Many prospective MHA applicants have questions about the type of undergraduate education suggested to pursue a graduate degree in the field of Health Administration. While it might seem as if it is necessary to hold a degree in health sciences to pursue a Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Science Administration, this is not always the case. Students who are looking to pursue a master’s degree in health administration should be aware that there are many paths to an advanced degree in the health administration field. Holding a degree in health sciences is only one route to a master’s.
General Requirements
While every graduate school has its own standards of admission, most schools do not require that a student have an undergraduate degree in the health field. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree in any discipline can be combined with health care experience and good academic standing to create a strong admissions portfolio. Still, while a prospective student is not expected to have a degree in the health sciences, there are several areas of study recommended. Many schools of health administration ask that applicants have background knowledge in finance, health care, sciences and communication. Additionally, experience in the healthcare field is often required for admission to a master’s degree program in health administration.
Differing Requirements: A Case Study of Two Top Programs
Although the basic requirements for most health administration graduate programs are very similar, individual schools set their own standards. For example, Ohio University’s Master of Health Administration program’s admission page states that applicants should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, this degree may be in any field, provided that a student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and two years of health care experience. Ohio University also requires background knowledge in statistics and accounting, excellent writing skills in the English language, and passing TOEFL scores for international students.
The University of Michigan has similar requirements for its Master of Health Science Administration program . Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any subject may be considered for admission. Additionally, the University of Michigan urges applicants to pursue coursework in behavioral and social sciences as well as American government. Excellent scores on the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is also required by the University of Michigan’s graduate school. Because every school has nuanced conditions, applicants should prepare to meet a wide range of requirements. Prospective students will have much better chances at admission if they are able to apply to a variety of programs.
While a bachelor’s degree in the health sciences would certainly be wise preparation for someone wishing to pursue a master’s degree in health administration, it is not necessary to hold a degree in health science. Passionate and qualified applicants will be considered regardless of the title on their bachelor’s degree. Prospective students should instead concentrate on accruing experience in the health field, obtaining relevant coursework, studying necessary testing subjects and examining the individual requirements of a variety of programs.
