University of Massachusetts – Amherst Healthcare Management Degree Programs
University of Massachusetts – Amherst appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Master’s in Healthcare Management Online / Online MBA Healthcare Administration.
Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health degree at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst provides an understanding of management requirements in the field of public health. The program emphasizes aggressive but ethical approaches to leadership in a field with shrinking resources but mounting competition. Students gain an understanding of policy formation at the national, local and institutional levels. The program requires 42-credit hours of coursework plus a practicum and culminating experience. The program is available full- or part-time.
Master of Public Health Practice
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst also offers a Master of Public Health Practice that is available completely online. There are no residency requirements for the program. Students must complete 42 credits with five core public health courses, three research-based courses, and six electives. The program was one of the first 100 percent online Master of Public Health programs in the country.
Master of Public Health Nutrition
The Master of Public Health in Nutrition is available in a completely online format. The program provides instruction in nutrition, public health and the needs of today’s healthcare professional. The program does not include a dietetic internship which means graduates are not eligible to sit for the Registered Dietitian Examination. A 27-month track is available for five interns who work toward an online degree but are living in or willing to commute to the western Massachusetts area. The program requires the completion of 44 credits.
Master of Science in Health Policy and Management
The Master of Science in Health Policy Management provides a strong foundation in health services research and is designed for those who wish to enter the fields of research, planning, evaluation, auditing or consulting. The program features a well-balanced combination of courses that provide instruction in healthcare issues, policy, skills, experience as well as research. Students must complete 48 credits of coursework as well as a thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Policy and Management
The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Policy Management prepares students for careers in teaching and research. The program is designed for those who wish to conduct research at the state and federal level as well as those who wish to teach at universities or other academic institutions. Students must complete a specific concentration as well as a minor. They must be enrolled full-time, completing nine credits in two consecutive semesters. A qualifying examination is also required in addition to the thesis. The program focuses on the development of research-oriented competence, an understanding of the approaches and issues in health policy and management as well as creating familiarity with the principles and practices of public health in general.
About University of Massachusetts -Amherst
Originally known as the Massachusetts Agricultural College, The University of Massachusetts in Amherst began in 1867 as a land-grant institution. Initially, only men were admitted to the school but women gained admission in 1890.
In 1931, the name of the school changed to Massachusetts State College. Like many colleges and universities, the Great Depression led to significant financial difficulties. World War II which followed shortly thereafter also presented problems as many young men of college age left school to join the Armed Forces. However, at the end of World War II, enrollment grew rapidly due to the GI Bill. In 1947, the school became the University of Massachusetts and, in 1970, the University of Massachusetts System was developed to include five campuses.
Today, there are over 30,300 students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts and it is the largest public research facility in New England. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school as one of the top public universities in the country.
University of Massachusetts – Amherst Accreditation Details
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Accreditation indicates that the school provides students with an education that prepares them for careers in their field of study. The Association periodically reviews the University to confirm they continue to meet required criteria as well as that they have the resources to meet their goals and objectives. If the Association identifies any areas as needing improvement, the University agrees to address them immediately.
In addition to regional accreditation, programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
- American Chemical Society
- American Psychological Association
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
- National Association of School Psychologists
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Planning Accreditation Board
- Society of American Foresters
University of Massachusetts – Amherst Admissions Requirements
Applicants must complete the Common Application and provide official high school transcripts along with official ACT or SAT scores. A School Report and letter of recommendation must be completed as part of the application. Transfer students must have a 2.7 GPA or higher and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. All transfer students must declare a major in order to be admitted. Admission priority is given to those who participate in the MassTransfer program at a Massachusetts community college.
In order to apply to the School of Public Health and Health Sciences graduate programs, those applying for a master’s degree program must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university while those applying for doctorate programs must hold a master’s degree or higher. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in either their bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as official GRE scores. Submission of any publications or reports authored by the applicant should be provided as well although they are not required. Preference is given to applicants who hold advanced professional degrees or those who have two or more years’ experience in public health.
University of Massachusetts – Amherst Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst is $3,063 per credit hour for in-state students and $6,829 for non-residents. Graduate tuition $2,021 per credit hour for residents and $3,848 for non-residents.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for any financial assistance. Students who may think their income is too high for financial aid should still complete the FAFSA as some assistance is based on merit rather than financial need. Financial aid packets may include grants, scholarships or work-study programs as well as loans.
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers programs in public health designed to help individuals move into a new career or advance in their current career. Several public health programs are available in a completely online format providing flexibility for those who may be unable to attend traditional classes.