MBA in Public Administration

Public administration is a field that is related to public health, though this type of degree is more about connecting the leaders of a facility to the staff members and public to ensure needs are met, rather than preventing disease and studying population. Still, many of the skills used in these careers are similar, as administrators still serve as a link between groups of people.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in public administration is not specific to the healthcare field, but this kind of degree can lead to management positions in health-related facilities, such as:

The public administration concentration allows students to learn skills related to human resources, ethics, communication, budget analysis, public health, and policy making. Essentially, a student’s job is to take the theory of policy and implement it in real life for clients, patients, and members of the staff.

My Degree and What It’s Good For

Many MBA programs require that students have experience in their field before they apply to the program. Students can work in a general public administration position, but for the best experience, look for an entry-level position in healthcare public administration, as this best prepares them for a future career in the field. Students can even participate in tuition assistance programs with some employers; if they are offered, these funds could allow students to get their MBA in public administration at no cost to them.

Although MBA in public administration degrees are not specialized to healthcare, this could be a positive thing. Studies show that most people change their career field at least three or four times in a lifetime, so if students decide at a later date that they want to work in another field, they have a strong business administration background, preparing them to work in fields other than healthcare.

My Earning Potential

For students interested in using their MBA in public administration to work in a health-related facility, you have the potential to earn a salary between $62,170 and $104,120. This will depend on your experience, education, and a variety of other factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary information for related careers in this field. Some of them include:

There are many positions available to those with a degree in public administration. Instead of a healthcare-related career, students may be more interested in working on the government side, helping to implement policies and working in public service.

Online MBA Degrees in Public Administration

Best Online MPH (Master of Public Health) Degrees

Public health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health at the population level. Programs prepare students to become leading public health professionals capable of addressing current global public health problems. By clicking on the logos below, you can receive more information regarding your degree and school of choice.

Benedictine University Master of Public Health
MPH: Disaster Mgmt
MPH: Health Education
MPH: Health Policy
MPH/MBA Dual Degree
 Benedictine University – Benedictine University's Master's in Public Health program features a curriculum of public health core with a focus on the needs of today's healthcare industry. Courses feature a conceptual, factual, and skill base where students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting. Benedictine offers areas of emphasis within their MPH program: disaster management, health education, and healthcare policy. They also offer an MPH/MBA dual degree.
Boston University MS: Health Communication
 Boston University – At the Boston University online Master of Science in Health Communication program, students are taught cutting edge methods in hospital administration through a dynamic curriculum that examines current healthcare issues. The program gives students a world class education in the art of communicating health literacy.
Capella University Master of Public Health
MPH: Behavioral Science
MPH: Health Policy
 Capella University – The MPH program at Capella University prepares students for careers in public health management, social welfare, or research. Key facets of the curriculum include the behavioral, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the health of populations. Specializations include behavioral science and healthcare policy. Courses include International Public Health, Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health, and Principles of Biostatistics.
Grand Canyon University Master of Public Health
 Grand Canyon University – The Grand Canyon University Master of Public Health program is recognized as a leader in training the next generation of public health advocates. Featuring a curriculum that is developed around a multidisciplinary methodology, courses include Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Public Health.
University of Phoenix MHA: Health Education
MHA
 University of Phoenix – The Master of Health Administration and MHA in Health Education programs at the University of Phoenix provide a foundation in sciences with a relevant working knowledge of the industry. Graduates of either online degree program will be empowered to both analyze current public health care environments and have the tools necessary to improve their management.
Kaplan University Master of Public Health
MPH: Health Education
 Kaplan University – Graduates of the Kaplan University MPH program are ready to take their careers to the next stage at the government, nonprofit, or private level. The online program provides students with an education on how to analyze and apply scientific research, prepare public health policies, develop health education programs, and review the impact of occupational and environmental factors. Kaplan offers several specializations within their MPH program, including health education.
Philadelphia University MS: Disaster Mgmt
 Philadelphia University – The Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University is focused on the study of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, natural disasters, psychological effects of disasters, stress intervention, and disaster research. In a post 9/11 world, this knowledge is in high demand.
University of Liverpool Master of Public Health
MPH: Epidemiology
MPH: Health Mgmt
MPH: Intl Public Health
 University of Liverpool – The University of Liverpool Master of Public Health degree provides a foundation in the science of promoting health and preventing disease. Areas of emphasis within the MPH program include epidemiology, healthcare management, and international public health. As an added convenience, the university offers a modular system that provides students the flexibility of obtaining credits at partner institutions.
Walden University Master of Public Health
MPA: Health Policy
 Walden University – The Walden University MPH degree teaches the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides core study in the public health field, using real-world teaching methodology, industry leading professors, and a capstone fieldwork practicum. Those interested in policymaking may find Walden's MPA in health policy to be of interest.
Strayer University MS: Health Services
MBA: Health Services
 Strayer University – Strayer University offers two health services administration degrees through its accredited online program. The Master of Health Services Administration prepares students for high-level careers as healthcare managers, managed healthcare plan coordinators, hospital administrators, and much more. The MBA in health services administration gives students a well-rounded business education in addition to healthcare-specific knowledge.

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