Program Overview

Introduction to the Dual MBA/MHA Program

The dual MBA/Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at the University of Iowa is a unique blend of health management and policy with advanced business strategy. This combined degree is offered through the College of Public Health and the Tippie College of Business, equipping students to lead in today’s complex healthcare environment.

Program Overview

• The dual MBA/MHA program allows students to earn two high-impact degrees in just three years.
• The program is designed for working professionals and full-time students alike, with flexible formats that include accelerated 8-week sessions, mostly online with occasional in-person options in Des Moines.
• With just one semester of dual enrollment, students can unlock the benefits of reduced credit hours and a faster path to impact.

Admissions

• To enroll in the dual MBA/MHA program, students must meet the admission requirements for both the Iowa MBA and the Master of Healthcare Administration programs separately.
• This includes submitting the appropriate application materials and completing any required exams.
• Admission decisions are made independently by each program.
• Students may choose to start both programs at the same time or begin one before the other.

Tuition

• Tuition rates vary by program and residency status.
• MHA tuition is charged per semester for full-time study, while MBA courses are billed separately on a per-course basis.
• Students are encouraged to consult the latest tuition information or contact admissions for a personalized estimate.

Credit Requirements

• As a dual-degree student, students will complete 87 total semester hours: 33 MBA credits and 54 MHA credits.
• Thanks to shared coursework between the two programs, students will save 18 credit hours compared to completing the degrees separately.

Sample Plan of Study

• Semester 1 MHA – Fall Required Courses:
  • HMP:5000 Professional Development 1 S.H.
  • HMP:5005 Intro to Healthcare Org. & Policy 3 S.H.
  • HMP:5200 Healthcare Management 3 S.H.
  • HMP:5230 Population Health 3 S.H.
  • HMP:5402 Corporate Financial Reporting 3 S.H.
  • HMP:5610 Health Policy 3 S.H.
• Semester 2 MHA – Spring Required Courses:
  • HMP:5000 Professional Development Seminar 1 S.H.
  • HMP:5310 Healthcare Quality and Operations Management 3 S.H.
  • HMP:5320 Analytics for Healthcare Management 3 S.H.
  • HMP:6055 Topics in Health Administration: Value-based Care and Payment Methods 3 S.H.
  • HMP:6410 Healthcare Financial Management 3 S.H.
  • HMP:5410 Health Economics I 3 S.H.
• Summer MBA:
  • MBA core 3 S.H.
  • MBA core 3 S.H.
• Semester 3 MHA – Fall Required Courses:
  • CPH:6100 Essentials of Public Health 2 S.H.
  • HMP:5000 Professional Development Seminar 1 S.H.
  • HMP:5315 Health Information Systems 3 S.H.
  • HMP:6110 Healthcare Strategy and Business Development 3 S.H.
  • HMP:6310 HR and Performance Improvement 3 S.H.
  • HMP:6610 Legal Aspects of Healthcare 2 S.H.
  • HMP:5810 MHA Internship 1 S.H.
• Winter session MBA:
  • MBA elective 3 S.H.
• Semester 4 – Spring Required Courses:
  • HMP:5000 Professional Development Seminar 1 S.H.
  • HMP:6355 Healthcare Ethics and Leadership 3 S.H.
  • HMP:6150 MHA Integrative Capstone 3 S.H.
  • MBA core 3 S.H.
  • MBA core 3 S.H.
• Summer MBA:
  • MBA core 3 S.H.
  • MBA core 3 S.H.
• Fall MBA:
  • Elective 3 S.H.
  • Elective 3 S.H.
  • MBA Core 3 S.H.
  • MBA Capstone 3 S.H.

Program Details

• The dual MBA/MHA program is a smart choice for future healthcare leaders.
• The program strengthens healthcare expertise with advanced business training.
• Students can complete the program in three years, with flexible formats designed for working professionals and full-time students alike.
• The program includes a sample plan of study that outlines the required courses for each semester.
• The program requires 87 total semester hours, with 33 MBA credits and 54 MHA credits.
• Students can save 18 credit hours compared to completing the degrees separately.