Juris Doctor / Master of Health Administration Dual Degree
Combine legal training with healthcare leadership expertise through the University of South Carolina’s Juris Doctor / Master of Health Administration dual degree program.
The JD/MHA dual program, offered through the Rice School of Law and the Arnold School of Public Health, is designed for students who want to understand both the legal and operational sides of healthcare. Students gain the legal foundation to navigate complex regulatory, compliance and policy issues while building the management and leadership skills needed to work across hospitals, health systems, insurers, healthcare organizations and public service settings.
Why add an MHA to your JD Degree?
Healthcare is one of the most complex and highly regulated sectors in the country. By adding the MHA to the JD, students develop a deeper understanding of how healthcare organizations operate and how legal, financial, policy and administrative decisions shape care delivery and build the leadership skills needed to advise, represent or lead within the healthcare industry.
The dual degree also expands career options beyond traditional legal roles, including healthcare leadership, consulting, compliance, policy analysis and executive administration.
Program Highlights
Two thirds of our instructors are nationally known experts in their fields who are
also current practitioners. 
You'll have the opportunity to work in a healthcare setting through a graduate assistantship
and gain experience year-round. 
We prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare organizations from leading teams
and managing facilities to strategic decision making for healthcare services. 
Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management
Education (CAHME).
Nationally Recognized
Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
The MHA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
Progression of Study
The JD/MHA dual program is structured to help students complete both degrees efficiently while building expertise in law and healthcare administration.
Students focus on law study.
Students continue law study and begin MHA coursework during the summer after the second year.
Students focus primarily on MHA study.
Students complete remaining MHA and law coursework.
The dual degree can be completed in 8 semesters and 2 summers.
What You’ll Study
The MHA curriculum develops the management, leadership, analytical and policy skills needed to work in complex healthcare organizations. The curriculum blends healthcare systems, finance, law, quality improvement, data-informed decision-making and organizational leadership, with practical experience through a management residency.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are an important part of the MHA experience and can help students connect classroom learning with real-world healthcare practice.
Professional Development
The MHA Professional Development Series helps students build the confidence and career skills to move into healthcare leadership roles. Workshop topics include professional branding, business communication, resume development, networking, elevator speeches, mock interviews and advocacy.
My public health degrees helped me understand the landscape of communities and what matters to people. Learning how individuals and groups think, what motivates them, and how systems impact daily life are lessons that carry over into the legal field and have been valuable throughout my career.
Admissions Requirements
View the complete admission requirements for the MHA degree program as well as the JD degree program.
Students apply through the Graduate School for the MHA portion of the dual degree.
Career Opportunities
The JD/MHA dual degree program prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of law, healthcare and leadership, including roles in health law, compliance, consulting, policy, hospital administration, insurance, regulatory affairs, quality improvement and executive healthcare leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do students begin MHA coursework?
The JD requires 90 credits, and the MHA requires 58 credits.
How many credits are saved through the dual degree?
Students save 15 total credits through the dual degree structure: 9 JD credits and 6 MHA credits.
Is the MHA portion offered online or in person?
The traditional MHA track is offered in person.
Are standardized tests required for MHA admission?
No. Standardized tests are not required for the MHA portion of the program.
Is prior healthcare experience required?
Prior experience is not required, though internship, volunteer or formal work experience in a healthcare or allied health setting is highly desirable.
What career paths can this dual degree support?
Graduates may pursue roles in health law, healthcare compliance, hospital or health system administration, healthcare consulting, policy analysis, regulatory affairs, insurance and reimbursement, quality improvement or executive healthcare leadership.
How do I apply?
Students apply through the Graduate Schoolfor the MHA portion of the dual degree, as well as separately to the JD program at the Rice School of Law.
Request Information
Learn more about the Master of Health Administration and JD Dual Degree program at USC.