When you are looking into an MPH health administration degree program, you may consider why a dual degree is a good option for your goals. A key reason to consider an MHA MPH dual degree is the flexibility for your career. The advantage of an MPH program is the option to select from a multitude of career opportunities. In the case of MPH MHA dual degree programs, students learn multi-disciplinary approaches to different aspects of healthcare. The dual degree also offers an opportunity to change career paths when a student’s interests change.
Although the MPH and MHA dual degree programs offer flexibility for a career, it also allows students to make a difference in their communities. A master’s in public health degree program focuses on research into health concerns that may impact the population as a whole or specific demographics within a population. It also offers opportunities to work in policy development to reduce the risk of epidemics or the spread of certain ailments.
Methodology: Ranking the Best MPH Health Administration Programs
To rank MPH Health Administration programs, MPHOnline editors researched a variety of options, including MPH/MHA dual degree programs, MPH programs with a health administration emphasis, and other graduate programs combining public health with health policy and administration. To make the list, programs must be fully accredited. Programs are ranked according to their cost, salary potential, and student reviews, based on data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche.
1. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley offers a Master’s in Health Policy and Management (MPH) degree. This MPH health administration degree can be completed in one year for students with doctoral-level education or students working toward a doctoral degree. For everyone else, the program takes two years to complete. The Health Policy and Management program prepares both practitioners and researchers for the fast-paced health policy field. MPH students learn about healthcare finance, economics, law, and policy.
Berkeley Public Health strives to improve the health of vulnerable people throughout California and the world. Berkeley has a reputation for innovation and for making a difference in healthcare. Berkeley has been working to improve healthcare around the world for over 75 years. Berkeley Public Health has a strong network of partnerships with world-class medical facilities and collaborates with entrepreneurs, businesses, and other organizations to develop new and better health policies. This program provides a strong foundation in both healthcare policy and management.
Program: MPH in Health Policy and Management
2. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers both a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree. The MPH and Health Administration students share a 14-credit core that is common to both degrees. Students in both programs benefit from “The Maryland Experience,” which is the school’s way of referring to the benefits gained from its location close to Washington, D.C. Students have access to government agencies, non-profits, and military organizations due to their proximity.
The School of Public Health at the University of Maryland is committed to addressing the complex health issues that face our nation. These include climate change, obesity, aging, substance abuse, and health disparities. The University of Maryland is a research university that is constantly searching for answers to these and other public health problems. The MHA degree is available both online and on-campus.
Program: MPH/MHA
3. University of Michigan
The School of Public Health at the University of Michigan offers a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) that can be taken alone or combined with another major for a dual degree. The MPH degree can be combined with the MHSA for students who want to combine public health expertise with health administration. An MPH in Epidemiology or in Health Behavior and Education would fit the bill. The MPH degree provides students with a solid foundation on the impact of behavioral risk factors, socioeconomic conditions, environmental exposures, cultural beliefs, and other factors on public health.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health seeks to create a fairer and healthier world through research, education, and action. The school aims to make lasting changes by championing new and better technologies and working compassionately to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare. The school has a graduate job placement rate of 96%. All MPH students must complete an internship after the first year of study.
Program: MHSA and MPH in Epidemiology or Health Behavior/Education
4. University of Georgia
The College of Public Health at the University of Georgia offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) as either a stand-along degree or as part of an MPH dual degree program. Students can enroll in a dual degree program to earn an MBA, JD, MD, PharmD, MSW, or DVM along with their MPH degrees. The MPH degree trains students for leadership positions in public health. The program is designed for students and professionals who want to learn more about public health in order to pursue a career in the field.
The University of Georgia’s College of Public Health works to improve human health, prevent injury and disease, and protect and preserve the environment. The school seeks to address health concerns throughout Georgia and around the world. Students can choose a concentration in disaster management, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health science, health policy and management, gerontology, or health promotion and behavior.
Program: MPH in Health Policy & Management
5. University of Utah
The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah offers an MHA/MPH dual degree that can be completed in as little as three years full-time. Students can also choose to take this MPH and MHA dual degree on a part-time basis, taking as long as six years to complete the program. Graduates are prepared to work as researchers or managers in state health departments, healthcare delivery organizations, and groups that advocate for public health. Most students choose to complete the first semester of the MPH program before applying to the MHA part of the MPH/MHA dual degree program.
At the David Eccles School of Business, the key word is ‘doing.’ It’s all about action. The school provides opportunities for students to put their knowledge into action well before they graduate. The school provides real-world scenarios with an entrepreneurial focus to get students ready for life after graduation. The MHA degree can also be taken as a dual degree along with the MBA, MPA, or Professional MBA program.
Program: MHA/MPH
6. University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
The Hudson College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with six specializations to choose from, including health administration and policy. The program can also be completed as a dual degree in MPH (health promotion sciences) combined with an MSW or MPH (health administration & policy) combined with an MD or JD. The MPH degree is intended to train students to practice in the area of public health.
The OU Hudson College of Public Health offers top-quality education to prepare students for careers in public health. The school’s core focus areas are health administration and policy, biostatistics and epidemiology, occupational and environmental health, and health promotion sciences. The University of Oklahoma also offers a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree, which can be taken alone or combined as a dual degree with the JD program.
Program: MPH in Health Administration & Policy
7. University of Washington
The University of Washington School of Public Health offers many options for their Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Health Administration (MHA) degrees. The MPH program has six specialties available (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health sciences, health services, global health, and nutritional sciences) as well as one dual degree: MPA/MPH. The MHA program has four dual degree options: MHA/JD, MHA/MD, MHA/MBA, and MHA/MPA. There is also an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA). The MHA degree prepares students to become leaders in healthcare administration and management, while the MPH is for students who wish to hold leadership positions in the field of public health.
The School of Public Health at the University of Washington is committed to creating sustainable communities populated with healthy people. The school has a solid foundation in research, teaching, and service. Its graduates are leaders who work hard to find solutions to the most complex challenges facing public health. The MHA program has a 100% placement rate for internships and a 100% graduation rate.
Program: MPH/MHA
8. University at Buffalo
The Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo offers a Health Services Administration MPH. This MPH health administration program teaches students how to evaluate the healthcare needs of a population, create health policies, and ensure the effectiveness of a healthcare program. Students learn how to control costs while maintaining the quality of healthcare.
The Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health concentrates on understanding how disease is caused, how it can be prevented, how environmental factors affect health, and how proper administration and implementation of public health programs can help in understanding these issues. The school offers dual degree programs that allow students to earn a JD, MBA, MSW, MD, or PharmD while earning their MPH.
Program: MPH in Health Services Administration
9. Indiana University Bloomington
The School of Public Health at Indiana University Bloomington offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) with seven concentrations to choose from: biostatistics; behavioral, social, and community health; epidemiology; environmental and occupational health; physical activity; parks and recreation; and public health administration. The public health administration MPH prepares students for leadership positions in public health. Students learn how healthcare organizations are financed and run and gain the experience the need to implement healthcare policies and run effective healthcare programs.
Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Public Health emphasizes research in order to discover ways to prevent disease and promote wellness within the community. The school is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and has a foundation built on a history of taking on complex healthcare challenges. Upon graduation, students can get career placement help from the Office of Career Services.
Program: MPH in Public Health Administration
10. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers the Master of Public Health (MPH) with many dual degree options, including the MHA/MPH dual degree. In this MPH and MHA dual degree program, the MPH degree has a concentration in health policies and program. This program allows students who want to pursue health administration within the field of public health to focus their studies in both areas. The dual degree program is composed of a shared core of 12 credits, plus 27 hours of MHA courses and 30 hours of MPH courses.
The University of South Florida is a public research university that is made up of 14 colleges. The school has some of the best graduate programs in the country and produced more Fulbright scholars than any other school in the US in 2018. USF prioritizes its students’ health and well-being and believes that every student can succeed if given the right opportunities. The average financial aid award at the University of South Florida is $10,774.
Program: MPH/MHA
11. Emory University
The Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree that would make an excellent choice for students who are also interested in healthcare administration. The degree is the MPH in Health Care Management. This degree is designed for students who want to be leaders in healthcare, specifically in the public health field. Students learn marketing, accounting, operations management, and human resources management in addition to learning about public health.
The Rollins School of Public Health teaches students to identify public health issues and take action to make a positive difference in the health and lives of the population. The school’s location in Atlanta gives students access to collaborations with the American Cancer Society, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other organizations that impact public health. Students go through the program as part of a cohort of 45 students, who all advance together.
Program: MPH in Health Care Management
12. University of Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus in health services administration and policy that can be completed online or on campus. The online program follows the same curriculum as the campus-based program and confers the same degree. Students learn how to perform in a managerial role within the public health field. The program covers budgeting, planning, policy development, and program evaluation.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center seeks to improve healthcare throughout Nebraska and around the world. The school is committed to educating and training the healthcare workforce of the future in order to provide top-notch patient care, cure diseases, and serve the community. Graduates are qualified for positions as behavioral health directors, human resource managers, wellness program administrators, community service managers, outpatient care supervisors, and more.
Program: MPH in Health Services Administration & Policy
13. University of Illinois at Chicago
The School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers an MPH in health policy and administration. The MPH health administration degree prepares students to advance their public health careers by learning management and policy development as well as public health principles. Faculty members have extensive experience in health economics, public policy, management, law, global information systems, disparities research, and public health informatics. Students have opportunities for hands-on experience in a public health setting.
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health is focused on improving the quality of life in disadvantaged communities by reducing or eliminating health disparities and increasing economic and educational opportunities. The school takes pride in its efforts to make higher education available to underrepresented population groups, as seen by its diverse student body. Public health students at UIC have access to the resources of UI Health, including a 495-bed hospital, a cancer center, and the Children’s Hospital University of Illinois. Students can choose between a professional enhancement path or a comprehensive path.
Program: MPH in Public Health Policy & Administration
14. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The School of Public Health and the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offer a Coordinated Master of Science in Health Administration/Master of Public Health (MSHA/MPH) program that provides the leadership and management skills required to succeed in administrative positions within the healthcare field. This MSHA/MPH health administration program allows students to choose from one of these four MPH specialties: epidemiology, environmental health science, health care organization and policy, or health behavior. Students may also choose a general MPH with no specialty.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has the only accredited School of Public Health in Alabama. The school was founded to train scientists and leaders who would be qualified to determine the conditions people need in order to be healthy. The public health field strives to learn how the ways we work, live, and play influence health. The MPH/MPSHA program can be completed on campus, online, or in a hybrid format.
Program: MPH/MSHA
15. University of Arizona
The Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona offers an online MPH with concentrations available in health services administration, applied epidemiology, and health promotion. The health services administration MPH is a great choice for students who want to hold leadership positions in the field of public health. This concentration covers healthcare management concerns as well as knowledge of public health, and the concentration courses account for half of the credits. The program is designed for working professionals.
The UA Zuckerman College of Public Health offers almost unlimited opportunities for student involvement in research, education, and in the local community. The school has a diverse student body and is frequently a leader in the number of Hispanic and American Indian graduates. The online MPH can be completed 100% online with no on-campus requirements.
Program: MPH in Health Services Administration
16. Boston University
The Boston University School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree that is flexible to accommodate the varying needs of students. The program can be completed full- or part-time in one to two years, and some of the courses can be taken online. Students are required to choose one or two functional certificates and may choose a context certificate as well. There are eight specialties to choose from in each category. The healthcare management certificate is the perfect choice for student who wish to work in administration or management in the public health field.
Boston University’s School of Public Health is known around the world for its research. The school performs epidemiologic studies and other research to advance the public health field. At BU, students are involved in research alongside faculty. The hands-on practice helps prepare them for their future careers. The MPH program requires a practicum that consists of 240 hours of related experience.
Program: MPH + Healthcare Management Certificate
17. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky College of Public Health offers an MHA/MPH dual degree that prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare administration within the public health field. MPH/MHA dual degree programs are growing in popularity due to the convergence of the two disciplines in the real world. More healthcare organizations are incorporating public health into their policies and procedures. Students enrolled in the joint degree program can complete both degrees in three years instead of the usual four due to the overlap of some courses between the two programs.
The UK College of Public Health seeks to educate future scholars, leaders, and practitioners in the field of public health. The school participates in research in the areas of opioid addiction, cancer, and health disparities in underprivileged communities. The MPH and MHA dual degree program requires just 83 credit hours total, instead of the normal 92.
Program: MHA/MPH
18. University of Tennessee Knoxville
The Department of Public Health at the University of Tennessee Knoxville offers an MPH in Health Policy and Management concentration. This concentration is intended to increase the graduate’s chances for success in positions that involve program management. Students learn resource management, financial management, leadership, communications, human resources management, program administration, and how to facilitate change. Graduates will understand how health policy, access to care, cost containment, and other issues impact public health.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Department of Public Health is dedicated to preparing students to be skilled leaders in public health. The school has partnered with the Knox County Health Department to form the first academic health department in Tennessee. The goal of the department is to close the disconnect between academia and public health practice. Several graduates of the MPH program with an HPM concentration have attained CEO positions in healthcare organizations.
Program: MPH in Health Policy and Management
19. University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno’s School of Community Health Sciences offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) with five specializations to choose from: biostatistics, epidemiology, health administration and policy, public health practice, and social and behavioral health. The MPH in health administration and policy teaches students how to manage healthcare systems as employees in leadership roles. Students learn finance, management, and policy. Graduates can make useful policy suggestions, operate public health programs, and perform public health research.
The School of Community Health Sciences takes a multi-faceted approach that recognizes the spiritual, emotional, physical, and environmental aspects of the healthcare field. The school seeks to educate those who are passionate about healthcare. Its mission to promote optimal health in all populations by developing knowledge in the area of public health and transforming students into skilled public health practitioners, leaders, and educators. The public health practice specialization is only available online.
Program: MPH in Health Administration and Policy
20. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Zilber School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) with five concentrations to choose from: community and behavioral health promotion, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, and public health policy and administration. The UW Milwaukee MPH in public health policy and administration helps students understand how state, local, and federal policies impact public health. The program is focused on systems and justice and how they relate to public health.
The Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health believes that public policy has a heavy impact on the health of communities. The school’s mission is to advance public health, including equal distribution of health services among all communities everywhere. Students at the Zilber School have access to top-notch research and educational offerings that help ensure their success after graduation. Students who complete the MPH in public health policy and administration are trained in research methods and policy analysis.
Program: MPH in Public Health Policy & Administration
21. Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers an MPH and MHA dual degree program that is the perfect bridge between the two fields. The program allows students to gain a broader perspective by going deeply into two areas of study at the same time. Students in this MHA/MPH dual degree program become competent at making decisions regarding health care policies, priorities, and delivery. Graduates know what to do in the face of a public health crisis and are able to tackle serious health concerns in their communities.
Missouri State University is a public university with more than 26,000 students and 122,000 alumni. The school is committed to providing the education its students need to be successful in life. The MPH/MHA dual degree program contains 12 hours of courses that are common to both programs, which shortens the length of time required to complete the dual degree.
Program: MPH/MHA
22. Montclair State University
The Graduate School at Montclair State University offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) in health systems administration and policy. This face to face MPH program trains students to be professional leaders in public health and healthcare systems. Students develop the skills necessary to be successful as leaders in both administration and policy. Graduates are prepared for careers in healthcare agencies, state and local health departments, community organizations, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
The Graduate School at Montclair State University oversees all postgraduate programs at Montclair and ensures a high-quality learning environment that is in line with the university’s mission. The school reviews programs and policies run by the graduate school, sets academic standards and admissions guidelines, and encourages students to ask questions and think critically. Faculty members in the MPH in health systems administration and policy program are committed to the students’ success.
Program: MPH in Health Systems Administration and Policy
23. University of Memphis
The University of Memphis School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) with six concentrations to choose from: epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems and policy, generalist, social and behavioral sciences, and urban health. The health systems and policy concentration readies students to take on leadership positions in health policy and management. Students learn about economics, health systems, management, and health policy.
The School of Public Health at the University of Memphis believes that public health can make a difference in the world and is determined to train qualified practitioners in the field. The school encourages students to engage in community service while working toward their degrees. Students benefit from the many relationships the school has forged with international, national, and local health organizations. The University of Memphis also offers the MPH as part of a dual degree program along with the JD, PharmD, AuD, MSW, PhD in psychology, or MA in anthropology.
Program: MPH and any discipline
24. Des Moines University
Des Moines University’s College of Health Sciences offers an MHA/MPH dual degree that requires only 78 semester hours to complete due to overlapping degree requirements. Students must wait until they have completed at least nine credits in one of the programs before applying to the other. Graduates will be prepared to be leaders in the healthcare industry, with skills in leadership, financial management, and health policy. They will also be experts in public health, with an understanding of how disease spreads, how behavior affects health, and more.
The College of Health Sciences at Des Moines University trains students to serve a variety of positions in healthcare, from clinical patient care to managing public health programs and protecting the health of entire communities. The school’s mission is to improve health throughout society by training outstanding healthcare professionals. The courses for the MPH and MHA dual degree program are all available online.
Program: MPH/MHA
25. East Tennessee State University
The East Tennessee State University College of Public Health offers a Master in Public Health (MPH) that is available in five concentrations: community health, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, and public health administration. The public health administration concentration teaches students about the financing and availability of healthcare services as well as the structure of healthcare organizations. Graduates are prepared to advance the careers as leaders in the field of public health.
The College of Public Health at East Tennessee State University collaborates with partners in the community to build high-quality educational programs that align with the needs of the community. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in research and hands-on training that prepares them for the real world. The College of Public Health offers an outstanding learning environment that produces first-class graduates. All concentrations except environmental health are available 100% online.
Program: MPH in Public Health Administration
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Public Health Administration?
A master of public health administration salary allows you to determine if the degree program has a high return on your investment. It is important for students to recognize that the salary for masters in public health administration degree programs will vary significantly based on personal experience, the specific job they obtain, and the location of the job. While many factors may impact salary potential, the averages help students determine the potential for a career.
The average salary for professionals with a master of public health degree is around $76,000 per year. The median income ranges from $82,000 to $117,000 and the top ten percent of earners with the degree can expect to make around $144,000 or more per year. In general, the top earners have more experience in their careers and take on leadership roles. Students should be aware that the starting salary may be lower than the average for the degree.
It is also important for students to recognize that salary potential may vary based on the state and locality. Areas with a higher cost of living may offer a higher salary when compared to locations that have a lower cost of living. Students will want to compare their job offers before deciding to accept a position.
Can I Make More with an MPH or an MHA?
When you are looking at MHA vs MPH salary, you will want to recognize that variations may exist based on the specific job and responsibilities of the job. On average, the MPH vs MHA salary depends on a student’s role within an organization or medical facility.
In most cases, an MHA will offer a higher salary potential when compared to an MPH degree. If you are looking at the MPH or MHA salary, then you should also pay attention to the differences in specific jobs. In the case of an MPH, job responsibilities focus on research, government policies, and environmental science. Since the career path may focus on government jobs or working with nonprofit organizations for environmental goals, it may result in lower salary potential. Private organizations may offer a slightly higher salary for experienced professionals.
An MHA focuses on the administration and organization of medical facilities. It is a business-focused career path that ensures that a hospital or medical facility is able to continue providing services to a local population. Since it is also a leadership role, the salary potential is often higher when compared to an MPH.
Students who are considering a more flexible approach to their studies may find that an MPH MHA dual degree salary is better for their goals. The dual degree offers more opportunities for a career. Students can take on leadership roles and work in health administration or opt for roles in research and epidemiology. The dual degree gives students more options for a career.
Can I Get a Dual MHA and MPH Online?
The decision to look into dual MHA and MPH programs online will offer a flexible solution to help with long-term career goals. In the case of a dual program, students will find that universities and colleges offer online or on-campus programs. The specific type of program will depend on the school and the programs available through the school.
When schools offer a dual program, students can expect some overlap between courses. In some cases, students will take one class that counts for both degree programs. In other situations, students will take the course material for one program and then take the course material for the second program. The specific details of an online degree that allows students to take a dual MHA and MPH program at the same time will vary based on the standards of the school. Students should be aware that they may be required to get into both programs at the same time to qualify for an online dual program.
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