Healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially in rural America. Patients, healthcare providers and administrators in these areas face challenges distinct from their urban counterparts. Workforce shortages, economic constraints, cultural and social differences, educational gaps and geographic isolation all contribute to healthcare disparities, making it harder for rural residents to maintain healthy lives.
Healthcare Administration
The healthcare systems of tomorrow need bold leaders who can meet the needs of diverse communities — especially rural ones. Fully online and built for working professionals, the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) at UNC Pembroke prepares you to lead and make a real difference. this program teaches practical skills, offers real-world experience and focuses on rural health equity.
Degrees
100% Online
PATHWAY
TO LEADERSHIP
or Capstone Requirements
Internship Opportunities
Sessions
Why Choose Our Program?
Designed with working professionals in mind, this flexible program offers a manageable
course load so you can keep moving forward without putting your career on hold. You’ll
learn from expert faculty with real-world experience across the healthcare industry,
gaining practical insights that translate directly to your work. With four built-in
internship opportunities, you’ll build your network, gain hands-on experience and
graduate ready to lead with confidence.
No GRE
4
7-week
Internship Flexibility
The MHA program offers a highly flexible internship experience designed to accommodate
the diverse needs of working professionals. Learners may fulfill their internship
requirement through their current workplace, upon program approval, allowing them
to apply new skills in a familiar setting. Additionally, learners have the freedom
to select a case project that aligns with their career goals and organizational priorities.
If you're seeking to deepen your expertise in a specific area or explore a new facet
of healthcare administration, the internship structure supports personalized learning
and practical impact. Whether working in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies
or nonprofit organizations, learners have the freedom to select meaningful projects
that showcase their leadership, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. Faculty
advisors are available to guide project selection and ensure a meaningful, relevant
experience.
Application & Curriculum Information
To apply for UNCP’s MHA program, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
- A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
- Three professional letters of recommendation (at least one academic reference)
- A current resume
- A 1–2 page Statement of Purpose outlining your career goals and motivation for pursuing an MHA
To maximize their impact, today’s administrators must be able to apply best practices and organizational principles to decisions and operations that affect countless lives. The MHA curriculum is designed to provide students with both breadth and depth of knowledge. It is competency-based, which provides students with the necessary skills and know-how to succeed as healthcare administrators.
UNCP’s online MHA curriculum is designed to align with the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCING
Year 1
Semester 1
- HCA5301-Health Care Administration and Organization (3 credits)
- HCA5300-Health Care Finance: Strategic and Management Challenges (3 credits)
Semester 2
- HCA5330-Health Policy and Management: Current Trends, Issues, and Approaches (3 credits)
- ECN5740-Health Economics (3 credits)
- BLAW5300-Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Care Professionals (3 credits)
Semester 3
- HCA5306-Analytics and Managerial Decision-Making in Healthcare (3 credits)
- HCA5326-Crisis Management of Health Facilities (3 credits including 45 hours Internship)
Year 2
Semester 4
- HCA5323-Management and Administration of Rural Health & Small Practices (3 credits including 45 hours Internship)
- HCA5311-Introduction to Public/Population Health (3 credits)
- HCA5309-Health Care Quality: Perspectives, Initiatives, and Strategies (3 credits)
Semester 5
- HCA5317-Management and Administration of Acute Care Facilities (3 credits including 45 hours Internship)
- HCA5314-Health Information Technology (3 credits)
- HCA5303-Health Services Strategy and Marketing (3 credits)
Semester 6
- MGT5300-Human Resources Management (3 credits)
- HCA5320-Management and Administration of Long-Term Care Facilities (3 credits including 45 hours Internship)
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS-45
After UNCP
Addressing the health outcomes of our region and state is an ongoing goal of our university, which includes preparing graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare management.
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
UNCP ChancellorCommon Careers
Gain specialized knowledge in addressing the challenges of healthcare delivery in rural communities, where leadership and innovation are needed most.
The skills and experience gained in our MHA program prepare graduates for leadership roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practices, government agencies and other healthcare settings.
Roles include:
- Healthcare Administrator or Manager
- Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Healthcare Consultant
- Director of Quality or Compliance
- Hospital Operations Manager
- Rural Health Systems Administrator
- Business Development or Strategy Lead
- Positions in Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Payer Organizations
Get In Touch
Our Admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have.
or call us at 910.521.6271
Meet Our Faculty
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