Get to Know the MHA Program
While you learned about the University of Minnesota's MHA program throughout your application process, this page includes an overview of the core principles of our program that will help you know what to expect when you arrive on campus in the fall.
MHA MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Minnesota Master of Healthcare Administration Program develops leaders and conducts research that advances the field of healthcare administration to enhance health and strengthen communities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
MHA DEI Roadmap
In April 2020, the MHA program created a working group to focus on program-specific issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A roadmap to guide our work was created over the summer of 2020 by DEI work group members and student volunteers from both residential and executive tracks. This roadmap provides insight into our strategic goals, tactics, and implementation plans to enhance DEI and advocate for anti-racism within the MHA program.
As we look forward, changes have begun and will continue to be implemented. MHA will align programming with the HPM Anti-racism Practice Committee and the School of Public Health's strategic efforts. The MHA program aims to be transparent with our processes and we are open to your feedback and thoughts on how to improve DEI in the program.
DEI roadmap2020_91020.pdfThe Problem Solving Method
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) curriculum emphasizes development of leadership and management competencies as utilized in healthcare organizations. Core business courses – management, finance, economics, and strategy – are uniquely designed for application to healthcare organizations.
Students learn and apply The Minnesota Problem Solving Method, a rigorous, practical method of solving problems and interacting with top-level executives in a variety of health care organizations. The program is CAHME-accredited, the gold standard in graduate healthcare education.
Below is a digital copy of the book Never Assume which goes over the history of the MHA program and the Problem Solving Method. This is not required reading, but it may be helpful for understanding what makes our program unique and provide insight into what you can expect from your time in the program.
Experiential Learning
The MHA program encourages all students to participate in experiential learning opportunities, including case competitions, conferences, and the student-run Phillips Neighborhood Clinic. More information on experiential learning opportunities will be given at orientation and throughout the opening weeks of the Fall Semester.
In addition, every student will complete a residency during the summer between the first and second year of the program. The residency provides students the ability to apply the skills they’ve built in the classroom in a practical, real-world setting. Students are introduced to the daily activities of a healthcare organization from the perspective of executive leadership. Minnesota students are nationally competitive, bolstered by alumni connections in healthcare delivery, payers, medical device, and startup organizations. More information on the summer residency experience will be provided throughout the Fall Semester.
Student Organizations
Many MHA students find participating in student organizations to be a valuable experience during their time at the University of Minnesota. Below are a few of the organizations that past MHA students have joined.
MHA Student Board*
SPH Student Senate
Professional Student Government
Clarion
Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Rural Health Interest Group
There are over 1,000 student groups at the University of Minnesota. You can view a full list and find an organization that fits your interests here.
*Information on how to join the MHA Student Board will be given to first year students during the first weeks of the Fall semester