Gain the leadership skills needed to drive change with an SMU degree
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)
Make a substantial impact with a master’s degree from SMU.
SMU’s suite of online graduate programs allow you to choose the program that is right for you based on your interests, your schedule and your goals. The online public service master’s degrees are a perfect fit for individuals who are passionate about making positive global change through public policy and administration.
SMU’s location in the heart of Dallas connects students with key opportunities and advantages. M.P.A. and M.P.P. students benefit from a close proximity to Texas’ government offices and public policy figures, as well as the George W. Bush Institute and other institutions. M.H.A. students can connect with key healthcare stakeholders, hospitals and healthcare centers in Dallas, one of the largest hubs for healthcare innovation and services in the country.
Our programs emphasize engagement through virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and real-world capstone projects. The two on-campus immersions at the beginning and end of each program encourage students to form career-long relationships with fellow industry professionals.
Gain the skills you need to succeed with a master’s degree from SMU. Learn more about our master’s programs below or download a program brochure.
M.H.A., M.P.A. or M.P.P.:
Which degree is the best fit for you?
While all three master’s degrees provide graduates with opportunities to lead effectively, there are some distinct differences between the programs. The Master of Public Administration focuses on the everyday operations of a public organization, while Master of Public Policy students will focus more on researching and analyzing public policy. The Master of Healthcare Administration is targeted directly to professionals in the healthcare industry.
| M.H.A. | M.P.A. | M.P.P. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Focus on leadership, data analytics, strategy, innovation and health policy. | Focus on implementation of policies and the day-to-day operations of public organizations. | Focus on research, data analysis and evaluation skills. |
| Skill Development | Develop a broad knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system; written and verbal communication abilities; and skills in data collection, analysis and implementation. | Develop skills in management and administration of public sector organizations. | Develop technical skills in policy analysis, creation, evaluation and implementation. |
| Coursework | Coursework in biostatistics and epidemiology, health economics and leadership in healthcare. | Coursework in leadership, organizational development and public finance. | Coursework in public policy, research methods and statistics. |
Master of Healthcare Administration
Format: Online, part-time
SMU’s online M.H.A. focuses on leadership, data analytics and policy. Program graduates can pursue roles as healthcare executives, department managers, compliance officers and operations directors.
Master of Public Administration
Format: Online, part-time
SMU’s online M.P.A. focuses on management and leadership skills. Program graduates can pursue public administration and policy roles as general operations managers, public relations managers and park specialists.
Master of Public Policy
Format: Online, part-time
SMU’s online M.P.P. focuses on public policy analysis and research skills. Program graduates can pursue public policy and administration roles as political scientists, statisticians and economists.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.