What is an MBA-MHA Dual Degree? Bridging Business and Healthcare Leadership

Healthcare today is a complex blend of mission and management. Behind every hospital, clinic or healthcare network is a team of leaders balancing patient-centered care with operational excellence.

If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare for leadership roles that connect both sides of that equation, an MBA-MHA dual degree could be the answer.

This powerful dual-degree program combines the broad strategic perspective of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the specialized knowledge of a Master of Health Administration (MHA). It’s designed for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact — both in boardrooms and at the bedside.

What to Expect in an MBA-MHA Dual Degree Program

An MBA-MHA dual degree merges two disciplines that naturally complement each other. The MBA provides the business foundation, covering areas like leadership, finance, marketing and organizational strategy. On the other hand, the MHA dives into the inner workings of healthcare systems, policy and patient care management.

Together, these programs prepare graduates to understand how financial, ethical and clinical decisions intersect in modern healthcare organizations.

Coursework and Focus Areas

While every program varies, you can expect coursework that covers both business acumen and healthcare insight. Common areas of study include:

• Healthcare economics and financial management
• Health policy and ethics
• Strategic leadership and operations management
• Data analytics for business and healthcare
• Quality improvement and patient safety

Who Can Benefit from an MBA-MHA Dual Degree?

An MBA-MHA program is ideal for professionals who want to bridge the gap between clinical care and executive leadership. You might be a clinician ready to step into administration, a business professional transitioning into the healthcare sector, or a recent graduate aiming to accelerate your career in a growing field.

This program also appeals to individuals who want to lead with purpose. Guided by the Jesuit principle of cura personalis — a commitment to caring for the whole person — and Rei solicitude – an attentive, caring and active concern for the well-being of society and others – Scranton’s curriculum fosters both intellectual and moral growth, encouraging students to consider the human and ethical dimensions behind every business or healthcare decision.

How an MBA-MHA Dual Degree Can Advance Your Career

Earning both degrees can open the door to diverse, high-impact roles across the healthcare industry. Graduates often pursue positions such as:

• Healthcare Administrator
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Policy Analyst
• Director of Operations
• Healthcare Consultant

With this dual credential, you’ll be equipped to lead in hospitals, insurance organizations, pharmaceutical companies, nonprofits or consulting firms — anywhere business and healthcare meet.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for medical and health services managers is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034. This is driven by evolving care models, and the need for skilled leadership. This growth, paired with your cross-disciplinary training, positions you for advancement and long-term career stability.

A Flexible Pathway with Lasting Value

One of the key advantages of pursuing an MBA-MHA is efficiency. Instead of earning two separate degrees, you can complete overlapping coursework in less time (and at a lower cost) while still gaining the full depth of each program.

At The University of Scranton, the online MBA-MHA dual degree is designed for working professionals. You’ll find:

• 100% online coursework for maximum flexibility
• Asynchronous learning, so you can study on your own schedule
• Part-time options to balance work, family and education
• Six start dates per year, with no GRE or GMAT required

This format makes it possible to continue advancing your career while you earn your degree — without putting life on hold. The MBA-MHA dual degree is also offered on campus.

Why Choose the University of Scranton?

Scranton’s online MBA-MHA dual degree offers the best of both worlds: a comprehensive education in business leadership and healthcare management, all grounded in the University’s Jesuit values of service, ethics and excellence.

Accredited and Respected

Scranton is one of the few universities where both degrees hold premier accreditation — AACSB for the Kania School of Management and CAHME for the MHA program. This dual distinction assures you’re earning a credential employers recognize for quality and integrity.

Expert Faculty, Real-World Insights

Courses are led by experienced faculty who’ve held executive and administrative positions in both business and healthcare settings. They bring real-world experience directly into the virtual classroom, helping students connect theory to practical challenges and opportunities in the field.

Values That Guide Every Decision

At The University of Scranton, Jesuit values are central to how students learn and lead. The program emphasizes cura personalis (care for the whole person) by helping future leaders consider both organizational goals and human impact. Students are also encouraged to pursue magis (the greater good) through excellence and integrity in their work.

This commitment extends to cura apostolica (care for the shared mission) and rei solicitude (a genuine concern for the well-being of others and the communities they serve). Together, these values shape leaders who make decisions with purpose and compassion.

Prepare to Lead in Business and Healthcare

The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, and it needs leaders who can adapt with vision and compassion. An MBA-MHA dual degree gives you the tools to do just that, combining data-driven strategy with a deep understanding of the systems and people behind healthcare delivery.

If you’re ready to broaden your impact, The University of Scranton can help you get there. Learn more about the Online MBA-MHA dual degree program.