Admission

To be considered for admission to the Executive MHA, applicants must have a bachelor's degree and five or more years of relevant professional experience, either in healthcare or a related field. Under normal circumstances, no applicant having a grade point average of less than 3.0 calculated over the last 60 units of credit will be admitted to the program.

Qualified applicants are not required to take either the GRE or the GMAT to be considered for admission to the Executive MHA.

The principal admission criterion is potential for continued distinguished academic and professional achievement. In assessing an application, the admission committee evaluates:

• Past performance as evidenced by work experience, community service, and prior academic accomplishments
• Commitment to educational and career goals, as demonstrated particularly in the written statement
• Ability to contribute to a collaborative learning environment.

Interested applicants may be requested to schedule and complete an interview as part of the application process. The interview is particularly helpful to explore the applicants's professional background and alignment of professional goals with the Executive MHA program.

Access to a computer programmed with Microsoft Office is required of all Executive MHA participants. A laptop computer with wireless connectivity is highly recommended.

Application Materials
Application Deadlines
Fees and Financial Support
Application Submission

Application Materials

The following items are required in order to complete the applications process:

• USC Graduate Admission Application
  Submit a Graduate Admission Application online at: http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/applyonline/. Applicants have the option to submit supplemental materials along with the online Graduate Admission Application. This includes a résumé, personal statement or letters of recommendation. For all application materials not submitted online, we request that hard copies be sent directly to the EMHA office to expedite the application process. Official transcripts cannot be submitted online and must be provided sealed and sent directly to the EMHA office.
• Résumé
  A professional résumé will include professional and educational experience, as well as any outstanding achievements, honors, awards, pertinent community or professional activities.
• Personal Statement
  A brief personal statement will describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the Executive Master of Health Administration degree, how the degree will enhance or transition the individual’s career, and what the applicant hopes to contribute to the field.
• Non-refundable Application Fee
  A non-refundable application fee of $85 for all applicants is payable by credit card through the online Graduate Admission Application. Current USC students, alumni, full-time employees, faculty or dependents are exempt from the application fee.
• Official Transcripts
  All official transcripts from all institutions attended must be sealed when submitted to the EMHA office. International students are required to submit both the original language and English translation of their official transcripts as separate documents.
• Letters of Recommendation
  Three letters of recommendation are required. We suggest that applicants who anticipate remaining employed during their studies include a letter of support from their employer.
• Test Scores
  GRE, LSAT, or GMAT tests are not required of qualified EMHA applicants.
• International Students also must submit
  • Official TOEFL score
  • Financial Support Statement
  • Copy of diploma in original language and official English translation

Application Deadlines
The Executive MHA course of study begins in the fall semester, which facilitates the establishment of an executive cohort throughout the course of study. However, in special circumstances, it may be possible to be admitted to the spring or summer semesters.

Applications are reviewed year-round. For priority consideration, applications should be received by February 1, 2008. The application deadline for fall 2008 is May 1, 2008. Late applications will be accepted until July 1, 2008 on a space-available basis only. Applicants will be notified of a determination as expediently as possible.

EMHA Fees and Financial Support
The cost of the Executive MHA is $49,500 for the fall 2008. The program cost includes tuition and most university fees, books and course materials for core courses, limited campus parking and food service for HMGT courses, and other administrative and program support. Additional fees will be assessed for extension of program studies beyond a two-year period. Tuition remission may apply for USC faculty and staff. Tuition for the Executive MHA may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information.

Within 60 days of notice of acceptance into the program, accepted applicants must submit completed pre-processing information sheets and a non-refundable deposit of $1,500. For late admission, the deposit will be due within 10 days or less. Fees will be due before the start of the fall semester in two equal payments, less deposit. In extraordinary circumstances, a four-payment option may be available. Participants are requested to contact us to make payment arrangements.

The USC Admission and Financial Aid Office provides financial aid packages to U.S. citizens and eligible non-U.S. citizens, mainly in the form of loans. Graduate students are eligible for Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, and/or Graduate and Professional PLUS Loans (Private Loans). Applicants are encouraged to go the USC Admission and Financial Aid website for more information about their loan options.

Application Submission
All correspondence, applications or materials not submitted online should be directed to:

Executive Master of Health Administration
USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 307
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626
Tel: (213) 740-2984
Fax: (213) 740-6555
Email: emha@usc.edu