Public Administration vs. Health Administration: What Degree is Right for You?

Introduction

Obtaining a dual degree in public administration and health administration can offer numerous opportunities for aspiring career professionals. This unique combination of qualifications equips individuals with a diverse skill set that is highly sought after in today’s healthcare landscape. With a dual degree, graduates are prepared to tackle the administrative challenges of healthcare organizations and navigate the policy frameworks that shape the industry.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the additional opportunities that a dual degree in public administration and health administration can provide, and how it can set you on a path to a successful career in healthcare management and policy.

MPA vs. MHA: Degree Comparison

Choosing between a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) depends on your career goals and interests. Both programs offer unique opportunities and prepare you for different roles within the public and healthcare sectors.

Choosing between an MPA and an MHA depends on your career interests and goals. If you are interested in public policy, government, and nonprofit management, an MPA may be the right choice. If you are passionate about healthcare and want to pursue a career in healthcare management and administration, an MHA may be more suitable. Consider your strengths, interests, and career aspirations when deciding which program is right for you.

Degree Requirements

Public Administration (MPA) Degree:
MPA programs focus on public policy, management, and leadership in government and nonprofit organizations. Students learn about budgeting, policy, finance, and organizational behavior.

Health Administration (MHA) Degree:
MHA programs focus on healthcare management and administration, preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Curriculum includes healthcare finance, quality improvement, healthcare law, and health policy.

Topics Covered

Public Administration (MPA) Degree:

• Public Policy Analysis: Analyzing and evaluating public policies to understand their implications and effectiveness.
• Public Finance and Budgeting: Studying government budgeting processes, revenue sources, and financial management in the public sector.
• Organizational Behavior: Understanding how individuals, groups, and structures within organizations interact and affect organizational performance.
• Strategic Planning: Developing strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives in the public sector.
• Public Sector Economics: Studying economic principles and theories as they apply to public sector decision-making.

As an example, The University of Southern California’s (USC) MPA program offers courses such as “Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation,” “Public Financial Management,” and “Organizational Behavior in Public Administration.”

Health Administration (MHA) Degree:

• Healthcare Delivery Systems: Studying the organization and delivery of healthcare services in various settings.
• Healthcare Finance: Understanding financial management principles and practices specific to the healthcare industry.
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare: Learning strategies to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
• Health Policy: Analyzing healthcare policies and regulations at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Health Information Systems: Understanding the use of information technology in healthcare organizations.

As an example, the University of Washington’s (UW) MHA program includes courses such as “Health Systems and Policy Analysis,” “Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations,” and “Quality and Performance Improvement in Healthcare.”

Time to Completion

Public Administration (MPA) Degree: Typically takes 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students, but can vary based on program and course load. Part-time students generally take between 3 and 4 years to complete the degree. 

Health Administration (MHA) Degree: Typically takes 2 to 3 years for full-time students, but can vary based on program and course load. Part-time students generally take between 4 and 5 years to complete the degree.

MPA / MHA Dual-Degree Programs

Career Fields and Professional Opportunities

This dual expertise can lead to a range of career paths, from leadership roles in healthcare institutions to positions in government agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on health policy and advocacy. These career fields offer diverse opportunities for MPA-MHA dual degree holders to make a positive impact on public health and healthcare delivery:

• Healthcare Policy Analyst: Analyze healthcare policies and regulations to assess their impact on public health and healthcare delivery systems.
• Health Program Administrator: Manage and coordinate healthcare programs and services in public health departments, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations.
• Health Policy Advocate: Advocate for health policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes.
• Healthcare Consultant: Provide consulting services to healthcare organizations on strategic planning, operations management, and healthcare policy.
• Health Services Manager: Oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics, to ensure they are effective.
• Public Health Educator: Develop and implement public health education programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease in communities.
• Healthcare Compliance Officer: Ensure healthcare organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations related to healthcare delivery and patient care.
• Health Information Manager: Manage and protect patient health information in compliance with healthcare privacy laws and regulations.