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Joint Healthcare Administration MHA/MBA

Advance your career in two thriving industries.

Unlock career opportunities with the joint Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. This comprehensive 60-credit hour program is designed to be completed in as little as 24 months, providing you with essential skills in business management and specialized knowledge in healthcare administration.

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Healthcare Administration and Business Expertise

Develop a solid foundation in global business dynamics, corporate finance, and strategic decision-making through our business curriculum. Simultaneously, utilize your enhanced business skills within the realm of healthcare administration curriculum, which focuses on optimizing operations and improving patient outcomes. This integrated approach prepares you for advanced roles that combine the principles of business and healthcare.

UHCL healthcare administration students study abroad in the U.K. Healthcare Administration students study abroad in the United Kingdom.

Total Credit Hours

Months to Complete

Jan, Jun, Aug

Start Dates

Why Should You Choose MHA/MBA at UHCL?

Flexible and Focused Format

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person classes at UHCL at Texas Medical Center. This eight-week structure is taught by top-tier faculty, immersing you in an environment centered on research, innovation, and patient-centric healthcare solutions.

Career Opportunities and Earnings Potential

Graduates of UH-Clear Lake's joint MHA/MBA are well-prepared for top-level leadership roles in diverse healthcare environments – from hospitals to pharmaceutical companies. With the combination of business and healthcare education, graduates can expect significant career advancement and financial rewards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, the average salary of a healthcare financial manager in Texas is approximately $151,170 annually. Other prominent careers include healthcare CEO, hospital administrator, and pharmaceutical brand manager.

Choose Between Two Specialized Certificates

UHCL's MHA degree features two certificates earned within the degree plan: the Leadership Certificate and the Healthcare Analytics Certificate

Each certificate is 9 credit hours (3 courses) chosen from a group of 5 courses
Certificate credits apply directly to the MHA degree
Each provides focused expertise
Certificates show commitment to the industry
Certificates set your resume apart

Connections That Matter

Join the student-led Healthcare Students Association to start making connections
Enjoy student-pricing for memberships to professional organizations such as ACHE, HFMA, MGMA, NAHSE, and NALHE
Network at mixers and local chapter events
Connect with alumni and guest speakers
Gain inspiration at leadership seminars, resume workshops, and more
Engage With Top Industry Partners
Learn from experts at the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world

Ambition Meets Achievements

Join a winning tradition by competing on an HADM case competition team. In 2024–2025, our teams made history — advancing to the semi-finals at Penn State and securing top-four finishes at the UTSPH Fleming Center, including 3rd and 4th place in 2024 and a 2nd place finish in 2025. Other noteworthy honors students have earned include:

A prestigious administrative fellowship for 2021.
First place at the annual National Association of Health Services Executives Student Case Competition in fall 2020.
First place at the UT School of Public Health Fleming Center Case Competition in spring 2020.
Three of five scholarships by the American College of Healthcare Executives South East Texas Chapter in fall 2020.
Three of 11 national MGMA scholarships in fall 2020.
Second place in the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Case Competition in fall 2019

Texas Medical Center

Our MHA is in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, providing students opportunities for experiential learning in the hub of the latest in global medical education, research and innovation.

Alumni Career Progression

Recent Alumni (less than 5 years)

Median estimated wage: $54K–$76K (with potential wage $84K–$111K based on occupation)
Common job titles: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Program Manager
Top employers: MD Anderson, Houston Methodist, Baylor College of Medicine, Memorial Hermann
Industries: Ambulatory Health Care (26.6%), Hospitals (13.1%), Educational Services (15%)

Experienced Alumni (More than 5 years)

Median estimated wage: $90K–$138K (potential wage $119K–$144K)
Common job titles: Financial Manager, Chief Executive, Marketing Manager, HR Manager
Industries: Professional/Technical Services (10%), Chemical Manufacturing (5%), Hospitals (3%)

Key Insight

Alumni wages and roles scale significantly with experience—recent grads start in project/operations roles, while seasoned alumni move into executive and financial leadership positions.

Job Market Outlook (CIP 51.0701 Non-Clinical)

High-Growth Roles in Houston (2022–2032)

Medical & Health Services Managers: +41.7% growth, median $52/hr
Financial Managers: +29.9% growth, median $78.90/hr
Management Analysts: +20.5% growth, median $42/hr
HR Specialists: +20.9% growth, median $30/hr

Entry-Level Pay (National P25)

Health Services Managers: $86K
Management Analysts: $76K
HR Specialists: $59K–$61K

Skills That Drive Career Success

Technical Skills

Revenue Cycle Management, HER, HIPAA compliance
Data Analysis (Excel, Power BI, SQL), Process Improvement (Lean/Six Sigma)
HRIS/Workday, FP&A, ERP systems

Soft Skills

Leadership, Change Management, Executive Communication
Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management

Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
CHFP (Certified Healthcare Financial Professional)

Accreditations and Distinctions

The College of Business at the University of Houston-Clear Lake holds both business and separate accounting accreditation with The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Recognition by AACSB symbolizes the commitment to continuous improvement of educational quality, regional engagement with business partners, and the effectiveness of our societal impact. AACSB holds its member institutions to standards of excellence as interpreted by peer review teams, accreditation committees, and Board of Directors. Fewer than 1 percent of the business schools in the world, and only one other public university in the Houston region, have earned both business and separate accounting accreditation.

The UHCL MBA program is ranked among the best MBA programs in Texas 2020 by College Consensus.

Application Deadlines

For graduate student admissions information, please visit How to Apply as a Graduate Student.

Fall

New Students - August 1
Returning Students - August 15
International - June 1

Spring

New Students - January 5
Returning Students - January 15
International - October 1

Summer

New Students - May 1
Returning Students - May 25
International - April 1

International Students

For information regarding international student admissions, please visit International Admissions & Student Services.

Admissions Requirements

MHA/MBA
Admission Deadline

Standard Graduate Admission Deadline
Application

Apply online through the UHCL Graduate Application Portal for admission to the University of Houston-Clear Lake as a graduate student.
Requirements
The MHA/MBA is a standardized test optional program. No test score required.

Any candidate who meets any one (1) the following criteria will be offered admissions:
- Earned a bachelor's degree with a 3.000 or greater cumulative GPA from a degree granting institution, or a 3.000 in the last 60 hours of coursework, or
- Earned an advanced degree, or
- Completed the MHA Launch Track with a 3.0 or greater GPA in the Healthcare Leadership Graduate certificate.
Applicants who do not meet either of the above criteria must submit a current resume.

Candidates who do not meet admissions criteria will be evaluated based on academic performance and career achievements by the department.

Applying After the Priority Deadline

New, non-degree seeking, and returning UHCL students applying after the deadlines above may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the appropriate graduate enrollment counselor for more information. A $50.00 Late Registration Fee or $50.00 Late Payment may apply.

Review the UHCL Academic Calendar for registration and payment dates and deadlines.

Degree Requirements

Understanding the classes you need to take for your degree in the College of Business is crucial to planning out your education. Learn how you can pursue success at University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Healthcare Administration/Business Administration, MHA/MBA

Photo of four medical professional with students

Cost Information

Start your college budget today with a look at possible costs for your degree from the UHCL College of Business.

Tuition and Fees Net Price Calculator Fee Schedule Calculator

Location

UH-Clear Lake at Texas Medical Center

Phone: 281-283-7600

6624 Fannin St.
14th Floor
Houston, TX 77030

One of the leading centers of healthcare research and delivery around the globe, the Texas Medical Center gives UHCL the opportunity to offer four different healthcare-related degrees to working professionals.

About UHCL at Texas Medical Center