Comparing MBA and MHA for Healthcare Careers

Do you aspire to become a better leader in healthcare? A new degree might be what you need! The Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) can both unlock exciting opportunities in healthcare leadership.   
  
Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSUS) offers these programs within the College of Business. Both programs are accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).     
  
Let's explore the key differences between these programs to help you determine the best degree for your healthcare career goals.  

Healthcare Career Outlook  

Before we get into the differences between the MHA and the MBA, it is important to note the state of the healthcare industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) has projected that healthcare jobs will increase by 15% or 1.8 million openings by 2032 – a projection greater than the average rate for all other occupations. With nearly 2.4 million new healthcare jobs emerging over the next eight years, healthcare professionals can expect plenty of opportunities for career advancement.  

What's the Difference Between an MBA and an MHA?

While the LSUS MHA and MBA share some similarities, their unique differences may influence your choice.      
   
MBA
One of the key differences between an MBA program or an MBA with a healthcare concentration and an MHA program is the scope and specialty of the curricula. An MBA program focuses on general business education. An MBA is a generalist degree, meaning that programs are typically designed to apply to various industries and professional contexts broadly. Generally, an MBA will provide a core curriculum that prepares professionals to address fundamental business needs, opportunities, and challenges as leaders in their fields.    
  
A common model for MBA programs is a curriculum that consists primarily of the general core set of courses with two or three elective courses that serve as the concentration. The LSUS MBA program has nine concentrations (Accounting, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise, Finance, Hospitality & Casino Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing, and Project Management).   
   
MBA with a Healthcare Concentration   
A healthcare-focused MBA will include general business education and incorporate core healthcare administration courses. These programs aim to arm students with general business knowledge they can apply within a healthcare context. You will gain a more generalized knowledge base with some healthcare-specific knowledge.  Compared to a general MBA, a student with a healthcare-focused MBA may have an easier time rising to leadership positions within a healthcare organization.     
   
An MBA provides more career flexibility and transferable business skills if you want to transition out of the healthcare industry.   
   
MHA   
Unlike the MBA program, an MHA program focuses almost exclusively on healthcare administration. Students still study business, but they do so specifically through the lens of the healthcare industry. Therefore, an MHA program is best for students pursuing managerial or healthcare administrator positions. The MHA is a tailored degree that addresses the healthcare industry's needs, opportunities, and challenges. An MHA will delve into topics such as healthcare policy, finance, operations, and leadership within healthcare organizations.   
  
Unlike an MBA or healthcare MBA, all courses in the MHA have healthcare at the forefront. From the first course to the final course, students earning an MHA degree are given examples, case studies, projects, presentations, exams, and instructional material that are healthcare industry-specific or are used to illustrate a point of comparison with the healthcare profession.   
  
Graduates of an MHA often pursue careers in healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare consulting firms, or government health agencies. Roles may include hospital administrator, healthcare consultant, health services manager, or healthcare policy analyst.   
  
Traditional vs. Accelerated MHA Programs  
Once again, when looking at MHA programs, you should look at the pros and cons. Within programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and AACSB, you will likely hear "traditional' and 'accelerated' programs. Before choosing a program, you must know what you want and what program will help you the most.     
   
With most traditional face-to-face programs, you may have a mandatory internship/fellowship experience at the end of the program. These programs are great – especially if you have limited healthcare experience. Getting into a healthcare organization without previous work experience can be challenging. If you do not have any work experience, you may benefit from a program like this, as that internship/fellowship may help you get your foot in the door.   
   
An accelerated program, like the one here at LSUS, is delivered in an online, accelerated, asynchronous format. The student must be focused and self-driven with an accelerated program as these courses are intensive. The level and amount of graduate work remain the same, but it is condensed to accommodate the lives of working professionals who want to pursue their education. Accelerated programs are flexible for students so they can continue their education while balancing work, community, and other commitments.   
  
Either way, a traditional or accelerated MHA should provide you with the skill sets and education to be an effective healthcare manager. At LSUS, the MHA is designed to help educate and develop the next generation of healthcare leaders.     

Choosing the Right Program  

There are a multitude of different graduate degrees and programs out there. Choosing the best graduate program for administration can be a confusing process. Please understand that all graduate programs vary-- and not all are created equal. Programs can differ based on structure, delivery, accreditation, and certification.   
  
As you explore these programs, note all the pros and cons of all programs and which program will help you succeed the most. At LSUS, for example, we emphasize affordability, accessibility, and continued student success. The graduate programs at LSUS have been ranked as the highest in the state and among the nation's best in the annual Economic Mobility Index, which measures how effectively institutions help students improve their socioeconomic level (College Scorecard).  

Reach Your Career Goals with LSU Shreveport  

In summary, the MHA and the MBA are widely respected credentials that help you develop skills and knowledge in business and management. MHA programs specifically prepare students for leadership roles in the healthcare industry. In contrast, MBA programs offer a broader skill set applicable across various sectors.   
  
Ultimately, your career goals will help you decide which degree wins the "Is it better to get an MBA or MHA?" argument. By understanding the strengths of each program, you can make an informed decision about your future in healthcare.  
  
Take the first step toward your career advancement—explore the LSUS online Master of Health Administration and the online Master of Business Administration today!