Program Overview

Health Administration (online) (HLSO)

Overview

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the University of Maryland, College Park offers students a rigorous, multi-disciplinary program with courses in public health services administration, research methods in healthcare, health law and ethics, health economics and analysis, strategic management of human resources, health service information systems, financial management of health organizations, marketing for competitive health service, quality assessment and evaluation, and health care leadership and communications. The 46-credit professional degree will prepare graduates to manage the many complex health-related organizations including hospitals, long term care facilities, managed care organizations, rehabilitation agencies, public health clinics, state agencies, among others. The program is mostly online and requires in-person attendance a few weekends of the Fall semester at the University of Maryland College Park Campus.

Abstract

Public health and health services now comprise the largest industry in the United States, producing nearly one seventh of the United States’ gross national product. According to the World Health Report 2000, the health care system should be conceptualized as including not only health services, but also public health and social welfare activities. The Department of Health Policy and Management adopts this integrated approach to address current health needs, provide leadership in a rapidly evolving health care industry, and anticipate future health challenges in an expanding global economy.

Admissions

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) online program has a two-part application process: applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health) and the UMD Supplemental application. Both applications must be submitted, complete with all required documents and verified by the scheduled deadline. Applications will be reviewed when both the SOPHAS and the UMD Supplemental applications are completed and verified.

General Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• At least one undergraduate math course
• Transcripts from all previous coursework
• English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)
• Statement of purpose and objectives including career and educational goals, professional experience, areas of interest
• Response to personal experiences question(s)

Program Specific Requirements

• SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Fit between applicant's goals and expectations and program degree competencies
• GRE scores are not required for this program

Note for Applicants with Foreign Credentials

• The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation
• The UMD supplemental application requires transcripts issued in the original language with a literal English translation
• Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website
• Language scores must be submitted both to SOPHAS and UMD supplemental application

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Applicants:
  • US Citizens and Permanent Residents:
    • Fall priority deadline: December 19, 2025
    • Spring priority deadline: October 10, 2025
• International Applicants:
  • F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A, E, G, H, I and L visas and immigrants:
    • Fall deadline: April 3, 2026
    • Spring deadline: November 21, 2025
    • Summer deadline: N/A

Faculty

• Boudreaux, Michel: Full Member, Associate Professor, Health Administration
• Chen, Jie: Full Member, Chair, Health Administration, Associate Professor, Health Administration
• Simon-Rusinowitz, Lori: Full Member, Associate Professor, Health Administration
• Thomas, Stephen: Full Member, Professor, Health Administration

Program Details

• College: Public Health
• Degree: Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Credits: 46
• Format: Mostly online with in-person attendance required for a few weekends in the Fall semester
• Career Opportunities: Graduates will be prepared to manage complex health-related organizations including hospitals, long term care facilities, managed care organizations, rehabilitation agencies, public health clinics, state agencies, among others.