Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration
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Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration
An online master of healthcare administration (MHA) requires 30-60 credits. Learners complete business and healthcare organization classes. Curricula varies by school, program, and specialization.
Students pursuing a degree in healthcare administration may specialize in fields like healthcare finance or healthcare information management. Some MHA programs only accept applicants with a strong GPA and an accredited bachelor's degree. Others require relevant professional experience.
Learners who graduate from healthcare administration master's programs may work as directors of quality care or hospital operations managers.
This page lists some of the best online master of healthcare administration programs. Read on to learn about costs and common classes. The final section covers how to pursue healthcare administrator careers.
View Our Rankings List HereFrequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration
Medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $104,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure surpasses the median $41,950 annual salary for all occupations.
An MHA meets or exceeds education requirements for careers such as health information manager, nursing home administrator, and health services manager.
Many schools offer specializations in healthcare operations and healthcare informatics. Other options may include financial management, health policy, and quality care.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Online master of healthcare administration programs provide flexibility. Many online programs run asynchronously, letting enrollees continue their careers.
Earning a master's degree in healthcare administration can help graduates advance their careers in a growing field. The BLS projects jobs for healthcare professionals to grow 16% from 2020-2030.
How Much Does a Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?
Master's degrees cost an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, costs vary by school, learners' residency status, and program length. Master's programs usually take two years to finish. Learners can complete accelerated programs faster.
Online programs may cost less because enrollees do not pay for campus housing or meal plans. Public schools usually offer the most affordable online master's in healthcare administration programs.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners can save money on commuting costs. However, they should plan for other costs, including internet, software, and a reliable computer. Schools that provide tech support or special online learning services may charge an online student fee.
Many online master's programs require at least one trip to campus. Learners may need to budget for lodging and travel costs. Just like on-campus students, online learners must also buy books and materials.
How Much Do Healthcare Administration Majors Make?
MHA graduates average $79,000 annually, according to March 2022 Payscale data. However, salaries vary depending on graduates' role, employer, and geographic location. Many degree-holders work as healthcare operations managers or hospital chief financial officers. Others work as directors of patient safety or healthcare consultants.
Master's in Healthcare Administration Classes
Master's in healthcare administration programs cover topics like healthcare services administration, healthcare information systems, and healthcare finance. Enrollees build skills in leadership, information management, and budgeting. Students also develop skills in risk management and marketing.
Many MHA programs let students choose a specialization. Common options include healthcare improvement and healthcare analytics. See below for three common classes in online healthcare administration programs. Keep in mind offerings vary by school.
Healthcare administrators need strong skills in financial analysis and planning. Enrollees explore cost-and-profit analysis and time-value analysis. They also learn how to create and present financial reports, manage accounts, and create budgets.Healthcare Finance
This required class introduces healthcare organization and delivery systems. Learners study the structure and performance of healthcare organizations. They learn how to plan healthcare services and problem-solve related issues. Enrollees also build leadership and communication skills.Healthcare Services Administration
Students learn how to select and use healthcare information systems to store and analyze healthcare data. They develop skills in healthcare information management (HIM) systems evaluation and management. This class may appear as a core requirement or an elective within a HIM concentration.Healthcare Information Management
How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators spend their days supervising personnel and overseeing operations. Duties may include scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring compliance. These professionals need at least a bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field.
Healthcare administrators also need administrative or clinical work experience in healthcare facilities. Nurses, health information technicians, and financial clerks may use their experience and education to qualify for promotion to health administrator roles. Nursing home administrators need licensure. This involves completing a state-approved training program and a national licensing exam.
Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration Degrees
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University of North Carolina at Chapel HillLocation
Chapel Hill, NC
Graduation Rate89%
UNC represents the first public university in the U.S., welcoming its first students in 1795.
Students enrolled in UNC's executive master of healthcare administration program attend synchronous online classes once or twice a week. This program also includes three on-campus sessions per year, for a total of 14 days.
Students graduate in two years after completing 49 credits and writing a business plan or technical paper. Applicants must have three years of healthcare or public health experience and currently work in the industry. They must have a bachelor's degree and submit transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0.
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University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate95%
Originally conceived in 1740, Penn ultimately came to life in 1751 thanks to Benjamin Franklin.
Penn offers a master of science in nursing and health care administration in a hybrid format. Sample courses include current issues in health and social policy and concepts in healthcare economics.
Students must complete 14.5 course units to graduate. Applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing. Those with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 do not need to submit a GRE score. Applicants must also meet immunization requirements, possess CPR certification, and pass a drug and background check.
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Penn State World CampusLocation
University Park, PA
Graduation Rate71%
Penn State launched its online learning platform — World Campus — in 1998. Today, it offers more than 150 online degree programs.
Students can complete Penn State's master of health administration through online coursework and in-person management intensives. The program typically lasts 28 months, or seven semesters.
Students must complete 49 credits to graduate. Applicants should have at least 3 years of professional work experience and a bachelor's degree. They should also currently work in the health care field. Penn State prefers a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate coursework.
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Johns Hopkins UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
Graduation Rate93%
Founded over 140 years ago, Johns Hopkins bears the distinction of America's first research university.
Johns Hopkins offers an online master of science in health care management program with a two-day on-site residency requirement. Courses include accounting for decision-making in health care, health care law and regulation, and frameworks for analyzing health care markets.
Students must complete 36 credits to graduate. Applicants must gain admission to Johns Hopkins' Carey Business School and should expect to submit transcripts verifying the completion of a bachelor's degree, as well as recommendation letters.
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University of Southern CaliforniaLocation
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate92%
Founded in 1880, USC taught just 53 students in its first semester. Now, enrollment has surpassed 46,000.
USC offers its executive master of health administration program in a hybrid format, combining both asynchronous and synchronous online lectures with in-person activities. Core competencies include communication, business and management knowledge, and knowledge of the healthcare environment.
Students must complete 36 credits and two four-day residencies to graduate. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and have at least 5 years of work experience at the mid to senior level.
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Florida International UniversityLocation
Miami, FL
Graduation Rate58%
First opening its doors in 1972, FIU had the largest opening enrollment of any university when it welcomed 5,667 students for its first semester.
Students can earn a master of business administration in healthcare from FIU in just 18 months. The program combines accelerated online classes with three residency experiences, which may also take place online.
Students must complete 42 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience, as well as a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for upper-division courses.
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University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Graduation Rate80%
Founded over 150 years ago, UMN currently teaches more than 50,000 students.
UMN's master of healthcare administration program combines online learning with 26 days of on-campus study. Students complete the program in about 25 months. Sample courses include innovation of health care services and healthcare financial principles.
Students need 42 credits to graduate. Applicants should currently work in healthcare and hold three years of clinical leadership experience. They must also possess a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate coursework.
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Clarkson CollegeLocation
Omaha, NE
Graduation Rate53%
Founded as the first school of nursing in Nebraska, Clarkson graduates more than 350 students annually.
Clarkson offers a fully online master of science in health care administration program. Courses last six weeks, and students take one course at a time. Sample courses include healthcare analytics and health care project management.
Students must complete 39 credits to graduate. Applicants must submit transcripts showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
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Appalachian State UniversityLocation
Boone, NC
Graduation Rate72%
Appalachian represents just one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System.
Appalachian provides its master of health administration program online with one brief in-person campus visit per semester. Students can choose a concentration in health care leadership or information systems.
Students must complete 46 credits to graduate. Applicants must submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree and a personal statement. Students with a cumulative GPA less than 3.0 must also submit GRE or GMAT scores.
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Western Carolina UniversityLocation
Cullowhee, NC
Graduation Rate62%
Founded in 1889, WCU currently offers more than 120 degree options to over 12,000 students.
WCU offers a master of business administration degree with a specialization in health care administration. Classes take place in a hybrid format, with students meeting face-to-face in Biltmore Park every other week.
Students must complete 36 credits and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in order to graduate. Full-time students can graduate in just three semesters.
Applicants must submit transcripts showing completion of an undergraduate degree. WCU may also ask for GMAT or GRE scores depending on work experience or academic history.
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Pennsylvania College of Health SciencesLocation
Lancaster, PA
Graduation Rate66%
Founded in 1893 with just one nursing program, PA College now offers more than 20 degree programs.
PA College offers a master of healthcare administration degree in a hybrid format. Students complete courses online and participate in two on-campus sessions throughout the program. Sample courses include leadership in healthcare, innovation and technology, and health promotion and disease prevention in a diverse society.
Students must complete 34 credits to graduate. Applicants must already have a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better and have earned at least a "C" grade in an undergraduate statistics course.
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Rutgers University-New BrunswickLocation
New Brunswick, NJ
Graduation Rate80%
Founded in 1766, Rutgers currently teaches over 71,000 students.
Students enrolled in Rutgers' master of health administration program can choose between hybrid or online formats. Students can also choose between a traditional or executive MHA program based on their academic and work experience.
Students must complete 45 credits and a practicum to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The application process requires transcripts, a resume, at least 2 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
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Trinity UniversityLocation
San Antonio, TX
Graduation Rate76%
Founded in 1869 by Cumberland Presbyterians, Trinity prides itself on its open, inviting atmosphere.
Trinity offers a part-time hybrid program for students earning a master of science in health care administration. Each semester begins with three days of on-campus study, and then transitions into online learning.
Students must complete 41 credits to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and currently work in a healthcare setting. They must also have prior management experience.
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Trevecca Nazarene UniversityLocation
Nashville, TN
Graduation Rate54%
Founded in 1901, Trevecca currently offers 17 master's degree programs.
Trevecca students can complete a master of health care administration degree fully online and in as little as 18 months. Students take just one asynchronous course at a time. Possible courses include operations management in health care, technology innovations in health care, and an optional 12-week practicum in a specific area of interest.
Students must complete 33 credits to graduate. Applicants must already have a bachelor's degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. In addition, applicants must have earned at least a "C" grade in all undergraduate math and English courses.
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George Washington UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate82%
Founded in 1821, GW celebrates its bicentennial in 2021.
GW first offered its master of health administration program online in 2014. This program does require some in-person immersion experiences. Students can complete the curriculum, which consists of eight 10-week modules, in as little as two years.
Students must complete 50 credits and 4 immersion experiences to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of full-time healthcare experience. They must also currently work in healthcare.
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University of the SouthwestLocation
Hobbs, NM
Graduation Rate18%
Although originally founded on Baptist principles, USW currently operates as a non-denominational institute.
USW not only offers an online master of business administration with a healthcare administration specialization, but also provides each student with laptop so they can complete their studies. Courses include leading healthcare organizations, controllership, and healthcare policy analysis and decision making.
Students must complete 36 credits to graduate. Applicants must already have a bachelor's degree. The application process also requires a resume and a personal essay.
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Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied HealthLocation
Omaha, NE
Graduation Rate63%
Founded in 1891, NMC remains a tight-knit community with just over 1,000 students enrolled.
NMC offers a 100% online master of business administration in healthcare degree program that students typically complete in 24-30 months. Potential courses include consumer health informatics, business intelligence and applied healthcare analytics, and healthcare IT project management.
Students must complete 42 credits to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above and should submit a written statement and resume along with their transcripts.
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Roberts Wesleyan CollegeLocation
Rochester, NY
Graduation Rate68%
Founded in 1866, Roberts teaches its students with a Christian and liberal arts perspective.
Roberts offers its master of science in health administration program in a 100% online format. Students can finish in just 18 months. Courses include organizational leadership, health care finance management, and health care informatics.
Students must complete 43 credits to graduate. Roberts prefers applicants with at least two years of experience in the healthcare field and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
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University of MaryLocation
Bismarck, ND
Graduation Rate55%
Founded in 1959, Mary blends Benedictine values into its curriculum.
Students can complete Mary's online master of business administration with a healthcare specialization in as little as 16 months. Courses include healthcare law and policy, contemporary issues in healthcare, and healthcare organizations and finance.
To graduate with this specialization, students must complete the MBA program with nine credits in the required healthcare concentration courses. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Submit transcripts to apply.
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University of Cincinnati-Main CampusLocation
Cincinnati, OH
Graduation Rate68%
Founded in 1819, UC currently enrolls more than 46,000 students.
UC offers an online master of health administration degree program. Sample course topics include emerging issues in health systems management, health care finance, and health policy and regulation.
Students must complete 40 credits to graduate and earn at least a "C" grade in all courses. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to transcripts, applicants must submit three references, a resume, and either a letter of intent or an essay.
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Southeast Missouri State UniversityLocation
Cape Girardeau, MO
Graduation Rate49%
Founded in 1873, SEMO currently offers more than 75 graduate degree programs.
SEMO students can earn an online master of science in healthcare management degree in a 100% online format. Possible courses include healthcare database systems, health psychology, and healthcare risk management.
Students must complete 30 credits to graduate. Applicants must have earned at least a 3.0 GPA during their undergraduate studies. They must also meet one of the following criteria: a GRE of 147 or better, a GMAT of 500 or better, or an active healthcare practioner's license.
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Minnesota State University MoorheadLocation
Moorhead, MN
Graduation Rate46%
First opening in 1888 as the Moorhead Normal School, MSU Moorhead underwent several name changes in the 20th century, finally earning its current iteration in 2000.
MSU Moorhead offers an online master of business administration with healthcare management degree program. Students can complete all courses through asynchronous online sessions with the option to also participate in live, interactive online sessions. Course topics include healthcare delivery science, healthcare economics, and organizational behavior.
Students must complete 37 credits to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, plus a GMAT score of at least 450.
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Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady UniversityLocation
Baton Rouge, LA
Graduation Rate35%
Founded in 1923, FranU weaves Franciscan values into its educational programs.
FranU offers a 100% online master of health administration program, which students can complete in 12 to 18 months with either a part- or full-time schedule. Courses include bioethics, health systems and trends, and quality and performance improvement.
Students must complete 31 credits to graduate. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree. Those with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 must also submit an essay and two letters of recommendation. This program also has a prerequisite statistics course.
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Virginia Commonwealth UniversityLocation
Richmond, VA
Graduation Rate67%
VCU first began its distance learning program in 1988.
VCU offers its master of science in health administration degree in a hybrid format. Students attend classes online and meet on campus six times throughout the program. Students — even those working full time — can complete the program in just 22 months.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and at least 5 years of professional healthcare experience, with management experience preferred.
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University of North Carolina at GreensboroLocation
Greensboro, NC
Graduation Rate53%
One of 17 campuses in the UNC system, UNCG awarded its first graduate degree in 1891.
UNCG offers an online dual-degree program for a master of science in nursing and a master of business in administration in health management. Courses include research methods in nursing and law, policy, and economics of healthcare.
Students must earn 62 credits and complete a clinical practicum to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and preferably one or more years of full-time clinical experience. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check, hold a current RN license, have a Basic Life Support certification, and meet vaccination requirements.
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