Master of Health Administration
Explore the U.S. healthcare system, develop analytical skills, examine public health and health disparities, and begin your professional development.
Manage Healthcare and Lead Its Transformation
About the Program
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program 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 and 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. We offer students the opportunity to learn about the clinical side of health administration, with faculty who are current leaders in the field. This provides real-world context to learning and allows students to understand the administrative needs from a clinician’s perspective.
Our Philosophy & Goal
We embrace inclusion, collaboration, and innovation to positively impact healthcare delivery. Our goal is to transform healthcare through innovative learning and produce graduates capable of improving health services locally and globally.
Applicants must have the following to be considered for admission to the MHA program:
- An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalent)
- Statement of Purpose for seeking the degree
- Resume
- 3 letters of evaluations
For more information, please contact program director Dr. Keith Schildt: kschildt@samuelmerritt.edu
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.
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) |
|
|
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Health Administration, Management & Policy CAS (HAMPCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $115
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts.
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $973/unit
Program Units = 36 units
Total Tuition Guarantee* = $35,000
*The tuition rate is guaranteed provided a student begins within the listed academic year and maintains satisfactory progress toward degree. Failure to maintain progress may result in a change per unit rate.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
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 email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
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 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.
Manage Healthcare and Lead Its Transformation
About the Program
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program 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 and 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. We offer students the opportunity to learn about the clinical side of health administration, with faculty who are current leaders in the field. This provides real-world context to learning and allows students to understand the administrative needs from a clinician’s perspective.
Our Philosophy & Goal
We embrace inclusion, collaboration, and innovation to positively impact healthcare delivery. Our goal is to transform healthcare through innovative learning and produce graduates capable of improving health services locally and globally.
Applicants must have the following to be considered for admission to the MHA program:
- An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalent)
- Statement of Purpose for seeking the degree
- Resume
- 3 letters of evaluations
For more information, please contact program director Dr. Keith Schildt: kschildt@samuelmerritt.edu
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.
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) |
|
|
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Health Administration, Management & Policy CAS (HAMPCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $115
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts.
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $973/unit
Program Units = 36 units
Total Tuition Guarantee* = $35,000
*The tuition rate is guaranteed provided a student begins within the listed academic year and maintains satisfactory progress toward degree. Failure to maintain progress may result in a change per unit rate.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
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 email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
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 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.
Additional Information
- 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 U.S. 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.
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 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 collaboration, 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.
Samuel Merritt University has partnered with local Bay Area properties to offer students affordable housing close to the SMU Oakland campus.
This collaboration provides our students with unique opportunities to enjoy premium accommodations at reduced rates, making their experience in the Bay Area even more rewarding.
To explore the available options and find your perfect fit, contact property manager Dominick Lundberg dlundberg@twobliving.com.
