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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Texas A&M offering its MHA online?
Health care service delivery leaders told us about a significant need for master’s-level education for mid-career health care professionals. We identified solid support for this and deliver it online to accommodate working professionals.
 
Graduate health management knowledge is developed in a variety of functional areas, with emphasis on health systems management, health policy, health finance, human resources management and health planning and marketing.
 
Is the Executive Track accredited? My employer requires this.
Yes! Both of our MHA Program's tracks have been continuously accredited since 2008 by the  Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
 
How long does it take to complete this degree?

New cohorts are admitted each August and are scheduled to graduate 21 months later.

Who are likely candidates for this degree program?
Our program is tailored to mid-level careerists who have worked for at least five years and need additional educational preparation for career advancement or to improve leadership capabilities.
 
It is also for physicians, nurses and other clinicians interested in leadership positions in their medical staff structures and in the new Accountable Care Organizations and other organizations that integrate clinical and administrative duties.
 
What are the admission requirements for the Executive Track?

Our standards are competitive and rigorous. To be considered for admission, prospective students must have met the following criteria:

Demonstrated leadership potential (as indicated through the applicant’s statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and employment verification).
 
At least five years of full-time health care work experience with increasing responsibilities.
 
No less than a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their bachelor’s degree and not less than a cumulative 3.0 GPA in the final 60 hours (junior- and senior-level courses) of their bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by Texas A&M.

Note: Prospective students are NOT required to take a graduate admissions examination (i.e., GMAT or GRE).
 
How many credit hours are required for graduation?
The MHA Program Executive Track requires 45 credit hours (15 3-credit-hour courses).
 
How much time should Executive Track students expect to commit outside of class?
Students should be prepared to devote an average of at least 60 hours per month outside of the classroom.
 
How many students are in each cohort?

Entering cohorts will not exceed 25 students.

Where will classes meet?

Classes generally meet online following a mandatory, two-day orientation in College Station.

Is there a New Student Orientation prior to the start of the program?
An orientation will be held in College Station, with scheduling based on the academic calendar.
Day 1 begins with a mid-afternoon introductory session followed by an informal dinner. Day 2 is an all-day orientation to Texas A&M, the School of Public Health and the MHA program, with a focus on course design, expectations (including skills related to online readiness, Excel bootcamp and other technical applications),  course design and traditions/organizational culture. The orientation concludes on the evening of Day 2 with an informal dinner with local faculty.
Each incoming student is responsible for his or her costs related to participation in Student Orientation.
 
What is the course sequence for the Executive Track?

The 15 courses are taught in the following lockstep sequence, with no electives and no courses allowed to be taken out of sequence.

Course Sequence

Year 1

 

Fall

PHPM 601: Foundations of Population and Public Health (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 606: Health Systems Management (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 623: Health Care Financial Management (15 weeks)

Spring

PHPM 614: Strategic Planning and Marketing (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 617: Quality and Process Improvement (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 633: Health Law and Ethics (15 weeks)

Summer

PHPM 636: Project Management (15 weeks)

 

PHPM 633: Managing Health Care Data and Information (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 681: Seminar* (7 weeks)

Year 2

 

Fall 

PHPM 630: Operations Management (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 661: Introduction to Health Economics (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 616: Management of Human Resources (15 weeks)

Spring

PHPM 640: Health Policy and Politics* (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 633: Health Insurance and Managed Care (7 weeks)

 

PHPM 680: Health Systems Leadership (Capstone, 15 weeks)

 

*Immersion course
What do the immersion courses entail?
PHPM 681: Seminar in Phoenix (Year 1, Summer)

Study of major health systems in an urban environment. Arrive late afternoon on Sunday and depart Friday evening. Dinner on Sunday followed by sessions Monday through Friday with leaders from various local delivery systems and dinner events with local health care leaders and providers. The cost of lodging, travel, food, and ground transportation are covered by the program. 

PHPM 640: Health Policy and Politics (Year 2, Spring)

Study of federal government policy mechanisms--CMS, HHS, FTC, VA and more--with a focus on delivery systems at the national level. Arrive late afternoon on Sunday and depart Friday evening. Dinner on Sunday followed by sessions Monday through Thursday with legislative leaders, staff and executive branch officials, and policymakers dealing with health care delivery systems and concentrating. The cost of lodging, travel, food, and ground transportation are covered by the program.

Does the Executive Track require an internship or practicum?

No, neither an internship nor a practicum is required.

What are the essential competencies and skills for a successful health care leader?
The MHA Program believes that effective work in all health leadership positions requires successful development of competencies and thoughtful use of technical, managerial and leadership skills.
The central purpose of our MHA Program’s educational process is to enable you to gain and develop the essential competencies and skills that will increase your professional capabilities and continue your professional growth long after your graduation.
 
The MHA Program’s Competency Model has identified those leadership competencies and skills that have been rigorously established by outstanding healthcare leaders and research.
 
How can I learn more about the Executive Track?
Please call 979.436.9433 or email Megan Westerman, Program Coordinator II.