New Dual-Degree Program Addresses Demand for Healthcare Leadership Roles

New Dual-Degree Program Addresses Demand for Healthcare Leadership Roles
New dual-degree program provides a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).

The Lubar College of Business and the College of Health Professions & Sciences (CHPS) have introduced a new dual-degree program: the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). This interdisciplinary program is designed to cultivate leaders who can adeptly navigate both the clinical and business facets of health care organizations.

Wisconsin is projected to add 225,071 jobs across all occupations from 2022 to 2032, a 7.1% growth rate. This includes significant opportunities in healthcare and management sectors. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for medical and health service managers will grow 29% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

“This dual-degree program is a strategic response to the pressing need for versatile leaders in our healthcare system,” says Lubar Dean Kaushal Chari. “By integrating business and healthcare education, we’re preparing professionals to tackle the complexities of modern healthcare delivery.”

CHPS Dean Kim Litwack adds, “We have brought together two strong accredited degree programs, both with faculty who are practice leaders in their respective fields, allowing graduates to be career ready in 2.5 years.”

The MHA/MBA program aims to address these challenges by equipping graduates with a comprehensive skill set that combines healthcare administration expertise with robust business acumen.

Program Director Melissa Armstrong, PhD shares, “If you’re looking to stand out in today’s competitive healthcare and business world, this is the degree. It is only dual MHA-MBA degree in Wisconsin, and it offers a fast track to leadership. You’ll gain the strategic, financial, and operational skills needed to excel in both healthcare administration and business.

With a required healthcare internship, you’ll get real-world experience that sets you apart, all while learning from industry leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare. This unique combination ensures you graduate with the expertise and hands-on experience to lead change in a rapidly evolving industry.”

“As healthcare demands escalate statewide, the MHA/MBA program offers a timely solution by developing leaders capable of innovating and managing resources effectively to enhance patient care and organizational performance, says Dean Chari.” For more information about the MHA/MBA dual-degree program, please visit the program page.

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