Health Promotion BSHP/Health Administration MHA(non-thesis)

The Double Dawgs pathway in Health Administration offers students the opportunity to earn both their undergraduate degree and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) in a streamlined, cost-effective program. Designed for students who are passionate about leadership, service, and innovation in healthcare, this pathway prepares graduates to shape the future of health systems, hospitals, and public health organizations.

Upon completion, students will be competitive candidates for leadership and management roles across hospitals, physician practices, consulting firms and other healthcare delivery systems. The MHA program provides practical skills and experiential learning opportunities through case studies, internships, and networking opportunities.

Many students begin their careers in administrative fellowships at organizations such as Geisinger, Wellstar, Kaiser Permanente, and Emory Healthcare. Others launch directly into professional roles in areas like program and project management, data analytics, quality improvement and human resources, contributing their leadership and analytical skills across diverse healthcare settings. Top employers of our graduates include Emory Healthcare, Northeast Georgia Health System, Wellstar and Piedmont.

Admission to Program

MHA coursework may begin prior to year 4, but students MUST first complete all pathway application and advising prior to enrolling in any MHA coursework. Applicants to the Double Dawgs program are expected to have an excellent academic record and an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.5. Applications are evaluated each semester, and, once accepted, new Double Dawgs students may enroll in MHA courses the following semester. More information on the pathway application can be found on the College of Public Health Double Dawgs website: https://publichealth.uga.edu/apply-now/double-dawgs/

Once accepted to the Double Dawgs Pathway, students must earn a “B-” or higher in all Double Dawgs courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 to remain in the College of Public Health Double Dawgs program.

BS Health Promotion and MHA Double Dawgs Pathway students will be waived from HPAM 7350 in the MHA curriculum. In place of HPAM 7350, students enrolled in the pathway will take BIOS 7010E in Summer of Year Four. This course substitution will only apply to BS Health Promotion students enrolled in the Double Dawgs pathway and will be processed after the student matriculates into the MHA program.

Curriculum

Graduate-level courses that may be used to satisfy undergraduate and graduate program requirements.

1. HPAM 7700 will count as a Major Elective in the BS Health Promotion curriculum.
2. HPAM 7400 will count as a Major Elective in the BS Health Promotion curriculum.
3. HPAM 7410 will count as a Major Elective in the BS Health Promotion curriculum.
4. HPAM 7600 will count as a Major Elective in the BS Health Promotion curriculum.

Additional requirements that are unique to this Double Dawgs program:

The MHA is a 51-credit hour non-thesis degree program. The typical pathway student should express interest in the pathway their freshman or sophomore year and be willing to take summer courses to successfully complete the undergraduate credit hour requirements as well as the MHA credit hour requirements within the allowable 4+1 pathway model. Students are encouraged to first speak with their undergraduate coordinators and advisors and establish a preliminary program of study prior to reaching out to the MHA program to formalize the program of study and successfully complete the application process.

Admission to Graduate Program

After completion of up to 12 graduate hours of coursework, students must then apply for official acceptance into the MHA program. This process occurs no later than March 1 of year 4, for a summer year 4 official start term. Most students will enroll in 3 credits of MHA coursework the summer after graduating from the bachelor’s program. The MHA admissions process should ideally be completed PRIOR to the commencement of May Session courses.

Applicants to the MHA program must apply through HAMPCAS (Health Administration, Management and Policy Centralized Application Service) and submit the UGA Supplemental Graduate School application fee. More information on the application can be found at https://publichealth.uga.edu/degree/master-of-health-administration-mha/. The application requires:
• Academic transcripts
• Current resume or CV
• Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
Double Dawg Pathway students are NOT guaranteed admission to the MHA program and are required to apply to the MHA during the semester of their enrollment in the 12th graduate credit hour. Admission to the graduate program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a completed application packet that is reviewed by the department’s faculty to determine whether the student's academic records align with the program requirements. Once accepted, students are subsequently enrolled in the MHA program in summer year 4. Students who are eligible to enter the MHA program in summer year 4 must ensure that timely graduation of the Bachelor’s degree occurs in year 4. Students who fail to follow the established pathway in any way may be subject to loss of credit hours towards either degree program completion, extended time in the MHA program, or expulsion from the BS Health Promotion/MHA pathway.

Program Advisor

  • Name: Kathryn Pollett
  • Email: kathryn.pollett@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-1104
  • Address: Health Sciences Campus, 105M Rhodes Hall

Undergraduate Major Information

  • Major: Health Promotion B.S.H.P.
  • Department/College: College of Public Health

Advising Contact

  • Name: Heather McEachern
  • Email: cphadm@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-3187
  • Address: 302 Ramsey Student Center

Graduate Major Information

  • Major: Health Administration M.H.A.
  • Department/College: College of Public Health

Advising Contact

  • Name: Kathryn Pollett
  • Email: kathryn.pollett@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-1104
  • Address: Health Sciences Campus, 105M Rhodes Hall