Management of complex health organizations is among the most difficult assignments in American society today. Increasingly, the effectiveness of leaders in these organizations is determined by their ability to integrate clinical and managerial competencies.
The Executive Program in Health Administration is designed to help meet the growing demand for health professionals with high-quality management training, by offering an CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree. The program prepares practicing professionals for executive leadership positions across the full spectrum of health care settings. Candidates for the program include physicians, nurses, other clinical professionals, and finance, information, and human resource executives with at least three years of clinical or administrative experience.
See the program's mission statement
Program Highlights
The program's innovative curriculum and nontraditional format combine monthly weekend sessions on campus during regular semesters, independent study, and distance learning technology into a comprehensive educational experience that takes advantage of the strengths of each teaching method. This format enables working professionals to maintain full-time employment, while maintaining opportunities for personal interaction with faculty members and fellow students. Students in the Executive Program enroll in three courses during each of four regular semesters and complete an individual research project over two summers.
The Executive Program is designed to take full advantage of the broad knowledge and expertise of students. Each student is an experienced professional recognized as an expert in a specific area. Students actively teach each other and create new knowledge as they interact, keeping the curriculum up-to-date and on the cusp of real issues facing today's health care organizations. This cohesive group of learners becomes a personal network that serves as an invaluable resource far beyond graduation.
The Distance-Learning Edge
In addition to on-campus sessions, students participate in substantial online learning activities. The integration of information technology into the curriculum has a twofold purpose, allowing students to participate in the program at any time, as well as preparing them to respond to technological changes in the health care industry. Students develop an understanding of technology that is essential to success. The availability of individual instruction permits even novice computer users to participate fully as they learn the finer points of technology at their own pace.
Dual Degree Options
Students seeking a master's degree in health administration at MU may expand their studies to a dual degree with the executive program in Health Informatics (MS). Earning a dual degree takes less time than completing two degrees independently, and takes advantage of overlaps between the two curricula.
