Dalhousie University

Overview

Explore the intersection of law and health administration with Dalhousie University’s JD/Master of Health Administration (MHA) pathway. This unique program allows you to gain in-depth knowledge of Canadian health care policy, management, and legal frameworks, leveraging the expertise of faculty from both the Schulich School of Law and the School of Health Administration. The program is designed to be completed in an accelerated format, allowing you to earn both degrees in a streamlined manner.

What you'll study

The JD/MHA program integrates coursework from both law and health administration, providing a comprehensive understanding of both fields. You will have the flexibility to choose from various pathways, including a non-thesis, residency, or thesis option for the MHA component.

Sample MHA-focused coursework

• Epidemiology and Population Health
• Management and Design of Healthcare Organizations
• Information Systems and Project Management for Health Administration
• Healthcare Economics: Evaluation & Policy
• Accounting and Financial Management in Healthcare
• Management Control and Funding Systems in Healthcare

MHA pathway options

• Non-thesis (course-based): Complete the MHA through a combination of required and elective graduate courses.
• Residency: Engage in a structured MHA job placement to gain practical experience and professional networking opportunities.
• Thesis: Conduct a research thesis under faculty supervision, enhancing your research and writing skills.

Law component

Alongside MHA coursework, you will fulfill the Juris Doctor requirements through the Schulich School of Law. This combined approach equips you with the skills to apply legal reasoning to governance and administrative issues within the health system.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• A 4-year bachelor’s degree (honours or equivalent) with a strong academic record.
• A background in health care or clinical experience is not mandatory.
• International transcripts will be evaluated to determine eligibility based on Dalhousie standards.

Quantitative reasoning

• Must be demonstrated through completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course or an accepted standardized test score.
• Available tests may include GRE, GMAT, or relevant sections of the MCAT.
• If applicable, performance on the LSAT may also satisfy requirements for the JD component—details available on the JD/MHA page.

English language proficiency (for international applicants)

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 92
• IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65

Career prospects

Graduates of the JD/MHA program are well-equipped for diverse career opportunities in health administration, policy development, legal consulting, and management within healthcare organizations. The combination of legal and health administration knowledge positions you as a valuable asset in an evolving healthcare landscape, preparing you for leadership roles that require both legal acumen and administrative expertise.