A Master of Arts in Health Care Administration (MHA) and an Master of Business Administration (MBA) have more in common than you might think, but they still differ in critical ways as well. If you are considering an MHA vs. MBA, you are likely looking for ways to enhance your knowledge and skill set – and maybe even your career. The good news is, both of these advanced degrees may be able to help you achieve precisely that through the advancement of your business acumen, albeit in slightly different ways. While an MBA is a more generalized postsecondary business degree, an MHA offers a more specialized advanced degree, one that has a focus on health care administration, management, and related fields. In this guide to all things MHA vs. MBA, we dive into the details of exactly what each program is, the differences between the two, and the similarities between each. Plus, take our quiz and find out whether an MHA or MBA is right for you.
What Is an MBA?
To begin, an MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is an advanced business degree that focuses on honing business-essential skills and knowledge such as financial analysis, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and other in-demand skills, per U.S. News & World Report. While an MBA typically takes two years to complete, some programs allow students to work at an accelerated pace and complete it in a shorter time. Many students also choose to end their education with an MBA; however, per U.S. News & World Report, a doctorate in business or management is not uncommon for those who wish to advance their education even further.
What Is an MHA?
An MHA, on the other hand, is a Master of Arts in Health Care Administration, and it is an advanced degree that covers topics such as health policy, organizational behavior, operational assessment and improvement, government, and human resource management. As only one U.S. Department of Education accreditor recognizes these types of programs, the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), MHA programs are rare. Similar to the MBA, the MHA typically takes two years to complete but can be completed at an accelerated rate at certain accredited universities.
What Is the Difference Between an MBA and MHA?
An MBA and an MHA are both graduate-level degrees, but they differ in focus and application. Let’s take a closer look at how they differ.
1. Focus:
MBA: An MBA program typically focuses on general business principles and practices. It covers a wide range of topics such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and management.
MHA: An MHA program, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to the health care industry. It covers topics such as health care policy, health care economics, health care management, health care law, and health care operations.
2. Application:
MBA: An MBA degree is versatile and can be applied to various industries, including health care, finance, technology, marketing, consulting, and more.
MHA: An MHA degree is specialized for individuals seeking leadership roles within the health care sector. Graduates often pursue careers in hospitals, health care systems, health insurance companies, consulting firms specializing in health care, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
3. Career paths:
MBA: Graduates with an MBA may pursue careers in a wide range of fields such as finance, consulting, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, and more. For more information on this occupational field, please visit the Department of Labor site here.
MHA: Graduates with an MHA typically pursue careers in health care administration, health care management, health care consulting, health policy analysis, hospital administration, and related fields within the industry. For more information on this occupational field, please visit the Department of Labor site here.
While both degrees offer valuable skills and knowledge, the choice between an MBA and an MHA depends on individual career goals and interests. If someone is specifically interested in enhancing their career within the health care industry, an MHA might be more appropriate. However, if they seek a broader skill set applicable to various industries, an MBA might be more appropriate.
What Are the Similarities Between the Two Degrees?
Despite these differences, largely in focus of topic, the general themes of the programs have more in common with each other than you might expect at first glance. Namely, the programs’ dedication to management principles, interdisciplinary approaches, and analytical skills – to name just a few – are some of the similarities you’ll find in comparing an MBA vs. MHA. Let’s take a closer look at each.
- Management principles: Both MBAs and MHAs cover fundamental management principles such as finance, accounting, organizational behavior, human resource management, and strategic planning. These skills are applicable across various industries and sectors.
- Analytical skills: Both programs focus on developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for decision-making in complex business environments, including health care.
- Interdisciplinary approaches: While an MHA has a specific focus on health care, both degrees often incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives. MBAs may include courses or concentrations in health care management, and MHAs may cover business-related topics such as finance, marketing, and strategic management to provide a well-rounded education.
Quiz: Is an MHA or an MBA Right for Me?
If you’re trying to decide which program is the better fit for you, it can help to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Take our quiz to help you make a more informed decision about which degree might be best for you.
What is your primary career interest?
(A) General business and management across various industries.
(B) Leadership and management within the health care sector.
What type of skills are you most interested in developing?
(A) A broad range of business skills including finance, marketing, and strategy.
(B) Specialized skills in health care policy, health care economics, and health care management.
Where do you see yourself working in the future?
(A) In a variety of potential industries such as finance, technology, marketing, or consulting.
(B) Within the health care industry, possibly in hospitals, health care systems, or health insurance companies.
What kind of degree program are you looking for?
(A) A graduate-level program that covers general business principles and practices.
(B) A specialized program tailored specifically to the business of the health care industry.
How important is it for you to have a versatile degree applicable across different industries?
(A) Very important.
(B) Not as important. I'm primarily interested in furthering my career within health care.
Which aspect of management interests you more?
(A) General management principles applicable across various sectors.
(B) Management principles specifically tailored to the health care industry.
What type of career paths are you considering?
(A) Finance, consulting, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, etc.
(B) Health care administration, health care management, health care consulting, health policy analysis, etc.
Are you interested in interdisciplinary approaches to your education?
(A) Yes, I value having a well-rounded education that includes various disciplines.
(B) Yes, as long as the focus remains on health care and related fields.
Results:
Mostly As: An MBA might be the right choice for you. It offers a broad education in business principles and can be applied across different industries.
Mostly Bs: An MHA could be the ideal fit for your career goals. It provides specialized knowledge and skills tailored specifically to the health care industry.
Overview: The Difference Between an MBA vs. MHA
When it comes to choosing the right program for you, deciding between an MBA vs. MHA can be difficult. While both are advanced programs that span approximately two years (or shorter, if completed at an accelerated pace), their similarities do not end there. They also share interdisciplinary approaches to education, a focus on management principles, and a commitment to developing analytical skills. Where they differ most clearly is the focus of the topic. An MBA is a more generalized approach to the field while an MHA hones in on business and management in the health care industry.