Healthcare Administration vs. Public Health: Which Degree Is Right for You?

If you're thinking about a career that makes a meaningful impact on healthcare systems or population health, you may be weighing the difference between an MHA and an MPH. While both degrees open doors to leadership opportunities and long-term growth, choosing between them depends on your career goals and passions. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between these paths to help you decide which graduate degree in healthcare is right for you.

Whether you're asking, “Should I pursue healthcare administration or public health?” or trying to understand the practical distinctions between programs, this guide will walk you through the MHA vs. MPH differences.

What Is an MHA?

A Master of Health Administration (MHA) is designed for individuals who want to manage and improve the operations of healthcare organizations. Think of hospital systems, clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practices — these are the spaces where MHA professionals thrive. The curriculum focuses on leadership, strategic planning, healthcare finance, operations management, and policy implementation within healthcare organizations.

Ideal for students who:

• Enjoy problem-solving and organizational leadership
• Are interested in data-driven decision-making
• Want to manage people, budgets, or healthcare systems
• Aim to lead hospitals, healthcare networks, or health-focused companies

Common job titles for MHA graduates include:

• Hospital Administrator
• Clinical Operations Director
• Healthcare Consultant
• Practice Manager
• Chief Executive Officer (in healthcare organizations)

What Is an MPH?

A Master of Public Health (MPH), on the other hand, prepares students to promote and protect the health of communities and populations. The focus is broader — addressing social determinants of health, health equity, epidemiology, and public health policy. MPH graduates often work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, global health organizations, and research institutions.

Ideal for students who:

• Want to influence population-level health outcomes
• Are passionate about social justice, equity, and advocacy
• Hope to work in public policy, community outreach, or research
• Enjoy analyzing trends in health behavior and disease prevention

Common job titles for MPH graduates include:

• Epidemiologist
• Public Health Analyst
• Health Policy Advisor
• Community Health Director
• Global Health Specialist

MHA vs. MPH: Key Differences

Here’s a closer look at the main distinctions between these two degrees: 

Choosing the Right Graduate Degree in Healthcare

If you're still asking yourself, “Should I choose healthcare administration or public health?” here are some guiding questions to help you align your choice with your interests:

• Do you want to lead teams and systems within a hospital or clinic? An MHA is likely a better fit.
• Are you passionate about creating public policies or analyzing population health trends? Consider the MPH.
• Do you prefer managing internal operations (MHA) or creating external health interventions (MPH)?
• Are you more drawn to finance and strategy (MHA) or research and advocacy (MPH)?

Ultimately, both degrees can lead to fulfilling careers, but they serve different missions. If you're seeking a high-level leadership role within a healthcare organization, the MHA provides targeted training for those responsibilities. If you’re committed to systemic change, global health, or epidemiological research, the MPH may be the better route.

Career Outlook and Salary Potential

Both degrees offer strong employment prospects. However, salary and advancement potential may differ based on industry and role.

• MHA graduates typically earn higher starting salaries in administrative roles, particularly in hospitals and healthcare systems. Leadership positions like Chief Operating Officer or Director of Operations often come with six-figure salaries.
• MPH graduates may start with slightly lower salaries in public or nonprofit sectors but gain deep expertise in population health, which can lead to policy leadership or global health consulting roles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare management jobs are projected to grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, while public health jobs such as epidemiologists are also experiencing steady growth due to global health needs and aging populations.

A Note on Academic Experience

When evaluating programs, consider the curriculum, internships, faculty expertise, and interprofessional opportunities. For example, the MHA program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions — the only degree-granting affiliate of Mass General Brigham — offers students access to Boston’s world-class healthcare network and a curriculum deeply rooted in leadership, health equity, and clinical integration. The IHP also offers a graduate certificate with valuable opportunities for professional growth through depth and breadth of study related to healthcare administration in a shorter timeframe (4-8 months) compared to a full master’s degree.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between an MHA and an MPH is a personal decision that should be guided by your long-term goals, values, and interests. Both are respected graduate degrees in healthcare that offer meaningful impact and rewarding careers. If you're drawn to leadership within healthcare systems, the MHA may be your path. If you're inspired by social change, public health, and global outreach, the MPH could be the right choice.

Still deciding between healthcare administration or public health? Take time to reflect on what kind of impact you want to have — on individuals, organizations, or entire communities. The IHP’s MHA program director is also available to speak with interested students to discuss your career path options.