University of Miami - Master of Health Administration Program

About this program

The Master of Health Administration Program at Miami Herbert Business School prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders to thrive in one of the most complex and rapidly evolving industries in the world. As healthcare continues to represent a significant and growing share of the U.S. economy, the need for innovative, mission-driven leaders has never been greater.

Our AACSB- and CAHME-accredited program combines rigorous business training with hands-on, real-world experience, equipping students with the skills to improve healthcare delivery, enhance operational performance, and lead meaningful organizational change. Located in Miami, a vibrant, diverse healthcare hub, students gain exposure to a wide range of populations, systems, and challenges that shape modern healthcare.

Through experiential learning, internship opportunities, and a collaborative learning environment, students develop both the technical expertise and leadership mindset needed to make an immediate impact. The program is especially enriched by individuals committed to service, whose global perspectives and cultural competencies elevate classroom dialogue and innovation.

Graduates emerge prepared to lead across healthcare sectors, driving improvements in access, quality, and efficiency, while making a lasting difference in the communities they serve. Our business school based curriculum prepares graduates to lead across healthcare sectors, driving improvements in access, quality, and efficiency, while making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.

• Year partnership began: 2026
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 4

Application requirements

Applicants are required to submit college transcripts, a personal statement, one letter of recommendation, and verification that they are a returned Peace Corps volunteer.

Admissions process

Prospective Coverdell Fellows Program applicants follow the same admissions process as all candidates applying to the Master of Health Administration Program, with additional steps for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs).

Individuals interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or participate in a coffee chat with the Program Director. Details for these engagement opportunities can be found on the Miami Herbert Business School Events page. Applicants who attend an informational webinar are eligible to receive an application fee waiver.

RPCVs seeking consideration for the Coverdell Fellowship must submit their Description of Service (DOS) documentation—or, if currently serving, a letter from their Country Director confirming good standing followed by DOS documentation—to the Academic Director, who serves as the Coverdell Fellows Coordinator. Upon verification, applicants will receive a waiver code to be used prior to application submission. Candidates should also highlight their Peace Corps service within their curriculum vitae and statement of purpose.

All applications are reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee, with careful consideration given to academic readiness, leadership potential, interpersonal skills, writing ability, and professional maturity. Select applicants may be invited to interview with the Program Director. Admission decisions are communicated on a rolling basis and include notification of Coverdell Fellowship status and any associated tuition support.

Following admission, all students participate in university-wide orientation. Coverdell Fellows additionally receive a personalized orientation with program leadership, including individualized academic planning and guidance on internship opportunities aligned with their experience. Fellows also benefit from career development support through the Unanue Graduate Career Advancement & Engagement Center, which provides professional coaching, networking opportunities, and resources to support successful careers in healthcare administration.

Degrees awarded

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $26,181

Cost savings details

25-50% tuition waiver

Graduate Student Cost

Internship

The Coverdell Fellows Program internship experience is designed to be both highly individualized and deeply impactful, empowering Fellows to align their professional training with their personal passions and long-term career goals. Fellows take an active role in identifying and securing their internship placements, supported throughout the process by the Master of Health Administration Program Academic Director, faculty mentors, and an engaged network of alumni, including Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

In partnership with the University of Miami Toppel Career Center, Fellows receive comprehensive career development support, including individualized advising, résumé refinement, interview preparation, and access to curated opportunities through our Unanue Career Center. Professional development programs such as Cane2Cane, Career Crawls, and InternU further equip Fellows with the skills and confidence to excel in competitive healthcare environments.

Fellows complete a minimum of 270 internship hours as part of their capstone course, translating academic learning into real-world impact. Each internship culminates in a faculty-guided capstone project addressing a critical organizational challenge, ensuring that Fellows graduate with both practical experience and demonstrated leadership in healthcare innovation.

Examples of internship placements: Cleveland Clinic, Overtown Community Based Health Clinic, KPMG, Deloitte

Other opportunities

Priority consideration is given for internship opportunities that focus on community involvement and community development through the lens of healthcare. RPCVs have access to our esteemed faculty member, Dr. Donna Shalala, former Peace Corps volunteer, Secretary of HHS, and President of the University of Miami. Additional opportunities exist for networking with other Coverdell Fellows at University of Miami and local Miami chapters of the Peace Corps.

Additionally, all Coverdell Fellows will have access to outstanding faculty. The Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Miami Herbert Business School is distinguished by a dynamic, nationally recognized faculty committed to excellence in education, research, and real-world impact. The Master of Health Administration program is led by Dr. Danielle Ellerbe, Academic Director, alongside an accomplished leadership team including Dr. Steven Ullmann, Dr. French, Dr. Mortensen, Dr. Kelsey Moran, and Dr. Alex Schulte, whose expertise continues to strengthen the department’s academic and research profile.

Faculty are deeply engaged scholars and practitioners, publishing in high-impact journals, serving on national editorial boards, and contributing across local, national, and global communities, ensuring students benefit from both cutting-edge research and practical insight.

The curriculum reflects this commitment to innovation through interdisciplinary, experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Notably, former U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala and Alex Azar provide unparalleled perspectives on health policy. An advisory board of distinguished healthcare leaders further ensures the curriculum remains grounded in today’s healthcare landscape.

In an era of rapid transformation, including advances in artificial intelligence and shifting global health dynamics, the mission of the Miami Herbert Business School to develop transformative scholarship and principled leaders has never been more vital. The department remains committed to advancing healthcare and shaping a better, more equitable future.

Jobs for alumni

Career outcomes are largely driven by the delivery of care settings and the healthcare area of interest to each individual student. Graduates of the Master of Health Administration Program have gone on to hold impactful leadership and management positions across the healthcare industry, including:

• Vice President at Bone Foam
• Director of Project Management at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Director of Ambulatory Services at UHealth
• Account Manager for Revenue Growth at McKesson

Our alumni network spans a wide range of sectors, including hospital administration, healthcare startups, healthcare technology, consulting, pharmacy, and the medical device industry, reflecting the versatility of the degree and the breadth of opportunities available to graduates.

Notably, the program maintains a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation, underscoring the strength of our training, professional development support, and industry connections. Graduates are well-positioned to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful impact across the healthcare landscape.

Nontraditional options

Part-time degree program