Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

TBS Staff Writers
By
Updated on June 27, 2024
Edited by
An online master of healthcare administration (MHA) program can provide students a flexible program to earn a master's degree in healthcare administration.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

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.

Featured Online MHA Programs

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration Degrees

#1 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

New York University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,770
  • Out-of-state$53,770
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$35,982
  • Out-of-state$35,982
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate13%
  • Students Enrolled58,226
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

University of Southern California

  • Location-markerLos Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$60,446
  • Out-of-state$60,446
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$60,446
  • Out-of-state$60,446
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate13%
  • Students Enrolled49,318
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

University of Pennsylvania

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,652
  • Out-of-state$54,652
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,732
  • Out-of-state$38,732
  • Retention Rate98%
  • Acceptance Rate7%
  • Students Enrolled23,374
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Location-markerChapel Hill, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,019
  • Out-of-state$35,580
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,552
  • Out-of-state$28,844
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate17%
  • Students Enrolled31,949
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment29%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

Johns Hopkins University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$58,720
  • Out-of-state$58,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$58,720
  • Out-of-state$58,720
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate7%
  • Students Enrolled31,275
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment80%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

Georgetown University

  • Location-markerWashington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$59,784
  • Out-of-state$59,784
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$54,672
  • Out-of-state$56,592
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate12%
  • Students Enrolled20,984
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

Boston College

  • Location-markerChestnut Hill, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$60,530
  • Out-of-state$60,530
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$32,616
  • Out-of-state$33,912
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate17%
  • Students Enrolled14,734
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

Clarkson College

  • Location-markerOmaha, NE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,880
  • Out-of-state$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,294
  • Out-of-state$12,294
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance Rate96%
  • Students Enrolled1,180
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Location-markerAurora, CO
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,400
  • Out-of-state$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$9,000
  • Retention Rate35%
  • Acceptance Rate96%
  • Students Enrolled10,844
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs Online

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,168
  • Out-of-state$18,566
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$911
  • Out-of-state$2,003
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled55,687
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes

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 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for healthcare professionals to grow 16% from 2020-2030.

How Much Does a Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?

The average master’s degree costs between $56,000-$75,000, according to EducationData.org. Costs vary by school, learners’ residency status, and program length. Master’s programs usually take two years to finish, though accelerated programs are available.

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.

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 Finance: 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 Services Administration: 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 Information Management: 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.

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.

How Much Do Healthcare Administration Majors Make?

MHA graduates average $83,000 annually, according to 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs

Medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $110,680 in May 2023, according to the BLS.