The Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration
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A master's in healthcare administration program prepares professionals for complex and demanding roles.
The healthcare field is currently experiencing faster-than-average growth driven by an aging population and increasing demand for services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 18% growth rate in health services manager employment between 2018 and 2028. Health services managers also have a median annual salary of $100,980, with the highest earners working in government or local, state, and private hospitals.
The following guide discusses how to choose a program, what to expect from your classes, and what careers are available to graduates.
What Is an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree?
An online healthcare administration master's prepares students for management positions in health services organizations. Healthcare administration programs provide students with a broad understanding of leadership styles and information systems. Students also learn to solve financial problems and assess strategies for improved patient care.
"An online healthcare administration master's prepares students for management positions in health services organizations."
Some programs offer specializations like informatics, organization development and leadership, or healthcare policy. These options allow students to gain career-oriented skills like electronic medical records management, program development, and policy interpretation. Having a specialization can make candidates stand out to potential employers.
Online MHA programs typically attract healthcare professionals looking to enhance their management capabilities and pursue career advancement opportunities. Flexible online formats and limited on-site requirements allow for minimal interference with work, family, and other obligations.
Featured Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
Choosing an Online MHA Program
While online MHA programs have much in common with one another, especially in terms of subject matter, prospective students should evaluate their differences to select the program that best fits their own unique goals and needs. Some factors to consider include the following:
- Program Cost: It is important to research each prospective school's tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options. Estimate your ROI by researching salaries in your local area.
- Transfer Policies: Look for generous transfer policies if you want to apply credits from another school or hope to earn competency-based credit for prior learning.
- School Size and Type: Online experiences can be greatly impacted by things like class sizes, whether the program uses a cohort or individual learning, and the amount and availability of student services.
- Program Length: Most master's programs take two years to complete, but some specializations or joint degrees, like MHA/MBA programs, take longer. Longer programs can increase overall cost.
- On-Campus Requirements: Some online MHA programs require students to attend on-campus residencies, which enrich the educational experience. However, they can be challenging obligations to meet for students who live far from campus, so it's best to research any such requirements before enrolling.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements: MHA programs usually culminate in a final project or on-site practicum at a local healthcare facility. Before enrolling, make sure you are prepared to complete all degree requirements.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master's in Healthcare Administration Program?
Most online healthcare administration master's programs include coursework in team leadership, financial skills, information technology management, and organizational awareness. MHA programs typically require 36-42 credits.
Some degrees offer concentrations in areas like informatics, strategic leadership, healthcare policy, and global health. MHA programs may also require on-campus residencies or an on-site practicum.
Healthcare Administration Curriculum
- Clinical Systems Management: This course introduces concepts related to computerized clinical information systems and computer-based patient records. Coursework focuses on quality improvement, change management, governance, and clinical leadership development in complex healthcare settings.
- Organizational Behavior: This course explores the factors that affect the behavior, performance, and job satisfaction of employees. Coursework focuses on best practices for managing teams, individuals, and whole organizations. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage and lead in healthcare settings.
- Health Economics: This course introduces students to the economic forces affecting the production, consumption, reimbursement, and financing of healthcare services. Coursework covers market characteristics of acute and long-term care services, insurance services, and healthcare labor. Students analyze healthcare operations and planning through the lens of demand, cost production, profit, and competition.
Accreditation for Online MHA Programs
Accreditation ensures that a school or program adheres to certain standards. The three types of accreditation are regional, national, and programmatic. All three types involve a rigorous, third-party review process of curriculum content and other factors like student services, school spending, and faculty qualifications.
National and regional accreditation apply to an entire institution. Regional accreditation, overseen by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, is generally considered more reputable than national accreditation, which often applies to for-profit institutions. Most regionally accredited schools do not accept transfer credits from nationally accredited schools.
Programmatic accreditation is a separate form of accreditation. Agencies and organizations evaluate and award this type of accreditation to individual programs and departments based on industry-specific educational standards. When researching online MHA programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
Healthcare Administration Jobs
An MHA provides highly transferable skills applicable to many careers. Potential industries include higher education, social services, advocacy, and government. A few of these careers are explored below.
Median Salary 2020
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030
College administrators oversee administrative departments at universities, including things like student services, academics, or admissions. Job duties vary depending on the department. Administrators in student affairs assess and support non-academic activities, while academic administrators manage budgets and participate in appointing faculty.
These professionals typically need a master's degree in a relevant field, and employers may prefer prior experience in a postsecondary setting. An MHA provides applicable training in project management, team leadership, and financial skills. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required to succeed in this career.
Median Salary 2020
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030
Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and long-term care facilities. Tasks include goal development, staff development and supervision, financial management, and record-keeping.
An MHA is an ideal degree for aspiring medical and health services managers thanks to its interdisciplinary focus on healthcare systems, business administration, and health information technology. Successful managers have keen analytical, technical, and leadership skills.
Median Salary 2020
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030
Social and community service managers coordinate and oversee community organizations and social service programs. Specific job duties vary depending on the organization's size and target demographic, but these professionals often recruit and train staff, analyze the effectiveness of service programs, and write funding proposals.
This career typically requires several years of experience and a bachelor's or master's in social work, business administration, public health, or a related field. Ideal candidates demonstrate excellent managerial, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
The Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
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Frequently Asked Questions About MHA Degrees
Full-time students can complete an online master's in healthcare administration in two years. Certain specializations and joint degrees may require 3-4 years.
Students who earn a master's in healthcare administration online can pursue careers in health services management, administrative services management, healthcare social work, and health information technology.
Salary potential varies by career, employer, and geographic location. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $100,980.
Healthcare administration encompasses both the daily and long-term management, leadership, and oversight of complex healthcare systems like hospitals, outpatient facilities, and nursing homes.
An MHA is a graduate degree that prepares students for management careers in healthcare. Courses often cover health policy, marketing and communications, and financial analysis.
MBAs and MHAs teach similar competencies in business management, but an MHA focuses on the healthcare field. Some MHAs also require on-site practica.
While MHA graduates have excellent job prospects across the country, determining the best career is a subjective process that depends on individual priorities like pay, location, schedule, and job duties.
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