PDF version of this chapterExecutive Master of Health Administration
The executive Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) is designed to enable working professionals to pursue an advanced degree while maintaining their active careers. Mid- to senior-level professionals who have high interest and potential to serve as industry leaders in the highly dynamic and competitive health care environment are encouraged to consider the executive M.H.A. degree.
This program uses a collaborative approach to executive education. Course work themes are interdisciplinary to optimize integrative learning. The program of study requires completion of 34 units, including 24 units of core curriculum and 10 units of electives. The degree may be pursued on either a full- or part-time basis.
| Required courses (24 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| HMGT 520 | Leading People and Health Care Organizations | 4 |
| HMGT 565 | Managing the Organization's Financial Health | 4 |
| HMGT 575 | Managing and Improving Health | 4 |
| PPD 511 | Health Information Systems | 4 |
| PPD 513 | Legal Issues in Health Care Delivery | 4 |
| PPD 515 | Strategic Management of Health Organizations | 4 |
| Electives (10 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| PPD 514 | Economic Concepts Applied to Health | 4 |
| PPD 600 | Management of Managed Care Organizations | 4 |
| PPD 601 | Management of Long-Term Care Organizations | 4 |
| PPD 603 | Marketing of Health Services | 4 |
| PPD 604 | Seminar in Hospital Administration | 4 |
| PPD 605 | Frontline Issues in Health Care | 4 |
| PPD 666 | Administrative Research and Analysis | 4 |
Through the integrated curriculum, participants gain practical skills which are developed within an appropriate conceptual context. Emphasis is given to executive decision-making; development of sound planning, analytical and leadership capabilities; and strong interpersonal communication. More specifically, executive M.H.A. graduates will achieve advanced competency in disciplines which include health economics and finance, marketing and business development, operations, strategic analysis and management, organizational design, quality and teamwork, as well as broad-based skills in leadership and management.
Core faculty are drawn from the School of Policy, Planning, and Development and include senior, experienced faculty, along with nationally-renowned academic specialists and health care experts. In addition to the use of seasoned executives as guest lecturers in class sessions, the program features a periodic speaker series. The opportunity to interact with health care's leading thinkers, policymakers and practitioners is an essential component of the M.H.A. program.
Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and seven years of significant professional health care experience. The M.H.A. office is located in Von KleinSmid Center, Room 253, School of Policy, Planning, and Development, (213) 740-4286, fax (213) 821-1331, or email: gmelnick@usc.edu.