About

The Master of Healthcare Administration Degree Program is the only graduate Healthcare Administration program in the Nevada Public University System (NSHE). The M.H.A. will prepare students to assume leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The degree is recognized in the healthcare field as an important credential that allows graduates to assume healthcare management positions. The curriculum is developed to include all the critical competencies for healthcare leadership, including issues of healthcare delivery, healthcare finance, ethical and legal issues in healthcare administration and management topics. Students and faculty will contribute through research and service to the knowledge and applications of management in healthcare; and they will use their education and expertise to help meet the healthcare management needs of the State of Nevada and beyond.

Available Options

  • Thesis Track
  • Professional Paper Track
  • Capstone Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand determinants and trends of population health and assess community needs for healthcare.
  • Describe the economic, legal, organizational, and political underpinnings of the US health system.
  • Apply the principles of economics, management, and strategic planning in healthcare organizations.
  • Demonstrate leadership, communication, and relationship management skills for managing a healthcare organization.
  • Apply finance, accounting, marketing, information technology, quantitative, planning, and management skills for successful administration of healthcare organizations.
  • Build up professional ethics and behaviors.
  • Utilize above skills necessary for advancing career in healthcare management.

Career Possibilities

Requirements

Master of Healthcare Administration

Plan Description

The Master of Healthcare Administration degree program is the only graduate healthcare administration program in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The MHA will prepare students to assume leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The degree is recognized in the healthcare field as an important credential that allows graduates to assume healthcare management positions. The curriculum is developed to include all the critical competencies for healthcare leadership, including issues of healthcare delivery, healthcare finance, ethical and legal issues in healthcare administration and management topics. Students and faculty will contribute through research and service to the knowledge and applications of management in healthcare; and they will use their education and expertise to help meet the healthcare management needs of the State of Nevada and beyond.  

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

(a) Graduate College Admission Requirements

  1. Completed application in the Application Portal and non-refundable application fee. 
  2. Bachelor's Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
  3. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits). 
  4. All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts required upon admission.
    1. Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

(b) Department Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet Graduate College standards and submit the following documents as part of your online application for admission: 

  1. A one to two page personal essay describing why they want to pursue a career in healthcare management.
  2. A resume.
  3. Contact information for three recommendation providers who will upload letters of recommendation on your behalf.   

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Thesis (On Hold)
Subplan 2: Capstone
Subplan 3: Professional Paper

Subplan 1 Requirements: Thesis (On Hold)

Total Credits Required: 48

Course Requirements

Required Courses - Credits: 42

Thesis - Credits: 6

Degree Requirements

  1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  2. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.  

Graduation Requirements

The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.

Students must submit their approved, properly formatted thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 2 Requirements: Capstone

Total Credits Required: 45

Course Requirements

Required Courses – Credits: 39

Elective Course – Credits: 3

Choose one of the following courses:

Capstone Course – Credits: 3

  • HCA 779 - Healthcare Administration Capstone Course
    HCA 779 - Healthcare Administration Capstone Course
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  • **Students that choose the Capstone Course requirement do not have to complete the Appointment of Advisory Committee Approval Form and the Culminating Experience Form.

Degree Requirements

  1. Completion of a minimum of 45 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Graduation Requirements

The student must successfully complete the capstone course. Students do not need to complete advisor or culminating experience forms.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 3 Requirements: Professional Paper

Total Credits Required: 45

Course Requirements

Required Courses – Credits: 39

Elective Course - Credits: 3

Professional Paper – Credits: 3

Degree Requirements

  1. Completion of a minimum of 45 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  2. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a professional paper committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements

Successfully complete and defend their professional paper by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Plan Graduation Requirements

Refer to your subplan for Graduation Requirements.   


Subplan 1: Thesis (On Hold)
Subplan 2: Capstone
Subplan 3: Professional Paper

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Documents/Downloads

Contacts

Department of Healthcare Administration and Policy

Students in the Department of Healthcare Administration and Policy gain a comprehensive view of the healthcare delivery system and develop an understanding of health and disease. Our mission is to provide a world class academic experience to the future generations of healthcare administrators, conduct impactful research, and engage and serve those in the healthcare system.

Website
https://www.unlv.edu/hca
Email
admin.sph@unlv.edu
Phone
702-895-5090
More

School of Public Health

The School of Public Health is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people worldwide. Our departments, programs, and research units work to provide a diverse education, practical training experience, and numerous community involvement opportunities to prepare students to become leaders and professionals in the field of public health.

Website
https://www.unlv.edu/publichealth
Email
admin.sph@unlv.edu
Phone
702-895-5090
More
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