Do you want to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape effectively? Do you want to drive improvements in patient care, operational efficiency, and overall healthcare outcomes? A Master of Health Administration (MHA) equips you with essential skills in healthcare management, finance, policy, and organizational behavior to do just that.
The University of Washington offers two unique MHA programs to fit your life and give you the tools to advance your career in a meaningful way. Graduates of each program earn an MHA degree, but the curriculum varies between the two program options. Explore the differences between an MHA and an EMHA (Executive Master of Health Administration) to learn which is right for you.
Master of Health Administration and Executive MHA Application Requirements Comparison
Professional Experience Required to Apply for an MHA
EMHA Requirements
The University of Washington’s EMHA degree requires you to have at least six years of professional experience in the field of health services or a related field.
On average, students have ten years of professional experience.
MHA Requirements
The University of Washington’s MHA program prefers you to have at least one year of full-time, professional experience in the field of health services, or a related field.
On average, students have three years of professional experience.
MHA vs. EMHA Application Process
MHA Application Process
The MHA application process requires you to complete two applications, one of which you may have already filled out:
- An application in Health Administration, Management, and Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS). This centralized, web-based application system is designed to expedite researching, selecting, and applying to graduate health administration programs. If you are applying to more than one program, it’s likely you have already filled out this application.
- The UW Graduate School application system helps you familiarize yourself further with the program and determine if this is a good fit for you.
EMHA Application Process
As an EMHA applicant, you must complete the UW Graduate School Application.
MHA vs EMHA Classes Comparison
While both the MHA and the EMHA programs allow you to earn an MHA degree, you will find that they vary in format.
EMHA Classes
- You will take a class on capital planning and have a stronger focus on executive management and leadership.
- Classes will be taken part-time so you can balance your current commitments.
- Classes will be offered simultaneously online and in-person, once a month on Friday and Saturday from 8-5pm, along with weekly webinars. You will have the choice of how you attend the monthly class sessions.
- Curriculum includes business, policy, ethics, information management, strategic planning, finance, and other crucial topics, all from a healthcare perspective.
MHA Classes
- Your classes will all be offered in a full-time, in-person format.
- Classes will be held at the University of Washington Seattle campus Monday-Wednesday.
- Curriculum includes business, policy, ethics, information management, strategic planning, finance, and other crucial topics, all from a healthcare perspective.
Course Load Differences Between a Master of Health Administration and an Executive Master of Health Administration?
The primary difference between an MHA and an EMHA is the flexibility. Earning your EMHA degree affords you the ability to go to school part-time, either attending classes online or in person. Below is a full breakdown of credit requirements:
- EMHA: 69 credits – 2 Years / Part Time / Online or In-Person
- MHA: 76 credits – 2 Years / Full-Time / Seattle
Cost Differences Between a Master of Health Administration and an Executive Master of Health Administration
The current cost difference between an MHA and an EMHA is $2,945 at the University of Washington. Here’s the breakdown
EMHA Tuition Cost
- $1,045 per credit
- 69 total credits in the program
- $72,105 total cost for the program’s credits
- (this number does not include quarterly tuition fees from the UW)
MHA Tuition Cost
- $910 per credit
- 76 total credits in the program
- $69,160 total cost of the program credits
- (this number does not include quarterly tuition fees from the UW)
EMHA & MHA FINANCIAL AID
Does this cost feel overwhelming, like an EMHA or MHA is out of reach? Don’t just assume you can’t afford one of these advanced degrees. There’s an MHA financial aid program and an EMHA program of financial assistance to help students in need.
In fact, many students choose UW for their master’s degrees because of our value and affordable cost compared to other Schools of Public health.
Whether you join our MHA or EMHA program, you’re getting incredible instruction and connections directly from the University of Washington. Our hybrid program offers the same quality, rigor, and value as our traditional, on-campus MHA.
If you have any questions or hesitations, contact the admissions team or attend our regularly scheduled information sessions, where you can get helpful feedback to choose the right options.
EMHA vs MHA FAQs
Include another image of a happy leader in the healthcare administration field.
Are your Online and Hybrid programs offered via a third-party online program management (OPM) service?
No. Each class offered by the University of Washington’s MHA and EMHA programs are provided directly from the 2024/25 top-rated school of public health on the West Coast. This means you learn directly from experienced faculty and staff and gain access to the University of Washington alumni networks.
Additionally, you earn your degree from a program that has at least a 28-year history of success.
Do you get the same degree from both programs?
Yes. Both the UW’s MHA and EMHA programs will award you a Master of Health Administration degree. The ‘executive’ title refers primarily to the format of the program (part-time) and the typical student (mid-career professionals). It does not indicate the type of degree received.
Switching from the MHA to the EMHA program or vice versa is not as simple as it may seem. It’s important to research the differences between the two programs and choose the best fit for your situation.
How old is each program?
The UW’s MHA program was founded in 1970. The UW’s EMHA was founded 28 years later in 1998. Both programs have a respected history of success, helping students advance their careers and make a difference in healthcare administration.
What kind of roles can you expect from each program?
When you consider the role you can expect with a degree, you’ll likely want to know the pay scale too. As with nearly all lines of work, salary and industry experience are often directly linked.
The following roles are some of the most common achieved by our graduates, with the more advanced careers often being owned by those with the most experience:
- Junior, mid-level, and senior management
- Business development and project management
- Process management and improvement
- Clinical program evaluation and quality management
- Policy development, analysis, and evaluation
Are there any alumni of note from either program?
Beyond a shadow of a doubt. We may be tooting our own horn a bit, but our alums are among the most influential professionals in the healthcare administration field. We are incredibly proud of the difference these individuals are making.
The following are just a sampling:
- EMHA
- Collin Furukawa (EMHA 2014, former MHA Alumni Association Board Member)
- Dr. Sikirat Iyabo Tinubu-Karch (EMHA 2010)
- MHA
- Hanna Dinh Hsieh (MHA 2016, Former MHA Alumni Association Board Chair)
“The MHA degree has provided me with a versatile skill set and opportunities in various types of leadership roles including clinic management, program management, and project management. Having experience in a variety of health administration positions allowed me to further narrow down the career path that I would like to pursue long-term in this field, which is thanks to my MHA degree.” — Hanna Dinh Hsieh
Is there any ongoing support for the program alums?
As an E/MHA student, the MHA Alumni Association connects you with the E/MHA alumni community. There are regular events, both formal and informal, for students and alums to connect.
Students in the MHA program also receive an alumni mentor in the program’s second year.
How to Learn More About Each Program at UW?
Explore the unique features of UW HSPop’s MHA and EMHA programs, designed to fit your life without compromising on quality or experience. Get excited about our academically challenging courses that prepare you to impact the future of health care.
Join one of our virtual, monthly information sessions to determine which program—an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) or Master of Health Administration (MHA) — is right for you.
Not only is it the most efficient way to learn details about the program, research, or admissions, but you can ask any questions and get direct feedback from our staff.