How to Apply

The Executive Master’s Program in Health Management and Policy allows students to continue working full-time while pursuing a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) degree. An MHSA is a specialized degree that can advance your career in any health-related field. We often compare the MHSA to a healthcare MBA, but it is specialized with a curriculum tailored for future healthcare leaders.

Program applications are accepted through SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service). Applications will open in early September each year.

If you are an international applicant interested in the Executive Master's program, you’re encouraged to contact our Recruitment and Admissions team at sph-inquiries@umich.edu to speak with an advisor about how your residency may impact your participation in the program and plan for success.

What to Expect When Applying

Each year the Executive Master's Program admits a new cohort for the fall term start, typically comprised of 15 to 20 students. The cohort-based curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs of each student in their professional learning goals. This tight-knit cohort experience allows students to learn from their peers. Each student in the Executive Master's Program brings a unique, and valuable perspective to the classroom.

The final application deadline for the fall 2025 start is May 15, 2025. We will not be able to accept any applications past the deadline as we cannot process your paperwork and matriculate you in time for the fall semester.

The Executive Master's admissions committee reviews applications weekly. Please expect approximately four weeks from the time of application submission to the time of review. Applicants can expect to be contacted with admissions decisions no later than six weeks after application.

Applications must include a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation. It is preferable that at least one letter of recommendation be from a former instructor. If necessary, all three letters can be from professional contacts.

Review the full list of required components for our SOPHAS application.

Successful Applicants

We seek applicants who are highly motivated, articulate, and able to master a substantial body of material. The majority of our students come from a variety of roles across health-related fields, including clinicians, healthcare administrators, and individuals from outside the healthcare sector. The program is both rigorous and rewarding. Time management skills and dedication to success in the program are essential. Nearly all HMP executive master's students work full-time while they complete the program. 

Successful candidates will have:

• Meaningful post-graduate work experience, five + years of experience is common
• An undergraduate degree in any area from an accredited institution
  • A record of academic achievement
  • Previous graduate work is a plus
• Demonstrated strength in at least one quantitative area (e.g., economics, statistics, or accounting)

Timeline for Applicants

The table below outlines the key dates and timeframes that will be relevant to prospective Executive Master’s students planning to apply for admission. (Definitive dates added after applications open).

Executive Master's Program Application Timeline
Early Sept	Applications Open	All MHSA applications open in the SOPHAS platform. Prospective students can start and complete their application at any point up until the deadline.
Nov - TBD	Prospective Student Activities	Virtual open house-style events offered school-wide to explore your interests across Michigan Public Health.
Feb 1	Application Review	The admissions committee will begin reviewing applications on a weekly basis. Please understand that it can take up to four weeks from the time of application submission, to the time that it is available to the committee for review.
Feb  - Apr	Recruitment information sessions offered monthly	Attend any one of these sessions to get an in depth understanding of the program, how it can meet your goals, and how to apply.
May 15	Application Deadline	The application deadline for a cohort will be in May preceding the fall class start.
June	Decision Day	Students must indicate their intent to accept their offer and enroll in the program by this date unless otherwise indicated by program staff or through their official admissions offer letter.

Contact Information

For further information about the program or about the application process, please contact:

Executive Master's Program
Department of Health Management and Policy
U-M School of Public Health
1415 Washington Heights
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
e-mail: execmasinquiries@umich.edu

If you are an international applicant interested in the Executive Master's program, please contact our Recruitment and Admissions team at sph-inquiries@umich.edu to further explore this option.