Coverdell Fellowship
The Master of Health Administration Program at Miami Herbert Business School prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders to thrive in one of the most complex and rapidly evolving industries in the world. As healthcare continues to represent a significant and growing share of the U.S. economy, the need for innovative, mission-driven leaders has never been greater.
Our AACSB- and CAHME-accredited program combines rigorous business training with hands-on, real-world experience, equipping students with the skills to improve healthcare delivery, enhance operational performance, and lead meaningful organizational change. Located in Miami, a vibrant, diverse healthcare hub, students gain exposure to a wide range of populations, systems, and challenges that shape modern healthcare.
Through experiential learning, internship opportunities, and a collaborative learning environment, students develop both the technical expertise and leadership mindset needed to make an immediate impact. The program is especially enriched by individuals committed to service, whose global perspectives and cultural competencies elevate classroom dialogue and innovation.
Graduates emerge prepared to lead across healthcare sectors, driving improvements in access, quality, and efficiency, while making a lasting difference in the communities they serve. Our business school based curriculum prepares graduates to lead across healthcare sectors, driving improvements in access, quality, and efficiency, while making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.
- Year partnership began: 2026
- Fellowships awarded per year (average): 4
Application deadline
Early May
Application fee waived
Yes
Program begins
Mid-August
Program length
18 months full-time
Application requirements
Applicants are required to submit college transcripts, a personal statement, one letter of recommendation, and verification that they are a returned Peace Corps volunteer.
Admissions process
Prospective Coverdell Fellows Program applicants follow the same admissions process as all candidates applying to the Master of Health Administration Program, with additional steps for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs).
Individuals interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or participate in a coffee chat with the Program Director. Details for these engagement opportunities can be found on the Miami Herbert Business School Events page. Applicants who attend an informational webinar are eligible to receive an application fee waiver.
RPCVs seeking consideration for the Coverdell Fellowship must submit their Description of Service (DOS) documentation—or, if currently serving, a letter from their Country Director confirming good standing followed by DOS documentation—to the Academic Director, who serves as the Coverdell Fellows Coordinator. Upon verification, applicants will receive a waiver code to be used prior to application submission. Candidates should also highlight their Peace Corps service within their curriculum vitae and statement of purpose.
All applications are reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee, with careful consideration given to academic readiness, leadership potential, interpersonal skills, writing ability, and professional maturity. Select applicants may be invited to interview with the Program Director. Admission decisions are communicated on a rolling basis and include notification of Coverdell Fellowship status and any associated tuition support.
Following admission, all students participate in university-wide orientation. Coverdell Fellows additionally receive a personalized orientation with program leadership, including individualized academic planning and guidance on internship opportunities aligned with their experience. Fellows also benefit from career development support through the Unanue Graduate Career Advancement & Engagement Center, which provides professional coaching, networking opportunities, and resources to support successful careers in healthcare administration.
Degrees awarded
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Benefits and opportunities
| In-state | Out-of-state | |
| Tuition and Fees | $92,082 | $92,082 |
| Value of Fellowship | $47,049 | $47,049 |
| Net Cost | $45,033 | $45,033 |
Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.
Estimated annual cost of living: $None
Cost savings details
25-50% tuition waiver
Internship
The Coverdell Fellows Program internship experience is designed to be both highly individualized and deeply impactful, empowering Fellows to align their professional training with their personal passions and long-term career goals. Fellows take an active role in identifying and securing their internship placements, supported throughout the process by the Master of Health Administration Program Academic Director, faculty mentors, and an engaged network of alumni, including Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
In partnership with the University of Miami Toppel Career Center, Fellows receive comprehensive career development support, including individualized advising, résumé refinement, interview preparation, and access to curated opportunities through our Unanue Career Center. Professional development programs such as Cane2Cane, Career Crawls, and InternU further equip Fellows with the skills and confidence to excel in competitive healthcare environments.
Fellows complete a minimum of 270 internship hours as part of their capstone course, translating academic learning into real-world impact. Each internship culminates in a faculty-guided capstone project addressing a critical organizational challenge, ensuring that Fellows graduate with both practical experience and demonstrated leadership in healthcare innovation.
Examples of internship placements: Cleveland Clinic, Overtown Community Based Health Clinic, KPMG, Deloitte
Other opportunities
Priority consideration is given for internship opportunities that focus on community involvement and community development through the lens of healthcare. RPCVs have access to our esteemed faculty member, Dr. Donna Shalala, former Peace Corps volunteer, Secretary of HHS, and President of the University of Miami. Additional opportunities exist for networking with other Coverdell Fellows at University of Miami and local Miami chapters of the Peace Corps.
Jobs for alumni
Career outcomes are largely driven by the delivery of care settings and the healthcare area of interest to each individual student. Graduates of the Master of Health Administration Program have gone on to hold impactful leadership and management positions across the healthcare industry, including:
- Vice President at Bone Foam
- Director of Project Management at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Director of Ambulatory Services at UHealth
- Account Manager for Revenue Growth at McKesson
Notably, the program maintains a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation, underscoring the strength of our training, professional development support, and industry connections. Graduates are well-positioned to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful impact across the healthcare landscape.
Nontraditional options
Part-time degree program
Contact Information
- Danielle Ellerbe, DNP, FNP-BC, RN
Academic Director of the Master of Health Administration
Phone: 305-284-9491
Email: daniellecellerbe@miami.edu
