The American healthcare system is a complicated entity – not an entity so much as a collection of entities, some government, some private, some non-profit. And the healthcare sector is ever-growing, as aging Baby Boomers need more medical care and the Affordable Care Act increases the demands on the insurance companies and makes healthcare more accessible for everyone. Today healthcare makes up 1/6 of the US economy, and that number isn’t decreasing anytime soon; in fact, all professional careers in healthcare are expected to rise in the next decade.

Recommended Online Master’s in Healthcare Management Degree Programs

With this complex mishmash of corporations, non-profit agencies, government regulations, and the like, good managers are essential to making the healthcare system work. While there are many degree programs designed to help prepare prospective managers for the ins and outs of health administration, the uniquely American interaction of business, government, and charity means that strong healthcare managers need to know more. Positions such as biomedical technology management, pharmaceutical marketing, and global health consultants go far beyond traditional hospital management. 

Methodology: Ranking the Best Dual Health Administration/Business Administration Programs

So with a sparsely populated, still forming field, it can be hard to know what degree programs will give the best education for the best price. That’s why Value Colleges has put together a definitive ranking of the Best Values in Dual MBA/Health Management Programs. We considered all accredited US universities and colleges that offer a dual degree program (as well as a few that offer the same credentials without a proper dual degree). We then ranked them according to three sets of data:

• Average Graduate Student Tuition/Fees Cost (NCES)
• Reputability (U.S. News & World Reports)
• Average Master’s Salaries (Payscale)

The Value Colleges method shows us which colleges and universities deliver a combination of affordability, educational quality, and job market success. Prospective students can trust that every program featured by Value Colleges is reputable, accredited, and, most importantly, puts their money where their mouth is – and does everything they can to send their graduates out into a rewarding lifelong career.

1

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The Value Colleges #1 dual degree value comes from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Originally founded as an extension campus for the UA flagship, the Birmingham branch has since become one of the research and intellectual centers of the Deep South, known especially for the UAB Health Center, one of the most respected academic medical campuses in the nation. The city of Birmingham is the economic capital it is today largely because of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

UAB’s expertise in medicine and business come together in the dual MPH/MBA degree program. The Collat School of Business, and the School of Public Health at UAB, have combined their programs to prepare the kinds of world-changing managers the public health field will need for the future. Graduate students must be admitted to both programs independently, and 2 MPH courses can be accepted for the MBA program, shortening the overall coursework schedule. With AACSB business accreditation, and Council on Education for Public Health accreditation for public health, the UAB dual degree is a model program and a perfect value.

Annual Cost: $7,340

2

UCLA

One of the world’s most respected universities, the University of California, Los Angeles, holds a perpetual top 20 ranking from U.S. News & World Report. UCLA is at the heart of Los Angeles’ economy, as one of the top employers in the city, which stands as the second-largest city and economy in the US. That gives UCLA a major place in American and international business, a significance that has attracted business students for years, giving UCLA the highest rate of applications in the nation. UCLA’s importance in medicine and health care comes through in the Fielding School of Public Health, the USN&WR #10 public health program.

UCLA has combined these areas in a dual MPH/MBA degree, designed to give students of public health a strong grounding in the managerial and financial concerns that impact public health administration. This combined program shortens the time to earn both degrees from 4 years to 3 years, which gets prepared professionals into needed positions more quickly. Prospective students must be admitted to both programs, but the challenge is more than rewarded on the job market with a UCLA degree.

Annual Cost: $12,629

3

University of California Berkeley

The flagship of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is often considered one of the five greatest universities in the world. Respected in all areas of higher education, a global leader in research, and one of the world’s hotbeds of entrepreneurship and innovation, UC Berkeley has been a force in shaping the future for well over a century, and its field-defining programs show no sign of flagging.

The Haas School of Business – a top ten business school in nearly every ranking – and the School of Public Health have devised a dual MBA/MPH degree program that will prepare students to apply the business acumen of the Haas School to the demands of modern public health administration. This two and a half-year program is administrated by the Haas School, so students have only one program to apply to, but receive a foundation of excellence in both to make the Berkeley’s dual MBA/MPH a value at any price.

Annual Cost: $13,431

4

Texas Woman's University

One of the finest public universities in the west, Texas Woman’s University is the largest and one of the most significant public universities for women in the US. While men are accepted, TWU’s student body is still more than 90% women. As a leading innovator in what were traditionally considered women’s fields, TWU has some of the most respected programs in nursing, health, and medicine in the nation, capitalizing on and transforming the limitations once imposed on women’s schools.

TWU’s School of Management offers a dual degree program in two of their most sought-after areas: the Executive MBA, and the Master of Health Systems Management. The EMBA is designed for upper administrators in all kinds of fields, and is offered online or in a hybrid online/on-campus format, while the MHSM allows administrators to specialize in the unique needs of healthcare system management and leadership. Together, the TWU dual EMBA/MHSM degree becomes one of the most affordable and excellent programs of its kind.

Annual Cost: $6,667

5

University of Michigan

From Ann Arbor, MI, a college town recognized as one of the best places in America to live, the University of Michigan has carved out a spot for itself at the top tier of research universities in the world. UM’s excellence, especially in STEM and professional studies, has made it a destination for students around the nation and globally in business, engineering, computing, and healthcare. The Ross School of Business and the School of Public Health are both recognized at the very top of their field.

These two have joined together to offer two different dual degree programs. Students may choose between programs linking the MBA to the Master of Public Health, for students interested in leading population-wide public health initiatives; or to the Master of Health Services Administration, for those interested in managing healthcare facilities and networks. Both are offered as 3-year programs.

Annual Cost: $20,966

6

University of Washington

As one of the oldest public universities on the west coast, and one of the most respected public research institutions in the nation, the University of Washington is a leader in many fields. UW – often called “U-Dub” by students, alumni, and fans – is especially renowned for their health and medical programs, with many individual degree programs ranked in the top 5 and top 10 of U.S. News & World Report lists.

With its Seattle location, UW is also at the center of one of the most exciting and thriving business communities in the world, and the Foster School of Business makes the most of that location. UW brings those two disciplines together with an MBA/MHA degree program that can be completed in three years – two for the MBA, with the MHA beginning in the second year and completed in the third. The University of Washington prepares future health leaders with all the knowledge and experience they need, making for a solid investment.

Annual Cost: $16,276

7

Cornell University

The youngest of the Ivy League, Cornell University is unique among its peers: one of only a few private land-grant universities, Cornell was founded as a co-ed, cutting-edge school that encompassed all learning, including the applied sciences, unlike the other, liberal arts-based Ivy League schools of the day. That spirit continues, as Cornell is not only one of the most elite universities in the nation, but one of the most innovative, always probing into practical and socially useful directions.

Cornell’s world-renowned Johnson Graduate School of Management offers a dual MBA/MHA degree program in cooperation with the Sloan Program in Health Administration (one of the first programs of its kind, dating back to 1955 and still a leader in the discipline). This unique program can be completed in only 2 years, and provides students with an Ivy League education in both business and health administration. Two Cornell degrees don’t come cheap, but with Cornell’s job market authority, an MBA/MHA graduate is sure to have job offers coming their way.

Annual Cost: $29,581

8

Ohio State University

OSU’s preferred brand name, The Ohio State University, emphasizes their singularity – Ohio State is in a class of its own. A definitive Public Ivy (a public university with an Ivy League-level reputation), and the third largest university in the nation, OSU somehow achieves a perfect combination of rigor and accessibility, especially with its globally-respected Fisher College of Business and the College of Public Health.

The Fisher College and the College of Public Health offer a dual MHA/MBA degree program that focuses on preparing future administrators for the specialized challenges of public health in the 21st century, where public and private sectors collide and cooperate to meet the needs of a growing populace. This 3-year program requires students to be accepted into both colleges separately, with up to 27 credit hours saved by substituting courses between colleges. It’s a well-designed program with a bright future.

Annual Cost: $12,425

9

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Another of the original Public Ivies, UNC Chapel Hill is also one of the original public universities (one of the three that claim that distinction, based on founding, charter, or graduating class). For centuries UNC has set a standard for public education in every field, always keeping pace with the times and pushing higher education, technology, and society forward, as it did with the Research Triangle.

The Kenan-Flagler School of Business is one of the most competitive and distinguished public business schools in the world, and the Gillings School of Global Public Health is a model for its field. The Gillings School offers a number of dual degree programs, including two combinations with the Kenan-Flagler MBA: an MHA/MBA dual degree, or an MBA with a Master of Science in Public Health. Either benefits from the excellence and market recognition of two of the nation’s finest programs.

Annual Cost: $11,074

10

University of Florida

A U.S. News & World Report top 20 public university, the University of Florida is one of the foremost research institutions in the nation, with federal land, sea, and space grants and a history of excellence in professional and applied science programs. In particular, UF is known for their health programs, and their four hospital complexes stand as the centers of medicine and health education in the state.

The College of Public Health and Health Professions, in collaboration with the College of Business Administration, offers a dual MHA/MBA degree program. A fully-integrated, 3-year program, the MHA/MBA shares 15 credits and an MHA internship to streamline the process to earn two degrees. With UF’s reputation for quality, an MHA/MBA graduate should see results from the combination in any career capacity, healthcare or business, making the University of Florida’s dual degree a top 10 Best Value.

Annual Cost: $12,737

11

University of California, Irvine

The University of California system is rightly considered one of the greatest public university systems in the world, with its member institutions dominating college rankings. Irvine, a suburb of Los Angeles, is widely considered one of the safest cities in the world, meticulously designed and planned, and is the home of UC Irvine. A Public Ivy, UC Irvine is especially known for its health services programs and for the Merage School of Business.

The Merage School offers a highly-regarded Health Care Executive MBA program. While not technically a dual-degree program, the HCEMBA draws on UC Irvine’s deep connections to the Southern California healthcare system and their own world-class medical centers to prepare students for modern health care management. Three intensive residencies provide experiential learning opportunities in Southern California and the federal government for a fully-rounded, market-ready education.

Annual Cost: $13,010

12

University of Virginia

Another of the original Public Ivies, the University of Virginia has a pedigree to compete with any elite university – founded by Thomas Jefferson, administrated by US Presidents, and at the forefront of discoveries in every field for two centuries. Today UVA is recognized as one of the most entrepreneurial and influential universities in the world, with a list of alumni accomplishments that rival Harvard or Yale.

UVA offers several dual degree programs; the Darden School of Business collaborates with both the Department Of Public Health Sciences in the Medical School (MBA/MPH) and the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy (MBA/MPP) to prepare graduates for leadership roles in healthcare in the private or public sectors. Students must be admitted to both programs, and with summer courses, the two degrees can be completed in only three years. It’s an investment in the future of health care that will be repaid many times over.

Annual Cost: $17,094

13

University of Arizona

As the first college in the Arizona Territory, the University of Arizona has been a research and education center for the American West since 1885. While it has faced stiff competition from Arizona State University in recent years, UA remains one of the most respected public institutions in the nation, with highly ranked programs in law, medicine, business, and STEM, especially engineering.

The Zuckerman College of Public Health has developed partnerships with numerous other divisions at UA to build dual degree programs that meet the growing need for educated professionals in all areas of healthcare administration. With the Eller College of Management (a U.S. News & World Report top 25 business school), the Zuckerman College offers a dual MPH/MBA program that can be further customized with seven MPH specializations. It’s the best value in Arizona for a dual MPH degree.

Annual Cost: $12,046

14

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center was created as a private medical school in 1880, but has been a part of the University of Nebraska system since the beginning of the 20th century, when the state recognized the need for a public medical school to provide for the health care needs of the growing population. Today UNMC is one of Omaha’s most important institutions, and one of the finest medical schools in the Midwest.

The College of Public Health offers a dual MBA/MPH degree program in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Omaha College of Business Administration, preparing students to meet the public health needs of Nebraska and the greater Midwestern region. Two MPH concentrations – Health Policy and Public Health Administration – are available for further specialization. For future public health leaders in Nebraska, it’s the smartest possible choice.

Annual Cost: $8,351

15

Columbia University

One of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the Revolutionary War, Columbia University is one of the most elite universities in the world and a definitive Ivy League institution. Columbia also pioneered medical education, becoming the first university to issue the MD degree, a tradition that continues in all of Columbia’s health and medical programs, such as the Mailman School of Public Health, one of the most productive public health schools in the world.

The Mailman School partners with other institutional divisions to offer ten dual degree programs, including an MPH/MBA program with the world-renowned Columbia School of Business. Prospective students must be accepted into both schools. While, of course, Columbia’s tuition is not cheap, the Columbia name is synonymous with excellence, and Columbia’s network within New York City and worldwide means endless opportunity for graduates.

Annual Cost: $44,176

16

Yale University

When we try to name the most elite universities in the world, Yale is always one of the first on the list. The third university founded in the US, and the core of the Ivy League with Harvard, Yale has been one of the standards by which progressive American education has been measured since before the Revolution.

The Yale School of Public Health is one of the first of its kind, founded in 1915, and together with the Yale School of Management, offers a dual MBA-MPH program like no other. Students can choose an intensive 2-year dual degree program, or a most conventional 3-year program, in which one year is dedicated to each program, with a third combining the two. As with Columbia, a Yale graduate need not fear the job market, making Yale an risk-proof investment.

Annual Cost: $38,700

17

Johns Hopkins University

The first true research university in the US, combining scientific inquiry and education, Johns Hopkins University is literally the model of all the graduate schools and research institutions that came after it. While Johns Hopkins, of course, is best known for its medical and healthcare programs – it is often the first name in medical research – the Johns Hopkins reputation and influence carries over into business and government as well.

Johns Hopkins’ Carey School of Business (one of the most promising new business schools in the world) and Bloomberg School of Public Health (direct competitor with Yale for the title of first public health school) have put together a dual MBA/MPH degree program that offers graduates a world of possibilities. This accelerated program can be completed in only 21 intensive months of study, with public health and business administration students sharing perspectives and creating the connections necessary to carry the Johns Hopkins expertise into the future of public health.

Annual Cost: $50,510

18

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

The only system that can compare to the University of California system, the State University of New York system is one of the most trusted and impressive public university systems in the world. The University at Buffalo – also known as SUNY Buffalo – is the largest and most productive of the SUNY institutions, regularly recognized as a top 50 public university and a best value for its academic excellence and relative affordability.

Buffalo’s School of Management and School of Public Health and Health Professions have designed a top-quality MBA/MPH dual degree program. Dual degree students must apply to both schools simultaneously, working for three years on a 97-credit program that cuts as much as a year off the process. With SUNY Buffalo’s reputation in the northeast, there is little doubt that Buffalo’s already reasonable tuition cost will be matched by success on the job market and a rewarding career.

Annual Cost: $13,165

19

Claremont Graduate University

Part of the elite Claremont Colleges, Claremont Graduate University is a based on the Oxford model of education, which visualizes graduate eduction as a separate academic enterprise requiring a different philosophy of education. The Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management, for example, follows the Drucker model, which emphasizes business education as humanistic discipline informed by the liberal arts, rather than cold, amoral economics.

The Drucker School works in collaboration with the School of Community and Global Health to offer a dual MBA/MPH degree program. Following the Drucker philosophy, the dual degree program combines scientific methodology, knowledge of current healthcare and business practices, and responsible leadership philosophy to prepare future administrators to meet the challenges of the 21st-century health sector. Claremont Graduate University has the reputation and expertise to set the pace for education, and the dual MBA/MPH program is a perfect exemplar.

Annual Cost: $32,874

20

Carnegie Mellon University

From its very beginning, Carnegie Mellon University was meant to be something different, bringing applied science and professional education to the working class of Pittsburgh, PA, and that mission is still present even as Carnegie Mellon has become one of the most selective and elite universities in the world. From computing and robotics to drama and politics, Carnegie Mellon has pioneered research in many areas, including business and public policy.

The Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon’s nationally-recognized public policy school, and the Tepper School of Business, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top institutions in the nation, have collaborated to bring students an HCPM (Health Care Policy and Management) and MBA dual degree program. The 5 semester program can be completed in only two and a half years, with Carnegie Mellon’s influence all but guaranteeing a successful career and a top 20 best value.

Annual Cost: $41,371

21

University of Texas at San Antonio

Since the turn of the 21st century, the University of Texas at San Antonio has been on a mission to expand its programs and its reputation to attain a position at the top tier of national, public universities like the system’s Public Ivy flagship in Austin. And while they haven’t quite surpassed that goal, UTSA is on the rise, gaining national attention, and building a reputation for value with excellent, affordable programs.

UTSA’s College of Business has developed an exceptional inter-institutional partnership with the University of Texas School of Public Health (in Houston) to offer a dual MBA/MPH degree program. This arrangement allows students to benefit from the quality instruction of both institutions, provided the student can be accepted into both programs. And at one of the lowest national tuition rates for this kind of dual degree, UTSA and UTSPH have created an exceptional investment.

Annual Cost: $6,498

22

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

A top-tier public research university, with one of the largest student bodies in the US, the University of Minnesota draws students from across the Midwest and the whole United States with its Public Ivy quality, safe urban location, and best value affordability. With some of the best health programs in the nation, including a top 10 public health degree, UM offers students entry into the future of the healthcare system with a proven job market reputation.

The University of Minnesota’s award-winning MHA program has put together a dual degree program with the Carlson School of Management (one of the most respected in the region and nation) to combine the MHA and MBA degrees. The 95 credit program can be completed in 3 years, with students accepted by both programs separately. With two top programs combined, UM graduates can be assured that their investment will pay off.

Annual Cost: $17,289

23

University of Iowa

The flagship research institution in Iowa, the University of Iowa is a top 50 public university known especially for its creative writing, literature, and book collection. UI is also one of the most respected public universities for medical and health education, with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recognized as one of the best in the nation, and the Carver College of Medicine, the College of Public Health, and the Public Policy Center all considered in the top of their field.

It should be no surprise, then, that the Tippie School of Management – widely praised by U.S. News & World Report, the Economist, and the Princeton Review – should join forces with the College of Public Health to offer a dual MHA/MPA degree program. It’s a well-designed degree from two of the top schools in their respective fields, and combined with UI’s low tuition rates, gives students one of the best values in the Midwest.

Annual Cost: $9,693

24

University of Pennsylvania

Another of the 9 Colonial Colleges, the University of Pennsylvania shares with UVA the distinction of being founded by a Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, whose unique vision (for the era) included practical education in the applied sciences alongside humanities and liberal arts. Penn created the first medical school, the first business school, and many other innovations, including the Health Care Management MBA.

The Wharton School, frequently recognized as the #1 business school in the nation, offers an MBA in Health Care Management that, while not a dual degree, draws on Penn’s substantial healthcare and medical programs for an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students to take on major leadership roles in the modern healthcare system. As an Ivy League school, Penn’s tuition is intimidating, but its rewards are substantial.

Annual Cost: $34,268

25

University of Texas at Arlington

Located in a small-town suburb of Dallas-Ft. Worth, the University of Texas at Arlington is a school on the rise. Its location has made UT Arlington one of the fastest-growing public research universities in the world, and its significance in research and influence in the area have allowed it to reach the top tier of the Carnegie Foundation classification. By providing exceptional opportunity to the people of Texas, and building a growing reputation, UT Arlington is a school for the future.

UT Arlington’s College of Business is growing in admiration as well, with a leading partnership in China and a distinguished faculty. The College of Business offers a number of dual degree programs, including an MBA/Health Care Administration program. The dual degree requires admission to both programs. With Arlington’s growing reputation and low tuition, students can trust in their investment to pay off in the long run with a rewarding career.

Annual Cost: $8,517

26

University of Georgia

UNC’s (#9) main competition for the first public university, the University of Georgia is the flagship research institution in Georgia and a center for intellectual and academic life in the south. From the fabled Athens, GA, UGA has built some of the most innovative and forward-looking programs in the nation, especially at the Terry College of Business, home of a top-ranked MBA program.

The Terry College offers numerous dual degree programs linking business to health and medicine, including an MBA/MPH dual program. Students typically begin the MPH program with the College of Public Health (however, only the Health Policy and Management concentration is available), then apply to the MBA program for their second year of coursework. With a third year of both business and public health courses, the dual degree can be completed, and with UGA’s reasonable tuition rates, graduates can be on the job market with a strong reputation and without a lifetime of debt.

Annual Cost: $10,750

27

University of Southern Maine

Recognized as one of the top public universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Southern Maine is a regional research institution and a member of the University of Maine system. USM is home to the highly-regarded Muskie School of Public Policy, named for former Secretary of State and Maine native Edmund Muskie.

With USM’s AACSB-accredited School of Business, the Muskie School of Public Policy has cooperated to offer a dual MBA-MPH program that prepares students for management and administration in any area of the healthcare system, from government policy-making to hospital administration. USM keeps tuition costs exceptionally low, and with the combined expertise of the Muskie School and the School of Business, graduates will see USM’s reputation as a best value come through in their own careers.

Annual Cost: $7,670

28

Georgia State University

Part of the University System of Georgia, like flagship UGA, Georgia State University is a major public research institution in Atlanta, GA. Located in the nation’s fastest-growing major metropolitan area, with an economy on track to overtake Chicago and match LA and New York City, GSU has a major impact on the Atlanta economy and deep connections to the government, private, and non-profit sectors of Atlanta.

GSU’s Robinson College of Business offers a dual MBA/MHA degree program that takes full advantage of GSU’s connections to the thriving healthcare and public health field of Atlanta and beyond. MHA students have completed residencies in Atlanta, Johns Hopkins, and other areas around the nation, getting a deeply immersive experience in the real challenges of 21st century healthcare administration. And as a public university, GSU’s low tuition makes for a strong ROI for graduates.

Annual Cost: $9,004

29

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

Like the University at Buffalo (#18), Stony Brook University is part of the renowned SUNY system. Stony Brook is highly regarded for its engineering and medical programs, and its relatively low tuition rate (especially compared to its peers in New York) has made it a perennial best value. Stony Brook’s undergraduate program is well known for sending graduates to elite master’s and doctoral programs.

Stony Brook is home to a number of elite graduate programs of its own, including the dual MPH/MBA program. Coordinated by the College of Business and Program in Public Health, students prepare for management in public health facilities and organizations over the course of three years. With up to 23 shared credit hours, the dual program shortens the process of getting both degrees considerably, sending graduate out into the field faster for a quicker return on investment.

Annual Cost: $12,421

30

University of Illinois at Chicago

While the flagship in Urbana-Champaign often overshadows it, the University of Illinois in Chicago is a significant force in the life of Chicago, the third-largest economy in the US. As a major public research university, UIC is best known for its medicine and health programs, with the largest medical school in the nation and one of the highest levels of productivity in medical research of any institution.

It’s no surprise, considering the size of Chicago and the importance of UIC’s medical programs, that the School of Public Health would collaborate with the College of Business Administration for a dual MBA/MPH. Few universities could deliver the same kind of experiential knowledge and teaching in both areas, a fact that gives UIC dual degree students an exceptional start in their careers.

Annual Cost: $16,527

31

Emory University

An elite private research university in Atlanta, GA, Emory University presents a number of unique advantages to students searching for a dual MBA/MPH degree. Emory is home to the Goizueta Business School, one of the most respected and selective in the nation, with a wide and deep network of connections to the booming Atlanta economy. Emory is also center of the Emory Healthcare system, the largest healthcare system in the state of Georgia, which includes seven hospitals alongside the schools of medicine, public health, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

In short, few universities could make a better claim to combining the MPH and MBA degrees than Emory. Students begin in the business school before applying for the Rollins School of Public Health; if the steps are completed correctly, each program should take 5 semesters to complete. Graduates enter the workforce with the Emory name, and a long slate of industry partnerships to make the transition smooth.

Annual Cost: $41,940

32

University of Houston-Clear Lake

A U.S. News & World Report top 50 public university for the western region, the University of Houston-Clear Lake originated out of a need to prepare engineers, computer programmers, and other tech professionals for the Manned Space Center in Houston. As such, UHCL’s STEM programs are obviously top-notch, but so too is their School of Business, which has grown to dominate the other schools of the university as the Houston economy has grown in scale and importance.

The College of Business, in cooperation with the Texas Medical Center (the largest single medical center in the world), offers a dual MHA/MBA degree program ideally suited to the demands of the modern healthcare system. With the management expertise of the College of Business, and the assets of the TMC, students can be sure that they are prepared for their future careers at a reasonable price, making UHCL a proven value.

Annual Cost: $7,488

33

Xavier University

One of the oldest Catholic universities in the US, Xavier University is a U.S. News & World Report top regional institution and is recognized by Kiplinger’s as a best value among private universities and colleges for their high quality and affordable tuition. As a Catholic university, Xavier’s business and health programs emphasize public service, ethics, and responsibility, core values that inform that dual MHSA/MBA program as well.

The Williams College of Business and the Graduate Program in Health Services Administration have put together a dual degree program that gives students an exceptionally in-depth preparation for leadership. One of the hallmarks of Xavier’s MHSA is a third-year residency, which provides students with a wealth of experiential learning and the connections they need to move into their careers, part of the reason for Xavier’s high job placement rate. Excellent education and a strong market presence make Xavier a top value.

Annual Cost: $10,920

34

Boston University

A top-tier private research university in the heart of Boston, MA, Boston University is one of the most respected institutions in New England, a land of elite universities (Boston alone has more than 60 schools). With two urban campuses on either side of the Charles River, BU has a long-standing, close connection with the historic city, an arrangement that especially benefits the renowned Questrom School of Business.

One of the oldest business schools in the US, founded in 1913, Questrom remains at the forefront of the field with programs like the MBA/MPH dual degree. Designed in partnership with the School of Public Health, this intensive, full-time program can be completed in only 21 months and sends students well-prepared into the demands of the public health field as only a major urban research university like BU can.

Annual Cost: $48,082

35

Northwestern University

Like Boston University, Northwestern University is a private research university known for selectivity, excellence, and rigor. Founded to bring education to the Northwest Territory (as it was then known), Northwestern’s home in Evanston, IL, is today a thriving suburb of Chicago, with its proximity giving it a significant edge in business, law, and medicine.

The Kellogg School of Business is one of the most respected in the Midwest, owing to Northwestern’s spectacular connections to the business community of Chicago. And while Northwestern does not offer a proper dual degree program, the Health Enterprise Management degree (HEMA) meets many of the same qualifications, with deep instruction in the needs of management in the healthcare sector. Northwestern’s national reputation – a U.S. News & World Report top 20 university – makes a Northwestern degree a sure thing on the job market.

Annual Cost: $49,064

36

Weber State University

Weber State University may not be a household name like many of the institutions on the Best Value ranking, but that’s no indication of its importance. Formerly a Church of Latter-Day Saints junior college, Weber State University has quietly been doing the hard work of bringing practical, applied education to the people of rural Weber County.

The Drumke College of Health Professions helps Weber State accomplish one important mission – providing quality medical and healthcare education to Utah and beyond. Drumke offers a dual MHA/MBA degree program that allows students the flexibility to choose one or the other as their primary degree, taking more courses on one side depending on their projected career path. With only one application to the full program (rather than two separate applications), Weber State makes the program more accessible, and WSU’s incredibly low tuition rate ensures that graduates will find it money wall spent.

Annual Cost: $5,766

37

University of New Mexico

New Mexico’s flagship university, one of the most respected public research institutions in the southwest, and one of the most important economic forces in the state, the University of New Mexico has a lot to live up to. As one of the highest employers of Hispanic and Native American scholars and teachers, as well as one of the largest minority-serving institutions in the US, UNM is key to providing economic and social mobility throughout the southwest.

UNM also has the responsibility of providing effective managers and leaders for New Mexico’s social programs, a job that can be done through the Anderson School of Management’s many dual degree programs. The Anderson MBA can be combined with just about any other master’s program, depending on approval, including the MPH. Considering UNM’s extremely accessible tuition rates, there’s not a more affordable way to get an MBA/MPH in the region.

Annual Cost: $7,488

38

Rutgers University

Across New Jersey and the northeast, “Rutgers” is all anyone needs to say – the name is instantly recognizable as a watchword for excellence. One of the 9 Colonial Colleges (and one of the few non-Ivy League pre-Revolution institutions), Rutgers’ designation as The State University of New Jersey defines its importance to the state and the region. It’s also regarded by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges to get rich.

A career in public service may not be the shortest path to getting rich, but Rutgers’ dual MPH/MBA degree program may be one of the most effective paths to public health leadership, thanks to Rutgers’ reputation on the job market. With cooperation from the School of Public Health and the Business School, students can earn a dual degree that will prepare them for the complexities of public health management anywhere in the world, with a solid grounding in business. Rutgers graduates have a proven track record for job placement and strong incomes, making the Rutgers MPH/MBA a smart bet.

Annual Cost: $18,346

39

Saint Louis University

When everything west of the Mississippi River was untamed wilderness, the Jesuits saw an opportunity, founding Saint Louis University in 1818. From there, SLU became a pioneer in all areas, with the first graduate school, first medical school, and first business school in the territory. They also invented the forward pass, making football, well, football.

Today SLU remains a highly competitive, highly rigorous Catholic university, emphasizing ethics and responsible social impact. Nowhere can that be seen more clearly than in the dual MHA/MBA degree program. Administered by the Cook School of Business and the School of Public Health, the MHA/MBA seeks an effective balance between business skills and the social good possible through health administration. It’s an ideal choice for future leaders concerned about the good of patients and the responsibilities of care providers.

Annual Cost: $19,346

40

Baylor University

The oldest university in Texas, Baylor University is a Baptist institution recognized as one of the best in the western region. As a Baptist university, Baylor’s mission and vision are explicitly Christian, with great emphasis put on Biblical values and faith, though not all students are Baptist, or even Christian. Notably, Baylor has a long history of partnership with the military, dating back to the earliest days of Baylor’s existence not long after Texas independence.

That military connection leads directly to Baylor’s unique and unusual dual MHA/MBA degree program. The Army-Baylor MHA/MBA is a dual program designed in partnership with the Army Medical Program in San Antonio, TX. Open only to military personnel, as well as experienced civil servants in the Department of Defense or Veterans Health Administration, the Army-Baylor MHA/MBA prepares students from all branches of the military for service in the federal healthcare system. It’s a program like no other, one to watch for any servicemember considering public health.

Annual Cost: $32,300

41

DePaul University

Like the University of Illinois at Chicago (#30) and Northwestern University (#35), DePaul University benefits strongly from its location in the Windy City, with access to a thriving, global business sector. As the largest Catholic university in the nation, DePaul has made a major impact on Chicago and the Midwest, especially through its outreach to disadvantaged and minority students.

DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business is one of the best-known private business schools, highly regarded and respected not only in Chicago, but throughout the world. Together with the College of Communication, Kellstadt offers a unique dual degree program: an MBA linked to an MA in Health Communication. This innovative program prepares students to work in management and leadership positions related to healthcare marketing and advocacy, making DePaul’s dual degree a special value found nowhere else.

Annual Cost: $18,330

42

Tulane University

Tulane University’s roots go back to the Medical College of Louisiana, an institution that was desperately needed in 1834 as rampant epidemics of smallpox and cholera threatened a southern US that had only one other medical school. Medicine and public health have remained at the heart of what Tulane does; in fact, when the university had to be closed after the disastrous Hurricane Katrina, the School of Public Health was the only division to keep its distance programs open.

Tulane’s exceptional School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine combines the nation’s first public health school (founded in 1912) and first tropical medicine school into a highly respected, innovative, and fearless institution. The SPH&TM offers a dual MBA/MHA degree program with the School of Business that can be completed in just three years. As a private university, Tulane’s tuition is hardly cheap, but Tulane’s reputation, and the supremely excellent education they offer, make them an investment in greatness.

Annual Cost: $49,638

43

Case Western Reserve University

A U.S. News & World Report top 50 national school, Case Western Reserve University is one of the leading private STEM research institutions, especially in medicine, biology, and engineering. The first American to win a Nobel Prize was a Case Western faculty member, and Case Western has been behind discoveries in polymers, genetics, and robotics. With substantial growth in recent years, Case Western is now in the top 30 for research endowments

Case Western is a natural place for combining business management and public health, as the dual MPH/MBA degree program demonstrates. Case Western’s Weatherhead School of Management, one of the top business schools and steadily rising, offers the program in connection with the School of Medicine, the top research medical school in Ohio. With the Case Western reputation, students can count on a solid job market presence and a strong return on their time and effort.

Annual Cost: $41,169

44

Washington University in St. Louis

If Washington University in St. Louis were a television show, it would be first on the ranking of “Best Shows You’re Not Watching.” A U.S. News & World Report top 20 university, ranked by the Princeton Review as the best college for quality of life, and one of the 10 most selective universities in the nation, somehow Wash U has evaded the kind of household name recognition of similar institutions like Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, or Northwestern.

WUSL’s Brown School of Social Work offers several dual degree programs, including a MHA/MBA program developed with the Olin Business School (a U.S. News & World Report top 20 business school). This interdisciplinary degree program is designed to prepare students for high levels of leadership, from policy-making to consulting. With Washington University’s reputation, students can expect big things.

Annual Cost: $47,620

45

West Virginia University

A top-tier Carnegie Foundation research university, West Virginia University is the center for academic learning and research for the region. WVU is especially respected for its computer science, biometrics, and medical research programs, especially in the specialized area of rural medicine, providing knowledge and care for the remote areas of the West Virginia mountains. WVU is also home to the Ruby Memorial Hospital, a leading teaching hospital.

With its deep experience and understanding of the large-scale medical needs of their regional population, WVU is a perfect site for studying public health, and the need for trained healthcare managers has prompted the School of Public Health and the College of Business and Economics to work together on a dual MPH/MBA degree program. Designed to be finished in only 2 years, the dual degree gets graduates into the field faster, and at a lower cost, than just about any competitor.

Annual Cost: $8,568

46

Marymount University

A small, Catholic liberal arts university in Arlington, VA, Marymount University has strong relationships with other institutions in the Washington, DC area, including Georgetown, George Washington University, and others. The DC location provides Marymount students with an exceptional level of access, a special benefit for students seeking careers in public service.

So close to the capital, and the center of federal healthcare policy making, Marymount is an ideal choice for students who want the close attention of a small Catholic institution, with the opportunities the capital offers. That’s the motivation behind Marymount’s dual MBA/MS Healthcare Management degree program; to provide students with what they need to lead in the growing healthcare sector.

47

Campbell University

A small, private, Baptist-affiliated university in rural Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University has made major strides in the last two decades to raise its profile, build nationally-recognized programs, and extend their reach beyond the confines of the North Carolina Sandhills. Campbell is well known for their law and pharmacy schools, both of which boast the highest licensure exam passing rates in the region, as well as the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, with respected programs in wealth management and PGA golf management.

The latter of these – the School of Business, and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – have come together to offer a dual MBA and Master of Science in Public Health degree that combines their strengths in a much-needed field. Students must be accepted into both programs. Campbell’s reputation in North Carolina and beyond ensures students a strong showing on the job market, and Campbell’s relatively low tuition for a private university promises a solid return on investment.

Annual Cost: $7,920

48

University of Toledo

The University of Toledo, in cooperation with Bowling Green State University, formed the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health to provide students with a means to earn a Master of Public Health degree; graduating their first class in 2009-2010, the Consortium has been a success, with double majors in MPH concentrations and several dual degree programs.

The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation works with the Consortium to offer a dual MBA/MPH degree program. This unique program uses courses from both universities, and students are enrolled in both; the MPH diploma, in fact, is issued by both universities. The MBA program, in the meantime, is administrated by the UT’s AACSB-accredited business school and prepares students for executive management. It’s an unusual setup, but it shows results.

Annual Cost: $14,721

49

University of Detroit Mercy

The largest Catholic university in Michigan, the University of Detroit Mercy is a Society of Jesus and Sisters of Mercy institution, bringing together the Jesuit tradition of education with the Sisters of Mercy’s commitment to social good and community action. A U.S. News & World Report top regional college for the Midwest, UDM’s work in law, business, and healthcare is well-known through the region.

UMD’s College of Health Professions and College of Business together offer the dual MHSA/MBA degree program. UMD’s dual degree is designed particularly for experienced professionals in the healthcare system, such as doctors, nurses, and managers, who want a deeper understanding of business and management to progress or lead in their chosen field. This combination provides clinical professionals with the ability to advocate, guide policy, and direct programs for the benefit of patients.

Annual Cost: $26,802

50

Pfeiffer University

A small, private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Pfeiffer University has shown considerable ambition in recent years, building its reputation with a respected online program and expanding its graduate offerings on campuses in Charlotte, NC, and Morrisville, NC, part of the Research Triangle Park. All that means increased name recognition and job marketability, leading more students than ever to Pfeiffer.

Pfeiffer’s biggest win has been in business, with their MBA program gaining international recognition. Pfeiffer offers a dual MBA/MHA degree program at their Charlotte and Triangle campuses, as well as fully online. Like University of Detroit Mercy, Pfeiffer’s program is best suited to healthcare professionals with some years of experience who need further business credentials to underscore their leadership abilities. Pfeiffer keeps their tuition reasonable, and with their reputation steadily on the rise in North Carolina and across the nation, a dual degree from Pfeiffer earns its place as a top 50 Best Value.

Annual Cost: $11,520

Why Choose a Dual Degree Program?

Many students, whether they are already working in the healthcare industry or hoping to enter it, are turning to dual degree programs. Healthcare organizations need leadership, and MBA programs don’t always offer all the financial management, health insurance, and management skills that health services managers need. That’s why health administration and business administration dual degree programs are perfect for working professionals.

There are many combinations available, but one that has become especially popular is the MBA combined with a healthcare management degree. An MBA gives clinical professionals the managerial credibility they need to advocate for patients, guide policy decisions, and lead a diverse staff; a healthcare professional degree, in turn, gives management professionals an understanding of the specialized needs of the healthcare sector, such as human resources management, and how it differs from traditional business. Masters of Public Health (MPH) and Masters of Health Administration (MHA) are the most common, though there are other variations on the business and MHA dual degree program.

In these graduate programs you will learn:

• strategic marketing management
• legal and regulatory environment
• strategic business communication
• health economics
• human resource management
• contemporary health administration
• strategic health planning
• strategic management
• corporate finance
• managerial accounting
• business management
• organizational behavior
• business leadership
• quality improvement
• operations management
• health informatics
• project management
• healthcare finance

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