Accelerated BSHSM–MHA

Fast-track your master's degree in health administration

Since its inception in 1996, the accelerated BSHSM-MHA program has recognized the potential of undergraduate students to do graduate-level work.

The accelerated program allows high-performing health services management majors the opportunity to earn your master’s degree through the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health Master of Health Administration program, the only fully CAHME accredited program in the state with an expansive alumni network and over 50 years of experience educating healthcare leaders.

Why go accelerated?

Achieve your goals faster

Completing the accelerated program prepares you to enter upper-level health administration positions faster.

Skip the GRE

Avoid the study time and costs associated with having to take the GRE. The GRE requirement is waived for accelerated program applicants.

Save time and money

Completing the accelerated program will earn you both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years compared to the usual six. Completing both degrees in just five years saves a year of tuition.

Join the MHA family

As the oldest accredited program in the state, joining the IU MHA family opens doors to relationships and opportunities that only our network of alumni can provide.

How it works

You will complete three years of bachelor’s degree requirements. During your third year, you apply for the accelerated program. If accepted into the accelerated program, you will complete your first year of MHA coursework during what would have been your fourth year of undergraduate study.

That MHA coursework takes the place of your final BSHSM required courses. You then graduate with your bachelor’s degree the summer after your first year in the MHA program.

Year One	Bachelor's degree courses
Year Two	Bachelor's degree courses
Year Three	Bachelor's degree courses
Year Four	Master's degree courses (take place of final BSHSM requirements)
End of Year Four	Graduate with BSHSM degree
Year Five	Master's degree courses

Eligibility

The accelerated program is a competitive opportunity for outstanding health administration students. To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Cumulative GPA of 3.5
Prior to the start of your senior year, you must have all but the following classes completed for your BSHSM degree. The classes below will be replaced with MHA courses taken the first year of the MHA program/last year of the BSHSM program.
- PBHL-H346
- PBHL-H354
- PBHL-H353
- PBHL-H379
- PBHL-H475
- Three major applications courses

If you meet the above criteria you are not guaranteed admission. All elements of the application including letters of recommendation, GPA, résumé, interview, and personal statement will be taken into consideration.

When to apply

To complete the accelerated BSHSM - MHA program, you must be admitted to the MHA program. Prospective accelerated students should follow the suggested timeline below:

Spring of Junior Year

Apply to MHA program
Interview for MHA program
Learn acceptance decision

Accelerated application deadline: March 1
Prospective accelerated students should wait to apply until you have finished the fall semester of your junior year. Fall semester grades need to be reflected on transcripts before applying. Interviews will occur in April.

How to apply to the accelerated program

Submit the accelerated program application

You should complete the application in the spring semester of your junior year by the application deadline.

Accelerated application form

Accelerated application form example

Personal statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to highlight your background, experience, and interests that influenced your decision to apply to the MHA program. You may also use the personal statement to explain any inconsistencies in other components of the application. Generally, personal statements of around 500 words are most effective.

Résumé

Please include your résumé with your application

Request letter of recommendation and academic reference

You are required to submit one letter of recommendation and list one IU Indianapolis faculty member to serve as an academic reference.

The letter of recommendation requested should come from a professional source. The letter should provide an unbiased assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses.

Examples of acceptable letter writers include: internship supervisors, part-time or full-time job supervisors, or faculty for whom you've served as a teaching assistant or research assistant.

The letter will need to be submitted by the writer to Ms. Cher Pearcy at chepearc@iu.edu. The letter must be submitted by the application deadline. Applicants will submit the name of the IU Indianapolis faculty member who will serve as their academic reference in their formal application form.

You are encouraged to speak with the faculty member you plan to list to request their willingness to serve as a reference ahead of submitting their name and contact information in your application. The faculty member listed will be asked to submit a separate reference form.

Interview

After your application is received, you will be contacted regarding the interview process, if applicable.

Application deadline: March 1

Accelerated applicants are encouraged to meet with the health services management program director to plan for your accelerated program application. If you have questions about the status of your application or letters of recommendation, please reach out to Ms. Cher Pearcy at chepearc@iu.edu.

Begin planning early

Prospective accelerated program students are strongly encouraged to meet with your academic advisor early to begin planning. Please visit our advising page for complete instructions on how to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Or, if you prefer, email your questions to us at fsphinfo@iu.edu.