Master of Health Administration
Explore the US healthcare system, develop analytical skills, examine public health and health disparities, and begin your professional development.
Campus Location
Format
Program Duration
Upcoming Deadlines
Manage Healthcare and Lead Its Transformation
Health services management is about getting things accomplished and the practical application of cutting-edge administrative knowledge to improve the access and delivery of healthcare. The Master of Health Administration (MHA) at Samuel Merritt University brings together people from all over the world who are committed to improving healthcare with innovative ideas that respond to their specific contexts and needs, as well as learning how to navigate the international healthcare system. Our graduates are equipped to make a difference locally and globally.
Why SMU?
Our MHA is more than a degree. Our pioneering success in providing health education began over 100 years ago, and our long history in preparing clinicians allows our MHA students the opportunity to learn about the clinical side of health administration. SMU’s faculty are current leaders in health administration, providing real-world context to learning as well as the opportunity to mingle with clinician students and see their administrative needs through their eyes.
We embrace a philosophy of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation in seeking managerial ways to positively impact healthcare delivery. Our goal is to transform healthcare through innovative learning and produce graduates capable of making the provision of healthcare the best it can be. Along the way, our students will also be transformed and become change agents locally and across the globe to improve the efficient and effective delivery of health services.
Contact Information
Requirements & Program Info
- An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalent)
- Statement of Purpose for seeking the degree
- Resume
Core Courses required of all MHA students (30 units total)
- Systems Approach to U.S. Healthcare (3 units)
- Ethical Leadership in Healthcare (3 units)
- Professional Communications (3 units)
- Professional and Personal Care & Development (1 unit each, 3x)
- Fundamentals of Public Health (3 units)
- Information Mgmt. & Regulatory Compliance (3 units)
- Financial Management (3 units)
- The Economics of Healthcare (2 units)
- Strategic Management (2 units)
- Capstone Seminar (5 units)
Electives (6 units)
Choice of two of the following electives:
- Risk Management (3 units)
- Supply Chain Management (3 units)
- Emergency Preparedness (3 units)
- Internship - required in first year of study for all students who lack experience in the U.S. Healthcare System (3 units)
SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION IN ONE CALENDAR YEAR
Term #1 | Term #2 | Term #3 | Term #4 | Term #5 |
| Systems Approach to US Healthcare (3 units) | Fundamentals of Public Health (3 units) | Information Management & Regulatory Compliance (3 units) | Emergency Preparedness (3 units) | Professional and Personal Care & Development III (1 unit) |
| The Economics of Healthcare (3 units) | Financial Management (2 units) | Risk Management (3 units) | Ethical Leadership (3 units) | Capstone (5 units) |
| Professional and Personal Care & Development I (1 unit) | Professional Communication (3 units) | Strategic Management (2 units) | ||
| Professional and Personal Care & Development II (1 unit) |
- Analyze the current state and future trends in the U.S. healthcare system and the implications for healthcare management that meets the needs of diverse populations.
- Apply principles of ethical decision-making in leading healthcare organizations.
- Engage in a personal philosophy of self-care, professionalism, and lifelong learning.
- Professionally construct and express ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication.
- Conduct research on health issues and policies using an integrated systems approach.
- Relate the roles of healthcare and public health in contributing to the health of a defined population.
- Securely manage health records in the US regulatory environment.
- Apply analytical skills to interpret and synthesize data from the major financial statements utilized in healthcare organizations, especially as they relate to operational and capital budgeting.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost and application processes.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. The Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via phone or email.
finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510-879-9200
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
International Students Admission Requirements
You must submit:
- Completed application. Application fees are waived.
- Resume of your educational and professional experience.
- Copy of your official transcript for all colleges attended. Please note that official transcripts and their evaluation must be submitted before your second term of registration.
- Personal statement about career goals and reasons for desiring an MHA.
You will receive communications via email. Be sure to provide a reliable email address.
International applicants should contact Keith Schildt, the Global Health Initiative program director, at kschildt@samuelmerritt.edu with questions about SMU programming and services.
Global Health Initiative
Samuel Merritt University’s (SMU) Global Health Initiative (GHI) is a University-wide effort that seeks to connect our existing healthcare educational and research efforts to global issues and creativities. The GHI at SMU functions as the centralized hub to provide support and advocacy to international students, visiting faculty, and others as they interact with departments and programs across the University.
Our fundamental ethos is to change the future of healthcare.
At the center of our mission, GHI aims to serve the entire SMU community and stakeholders by promoting the principles of creating global connections, understanding the international context, and expanding the profession's role as an advocate in fostering health and community well-being worldwide. The vision of GHI is to be a world leader in increasing global access to effective education and training to meet the needs of local, regional, and global healthcare enterprises. We will generate collaborations, educational programming, and applied synergistic research in innovative ways that confront the global/local nexus of health challenges.
We imagine a new kind of healthcare, one in which our knowledge is focused on new solutions with quality access for all. A healthcare system worldwide where patients and clinicians are empowered to transform the way health is delivered. A patient and community-oriented health system where individual health is seen as a product of social and political factors as much as clinical techniques.
This requires change. We must stop doing more of the same and start thinking and innovating in completely new ways.
This requires a global perspective, new ways of defining health and wellness, and new collaborations between academia, and the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Local health is increasingly dependent on global health. Our students are enriched by this global perspective.
For more information about SMU’s Global Health Initiative, please contact Keith Schildt, the Global Health Initiative program director, at kschildt@samuelmerritt.edu.
