Degrees Offered
- Master of Healthcare Administration
Nature of the Program
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) is a professional degree focused on the organization, delivery and management of healthcare and public health systems and services. It is the premier professional program for those seeking to lead the healthcare organizations and health systems of the future.
The WVU MHA program prepares students for promising careers leading innovative, population health-oriented organizations and health systems. Graduates leave our program with the skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare and public health settings such as hospitals, medical group practices, long-term and rehabilitation care, behavioral health systems, healthcare consulting firms, and health departments. Students will also be excellently prepared for post-graduate administrative fellowships.
The MHA program at WVU focuses on providing students with both a breadth and depth of knowledge in areas critical to success as an administrative leader in the health sector, including:
- Health Services & Operations Management
- Leadership & Organizational Behavior
- Health Finance & Economics
- Health Policy, Law & Ethics
- Strategic Planning & Managerial Decision Making
- Project Management
- Healthcare Quality & Outcomes Management
The program requires courses across these disciplines. Additionally, elective courses allow students to specialize in a variety of areas. Importantly, a robust practice-based internship requirement assures students experiential application of the competencies and skills learned in the classroom.
Faculty
Professors
- Nicholas Castle - PhD (Pennsylvania State University)
- Jeffrey Coben - MD (University of Pittsburgh)
- Darren Liu - DPH (University of Pittsburgh)
Associate professors
- Thomas Bias - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Erik Carlton - DrPH (University of Kentucky)
- Stephen Davis - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Robert Duval - PhD (Florida State University)
- France Weaver - PhD (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill)
Director, MHA Program
Assistant professors
- Sarah Woodrum - DrPH (University of Illinois - Chicago)
- Heather Henderson - EdD (West Virginia University)
- W. Constinia Charbonnette - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Michael Fisher - PhD (University of California - San Francisco)
Admissions
If you are ready to apply to West Virginia University School of Public Health, the admissions team is here to assist you.
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Admission Guidelines
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred overall GPA of 3.5, minimum 3.0
- International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirements for English language proficiency.
- Other requirements:
- Resume
- Letter(s) of recommendation (2-3)
- Personal statement
Application Process
Our Master of Health Administration program participates in the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), http://www.sophas.org/. The MHA Admissions process has two steps. (1) All MHA applications must be submitted through the national SOPHAS service and (2) applicants must also submit a WVU Graduate application, https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/.
In addition to the application, applicants must submit to SOPHAS a personal statement, two or three letters of reference, a current resume/curriculum vitae, and all university transcripts. SOPHAS requires original transcripts from ALL U.S. and International institutions attended (even Study Abroad).
There is a SOPHAS application fee.
- E-submit your application as soon as the applicant entered information is complete. Do NOT wait for SOPHAS to receive transcripts, recommendations or test scores.
- Plan Ahead! Allow up to 4 weeks for SOPHAS to verify grades, process, and mail your application to your designated institutions after your documents have been received.
- SOPHAS grants fee waivers based on financial need for Peace Corps Volunteers, McNair Scholars, Gates Millennium Scholars Program, AmeriCorps, U.S., and International applicants.
Once the department has reviewed the SOPHAS application, students will receive a communication from the WVU School of Public Health regarding their recommendation for acceptance and instructions to complete the WVU graduate application and pay the application fee.
Please Note: There are both SOPHAS and WVU application fees.
Admission Requirements 2024-2025
The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2024-2025Academic Year.
Major Code: 8415
Master of Health Administration
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. | ||
PUBH 540 | Health Systems Leadership | 3 |
HPML 502 | U.S. Healthcare Organization and Delivery | 3 |
HPML 510 | Health Economics | 3 |
HPML 520 | Health Administration and Operations Management | 3 |
HPML 622 | Analytic Methods for Health Policy, Management, and Leadership | 3 |
HPML 523 | Healthcare Finance | 3 |
HPML 626 | Internship | 3 |
HPML 650 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Health Policy | 1 |
HPML 652 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Law and Ethics | 1 |
HPML 653 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Talent and Culture | 1 |
HPML 654 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Health Information and Management Systems | 1 |
HPML 555 | Health Services Project Management | 3 |
HPML 556 | Managerial Epidemiology & Strategy | 3 |
HPML 659 | Comprehensive Experience in Healthcare Management | 3 |
HPML 582 | Managing Quality Improvement in Healthcare | 3 |
Seminar | 4 | |
Graduate Seminar | ||
Electives | 4-6 | |
Foundational Public Health Knowledge | ||
Total Hours | 45-47 |
Suggested Plan of Study
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
HPML 502 | 3 | PUBH 540 | 3 | HPML 626 | 3 |
HPML 520 | 3 | HPML 510 | 3 | ||
HPML 523 | 3 | HPML 555 | 3 | ||
HPML 582 | 3 | HPML 556 | 3 | ||
HPML 696 | 1 | HPML 696 | 1 | ||
13 | 13 | 3 | |||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
HPML 622 | 3 | HPML 653 | 1 | ||
HPML 650 | 1 | HPML 654 | 1 | ||
HPML 652 | 1 | HPML 659 | 3 | ||
HPML 696 | 1 | HPML 696 | 1 | ||
Elective | 2-3 | Elective | 2-3 | ||
8-9 | 8-9 | ||||
Total credit hours: 45-47 |
Accelerated Program
In order to be admitted to this ABM program, applicants must:
- be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and Leadership (BS-HSML) program.
- have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- complete a minimum of 60 credit-hours, but not more than 92 credit-hours, as prescribed in the BS-HSML Plan of Study.
- Transfer students (internal or external) are not eligible for the ABM program at this time.
- earn a minimum grade of "B+" in PUBH 205: Writing for Public Health Audiences.
- schedule one meeting with their WVU School of Public Health undergraduate advisor to ensure they are eligible to apply for the program.
- not be enrolled in a dual degree or certificate program.
- not have any documented infractions with the WVU Office of Student Conduct or any external law enforcement agencies.
- transfer students must complete at least 24 credit hours as degree-seeking students at WVU before applying.
Degree Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A cumululative GPA of 3.0 is required for the degree. | ||
University Requirements | 46 | |
College Core Requirements | 25 | |
Health Services Management and Leadership Major Requirements | 30 | |
MHA Health Administration Program Requirements | 44 | |
Total Hours | 145 |
University Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 | 25 | |
PUBH 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
General Electives | 20 | |
Total Hours | 46 |
College Core Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PUBH 101 | Introduction to Public and Community Health | 3 |
PUBH 200 | Introduction to Public Health Careers and Information | 1 |
PUBH 201 | Global Perspectives of Public Health | 3 |
PUBH 202 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
PUBH 205 | Writing for Public Health Audiences | 3 |
PUBH 211 | Biostatistics for Population Health | 3 |
PUBH 222 | Epidemiology for Public Health | 3 |
PUBH 233 | The US Healthcare System: Structures and Incentives | 3 |
PUBH 241 | Biological Basis of Public Health | 3 |
Total Hours | 25 |
Health Services Management and Leadership Major Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in Health Services Management and Leadership Major Requirements. | ||
PUBH 230 | Introduction to Health Administration | 3 |
PUBH 258 | Terminology and Communication for Health Professionals | 3 |
PUBH 311 | Health Research Data Management and Reporting | 3 |
PUBH 331 | Introduction to Health Policy | 3 |
PUBH 439 | Financials Tools for Health Administration | 3 |
PUBH 464 | Ethical, Legal and Financial Issues in Healthcare | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Principles of Patient Navigation | ||
Introduction to Injury Prevention | ||
Emergency Preparedness for Public Health | ||
Climate Change and Public Health | ||
Introduction to Outbreak Investigation | ||
Required Field Experience and Capstone Courses | ||
Minimum grade of C- is required. | ||
PUBH 400 | Field Placement Preparation Seminar | 1 |
PUBH 482 | Health Management Internship | 6 |
PUBH 489 | School of Public Health Undergraduate Capstone | 2 |
Total Hours | 30 |
MHA Health Administration Program Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. | ||
PUBH 540 | Health Systems Leadership | 3 |
HPML 502 | U.S. Healthcare Organization and Delivery | 3 |
HPML 510 | Health Economics | 3 |
HPML 520 | Health Administration and Operations Management | 3 |
HPML 622 | Analytic Methods for Health Policy, Management, and Leadership | 3 |
HPML 523 | Healthcare Finance | 3 |
HPML 626 | Internship | 3 |
HPML 650 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Health Policy | 1 |
HPML 652 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Law and Ethics | 1 |
HPML 653 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Talent and Culture | 1 |
HPML 654 | Professional Issues in Health Administration: Health Information and Management Systems | 1 |
HPML 555 | Health Services Project Management | 3 |
HPML 556 | Managerial Epidemiology & Strategy | 3 |
HPML 659 | Comprehensive Experience in Healthcare Management | 3 |
HPML 582 | Managing Quality Improvement in Healthcare | 3 |
Seminar | 4 | |
HPML 596 | Graduate Seminar | |
Elective | 3 | |
Foundational Public Health Knowledge | ||
Total Hours | 44 |
Suggested Plan of Study
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
PUBH 191 | 1 | PUBH 201 | 3 | ||
PUBH 101 | 3 | PUBH 202 | 3 | ||
ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | GEF 3 | 3 | ||
General Education/Minor/General Electives | 9 | General Education/Minor/General Electives | 6 | ||
16 | 15 | ||||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
PUBH 200 | 1 | PUBH 205 | 3 | ||
PUBH 211 | 3 | PUBH 222 | 3 | ||
PUBH 233 | 3 | ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
General Education/Minor/General Electives | 9 | General Education/Minor/General Electives | 6 | ||
16 | 15 | ||||
Third Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
PUBH 230 | 3 | PUBH 258 | 3 | ||
PUBH 241 | 3 | PUBH 311 | 3 | ||
PUBH 331 | 3 | PUBH 400 | 1 | ||
PUBH 464 | 3 | PUBH 439 | 3 | ||
General Education/Minor/General Electives | 3 | PUBH Elective | 3 | ||
General Education/Minor/General Electives | 3 | ||||
15 | 16 | ||||
Fourth Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
HPML 582 | 3 | PUBH 540 | 3 | HPML 626 | 3 |
HPML 510 | 3 | HPML 556 | 3 | ||
HPML 520 | 3 | HPML 523 | 3 | ||
HPML 596 | 1 | HPML 596 | 1 | ||
PUBH 482 | 6 | HPML 555 | 3 | ||
PUBH 489 | 2 | ||||
16 | 15 | 3 | |||
Fifth Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
HPML 622 | 3 | HPML 653 | 1 | ||
HPML 650 | 1 | HPML 654 | 1 | ||
HPML 652 | 1 | HPML 659 | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | HPML 596 | 1 | ||
HPML 596 | 1 | Elective | 3 | ||
9 | 9 | ||||
Total credit hours: 145 |
Major Learning Outcomes
Health Administration
Communication and Relationship Management
- Interpersonal Communication: Students will build collaborative and productive relationships.
- Relationship Management: Students will demonstrate negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Writing Skills: Students will prepare effective business communications.
- Presentation Skills: Students will demonstrate professional oral communication and presentation skills.
Leadership Skills
- Leading & Managing Others: Students will hold self and others accountable for team and/or organizational goal attainment.
- Change Management: Students will show the ability to promote and manage change.
- Honest Self-Assessment: Students will exhibit self-awareness through active reflection and self-assessment.
- Systems Thinking: Students can assess the potential impacts and consequences of decisions in a broad variety of situations.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Students are able to apply evidence-based techniques to health services decisions.
Professionalism
- Personal & Professional Ethics: Students will exhibit honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior.
- Personal Responsibility: Students will fulfill their commitments and demonstrate accountability.
- Professional & Community Contribution: Students demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and service.
- Working in Teams: Students will demonstrate the capacity to work in and lead teams.
Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
- Health Services Issues & Trends: Students can examine important issues in health services, including circumstances causing major changes and reform in U.S. health systems and services
- Health Services Legal Principles: Students are able to discuss and analyze health-related legal principles, including compliance standards, regulations, and risk management
- Health Policy: Students are able to articulate the impact of health policies on the delivery of health services.
- Public & Population Health: Students understand and explain the major factors in population health status.
Business and Analytical Skills
- Financial Management: Students are able to compile, analyze, and interpret financial information for health services decision making.
- Human Resources: Students will apply methods and techniques related to the management of health services organizations, employees and professional staff.
- Organizational Dynamics & Governance: Students can articulate the roles, responsibilities, structures, and influence of governing bodies in health services organizations.
- Strategic Planning: Based on environmental analysis, development of strategic alternatives, and discernment of a competitive strategy, students will formulate an evidence-based business strategy appropriate for health services and systems.
- Marketing: Students will analyze and assess markets, market segmentation, strategy, change, and innovation related to health systems and services.
- Information Management: Students will demonstrate proficient technology skills and understanding of information technology in health services environments.
- Quality/Performance Improvement: Students will discern relevant problems and apply principles and concepts of quality/performance improvement of health services and systems.
- Data Analytics: Students can analyze and interpret quantitative information.
- Planning and Managing Projects: Students will design, plan, implement and assess health services projects, including developing appropriate timelines related to performance, structure and outcomes.
- Health Economic Analysis and Application: Students will analyze and apply health economics theories and concepts to decision making.