CEPH Accreditation
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools and programs of public health, health administration, and related programs nationwide. The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at Illinois became accredited by the CEPH in October 2019. To obtain copies of the most recent final report and self-study documents, please email mha-admissions@illinois.edu.
CEPH Competencies
CEPH developed 22 Foundational Competencies that are informed by traditional public health core knowledge areas as well as cross-cutting and emerging public health areas. All CEPH accredited Health Administration programs fulfill these foundational competencies.
In addition to the foundational competencies, the MHA program has identified six concentration competencies that relate to our mission. These competencies are fulfilled by four concentration courses.
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1. Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
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2. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
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3. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
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4. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice
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5. Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings
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6. Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels
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7. Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health
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8. Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs
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9. Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
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10. Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management
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11. Select methods to evaluate public health programs
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12. Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence
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13. Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes
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14. Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
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15. Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity
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16. Apply leadership and/or management principles to address a relevant issue
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17. Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges
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18. Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors
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19. Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
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20. Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content
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21. Integrate perspectives from other sectors and/or professions to promote and advance population health
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22. Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue
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1. Understand and use statistical and financial metrics and methods to set goals and measure clinical and/or organizational performance
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2. Use evidence-based techniques to improve clinical outcomes, quality of care, and/or efficiency
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3. Analyze and design or improve an organizational process, including incorporating the principles of high reliability, continuous quality improvement, and user-centered design
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4. Consider the business, demographic, ethno-cultural, political, and regulatory implications of decisions and develop strategies that continually improve the long-term success and viability of the organization
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5. Understand and explain advanced financial and accounting information, prepare and manage budgets, and make sound long-term investment decisions
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6. Recognize staff development and other management practices that represent contemporary best practices and comply with legal and regulatory requirements to optimize the performance of the workforce and meet the strategic goals of the organization
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CAHME Accreditation
CAHME is recognized as an independent global leader for determining quality in healthcare management education. Universities, programs, practitioners, and peers will seek the consultation of CAHME to assess the quality of healthcare management education. CAHME is respected for its collaborative, efficient, and reliable contribution to the more effective delivery of healthcare management education, as noted by its recognition by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at Illinois is currently in candidacy of CAHME accreditation.
Candidate status is an indication that a program in healthcare management has voluntarily committed to participate in a plan of self-improvement and is actively progressing toward the status of accreditation. Candidate status is not accredited status and does not guarantee eventual accredited status.
CAHME Competencies
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a. Understand cultural sensitivity in internal and external communication
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b. Present and communicate results of data analysis in a way that is factual, credible and understandable to decision makers
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c. Demonstrate understanding of the function of media and public relations
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d. Demonstrate collaborative problem-solving skills
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e. Build and participate in effective interdisciplinary teams
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f. Demonstrate strong presentation and communication skills, both written and oral
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a. Leverage organizational data to identify strengths and shortcomings, build on opportunities and attempt to minimize environmental threats
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b. Projects and plans for future scenarios
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c. Identify & describe the structure, conduct & interpretation of quantitative analytical methods: econ & financial evaluation, survey research, linear reg analysis, forecasting methods, linear programming, project mngmnt & bivariate comparison methods
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d. Examine data both qualitatively and/or quantitatively to determine patterns and trends
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e. Identify and describe the structure and conduct of selected qualitative methods: focus groups, case studies and interviews
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a. Identify and implement appropriate organizational structures including key roles, functions and responsibilities to support various healthcare team functions
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b. Effectively use key accounting principles and financial management tools such as financial plans and measures of performance
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c. Incorporate best-practice techniques into leadership and management activities
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d. Encourage diversity of thought to support innovation, creativity and improvement
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a. Advocate for and/or participate in healthcare policy initiatives
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b. Demonstrate reflective leadership by using self-assessment and feedback from others in decision making
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c. Demonstrate high ethical conduct, a commitment to transparency and accountability for one's actions
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