PA/ MHA Dual Degree Program

Benefits of the PA/MHA degree program:

• The MHA-trained PA will have in-depth knowledge and skills in: performance management and measurement, analytic thinking for solving problems in healthcare systems, health communications, process and quality improvement, project management, human relations management, strategic planning, professional and social responsibility, financial skills, and information technology.
• The MHA-trained PA will be prepared for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
• The MHA-trained physician will rely on a population health management perspective for improving healthcare systems.

Potential career paths:

• Health System Executive leadership
• Chief Physician Assistant
• Department Chair or Director of Physician Assistant Services
• Administrative Medical Director

Part-time: The Master of Health Administration online program is delivered 100% online. Students take 48 hours over 5 years. 

2 Starts a Year:

• Fall I
• Spring I

Online Format  Work is divided by week and students must keep in pace with the weekly schedule. Class activity – content review, discussion boards, and written assignments – often require going online to participate in the class multiple times each week. Classes are 8-week sessions delivered 5 times a year. Students will take 1 class each 8-week term and complete the course of study in 5 years.

Co-Curricular Programs Students are required to participate in 4 hours of co-curricular programming each 8-week session. Events interlude opportunities in career preparation, cross-discipline collaboration, and self-care programs. Activities are coordinated and participation tracked by the SPH Office of Academic Services.

Community Service Students are encouraged to complete 2 hours of community service each month they are active in SPH classes. Faculty, staff and students in the School of Public Health regularly contribute their talents and skills to support solutions for a healthier community. Service work can be completed with current organization relationships or opportunities in the DFW area are regularly provided by the Office of Academic Services. The Associate Dean for Community Engagement will send communications for reporting and tracking of any volunteer activities each term.

Integrative Capstone 

Taken over two 8-week periods, the MHA Integrative capstone is a culminating experience managed under the direction of the MHA Program Director and in cooperation with preceptors from a healthcare delivery organization. Under the supervision of an institutional sponsor, the student will integrate knowledge and skills acquired through the MHA curriculum and apply these to a “real world” experience that is outside the scope of their typical work or rotations.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from a fully accredited institution
• Admission to the Physician Assistant program at UNTHSC must be received prior to submitting an application to the PA/Master of Health Administration degree option
• An account and application in SOPHAS Express online application portal

To Apply:

Submit the following to SOPHAS Express:

• Unofficial UNTHSC transcripts. Transcripts from all schools attended. Even schools that didn’t ultimately award a degree, all are required.
  • Current students should also request the UNTHSC Registrar send official copies of your transcripts and test scores to the School of Public Health Admissions office. Newly admitted students should request the PA Admissions team share transcripts and test scores with the School of Public Health Admissions office.
• 1 Letter of Recommendation. From PA faculty or advisor. If applying for summer before PA courses begin a faculty from your bachelor’s degree is also appropriate.
• Personal Statement. Describe your interest in the field of study (degree and concentration) to which you are applying, your career goals, how the program will help you reach those goals, and why you chose the UNT Health Science Center School of Public Health for your graduate education.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae. Your resume should reflect your full history including volunteer activities, clubs, research, conference presentations, and relevant work experience.
• $55 application fee due to SOPHAS Express.

Submit the following to HSC School of Public Health, Office of Admissions:

• Official transcripts. Contact HSC Registrar’s office and request that your transcripts be shared with the School of Public Health Admissions.

Master of Health Administration online programs accept applications for Fall I and Spring I semesters. Online courses are taught in an accelerated 8-week format with five total sessions each academic year.

Total program tuition and fees cost estimates are available via the Office of Student Finance. Note the available pre-calculated charts by college and degree plan.

UNTHSC administers federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs including scholarships, loans, and college work-study. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at: finaid@unthsc.edu or 817-735-2505

We’re glad you have questions. Graduate school is a big step and requires careful consideration. You’re always welcome to email or call us for answers, but for your convenience, we’ve curated our responses to the most common questions from our applicants. You may view our “Frequently Asked Questions” page by following this link: www.unthsc.edu/school-of-public-health/faq.