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Executive Master's (MHA, MPH) Frequently Asked Questions


Who are the Executive MHA and Executive MPH programs designed for?
The Executive MHA program is aimed at working, mid-career professionals seeking executive positions in healthcare and leads to a Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA).

The Executive MPH program is aimed at working professionals seeking executive positions in public health and leads to a Master of Public Health (MPH).

Qualified candidates must have at least three years of prior experience in the health profession or a doctorate-level degree in an appropriate field.


What is the program’s ranking?
The Executive MHA and Executive MPH programs are part of the Health Policy and Administration department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is currently ranked second in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The program has also been ranked the best executive master’s program for physicians by Modern Physician magazine.

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What degrees are offered?
Two degrees are offered – Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and a Master of Public Health (MPH). The MPH program offers two concentrations – Management or Public Health Dentistry.


How much is tuition?
Please see the most recent Tuition and Fees Chart provided the by University Finance Division for the latest information on costs. Tuition rates are set by the North Carolina legislature and may change from year to year.

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Is financial aid available?
Students in the Executive Master's Program are considered by the University to be part-time students. Normally, financial aid is not available through the University for part-time students. However, professional associations, fraternal organizations, tribal councils, and community groups have all been sources of sponsorship and scholarship funding for students. In addition, many students have obtained low-interest loans through their local lending institutions. We recommend that you discuss these options with your employer or Human Resource Director to determine the most efficient funding source and opportunity for yourself.

What are the admission deadlines?
See the admissions table for admissions deadlines.

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Must I currently be in a managerial position in order to enroll in the program?
No, it’s not required. However, it is strongly recommended that you either currently have management/supervisory experience OR anticipate moving into a management role.


Is the program conducted entirely online?
For the most part. Students are required to attend three eight-day on-campus sessions annually.

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What other admissions criteria must I meet besides working in the healthcare field?
You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (any field of study) and a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You must also have GRE or GMAT scores that less than five years old (50th percentile recommended). GRE and GMAT scores are exempt for those with MD, DDS, PhD or JD from a U.S. or Canadian university.

What if I have a low GRE or GMAT score?
We recommend that you first take a in-class or online preparatory course and then re-take the test. HPAA has a relationship with one provider of preparatory courses, which are offered at substantially lower cost than the major providers.

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What basic knowledge or background is required?
Enrolling students should have some basic knowledge of elementary accounting, college algebra, statistics and microeconomics. Applicants without this background should consider enrolling in appropriate courses (including online and self-study opportunities).


What computer hardware and software knowledge and access are required?
Enrolling students are required to have access to an IBM-compatible personal computer. In addition, students are required to have online access, preferably high-speed Internet access. Students should also abe able to use word processing and spreadsheet functions.

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How long does it take to complete the program?
Generally 2-3 years (depending on which degree you pursue).

How many courses and credit hours are required for graduation?
MHA – 20 courses and 60 credit hours
MPH – 16 courses and 48 credit hours

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Must I complete a thesis?
No. Students must complete the “Capstone Course,” Advanced Concepts and Applications in Health Policy and Administration course (HPAA 735) and write a Business Proposal and Business Plan.

If I already have my MBA, is this program a duplication of efforts?
Probably. However, the Executive MHA and Executive MPH programs have a much greater concentration of coursework in healthcare, health policy and public health.

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If I already have a master’s degree, do I have to take the GRE over again?
Only if it’s been more than five years since you last took it. (The administrators of GRE and GMAT tests do not report results older than five years.)

Is there anything I should know about the demands of this program?
Yes. This is a rigorous program. As a result, your employer must recognize the demands of the program.

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Can I transfer any graduate credit hours?
Yes. Students may transfer up to 6 semester hours (two courses) from other graduate programs (subject to approval) and three courses from any departmental certificate program. For example, courses completed as part of the Health Care Management and Community Preparedness and Disaster Management Certificate Programs can be applied towards the graduation requirements of the Executive MHA and Executive MPH programs.

What if I want to speak to someone directly about the program?
For information about admission requirements, contact Kim Sieler, Executive Programs Manager at krsieler@email.unc.edu or 919-966-7364.

For details about the course work, contact Jim Porto, PhD, MPA at jporto@email.unc.edu or (919) 966-7354.

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Content for this page provided by the Department of Health Policy and Administration. Please contact the webmaster with any questions or comments. 

Last updated March 26, 2008
 

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