MBA/MHA Programs in Healthcare Leadership
Pars Medicine offers two distinguished graduate programs for healthcare leaders: the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Healthcare Focus and the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). Both programs prepare graduates to lead healthcare organizations through complex challenges including value-based care transformation, health equity, technological innovation, and evolving regulatory environments.
Program Options
Students may choose between two degree pathways based on career goals and professional background:
MBA with Healthcare Focus
A comprehensive business administration degree with specialized healthcare applications. Ideal for professionals seeking broad business expertise applicable across healthcare and other industries, including consulting, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership.
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
A specialized degree focused exclusively on healthcare management and leadership. Designed for professionals committed to careers in hospitals, health systems, public health agencies, long-term care, or healthcare policy organizations.
MBA Program Structure (60 Credits)
Core Business Foundation (30 Credits)
- Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting - Financial statement analysis, cost accounting, and budgeting
- Healthcare Finance - Capital budgeting, reimbursement systems, financial management for healthcare organizations
- Healthcare Economics - Market dynamics, healthcare demand, insurance economics, and policy implications
- Strategic Management - Competitive strategy, organizational positioning, and strategic planning
- Operations Management - Process improvement, supply chain management, and operational efficiency
- Organizational Behavior and Leadership - Team dynamics, change management, and leadership development
- Marketing Management - Healthcare marketing, consumer behavior, and brand strategy
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence - Quantitative decision-making and predictive analytics
- Healthcare Information Systems - Health IT, electronic health records, and digital transformation
- Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility - Ethical leadership and stakeholder management
Healthcare Specialization (18 Credits)
- Healthcare Policy and Regulation - Medicare/Medicaid, ACA, regulatory compliance, and health policy analysis
- Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety - Quality improvement methodologies, patient safety science, accreditation standards
- Population Health Management - Value-based care, care coordination, and population health strategies
- Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Digital health, innovation management, and healthcare startups
- Healthcare Leadership Practicum - Applied leadership project with healthcare organization partner
- Elective Courses - Selected from areas such as health equity, global health systems, long-term care management, or physician practice management
Capstone Experience (12 Credits)
- Strategic Consulting Project - Team-based consulting engagement with healthcare organization
- Executive Residency - 300-hour administrative residency with healthcare system or agency
MHA Program Structure (60 Credits)
Healthcare Management Core (36 Credits)
- Healthcare Systems and Organizations - Structure, governance, and delivery models in US healthcare
- Healthcare Finance and Accounting - Reimbursement, capital financing, and financial management
- Healthcare Economics and Policy - Healthcare markets, insurance, and policy analysis
- Healthcare Operations and Process Improvement - Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence in healthcare
- Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Performance - Quality frameworks, patient safety, and outcome measurement
- Healthcare Human Resources Management - Workforce planning, labor relations, and organizational development
- Healthcare Strategy and Business Development - Strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, service line development
- Healthcare Information Technology and Analytics - Health informatics, data governance, and analytics for decision support
- Healthcare Marketing and Community Relations - Healthcare marketing, public relations, and community engagement
- Healthcare Ethics and Law - Medical ethics, healthcare law, compliance, and risk management
- Population Health and Value-Based Care - ACOs, bundled payments, and population health strategies
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior - Leadership theories, emotional intelligence, and change leadership
Specialized Electives (12 Credits)
Students select four electives aligned with career interests:
- Hospital and Health System Management
- Physician Practice Management
- Long-Term Care and Senior Services Administration
- Public Health Systems and Community Health
- Healthcare Consulting and Advisory Services
- Global Health Systems and International Health Management
- Health Insurance and Managed Care
- Telehealth and Digital Health Innovation
Applied Learning Experiences (12 Credits)
- Administrative Residency - 400-hour executive internship with preceptor mentorship
- Capstone Project - Applied research project addressing strategic organizational challenge
- Leadership Development Seminar - Executive coaching, professional development, and career planning
Dual Degree Opportunities
Qualified students may pursue integrated dual degrees to enhance credentials and career opportunities:
- MD/MBA - Combined physician and business leadership training (5 years)
- MD/MHA - Physician executive preparation (5 years)
- MPH/MBA - Public health and business leadership (3 years)
- MPH/MHA - Public health and healthcare administration (3 years)
Graduation Requirements
To earn the MBA or MHA degree, students must:
- Complete 60 credit hours with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Successfully complete all required core and specialization courses
- Fulfill administrative residency or practicum requirements with satisfactory evaluation
- Complete capstone project or consulting engagement with passing grade
- Demonstrate leadership competencies across NCHL or ACHE domains
Accreditation and Professional Certification
Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). The MHA program prepares graduates for Fellow designation in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). MBA graduates are eligible for various professional certifications including Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP).
Career Outcomes
Graduates assume leadership roles including hospital CEO/COO, health system administrator, practice manager, health plan executive, healthcare consultant, policy analyst, and healthcare entrepreneur. Average starting salaries range from $85,000-$120,000 depending on role and geographic location.
For more information: Contact the Office of Graduate Business Programs at
See full curriculum documentation.