Confused: MBA..MPA..MPH..MHA..MS-HA..WHAT?

[Leukocyte]

I am interested in Health Care Administration...but I am confused about which degree to undertake....What should I go for? Is there a difference between these degrees? -

-MBA with a heath care track

-MPA with a health care adm. track

-MPH with a health care adm. track

-MHA (Masters of Health Care Admistration)

-MS in Health Care Administration

Are these degrees basically the same? 😕

Thank You.

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[mshheaddoc]

Depends on the program. At my school the MBA was focused on business, the MPA was public policy, the MPH was public health.

You need to compare classes in the program.

I wish I could offer more advice, but honestly the difference between alot of them really depends on the school (and the tier of the school.) Most of them it doesn't depend on what you get, its supposedly "where you get it". Or so most will advise you. If you are truly interested in this type of program, do the research to fit into a program where your interests lie.

 

[Leukocyte]

Depends on the program. At my school the MBA was focused on business, the MPA was public policy, the MPH was public health.

You need to compare classes in the program.

I wish I could offer more advice, but honestly the difference between alot of them really depends on the school (and the tier of the school.) Most of them it doesn't depend on what you get, its supposedly "where you get it". Or so most will advise you. If you are truly interested in this type of program, do the research to fit into a program where your interests lie.

Thank You!

The classes are basically the same, but as you mentioned, the emphises is slightly different. I just thought employers might require/prefer that their "Health Care Administrator" have a certain Degree (For example prefer a MHA over an MBA), but maybe not.

I will take your advise regarding "the tier" of the school being the most important factor.

Thank You again. 🙂

 

[DrMom]

As mshheaddoc said, if they're all essentially the same coursework find out which program(s) have the best reputation out in the workplace (real world). Some programs just aren't as well-respected when you're out looking for a job.

 

[Leukocyte]

As mshheaddoc said, if they're all essentially the same coursework find out which program(s) have the best reputation out in the workplace (real world). Some programs just aren't as well-respected when you're out looking for a job.

Thanks for the advice Dr.Mom!

 

[DrMom]

Thanks for the advice Dr.Mom!

No problem. This was something I investigated when I was looking into my MPH (which is in health admin & policy). Another nearby school offers an MHA, but it is considered by many employers here to be an inferior program.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

I am interested in Health Care Administration...but I am confused about which degree to undertake....What should I go for? Is there a difference between these degrees? -

-MBA with a heath care track

-MPA with a health care adm. track

-MPH with a health care adm. track

-MHA (Masters of Health Care Admistration)

-MS in Health Care Administration

Are these degrees basically the same? 😕

Thank You.

The coursework may be very similar but people will stereotypically compartmentalize you based on your degree.

MBA = businessman
MPH = public health professional
MPA = health policy bureaucrat
MHA = hospital administrator
MS = health policy researcher

The best grad program depends on what kind of career you want to have. You said you were interested in healthcare administration. Do you want to work in a hospital/lobby group/non-profit/insurance company/university/law firm? Each degree fills a specific niche.

 

[M. furfur]

i recently decided to do a concurrent MPP degree w/ med school (it is similar to an MPA), but i also closely considered MBA and MPH programs. there are definite differences in the philosophies and area of focus in these programs that can be discerned by talking to folks w/ similar interests as you pursuing each route. one generality that can be made is that MPH programs will leave you immersed in clinical medicine while MBA/MPA programs draw case studies from all different fields and sectors. MBA is better if you are interesting in the private sector. MPP is better if you are interesting in government or non-profit.