Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a 21-month, 48-hour program designed for those seeking to pursue careers in the healthcare industry. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and is ideal for those currently in the workforce, with courses offered exclusively in the evenings, two nights per week.

Program Focus

The MHA program focuses on developing students' ethical, theoretical, and professional skill sets, with a values-based, competency-driven, and experientially focused curriculum. The program is built upon a foundation of 20 competencies, providing students with a health systems perspective based on an understanding of health and disease, as well as the economic and social factors that influence the industry.

Curriculum

The MHA degree curriculum includes a wide range of opportunities for students to gain real-world healthcare experience, including:

• A graduate internship
• Professional and leadership development
• A symposium session
• A capstone experience

The program also focuses on and integrates managerial responsibilities, functions, and roles related to:

• Human resources management
• Budgeting and financial decision-making
• Legal and ethical issues
• Quality and continuous improvement
• Information management
• Marketing
• Health policy and strategic thinking

Delivery Modalities

The Master of Health Administration offers graduate students the option to learn in a residential on-campus setting or virtually online. Each modality includes the same courses and degree requirements.

On-Campus Sessions

A highlight of the MHA program is the on-campus experiences graduate students attend at the beginning, middle, and conclusion of the degree program. These one to two-day sessions provide the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty in a collaborative learning environment.

On-Campus Session 1: Orientation

This two-day session includes a traditional orientation to the program, where students meet their professors and other students entering both the residential and online programs.

On-Campus Session 2: MHA Educational Symposium

This two-day session takes place in mid-May following the students' first year in the program. During this session, students from both the online and residential classes participate in an educational symposium with guest speakers presenting on a range of current healthcare topics.

On-Campus Session 3: Program Conclusion and Celebration

The final one-day session is held on the Friday before graduation, where students complete their final program requirements and gather as a cohort to celebrate the successful conclusion of their MHA degree.

Admissions Criteria

To begin the journey as a H-E-B School of Business and Administration MHA student, applicants must meet certain requirements, standards, and processes. The program does not require specific undergraduate degrees or prerequisite courses, but applicants must have a conferred bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to complete the MHA program? The MHA Program is 48 credit hours and takes 21 months to complete.
• Are there any prerequisite courses or undergraduate degree requirements? No, there are no specific course requirements or undergraduate degree requirements.
• Is a GRE or GMAT exam score required for admission? No.
• Does the MHA Program accept transfer credits? It depends; transfer credits will be reviewed and considered if they are from another CAHME-accredited health administration program.
• How much does the MHA Program cost? The cost of the full 21-month MHA Program at the tuition/fee rates effective in Fall 2025 is approximately $61,500.
• Are there any scholarships for the MHA Program's tuition costs? Yes, the MHA Program has two scholarships it awards each year.
• Are there any discounted tuition rates? Yes, UIW offers a 33% discount to CHRISTUS Health employees and family members, and there are discounted tuition rates for active duty military.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Health Administration program prepares its graduates for success in a wide range of settings within the health and medical services management industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for health services managers in the U.S. was $137,730, with Texas having the second-highest employment numbers for these positions and an average annual salary of $124,750. The number of positions in health services management is projected to continue to grow at 29% between 2023 and 2033.

Degree Overview:

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Program Overview:

• UIW's MHA program is a 21-month, 48-hour program designed for those seeking to pursue careers in the healthcare industry.
• The program is values-based, competency-driven, and experientially focused.
• The program develops students' ethical, theoretical, and professional skill sets.
• The MHA degree curriculum is built upon a foundation of 20 competencies.
• The program provides students with a health systems perspective based on an understanding of health and disease, as well as the economic and social factors that influence the industry.
• The program integrates a wide range of opportunities for students to gain real-world healthcare experience.

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Objectives:

• Advance your career as a leader in the healthcare industry.
• Earn a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree from the H-E-B School of Business and Administration.
• Develop students' ethical, theoretical, and professional skill sets.
• Provide students with a health systems perspective based on an understanding of health and disease, as well as the economic and social factors that influence the industry.
• Integrate a wide range of opportunities for students to gain real-world healthcare experience.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Human resources management
• Budgeting and financial decision-making
• Legal and ethical issues
• Quality and continuous improvement
• Information management
• Marketing
• Health policy and strategic thinking

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Structure:

• The program is offered in two formats: on-campus and online hybrid.
• The on-campus cohort meets at UIW's Northwest Center in San Antonio two nights per week.
• The online hybrid cohort attends classes synchronously via Zoom two nights per week.
• The online hybrid program curriculum includes three on-campus sessions, which are held at the beginning, middle, and end of the program.

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Course Schedule:

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Hospital and health systems administration
• Physician practice management
• Federally Qualified Community Health Center administration
• Governmental agency administration
• Military and veteran health system administration
• Health insurance company administration
• Long-term care facility administration
• Home health agency administration
• Managed care organization administration
• Pharmaceutical / biotech / medical device company administration
• Medical group practice administration

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for success in a wide range of settings within the health and medical services management industry.
• Graduates are employed in a wide range of healthcare organizations.

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Outcomes:

• The program has excellent student graduation and employment rates.
• The median annual salary for health services managers in the U.S. is $119,840.
• The number of positions in health services management is projected to grow at 28% between 2021 and 2031.

University of The Incarnate Word

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Overview:

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas and is known for its commitment to serving the community and providing a transformative educational experience.

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Services Offered:

UIW offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Advising, tutoring, writing and learning center, career services, testing services, TRiO program, and first-generation student support.

Student Life:

Residence life, student life activities, student advocacy, wellness and sports programs, counseling, and health services.

Financial Aid:

Aid and award process, cost estimation, calculators, scholarship resources, work study, loan assistance, forms, tuition and fees information, verification process, consumer information, and FAQs.

Military and Veterans Center:

Admissions, support services, and resources for military personnel and veterans.

International Student and Scholar Services:

Support and resources for international students.

School of Professional Studies (SPS):

Admissions and student success services.

Health Professions Student Services:

Specific services for students in the Feik School of Pharmacy, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UIW offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in athletics, intramural sports, music and arts programs, community service initiatives, and social events. The university also has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UIW offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, and over 20 graduate and doctoral programs.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

UIW is a Hispanic Serving Institution and ranks No. 1 in the nation among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

Faith-Based Education:

UIW provides a Catholic educational experience that emphasizes values, ethics, and service to others.

Excellent Faculty:

UIW has a dedicated faculty committed to student success and providing a high-quality education.

Strong Alumni Network:

UIW has a large and active alumni network that provides support and opportunities for students.

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Academic Programs:

UIW has 11 schools and colleges, including five health professions schools:

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Dreeben School of Education

Feik School of Pharmacy

H-E-B School of Business and Administration

Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions

Rosenberg School of Optometry

School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering

School of Media and Design

School of Osteopathic Medicine

School of Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Professional Studies

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Other:

UIW is a leader in transformational education and inspires students to ignite change. The university is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility and has been named a Best College by U.S. News & World Report.