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Master of Health Administration

Admissions

The UW Master of Health Administration program is designed for early-career professionals or recent college graduates who want to pursue careers in health care management. We consider candidates with a diverse range of undergraduate training and work experience. The most competitive applicants have at least one year of professional work experience, preferably in the field of health services. The MHA program at the University of Washington no longer requires the GRE for admissions. Applications open September 1, 2022.

Application Dates and Deadlines

A new cohort of the UW MHA program starts every fall. Applications open on September 1 for the following year's cohort. We're currently accepting applications for the fall 2023 cohort on a space-available basis until March 2, 2023. 

We strive to provide a response regarding your application within three weeks of the deadline. The most competitive applicants have:

  • One year of full-time, professional experience in the field of health services
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.5

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from a foreign institution
  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last graded 60 semester credits or the last 90 graded quarter credits
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English

One year of full-time, professional work experience in the field of health services is also preferred. 

Required Application Materials

Application Steps

To apply to the MHA program, submit your application materials online through the UW Graduate School website. We recommend you begin your application early in order to complete all requirements on time.

Step One: Prepare to Apply

Get transcripts from each college or university where you earned a degree. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies.

Update your resume or curriculum vitae. The resume or curriculum vitae should include a complete history of your academic and professional work experience as well as any volunteer work, membership in professional organizations, licenses, honors (such as scholarships and awards) and publications.

Write your statement of purpose. This statement should provide information about you not found in transcripts and other official documents. Describe your degree and career objectives, and how participation in this graduate program will help achieve them.

Identify people who are willing to write letters of recommendation for you. Three letters of recommendation are needed to apply. Consider getting recommendations from current or former employers or supervisors or former teachers, though professional recommendations are preferred. Make sure you choose people who can evaluate your leadership and management skills and speak to your potential for a career in health services management. You will need their email addresses for the Graduate School application.

Complete the supplemental program application and written statements. 

Step Two: Apply

Start your online application to the UW Graduate School.

For program, select "Health Services Administration – In-Residence (Day) Program (MHA)."

Upload all required documents.

Designate the people who have agreed to write letters of recommendation for you. Each of these people will be sent an email directing them to a secure website where they will submit their letters.

Pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit your application.

Step Three: Admitted Students Day

Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee. The most competitive applicants will be invited to Admitted Students Day for an interview with program faculty, students and staff. An interview is required for admission to the MHA program. 

Admitted Students Day will take place on campus in Seattle in March 2023 for the fall 2023 admissions cycle.

International Students

International applicants are welcome to apply to the UW MHA program. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen, immigrant or permanent resident. International applicants must meet all admission requirements for the program.

Visa Status

International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. For more information, review the citizenship and visa status section of the Graduate School application process page, and contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services at uwgrad@uw.edu if you have any questions.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The UW Graduate School’s Memo 8 describes several ways to do this. Test scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854. Only scores less than two years old will be accepted.

More Information

International Applicant Information

Visa Information for F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors