FAQs
For the MHCM Admissions questions please visit our Application Details page.
Is it possible for international students to attend this program?
Yes, the University currently processes I-20s for MHCM students seeking F-1 visas.
How is the curriculum of the Master in Health Care Management program the same or different from the MPH in Health Management?
The curriculum for the MHCM degree is more heavily concentrated in management skills courses. Whereas the Masters (which is an MPH in Health Management) has a greater public health focus, with more in-depth coursework requirements in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, and health and social behavior.
The management skills courses are primarily those already taught in our residential Masters (both the MPH and two-year MS degree programs), adapted to a more “continuous learning” environment. This means, for instance, that in operations management, there is both formal in-class lecture and case discussion, as well as a “take-home” project for participants to do (i.e. observation and analysis of the delivery process of a particular health service).
What is mid-career status?
We expect all students to be “mid-career” in the sense that they have practiced clinically for a number of years, and are in managerial positions (part-time or full-time) in health service organizations (group practices, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, PHO’s and other “integrated” health systems organizations, etc).
How many students are in a Cohort?
The typical Cohort is between 20-30 students.
Are interviews a part of the admissions process?
Interviewing candidates is not a part of admissions process. We are available to answer specific question you may have regarding the program.
Are computers required? What software requirements should I expect?
Students must have access to a PC or Mac and be proficient in the use of web-based email and the current version of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Many students choose to bring laptops or tablets to class; however, laptops are not required.
There are computer labs at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, which provide computers, printers and fax machines for student use free of charge; they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does the School arrange for group housing?
Students are responsible for their own housing while on campus in Boston; see the housing page for helpful information and suggestions. Please note that hotels in Boston and Cambridge are subject to 14.45% state and local taxes. Brookline hotels are subject to 11.7% state and local taxes.
If you anticipate a need for significant business services while on campus (i.e. FedEx services) be sure to choose accommodations that can meet those needs. Business services are not provided by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.
Is parking available for students?
Parking is both difficult to find and expensive in Boston. Public transportation using the MBTA is recommended (www.mbta.com). The closest MBTA stop is the “Brigham Circle” stop, which is on E-line of the MBTA’s Green line.
I already have a degree that covered some of these topics. Is it possible to skip some of the classes? Can the coursework be spread over more or less time?
No. The courses are sequential, and this is a cohort situation. All courses are required and have been carefully structured to build upon each other. All students must maintain full program enrollment. An essential part of this program is the development of close working relationships within the members of the class that come from shared classroom experiences.
How much work should I expect outside of class, and what will be the nature of the assignments?
Expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on your assignments. There will be a combination of papers, applied exercises, and outside readings.
Will I be able to still work in July, if I work in the area?
While it may be possible to check in during late afternoons and on the weekends, as classes will run from about 8:30 – 3:30 each day, this is not recommended. The program is highly demanding; it will be difficult to maintain a full workload. We recommend that some vacation time from work be scheduled during the summer session.
Are there any tuition discounts for Harvard affiliates?
No discounts are available.
