Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions from applicants and accepted students. If you cannot find your answer here, feel free to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 516-463-4723.

• Is there a deadline for admission?

  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and are reviewed and decisioned as they are received.  Students may apply to begin the program in either fall or spring, or request to enroll during January or one of the three summer sessions.  While course offerings are flexible each year, it is recommended that prospective students apply with adequate time to register.  The admissions committee prefers that students apply at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

• Can I transfer credits from a previous graduate program?  How many?

  Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of graduate work from a previous institution.  MHA faculty evaluate course equivalencies on a case-by-case basis. 

• How long does the program take to complete?

  Part-time students may complete the program in two years.  It is possible for those studying full-time to graduate in one calendar year.

• When are classes offered?

  Each class meets one evening per week (Monday through Friday) for two hours, beginning at 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30pm.  Courses are offered throughout the calendar year, including Fall, January, Spring, and Summer sessions.  Students have the opportunity to take classes in-person, through distance learning, or in a hybrid method combining both online and in-person sessions.

• Can I take a course before I apply?

  Prior to enrolling in the MHA program, students may apply on a non-matriculated basis.  This is an abbreviated application process that allows student to take up to 12 credits to be used for personal or professional development, as prerequisites for advanced study, or be applied toward a degree in the future.  Please click here to download the application for non-matriculated graduate enrollment.  Prospective students may also check to see course offerings each semester by clicking here and searching for courses under “Health Administration–HADM”.  All non-matriculated students register through the Office of Graduate Admissions under the advisement of the Program Director. 

• How are students connected with internship sites?

  All MHA students are placed in an internship through one on one advisement with their program advisor.  Hofstra’s health administration program has a long-standing history with a wide spectrum of internship sites in the LI/metropolitan area, and it is quite possible for these employers to offer full-time positions to interns post-graduation.  Students’ interests and long term career goals guide final placement decisions.

• What if I don’t have any administrative experience in healthcare?

  The program encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply, as no particular bachelor’s degree is required.  As mentioned previously, all students have the opportunity to benefit from experiential learning through an internship placement to bolster knowledge and marketability.   Students are also encouraged to connect with mentors in the field and in course instructors who facilitate networking opportunities as well.   Lastly, programs for professional development are frequently arranged by the Future Health Care Leaders organization and across Hofstra’s community.

• Are scholarships available?  How do I apply?

  Merit-based scholarships are distributed on a competitive basis to eligible applicants.  No additional materials are needed outside of the MHA application in order to be considered.  Applicants are encouraged to meet with representatives in the Office of Student Financial Services to inquire about need-based aid and other resources to finance their degree.  Matriculated students may also apply for a variety of campus jobs, which are continually updated on Hofstra’s website.

  Continuing students may apply for additional scholarships and are alerted when this opportunity arises during the semester.

• What is the average class size?

  On average, there are 20 students per class.

• What factors do you consider/what qualities do you look for in applications?

  All applications are reviewed holistically to measure potential for success in the classroom and in the field of health care.  There is no particular background required to apply for the MHA, though the admissions committee is sure to look for those whose professional goals connect well with the curriculum and competencies for graduation.  Applicants are encouraged to describe their commitment to the field of health within their statement of purpose and to expand on their goals and objectives for the future.

• What are the job prospects in this field?

  The field of health administration is certainly a booming one.  Approximately 25 percent of all new jobs created between now and 2020 will be in the health care industry and O*Net lists many health related professions on their bright outlook list, an indication of expected potential for growth.   The U.S. Department of Labor also reports similar growth.