Dual Degree Program JD/MHA

Introduction

The University of Kentucky Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree is a two-year, 50-hour program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and offered through the College of Public Health.

The Juris Doctor (JD) Degree is a three-year, 90-hour degree program of the College of Law that is accredited by the American Bar Association. Under the dual degree program, each college would accept 9 credit hours earned in the other college, allowing the student to complete both JD and MHA degrees with a total of 122 credit hours.

JD/MHA Creates Synergy Between Healthcare Leadership and the Law

The combination of healthcare management education and legal expertise opens many doors in health systems and the public sector. The University of Kentucky offers students the opportunity to complete professional degrees in these two areas jointly in less time than they would take separately.

Graduates who earn the MHA and JD degrees are not limited to the traditional law career path of working in a government agency or law firm—they can also expand their opportunities to take on roles in health services organizations.

Who Should Consider this Joint Degree?

This program is designed for students who have an interest in law as it applies to healthcare and healthcare leadership. The combination of degrees offers students healthcare-specific topics including the organization behavior and structure, health policy, delivery of health care, health care financial management, operations, quality and safety, leadership development, human resources, and more. Completing both degrees will be especially helpful for students with an interest in healthcare systems, risk management, healthcare legal counsel, the insurance industry, compliance, medical device companies, health care facilities as well as the pharmaceutical industry or health policy organizations.

"The JD/MHA has given me the opportunity to learn about the healthcare system holistically. This has helped set me apart especially on the legal side by allowing me to go into conversations with healthcare stakeholders well informed. I am able to speak the healthcare language and understand their needs outside of the legal realm which helps when giving any sort of specific advice or knowledge."

- Michaela Taylor, 4th year

"The dual, JD/MHA program was attractive to me because it provides the opportunity to simultaneously pursue my passion, healthcare, while obtaining an invaluable legal skill set. By combining these two paths, I have become a more competitive candidate as a health law attorney, general counsel, and healthcare administrator."

- Garrison Rosser, 3rd year