-time in 12 to 18 months. All courses are offered in seven-week increments. The dynamic curriculum is taught by leading healthcare professionals. All are experienced managers, and many are currently high-level professionals in healthcare organizations.

MISSION OF THE MHA PROGRAM

The Gannon University MHA’s mission is to prepare early healthcare-management careerists and recent college graduates for diverse positions in healthcare administration from entry to upper level. The program provides a foundational health management education based on Gannon’s intellectual tradition to regional and global students. The program offers flexible delivery of innovative, project-based learning in a cohort format that prepares students for employment and career advancement in healthcare organizations across the continuum of care. That includes hospitals, physician practices, long-term care, insurance companies, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, and consultant organizations.

VISION STATEMENT

The Gannon University MHA program aims to be a regionally recognized program of choice for students who desire a real-world, experience-based education that provides them the confidence and ethical guidance to become renowned and respected healthcare leaders. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For all students:

Candidates for the Master’s program will be considered for enrollment on a rolling basis. Students will be notified of the admissions decision after review from the Office of Graduate Admissions and the MHA Program Director. Applicants are asked to meet the following admissions criteria:

• Undergraduate degree (or expected completion of an undergraduate degree prior to enrollment)

• Minimum 3.00 overall GPA

• If your undergraduate GPA is less than a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, there are two options:

  • Take the GMAT and achieve a score of 1050 using the formula: 200 x (undergraduate GPA) + GMAT score.

  • GMAT requirement may be waived based on professional experience following the Program Director’s review of application

Applicants are asked to submit the following information to the Gannon University Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Completed graduate application (online)

• Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions

• Professional resume

Non-Degree Status is offered to students who, after admissions review, show academic promise and are seeking professional development. A maximum of 9 credits may be taken as a nondegree student.

4+1 MASTER OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION (MHA) PROGRAM

The 4+1 MHA program is designed to allow undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both an undergraduate degree and MHA in five years. Interested students with at least a 3.0 GPA, from any major, should apply by completing the 4+1 application during their sophomore year. With a provisional acceptance, students can take required courses for the MHA during their junior and senior years. Upon completion of their undergraduate degree, students must officially apply to the MHA program through Graduate Admissions. Acceptance into the graduate program is not guaranteed and is contingent upon the student’s completion of the undergraduate degree and performance in any prior graduate coursework for the MHA. 

CURRICULUM

The Gannon MHA is a professional degree program designed for career-oriented individuals who want to shape the direction of healthcare organizations throughout the world. Instruction is offered face-to-face or online; but fully online students have the opportunity to join faculty-hosted (optional) enrichment sessions once a week for each course. The flexibility in program modality options allows students to complete their degree on a full-time or part-time basis (within one to two years, respectively). The face-to-face component also allows global students to attend classroom sessions on a full-time basis. They can complete the program in one year by taking 12 credits a semester or in 18 months by taking nine credits a semester.

NOTE: An internship is recommended but not required. Students can register for GMHA 780/Internship for 0-credit.

Courses may be waived on a course-by-course basis based upon academic and employment background at the discretion of the Director. However, 36 hours of course work, including required courses and substitute electives, are required for program

completion. Students who complete the MHA degree program are eligible to earn the Healthcare Business Analytics Certificate upon successful completion of the 12 credits of required coursework and the appropriate GPA.