M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
Master of Health Administration
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at The Catholic University of America, offered through its School of Professional Studies, is a professional graduate degree designed to prepare students for leadership and managerial roles across the diverse and complex healthcare landscape. This program focuses on developing a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, financial management, ethical leadership, and legal and policy analyses specific to the healthcare industry. It aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of hospitals, healthcare systems, consulting firms, and other healthcare-related businesses.
Curriculum: The MHA program is a 40-credit-hour degree. The curriculum is structured with a foundational core of 25 credits and a specialized curriculum of 15 credits. Foundational courses typically include Effective Communication in Leadership, HR Management and Strategy, Principles of Budgeting and Finance, Principles of Ethical Leadership, Public Policy Analysis and Implementation, Public-Private Partnerships, Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis, and a Master's Capstone. A unique element is the 1-credit course, Catholic Servant Leadership, reflecting the university's mission. Specialized courses delve into the American Health Care System, Information Technology for Health Care Administration, Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration, Organizational Theory for Health Care Administration, and Public Health Care Administration. The program is designed to be completed in as little as two years (four full-time terms) or seven part-time terms, with flexible online and in-person course options to accommodate working professionals.
Research Focus: The MHA program's research focus is applied and practical, aimed at developing the analytical and critical thinking skills needed for real-world healthcare administration challenges. It emphasizes integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses into decision-making, understanding and communicating current public policy and laws related to healthcare, and applying leadership theories within real-world contexts. The culminating Master's Capstone serves as a platform for students to apply their theoretical education to current issues within the healthcare industry, often through research, synthesis, and application components. The program prepares students to evaluate and solve problems related to budgeting, finance, human capital, fundraising, and legal and policy aspects of health administration.
Industry Engagement: The MHA program is highly engaged with the healthcare industry, leveraging its strategic location in Washington, D.C. This provides students with direct access to numerous hospitals, healthcare systems, consulting firms, government agencies (such as HHS, NIH, and CMS), and healthcare-related businesses. Faculty members often have significant professional experience in healthcare, bringing practical insights and industry trends into the classroom. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for immediate career advancement by aligning with current industry demands. The university aims to equip students to effectively improve healthcare systems by following current laws and policies, and by making organizations more effective and efficient, fostering strong connections with the professional healthcare community in the nation's capital.
Global Perspective: The MHA program inherently touches upon a global perspective through its study of the American healthcare system, which operates within a global context of health challenges, technological advancements, and policy influences. While the program focuses on U.S. healthcare administration, the principles of ethical leadership, public policy analysis, and efficient resource management are universally applicable to healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding the complexities of different healthcare models, the impact of global health crises, and the universal need for effective healthcare leadership provides graduates with a broader outlook. The program prepares individuals who can contribute to improving health outcomes and healthcare delivery in an increasingly interconnected world, drawing on the university's broader commitment to human dignity and service.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22240
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's Master of Health Administration (MHA) program are equipped with a robust set of leadership, management, financial, and policy analysis skills tailored for the complex and evolving healthcare sector. Their preparation enables them to take on significant administrative roles in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Hospital Administrator: Managing the operations of a hospital department, a specific service line (e.g., surgical services, emergency room), or ultimately overseeing the entire facility.
Healthcare Consultant: Advising healthcare organizations on strategic planning, operational efficiency, financial management, technology adoption, and regulatory compliance.
Clinic Manager: Overseeing the day-to-day operations, staff, and patient flow in medical practices, specialized clinics, or outpatient facilities.
Health Information Manager: Managing patient data, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and ensuring data privacy and security within healthcare organizations.
Long-Term Care Administrator: Managing nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other long-term care institutions, ensuring quality care and regulatory compliance.
Public Health Administrator: Working for local, state, or federal public health agencies to plan, implement, and evaluate community health programs and initiatives.
Managed Care Director: Overseeing aspects of health insurance plans, including provider networks, claims processing, and member services for health insurance companies or large healthcare systems.
Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Manager: Working in administrative or managerial roles within pharmaceutical companies or medical device manufacturers, often in operations, marketing, or regulatory affairs.
Healthcare Financial Manager/Analyst: Managing budgets, financial planning, and revenue cycles for healthcare organizations, ensuring financial stability and growth.
Policy Analyst (Healthcare): Researching, analyzing, and developing healthcare policies for government agencies, advocacy groups, or healthcare associations to influence healthcare legislation and practices.
