Master of Health Administration

MHA Students

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program prepares students with a foundation in healthcare leadership and applied analytical skills to promote data-driven decision-making. Graduates can address the unique challenges presented in this complex industry, including ensuring equitable opportunity for health and optimal well-being. The 54-credit program provides study in leadership of healthcare organizations, applied analytics, healthcare economics, financial management, population health, communications, and strategy in 22 months. Students complete a residency in healthcare organizations to gain practical experience, develop professionalism, and apply management skills. Anticipated growth in healthcare positions continues to outpace all other occupations. The MHA opens a path to leadership positions and opportunities for advancement in diverse settings across the industry.

The MHA is the most widely accepted healthcare management degree in the United States. Healthcare is the largest industry and second largest employer in the U.S., and the anticipated growth in healthcare positions continues to outpace all other occupations. The MHA prepares graduates for careers in the healthcare industry in an array of settings, such as public and private hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and long-term care institutions. The MHA opens a path to leadership positions and opportunities for advancement.

The MHA program is also available online

Mission

The MHA program at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine prepares a diverse group of students to excel in careers within health sector organizations. By offering two learning modalities - an in-person program for early careerists and an online program for working healthcare professionals - we bring together students with demonstrated scholastic achievement and leadership potential, and a multidisciplinary faculty committed to advancing equitable access to health and promoting optimal well-being for all individuals and communities.

Vision

We envision a future where the influence of our scholarship and the performance of our graduates enhance the quality of life by improving public health and healthcare delivery systems.

Values

Legacy: We were the first; we lead
Diversity: Leverage our collective genius
Collaboration: Cultivate a culture of shared success
Excellence: Whatever we do, do it well
Discovery: Solve problems that matter
Engagement: Be of value to New Orleans and the world
Balance: Have fun!

Accreditation

The MHA program at Tulane is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Accreditation ensures that an academic program adheres to the curriculum and academic standards that are recognized in the job market. Accredited schools and programs periodically undergo self-examination and outside review to ensure that academic standards are being maintained and keep up with standards in the field. The Tulane MHA has been CAHME-accredited since 1971 and the current accreditation is through 2031.

The MHA program is also a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration

MHA Alumni Initial Placements

Graduation Rates

Academic YearPercentageTotal Students Graduated
2024-202510021
2023-202410019
2022-202310027

Placement Rates by Academic Year

MHA2022-20232023-20242024-2025
Number of Graduates271921
Placement rate100%95%100%
Employed221720
Continuing education/training101
Actively seeking employment420
Unknown000
Total271921

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the school's admission and application requirements for entrance into master's programs at the WSPH. 

Degree Program Requirements-48-credit hours, beginning Fall 2026

Program Course Requirements

  • SPHL 6020 Foundations in Public Health (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6020 Applied Critical Thinking for Healthcare Transformation  (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6050 Introduction to the US Healthcare System (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6170 Leading for Operational Improvement (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6200 Intro to Healthcare Analytics (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6300 Data Visualization and Communication (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6320 Managerial Communications (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6540 Introduction to Healthcare Financial Management (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6550 Healthcare Payment Perspectives (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6890 Health Market Analysis (3 credits)
  • HPAM 6910 Effective Leadership: Building Teams and Trust (3 credits)
  • HPAM 7010 Health Economics (3 credits)
  • HPAM 7120 Health Law and Ethics (3 credits)
  • HPAM 7170 Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations (3 credits)
  • HPAM 7320 Leading and Designing Innovative Healthcare Organizations (3 credits)
  • HPAM 7540 Advanced Healthcare Financial Management (3 credits)
  • SPHL 9980 Applied Practice Experience (0 credits)

Model Course Schedule for 48-credit hours program

Year 1, [Semester 1 Fall]

HPAM 6050 Introduction to US Healthcare Systems  (3 credits)
HPAM 6200 Introduction to Healthcare Analytics  (3 credits)
HPAM 6320 Managerial Communications  (3 credits)
HPAM 6540 Introduction to Healthcare Financial Management  (3 credits)
HPAM 6020 Applied Critical Thinking for Healthcare Transformation  (3 credits)
Semester Sub-Total: 15

Year 1, [Semester 2 Spring]

HPAM 6300 Data Visualization and Communication  (3 credits)
HPAM 6550 Healthcare Payment Perspectives  (3 credits)
HPAM 6890 Health Market Analysis  (3 credits)
HPAM 6170 Leading for Operational Improvement  (3 credits)
Semester Sub-Total: 12

Year 1, [Semester 3 Summer]

SPHL 9980 Administrative Residency (0 credits)
Semester Sub-Total: 0

Year 2, [Semester 1 Fall]

HPAM 7120 Health Law and Ethics  (3 credits)
HPAM 6910 Effective Leadership: Building Teams and Trust  (3 credits)
HPAM 7010 Health Economics  (3 credits)
HPAM 7540 Advanced Healthcare Financial Management (3 credits)
Semester Sub-Total: 12

Year 2, [Semester 2 Spring]

HPAM 7320 Leading and Designing Innovative Heatlhcare Organizations  (3 credits)
HPAM 7170 Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations  (3 credits)
SPHL 6020 Foundations in Public Health  (3 credits)
Semester Sub-Total: 9

Total Degree Credits:  48

Please visit the university course catalog for course descriptions.

Contact Us

Department Chair: Arthur Mora, PhD, MHA

Program Director: David Washburn, ScD, SM

Senior Department Administrator: Donna Kulawiak, MPH

Senior Program Manager: Allison Rinehart, DSW, MPH, MSW

Email: hpm@tulane.edu

Phone: 504.988.1313

Check out this video about healthcare management from AUPHA.

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