Will you admit once or twice a year in the redesigned Executive Master’s program?

We admit one time a year, in the fall.


How big is a cohort?

We will admit between 30-40 students per cohort.


What are the changes to the curriculum?

The Gillings School of Global Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), and the MHA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME), so the foundations of the curricula did not change. These curricula are grounded in a firm base of 25 leadership, policy, management, and professional competencies that provide the framework for integrated coursework that is responsive to current and projected future demands of the health care industry. The redesign outcomes include:

  • Shorter time to degree, designed to be completed in 24 months
  • More innovative and flexible learning models; applied leadership integrative modules are introduced in order to test skills learned in each course and to optimize decision-making ability. Each course will build on the skills learned in the prior term.
  • Education as a lifelong relationship between Health Policy and Management and health care professionals, not just a set of transactions between instructors and students.

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Is the program conducted 100% online?

No, you are required to attend three on-campus residencies per year. Please refer to the on-campus calendar for exact dates.


Who is the Executive MHA designed for?

The Executive MHA program is aimed at working, mid-career professionals seeking executive positions in health care and leads to a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). Qualified candidates must have at least three years of prior experience in the health or human services profession.


What is the program’s ranking?

The Executive MHA program is housed in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is consistently ranked in top 3 by U.S. News & World Report and Modern Healthcare.


What is the admission deadline?

Applications for admission for the fall semester are usually due the second Tuesday of May. See our current application deadline here.


Must I currently be in a managerial position in order to enroll in the program?

No, it’s not required. However, it is strongly recommended that you either currently have management/supervisory experience OR anticipate moving into a management role.


What other admissions criteria must I meet besides working in the health care field or having a doctorate degree?

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (any field of study) and a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.


What basic knowledge or background is required?

Enrolling students should have some basic knowledge of elementary accounting, college algebra, statistics, and microeconomics. Applicants without this background should consider enrolling in appropriate courses (including online and self-study opportunities).


What computer hardware and software knowledge and access are required?

Enrolling students should have access to a personal computer (preferably Windows-based). In addition, students are required to have high-speed Internet access (cable or DSL). Students should also be proficient in word processing and spreadsheet functions.


How long does it take to complete the program?

24 months.


How many credit hours are required for graduation?

49 semester hours.


Must I complete a thesis?

No. Students must complete the Capstone Course and the approved thesis substitute–either a Business Plan or Technical Paper.


What can I expect when I graduate from the Executive Master’s Program?

The intended outcome for those who bring more management experience is postgraduate employment in the health care industry with more, or more significant, management responsibility than that held previously. For those with more limited management experience, the intended outcome is a responsible health care management position, which for some of those who already hold full-time positions may entail a change of organization.


If I already have my MBA, is this program a duplication of efforts?

Probably. However, the Executive MHA program has a much greater concentration of coursework in health care, health policy, and public health.


Is there anything I should know about the demands of this program?

Yes. This is a rigorous program. As a result, both you and your employer must recognize the demands of the program.


Can I transfer any graduate credit hours?

Because of the nature of the new lock-step format and lack of elective courses, transfer credits will typically not be accepted for the executive master’s program. If you have taken a specific Gillings School of Global Public Health core course, that may qualify to transfer into the executive master of public health program, pending program director approval.


What if I want to speak to someone directly about the program?

For information about admission requirements, contact our Academic Coordinator Kim Sieler, krsieler@email.unc.edu or (919) 966-7364.

For details about the course work, contact Karen Volmar, MHA and MSPH Programs Director, at kmvolmar@email.unc.edu or (919) 962-0760.


Where can I find more information about the Executive Master’s program?

To stay in touch with our department, please visit our Facebook and Twitter pages:

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CONTACT INFORMATION
BSPH, MSPH and Resident MHA:
Academic Coordinator: Yolonda N. Childs

Doctoral and Executive MHA:
Academic Coordinator: Kim Sieler

Assistant to Chair: Stephanie Forman
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Mailing Address
135 Dauer Drive
1101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7411
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7411