Skip to main content Skip to footer
MHA / MPH Dual Graduate Program Combined Program:
Master in Health Administration &
Master of Public Health

Master in Health Administration/Master of Public Health (MHA/MPH) Dual Graduate Program

Saginaw Valley State University’s MHA/MPH dual graduate program prepares professionals to lead in today’s complex healthcare and public health environments. By combining graduate-level expertise in health administration and population health, students gain the knowledge and skills to manage healthcare organizations, develop community health initiatives, and influence health policy.

This dual-degree pathway is ideal for those who want to improve both individual care delivery and broader health outcomes—while saving both time and tuition by earning two master’s degrees simultaneously.

Virtual Information Sessions

Graduate Admissions Coordinator

Tanika Williams Graduate Admissions CoordinatorMy name is Tanika Williams, MBA, MS, and I am here to help you navigate your path to earning your graduate degree. If you have any questions regarding application requirements use one of the links below or feel free to text me at (989) 461-2050.

Dual MHA/MPH Program Coordinator

Mark Kato PortraitMark Kato
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
(989) 964-4538
mtkato@svsu.edu

Why Pursue a Dual MHA/MPH Degree?

Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and the lines between healthcare delivery, public health, and policy have never been more interconnected. Hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies increasingly seek professionals who can lead at the intersection of operations and population health—making this dual degree especially valuable.

SVSU’s MHA/MPH program prepares graduates to:

  • Bridge clinical, operational, and population health priorities
  • Lead in hospitals, health departments, and nonprofit sectors
  • Respond to public health challenges with system-level solutions
  • Advance into administrative or policy roles with greater speed and versatility
  • Save time and money by completing two graduate degrees in fewer credits than if earned separately

Why this combination matters:

Today’s healthcare leaders are expected to do more than manage budgets and facilities—they must also improve community health outcomes, address health disparities, and respond to public health emergencies. This dual degree uniquely equips graduates to meet those demands by pairing operational leadership with a population-focused perspective.

Program highlights include:

  • Two Degrees, One Pathway: Earn both a Master in Health Administration and a Master of Public Health.
  • Accelerated Format: Complete both degrees in just 45 credit hours—saving time and reducing tuition.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Online and hybrid courses designed for working professionals.
  • Cross-Sector Skills: Prepare to lead healthcare organizations while improving community health.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced professionals in public health, healthcare operations, and policy.

graphic of hand and form

Accessible Admission

Applicants must meet SVSU’s graduate admissions standards and be accepted into both the MHA and MPH programs. A background in healthcare, public health, or related fields is helpful but not required.

graphic of student at desk

Curriculum Overview

The integrated 45-credit curriculum includes core courses from both programs and a shared capstone experience that ties together leadership, strategy, and health impact.

Key areas of study include:

  • Public health systems and leadership
  • Epidemiology and biostatistics
  • Healthcare finance and operations
  • Organizational behavior and ethics
  • Health law and policy
  • Strategic planning and program evaluation

Students complete 21 credits of MPH coursework, 18 credits of MHA coursework, and 6 shared credits focused on capstone/integration.

graphic of graduate hat and payment

Time & Financial Savings

This dual-degree program requires just 45 total credit hours, compared to 72 or more if the two programs were pursued separately—allowing students to graduate faster and reduce overall tuition costs without compromising depth or quality.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MHA/MPH dual program are prepared for leadership roles such as:

  • Health System Administrator
  • Public Health Director
  • Population Health Manager
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Health Settings
  • Community Health Program Manager

These roles increasingly demand professionals with interdisciplinary training who can improve efficiency, meet community needs, and respond to challenges across the healthcare–public health spectrum.

Employment Outlook

Medical and Health Services Managers

Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers

 

 

CONTACT US.


Graduate Admissions
Wickes Hall 230
gradadm@svsu.edu
(989) 964-6096

Christine L. Noller, JD, LLM
GC 223
cnoller@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4016

Tanika Williams
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
gradadm@svsu.edu
(989) 461-2050