Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for Autumn Quarter?
MHA Program:
Preference for Autumn Quarter admission will be given to completed applications received by the MHA Program Office no later than January 15 (Exception: concurrant MHA/MD applications must be submitted by December 1). US applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. International applicants must submit the Graduate School application with appropriate transcripts to the Graduate School by November 1, and the MHA Program application and materials to the Program Office by January 15.
Executive MHA Program:
Applications for Autumn Quarter will be reviewed following the preferred deadline of April 30. US applications received after this date will be reviewed as received on a space-available basis. Applicants can expect to receive notice on the status of their applications within two to four weeks of complete submission following the deadline.
Those interested in applying to either of these programs after the deadline are encouraged to contact the Program Office as soon as possible to inquire about availability and the application process.
What materials are required for application?
Please visit our Application Instructions and Forms page for a more detailed description for U.S. and International applicants.
When will application packets be available? How do I obtain an application packet?
The MHA program no longer provides printed application packets. Information outlining the required online application materials and process can be found at Application Instructions and Forms. If you have difficulty accessing or completing the online application, please contact the MHA Program office.
When will I find out if I have been accepted?
Applicants who submit their materials by the preferred application deadline will be notified within approximately four weeks following that deadline. Late applicants who submit their materials after that time can expect to be notified within approximately two to four weeks of submission depending on timing of submission.
What transcripts are required? What is the minimum GPA you will accept?
One set of official transcripts from each college/university attended is required with your initial application. If an applicant is recommended for admission, a second set of official transcripts (only from colleges/universities from which the applicant received a degree) is required by the Graduate School. The standard GPA requirement is 3.0 or higher for the last two years of graded credits (90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits).
Who needs to submit GRE or GMAT (or MCAT or LSAT) scores? For whom will this requirement be waived?
All full-time MHA (Day) applicants are required to submit current GRE or GMAT scores, with few exceptions. MCAT and LSAT scores are acceptable for MHA/MD and MHA/JD concurrent degree applicants, respectively. Waivers are granted to those with a master's degree earned within the last 10 years or a doctoral level degree (e.g., MD, PhD, PharmD, DDS, JD). In both cases, degrees must be earned from a US accredited institution. Current scores are those acquired within the last five years from the application deadline.
Executive MHA Program applicants are not required to submit test scores.
When are GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT scores due? How do I find out about testing?
Scores must be received in our office by the application deadline. Computer based testing is available year round at permanent testing centers. In the past, score reports have been provided to applicants and their designated institution(s) approximately 10-15 days after the test date. For current information and test registration, contact the test center.
What is the minimum GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT score you will accept?
In general, an applicant's GRE/GMAT scores should place them at or above the 50th percentile in each category being tested. An applicant's combined MCAT score should be in the 24-30 range. However, low scores are not necessarily used as a tool for screening out applicants. Nor do high scores guarantee admission. Other qualifications are carefully considered.
Are there any program/course prerequisites?
For both MHA and Executive MHA Program applicants, computer proficiency using basic spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software, as well as sending and receiving e-mail attachments and performing internet searches is required. These skills will be essential to the survival of the MHA/EMHA student. The Program Office can provide some direction in locating instructional resources in these areas.
In addition, we expect all incoming students to have an introductory level of knowledge and skill in accounting and statistics / quantitative methods. For this reason, as of autumn 2009, we are requiring all incoming students to take pre-selected HBP tutorials in these areas. For additional information regarding this prerequisite policy, see Prerequisite Coursework.
Do the Certificate Program in Medical Management course credits apply to the MHA Programs' required credits? Are any other course/program credits applicable?
Depending on the level of successful completion, credits earned in the Certificate Program in Medical Management can be applied (up to 12 credits) to the Executive MHA program. This decision is reconsidered annually. All course credits are considered on a case-by-case basis according to departmental and university policy. See the MHA Waiver Policy for details.
What courses would I be taking? Are there any electives available and/or required?
View the program schedule (MHA schedule, Executive MHA schedule) or contact the Program Office.
How long does it take to complete the degree/program?
Most students will complete the MHA or Executive MHA program within two years, although unusual circumstances may occur in which students petition to lighten their course load during a specified period of time, lengthening their stay in the program. Students in a concurrent degree program typically take an additional one to three quarters to complete their programs. MHA students participate in a summer internship between the first and second year. EMHA students will take summer courses following both their first and second academic years of study.
Who are advisors, and how are they matched and assigned? What is their role?
Specific faculty and staff are identified to provide general curriculum and professional advising. Additional matches and connections with faculty or the community will be made for those students seeking more targeted advising or mentoring. Matches are typically decided by the first quarter of the program. For more information visit Academic Advising.
What is the tuition? Are there other expenses? Will there be a different tuition for out-of-state students?
MHA Program:
For current rates and links to other financial and fee-related information go to the UW Tuition and Related Fees Page. Applicants should anticipate an annual tuition increase in the 5-10% range, although there is no guarantee the increase will be within this range.
Students will also be responsible for other quarterly expenses, such as textbooks and course reading packets, other course related software or supplies, program related activities, and parking or bus pass fees. Note that other miscellaneous expenses may be incurred. The cost for textbooks, reading packets, and other course related expenses is estimated at $300-$400 per quarter.
See the Worksheet of Estimated Expenses for additional details at MHA and EMHA Tuition and Expenses.
International applicants must demonstrate adequate financial support to the Graduate School in order to be accepted to the UW. For an outline of anticipated expenses and additional details see Financial Ability for International Applicants.
Executive MHA Program:
The Executive MHA is a fee-based (self-sustaining) program and follows a different tuition (course fee) schedule. Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $25,118 for both WA residents and non-residents. Additional fees for such items as UW student technology support, course materials, and various student-related activities (special seminars, graduation, etc.) may also be required. Tuition is subject to change and expected to increase annually for incoming and continuing students.
See Executive MHA Costs for additional information.
Is there any Financial Aid provided by the program/department?
Please see our page on Financing the MHA degree (depts.washington.edu/mhap/finance).
Where are classes held?
MHA classes are typically held in the Health Sciences Center at the south end of the University of Washington main campus (www.washington.edu/home/maps) in Seattle.
Executive MHA classes are held in the UW Educational Outreach Park 140 (http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/maps.asp#bellevue) facility in Bellevue.