USC
University of Southern California
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Graduate Degrees

Executive Master of Health Administration

The Executive M.H.A. Program offers clinical and management professionals an opportunity to advance their careers in health care and to more effectively improve health services within their communities. Mid- to senior-level professionals who have the ambition 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. The Executive M.H.A. is geared to those who have demonstrated capabilities, yet who will benefit from expanded skills and competencies that will enable them to lead.

Participants sharpen their business acumen by gaining exposure to and in-depth knowledge of the latest theories and the best in contemporary health management practice. A practical, problem-solving approach ensures that skills can immediately be applied on the job.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants for the Executive Master of Health Administration apply directly to the program. A minimum of five years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility is required for entry into the Executive M.H.A. program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate course work is required. Allowances may be made when justified by exceptional work experience and letters of recommendation.

Curriculum

The Executive M.H.A. offers a customized, learner-centered educational experience that deviates from the typical cohort model of many executive degree programs in that nearly a third of the units are chosen from a wide range of electives. The 34 units of study include 24 required units offered in a conveniently structured executive intensive format. The participants then choose 10 units of electives from among the school’s courses in health management and policy or from other graduate programs. This flexibility enables participants to develop competencies, skills or expertise in areas of particular interest.

Required courses (24 units)Units
HMGT 520Leading People and Health Care Organizations4
HMGT 565Managing the Organization’s Financial Health, or
PPD 510aFinancial Management of Health Services4
HMGT 575Managing and Improving Health4
PPD 511Health Information Systems2
PPD 513Legal Issues in Health Care Delivery4
PPD 515Strategic Management of Health Organizations4
PPD 600Management of Managed Care Organizations2

Electives (10 units)Units
PPD 514Economic Concepts Applied to Health4
PPD 601Management of Long-Term Care Organizations4
PPD 603Marketing of Health Services4
PPD 604Seminar in Hospital Administration4
PPD 605Frontline Issues in Health Care2, max 4
PPD 606Urban Health Policy 4
PPD 608Leadership Symposium in Health Management and Policy1, max 2
PPD 609Physician Practice Management2
PPD 610Managed Care Contracting2
PPD 666Administrative Research and Analysis4
PPD 695Clinical Issues for Managers1
PPD 696Health Care Venture Development2
PPD 697Cultural Proficiency in Health Management and Policy2

Participants in the executive program gain practical skills. 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 assurance 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 faculty and 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 executive M.H.A. program.

Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and five or more years of significant professional experience in health care or a related field. The Executive M.H.A. office is located in Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall, Room 307, School of Policy, Planning, and Development, (213) 740-2984, or email: emha@usc.edu.