Dual Degree Programs

Master in Health Administration / MBA

Systemic challenges inherent in today's health care delivery, including inefficiency, over capacity, labor shortages, and unchecked litigation, have resulted in higher costs and lower standards of care. Higher insurance premiums and taxes make U.S. firms less competitive in the global marketplace, creating fewer jobs. Personal health is declining, with more lifestyle-induced illnesses, such as obesity, lost productivity, shortened longevity, and reduced quality of life.

Hence the ever rising demand for managers and leaders who not only have sound business skills, but who also possess substantial insights and function as change agents to effectively manage limited resources in a rapidly evolving health care environment.

Students who are enrolled in the MHA/MBA program can earn both degrees in three academic years. If earned independently, these degrees would require four years of study.

Admissions

Applicants to the MHA/MBA Program must complete the application requirements of both Fisher College of Business and the College of Public Health separately, applying independently to each school. In order to enter the combined MHA/MBA program, students should indicate to both program offices their intent to study in the dual degree program.

An applicant who is admitted to only one degree program may elect to pursue that particular degree separate from the dual degree program format. Further, while it is possible after beginning either program to apply for admission to the other, this may not permit the usual dual degree schedule efficiencies.

Both colleges have small classes, approximately 30 students in the MHA program and 120 students in the MBA program, and start in the fall of each calendar year. The business school follows rounds admissions process; for the MHA, you are expected to send in your application by December 1. For both programs, it is in an applicant's best interest to submit application materials early.

MHA admissions requirements:

  • Completed SOPHAS or HAMPCAS application
  • WES evaluations for all non-U.S. transcripts (SOPHAS requires that all students obtain a WES evaluation of non-U.S. transcripts)
  • Official transcripts from any previous or current college coursework taken within the U.S.
  • Official TOEFL scores (SOPHAS code: 5688)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
  • Ohio State University Supplemental Application (this will be emailed to you from Ohio State once your centralized application is complete)

MBA admissions requirements:

  • An online application: applying & deadlines
  • Application fee
  • Admissions essay
  • Updated resume
  • Official university transcripts
  • GRE or GMAT scores (test waivers available)
  • Two references
  • Video Interview
  • Live Interview (by invitation only)
  • International Applicants: English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) view exemptions

Curriculum

Students admitted to the dual degree program may pursue the MHA/ MBA according to this schedule:

YearMHA ProgramMBA Program
First Year0 percent100 percent
Second Year100 percent0 percent
Third Year50 percent50 percent

To complete a MHA, you need to take 60 semester credit hours. For the MBA, you are expected to earn 60 semester credit hours. In a dual degree scenario, you will be able to leverage part of your MHA electives toward your MBA degree and vice versa.

The Fisher MBA program accepts 12 semester hours of MHA coursework towards the completion of MBA electives. The MHA program accepts 16.5 semester hours of MBA coursework towards the completion of MHA electives shortening the overall curriculum for both programs by 27 semester hours.

Career Placement

The career management offices of both Fisher College of Business and the College of Public Health are available to our MHA/MBA graduates.

In addition to the more than 300 companies that recruit from Fisher's Office of Career Management, a wide array of firms, corporations, government agencies, and health care institutions work with the placement office of the College of Public Health, resulting in a nearly 100 percent placement rate at graduation.

The majority of graduates with the dual degree initially take initial positions in the health care industry that include consulting, clinical research, academic detailing, and product management. Companies that have hired from the College of Public Health in the past include:

  • Cap Gemini
  • Ernst & Young
  • Emory Healthcare
  • Kaiser Permanente Northern California
  • Kurt Salmon Associates
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Ross Labs
  • Stanford Children's Hospital
  • The Mayo Clinic Foundation
  • United Health Care
  • U.S. Airforce Medical Corps


Contact Information

For more information and an application for the MBA program contact:
The Ohio State University
Fisher College of Business
MBA Admissions
100 Gerlach Hall
2108 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210, USA
+1 (614).292.8511
mba@fisher.osu.edu

For more information about the MHA program, contact:
The Ohio State University
College of Public Health
MHA Admissions
100 Cunz Hall
1841 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Telephone: +1 (614).292.8350
cph@osu.edu