MBA/MHA Dual Degree
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Editor & Writer
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Combining a master of business administration (MBA) with a master of health administration (MHA) for an MBA/MHA dual degree can prepare you for leadership and administration positions where the business and healthcare industries intersect.
In this type of program, you complete both degrees simultaneously. You acquire the general management and decision-making skills of the MBA and the public policy and strategic planning skills of the MHA.
With two complementary graduate degrees, you gain access to many high-ranking careers in the healthcare field or healthcare organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 28% growth for medical and health service management occupations between 2021 and 2031 — nearly six times the projected growth rate for all occupations.
On this page, discover what the MBA/MHA dual degree program might look like for you and what career opportunities you can pursue when you graduate.
Featured Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is the ROI of an MBA/MHA Dual Degree?
The return on investment for an MBA/MHA dual degree varies depending on the school and program you choose and your outcome. For example, your location, delivery method, and school type can all impact the cost of your education.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate program cost $19,749 during the 2020-2021 academic year. Over three years — the typical length of an MBA/MHA dual degree — that comes to a total of $59,247. Average three-year public school costs were $37,182, while private school costs were $79,863.
With this dual degree, you have access to a high-paying industry with a positive career outlook. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $101,340 in May 2021.The top 10% in the field brought in over $205,620.
You also have to consider other investments, such as time and effort. An MBA/MHA dual degree typically takes three years to earn, though part-time and accelerated options may be available. These years can be rigorous and demanding, but the dual degree pathway cuts about a year of study off pursuing the degrees separately.
Other factors might affect your cost, including the mode of delivery. Getting your MBA/MHA dual degree online could reduce your travel costs and allow you to work around a more flexible study schedule. Online programs with no residency requirements might also open the door to out-of-state programs.
Throughout the program, you can expect to develop the following skills:
- Interpersonal/communication
- Critical thinking and decision-making
- Leadership
- Project and operations management
- Healthcare technology
- Analytical
- Finance
- Healthcare regulations and policy
In the end, you have to judge whether the program makes financial sense for you.
Curriculum for MBA/MHA Dual Degree Programs
The MBA/MHA dual degree curriculum varies by school and program. You can also choose between tracks, which will change the courses you take. The following list showcases some of the courses you might find in these programs.
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Data-driven decision-making
This course teaches you to use data analytics to inform organizational decisions. You may explore topics in data collection, refinement, and statistical modeling. You may also develop skills that will help you communicate and present these findings. -
Project management
In this course, you learn how to oversee projects based on their type and priority. You will cover the various stages of the project life cycle and learn strategies in planning, organization, budgeting, and scheduling. You might also practice with different project management technologies. -
Health policy
This course examines the major health policies, including how they were developed and implemented and what purpose they serve. You might research contemporary health policy concerns and what effect new or revised policies may have on the healthcare system. -
Healthcare analytics
In this course, you learn how to use data to draw health insights for decision-making, measurement, or learning purposes. Your studies may cover cleaning, mining, reading, and analyzing data. You could also study how to ask data questions, create data visualizations, and communicate the results. -
Digital innovation
This course covers the leading digital solutions and technologies taking over the healthcare industry. You could learn to work with telehealth, clinical decision-making technologies, or IT systems.
MHA/MBA Career Opportunities
Along with careers that MBA and MHA graduates can pursue independently, MHA/MBA graduates have access to specialized careers where business and healthcare meet. Here are just some of the professional options available to you.
Hospital Managers
Hospital managers typically manage specific departments, handling areas like staffing, records, and law and regulation compliance. Clinical managers earned a median annual wage of $119,450 (BLS, May 2021).
Physician Office Managers
These managers oversee the office administration duties, such as office budgeting, facilities, and supplies. Health information managers made a median annual wage of $98,230 (BLS, May 2021).
Nursing Home Administrators
These professionals take care of the staff, facilities, and residents in nursing homes. Nursing home administrators earned a median annual wage of $83,550 (BLS, May 2021).
Healthcare Chief Executives
Healthcare chief executives manage overarching goals and operations for healthcare organizations and systems. Healthcare chief executives made a median annual wage of $154,650 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions about MBA/MHA Dual Degrees
Does an MBA or MHA make more money?
In general, yes. While salaries vary by organization and position, MBA graduates typically make more than other similar degrees. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council's 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, the median starting salary for MBAs was $125,000 in 2023, compared to $85,000 for those with a master's in management.
Is a dual MBA MHA worth it?
Yes. An MBA/MHA dual degree allows you to get a second degree and greatly expand your career opportunities while only adding an additional year of training. The BLS projects the addition of over 136,000 new medical and health services management jobs between 2021 and 2031, plus more than 56,000 annual openings.
What is the highest salary of an MBA hospital administrator?
The median annual salary for medical and health services managers in hospitals was $119,450 (BLS, May 2021). The top 10% in the field, however, made more than $205,620.
Which is better, an MBA in healthcare management or MHA?
An MBA in healthcare management and an MHA can lead you to similar careers, so the choice between them depends on your interests. An MBA focuses more on management and general business, while the MHA core training focuses on healthcare.
