MHA Admissions Process
The UIC MHA Program grants one degree, which is obtained by students in both the residential and professional concentrations. However, the admission criteria may differ somewhat because candidates recruited for the residential are typically admitted directly from undergraduate school and may have limited work experience. In the professional, qualified candidates are mid to senior-level careerists. There are no prerequisites for the residential.
Residential Admissions Process
The Admissions Committee for the residential concentration consists of the program director and full-time faculty. Five criteria with associated rating scales are assigned the following point values in the residential track admitting guidelines and are reviewed holistically: Personal Statement (3), Grade Point Average (6), Quantitative GPA or GRE score (5), Reference Letters (5), and Work Experience (6). A candidate must be rated at a minimum of 15 out of 25 points to be considered for admission. Criteria evaluated for admission are:
- A personal statement that reflects the reasons for pursuing a career in health administration
- All graduate and upper-level undergraduate coursework from all universities or colleges attended.
- A quantitative grade point average for courses taken in Math/Statistics or optional GRE test scores.
- Letters of reference, preferably three from instructors or employers
- A CV/or resume that documents work experience, leadership roles, and volunteer activities.
Professional (previously executive) Admissions Process
The Admission Committee for the executive/professional concentration consists of the program director and assigned MHA faculty. Four criteria with associated rating scales are assigned the following point values in the executive track: Personal Statement (5), Undergraduate/Graduate Grade Point Average (5), Reference Letters (5), and Career Growth/Leadership Potential (5). A candidate must be rated at a minimum of 12 out of 20 points to be considered for admission. Criteria evaluated for admission are:
- A personal statement that reflects the strengths and attributes the student will bring to the program, their specific professional experiences that have led them to determine that enrolling in an MHA program is the best next step for them, and how this degree will support their professional goals.
- All graduate and upper-level undergraduate coursework from all universities or colleges attended.
- Two letters of reference, preferably from instructors or employers
- A CV/resume that demonstrates attainment of progressively responsible leadership/clinical roles and a minimum three years of management or clinical experience in a healthcare organization
Decision process for differing rankings
If one faculty member scores a candidate below the admission point threshold and another faculty member's score is above the threshold, a third faculty member reviews the application for any application regardless of track. If the third faculty member scores the applicant at or above the threshold, they are admitted to the program, and if not, the candidate is denied admission.