Looking for Dual Degree Programs - MBA / MHA

[marianne202]

Hey All! I've decided I want to get a dual degree (MBA / MHA) and I'm looking for 100% online programs. I like the Northcentral Univ program (ncu.edu), but it is expensive $20,000. I need something with at least 18 hours in each degree/discipline area because I teach. Does anyone know of any similar programs that may be less expensive? I will finish my BSLS with EC this month, so I need to get cracking and get enrolled somewhere. I know a lot of you have MBA's and I thought along the way you may have found some similar programs. It is so hard to search, because you just get the advertisers for Walden, U of P, etc. Thanks in advance for your help.

[TMW2010]

Combined degree programs are always going to be a lot more expensive. (Heck, you're basically paying for 2 degrees...)

If you're only looking for 18 hours in each requirement so that you can go towards teaching, would the WNMU Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies work for you? You can basically choose 2 areas, take 18 hours in each area, and get a degree, but of course, it wouldn't be labeled as an MBA or MHA. You can do it in two years for about $800/6 credits for a Masters for about $5500 or so after books.

If you specifically need the dual degree, I'll continue to look around, but the folks over at degreeinfo.com might have a quick and easy answer for you.

I'd also like to note (slightly off topic) that if anyone's looking for 18 hour credit groupings (after they get their masters) to be able to teach new subjects, look at places like APU/AMU and others for grad certificates. Its a pretty time and cost effective way to get new credits for teaching areas without having the hassle of going through for an additional masters degree.

[TMW2010]

A quick search over there only turned up one, so far

Pfeiffer University but they're more expensive, around $28k + books and such. ($510/credit hour)

[alleycat]

Does your employer offer any sort of tuition assistance? If so then $20k to have job security does not seem so bad.

[cookderosa]

Hey All! I've decided I want to get a dual degree (MBA / MHA) and I'm looking for 100% online programs. I like the Northcentral Univ program (ncu.edu), but it is expensive $20,000. I need something with at least 18 hours in each degree/discipline area because I teach. Does anyone know of any similar programs that may be less expensive? I will finish my BSLS with EC this month, so I need to get cracking and get enrolled somewhere. I know a lot of you have MBA's and I thought along the way you may have found some similar programs. It is so hard to search, because you just get the advertisers for Walden, U of P, etc. Thanks in advance for your help.

>>

Marianne, don't jump in with two feet just yet. MBAs are generalist degrees- meaning you'll have a hard time getting 18 credits in any one area, it's split between subjects like finance, economy, etc. You might be able to find a concentration that works for you- I second the idea of looking at APUS. It's only been bumped into my #2 spot for an MBA because AJU is free for me (but I'll probably transfer before I get too much credit)

As for the MHA, I don't know if you need certification or not- I think they use CHEA? You'll have to double check, I might have the wrong letters. Anyway, even with an MHA, does your community college offer 100/200 level courses in health administration? I ask because ours doesn't, so even with the degree- there wouldn't be any way to teach. Just a thought, I don't know how common those programs are at the associate degree level- BUT if you find one, I'm going to be a million dollars it's in a AOS/AAS department, meaning you really wouldn't need an MHA anyway. Just something to consider.

Also, if you do wander over to APUS' web site, you'll find they have an MBA and MPH...maybe that would work too? I have my eye on the MPH

[marianne202]

Hey Jennifer,

Actually, we are in the process of creating a healthcare management associate degree program that will then be transferable to several universities into their BS program. I'm currently teaching in an AAS/AOS program and don't need anything beyond my AS degree, professional certification and 30yrs of job experience. But as more allied health jobs require degrees, I'm betting in the future the demand will be there. I already know of one area that does professional certifications that were AS and BS levels they are now upping them to BS and MS levels to obtain the same certification and job. I'm trying to find ways to keep myself employable both in academia and the private sector. Since I'm in the school mode, I want to continue now. I know if I stop I will lose steam and might not go back. I just want to preserve the most options I can. Thanks for the APUS idea. I will look into it again. I think the MPH was just not as applicable community college courses as a MHA. I don't ever see myself wanting to move out of the community or technical college arena so that is my focus area.

[cookderosa]

Hey Jennifer,

Actually, we are in the process of creating a healthcare management associate degree program that will then be transferable to several universities into their BS program. I'm currently teaching in an AAS/AOS program and don't need anything beyond my AS degree, professional certification and 30yrs of job experience. But as more allied health jobs require degrees, I'm betting in the future the demand will be there. I already know of one area that does professional certifications that were AS and BS levels they are now upping them to BS and MS levels to obtain the same certification and job. I'm trying to find ways to keep myself employable both in academia and the private sector. Since I'm in the school mode, I want to continue now. I know if I stop I will lose steam and might not go back. I just want to preserve the most options I can. Thanks for the APUS idea. I will look into it again. I think the MPH was just not as applicable community college courses as a MHA. I don't ever see myself wanting to move out of the community or technical college arena so that is my focus area.

ohhhh....that's awesome! New programs are exciting- you are smart to keep looking ahead and I agree it's easier once you are in the school mode. (lol isn't it funny how just a short time ago you were talking about getting your associate degree and now are talking about your masters!?!? This board is awesome!)

Let me know if you like the APUS programs- like I said, I have my eye on them for laundering my AJU credit....and a little birdy told me that they are going to introduce doctorate programs in 2010!

[alleycat]

Marianne, APUS business program does not appear to have ACBSD accreditation yet, it appears to be pending. I'm not sure if business accreditation is important to you when seeking a business degree?

[dondeal]

I'm about to finish my undergrad this month and did an extensive search on MHA programs the other night. The top accrediting agency for the MHA is CAHME. Also, not many colleges are CAHME accredited.

The accredited institutions can be found at Schools With CAHME Accreditation by Degree Type . There's no legitimately online CAHME accredited program, as of yet.

2 years of on campus courses and then a 1 year residency is the norm for the CAHME accredited institutions. The universities want to see a GRE or GMAT score, too.

After reading the depressing articles over at Business Week about MBAs, I figured it's best to specialize in a certain field other than a general MBA. MHA is the way to go. The application process just seems like you're applying for med school or law school, though .

I found out that after the MHA, and once you get 5 years of experience, getting FACHE certified( FACHE Credentialing) is the next step.

The Top HealthCare Management programs can be found at Rankings - Healthcare Management - Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report

[marianne202]

Wow! Thanks for all the info Don! It is disappointing that they don't accredit any online programs. I just can't afford to take off work for 2 yrs to do an on-campus program. Have you seen any employers require the CAHME degree? I'm wondering how important that really is in practical job hunting. I have never seen it listed in any job listings I have looked at. I planned on applying for the certification after 5 yrs, but that process itself is daunting. I know that for certification they didn't require the CAHME degree. I'm going to have my school vice president look over a few of the programs and give me his opinion. He has his MBA and he is in charge of hiring and the SACS audits, so he should know what I would need. I'm also going to talk to a few of our business instructors who have their MBA's for feedback. If I learn anything interesting I will be sure to pass it along. Thanks again for the help!