Program Overview
The MHA program at WVU focuses on providing students with both a breadth and depth of knowledge in areas critical to success as an administrative leader in the health sector.
The program requires 35 credits of courses in leadership and management; project management; quality improvement; healthcare finance; health policy, law and ethics; among others. Importantly, robust practice-based internships, professional development activities and other experiential opportunities allow students to apply the competencies and skills learned in the classroom and provide opportunities to network with health services leaders.
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission: The mission of the MHA program is to develop leaders who transform health systems and services in West Virginia and beyond.
Vision: The vision of the MHA program is to be a regionally dominant, nationally prominent professional program recognized for excellence in leadership development and innovation.
Values: The MHA program is guided by the following L.E.A.D. values:
Learning: We seek out opportunities to learn and grow individually and collectively.
- Engagement: We engage and collaborate with the communities we impact.
- Achievement: We give and expect excellence of each other.
- Diversity: We value the mosaic of people, places and perspectives; and we commit to treating all with equity, inclusiveness and respect
Internship Experience
All MHA students complete a health administration internship as a required component to the MHA program. Internships provide opportunities to apply the skills our students are learning in the classroom in practical ways that make an impact. A variety of placements are available through the program’s local, state, regional and national partners in health services and public health systems. Students working full-time can complete the internship with their current organization.
Professional Development and Career Readiness
The MHA program incorporates four semesters of professional development seminars to assure our students are equipped with the essential skills and professionalism required of today’s health leaders. This begins with extensive orientation sessions that offer team-building activities and meet-and-greets of MHA alumni and friends of the program. The professional development seminars include guest speakers who are leaders in the health sector and address topics such as networking, resume writing, job interview skills, etiquette, conflict resolution, negotiation, emotional intelligence and other essential leadership skills.