2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION

There are two healthcare programs: the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Business Administration/Health (MBA/Health). There is also an MPA/Health Policy concentration. The MHA is linked with the other program and concentration through its curriculum and activities for students interested in healthcare.

Richard H. Gregg, Operating Director of Healthcare Programs, 617-994-4246, rgregg@suffolk.edu.

Mission

The Healthcare Programs provide a powerful, innovative, and enduring learning experience for students aspiring to lead and manage healthcare organizations of compassion, quality, and value in the 21st century.

Objectives

The Healthcare Programs are designed to nurture each student’s potential as a healthcare leader and/or manager by engaging her or him in the key issues, challenges, opportunities, and requirements for success in healthcare. Through cutting-edge academic and hands-on learning, students develop the analytic and strategic skills needed to transform organizations, build relationships, and strengthen organizational performance.

The Healthcare Programs curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs of students who:

• Work in healthcare and seek to strengthen their knowledge and skills and advance their careers. 
• Have no training or experience in healthcare administration and seek education and opportunities that will enable them to enter the healthcare field.

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) is offered by the Healthcare Department. This degree prepares leaders and managers to guide healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, academic medical centers, integrated delivery systems, long-term care facilities, managed care providers, community health centers, and other health-related organizations. These may be nonprofit, for-profit, or voluntary organizations. The MHA is a broad-based degree that prepares students for a wide range of professional opportunities in healthcare.

Master of Business Administration/Health (MBA/Health)

The Master of Business Administration/Health (MBA/ Health) is offered by the Sawyer Business School in collaboration with the Healthcare Department. The degree prepares leaders and managers who want to focus on core aspects of business, such as finance, accounting, marketing, information systems, and strategic management, for roles in the healthcare industry, including healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices companies. MBA/Health students enhance their business skills, while gaining specific insight into the requirements for success in the health-care industry nationally and internationally. (Please see the MBA section of this catalog for more information.)

Master of Public Administration/Health Policy (MPA/Health Policy)

This concentration in health policy prepares managers to enter, and advance within, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The curriculum integrates the disciplines of public management and healthcare administration, providing knowledge and skills essential to dealing effectively with the complex political, social, and economic challenges that healthcare organizations must meet. The MPA/Health Policy concentration is offered by the Public Administration Department in collaboration with the Healthcare Department.

Admission Requirements for the MHA Program

Decisions about admission to the MHA Program are based on each applicant’s overall profile. The criteria include:

• Prior academic performance.
• Related work, professional and/or volunteer experience.
• Personal statement about short-term and long-term professional goals and how the Program will help the applicant to achieve them.
• Recommendations (two professional and/or academic).
• Standardized test scores, which are helpful in the assessment process, but are not required for all applicants. Standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE), taken within the previous five years, are required of applicants with less than three (3) years of relevant work, professional or volunteer experience OR less than a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in their undergraduate degree program.
• Results of a personal interview, if requested.

Suffolk University’s Office of Graduate Admission has complete information regarding admission requirements, application deadlines, and the online application process.