Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2021
Choosing to complete a master's in healthcare administration online can give you the flexibility to continue working while gaining skills to help advance your career.
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If you're thinking about earning an online master's in healthcare administration, there's never been a better time. As our society continues to place greater importance on physical and mental health, the healthcare sector is seeing immense growth. Professionals who earn a master of healthcare administration (MHA) degree can position themselves for rewarding and lucrative careers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $104,280 in 2020. Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects 32% job growth for these professionals, eight times the projected growth rate for all occupations during that period.
Read on to learn more about MHA programs.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Program?
An online master's in healthcare administration prepares students for high-level leadership positions within healthcare organizations. Students gain foundational skills in finance, information technology, communications, and management.
Most programs require 36 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Degree-seekers develop communication and leadership skills while learning to make ethical and business-minded decisions. Although these programs are broad, learners can often focus their studies by choosing a concentration in an area like health informatics, gerontology, health education, health policy, or operations.
Graduates can apply to doctoral programs in healthcare administration or seek managerial positions in the field.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Program?
While the type of coursework you encounter can change depending on your chosen concentration, below we've outlined some of the most common courses students will take as part of their online master's in healthcare administration.
Organizational Behavior
This course focuses on understanding human behavior and social constructs in the workplace. By gaining insight into human motivation and attitudes, students learn to tailor their management styles to yield the greatest business results. Covered topics can include stress, power and politics, organizational structure, and decision-making.
Healthcare Financial Management
In this course, students learn to identify and analyze the financial viability of business decisions for healthcare organizations. Students gain insight into basic financial theory and financial and accounting terminology.
Health Economics
This course provides an overview of microeconomics and industrial organization in the healthcare sector. Students learn to understand the economic drivers of the healthcare system, the factors that influence consumer demand, and the nature of competition within healthcare organizations.
Law and Ethics
Ethical standards are at the forefront of healthcare education, and this course helps students understand the complex intricacies of law and ethics in healthcare management. Students learn to analyze moral issues surrounding topics like biomedical research while gaining insight into laws and patient rights.
Strategic Management
Strategic management courses help students tackle problems that can arise when running a healthcare organization. Learners devise and implement plans for hypothetical scenarios and work with groups to develop management strategies that can evolve along with the healthcare system.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What are Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Program?
When it comes to online master's in healthcare administration programs, the admission requirements are similar to on-campus graduate programs. However, you will need a stable internet connection and the ability to log on virtually during class times if you enroll in a synchronous program.
The list below explains some of the more common expectations for master's in healthcare administration programs. You may need to fulfill some additional requirements as well, like participating in a virtual interview.
Application
The first step involves filling out an online application. Schools may stick with a common type of application used across colleges, or they may require candidates to fill out an application unique to the college or program. With this form, you typically fill out basic biographical, educational, and employment information.
Test Scores
Master's in healthcare administration programs sometimes require applicants to submit standardized test scores. You may need to take the GRE or GMAT, which evaluate test-taker's verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. The GMAT also includes an integrated reasoning section. You can find several free online resources to help you prepare for these exams.
Letters of Recommendation
Often master's programs ask candidates to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. Some programs look for academic recommendation letters, while others ask for professional recommendations. Sometimes schools require both. Make sure to give your letter writers plenty of time before the deadline.
Resume and Work Experience
Many master's in healthcare administration programs require previous work experience within a healthcare setting, although this isn't the case for every school. Regardless, previous work experience can help you boost your admission chances. Make sure you update your resume with any relevant professional experiences before applying.
Essays
Graduate school requires a fair bit of academic writing. Master's programs often require application essays to evaluate whether students possess the writing skills to succeed in the program. Essays also provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your passion or interest in the field.
Official Transcripts
Make sure to send an official copy of your undergraduate transcripts instead of an unofficial report card that you have saved in your files. Also, check to see whether your prospective master's programs accept transfer credits from previous graduate coursework.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree?
Career Outlook
An online master's in healthcare administration opens the doors to rewarding and lucrative careers. Because most students are working professionals with years of experience, these programs prepare graduates for leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
Healthcare administrators earn high salaries and are in high demand right now. According to the BLS, medical and health service managers earned a median annual salary of $104,280 in 2020. The BLS projects 32% job growth in this field between 2020 and 2030, which is much higher than average.
Find out what else an online master's in healthcare administration can do for you. Learn more about healthcare administration careers.
Career Paths
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators supervise the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility or organization. They manage budgets, ensure that the organization meets financial goals, update technology, and organize health and business records. They may also manage human capital by hiring, training, and giving performance reviews.
Nursing Home Administrator
Working at long-term care facilities, nursing home administrators manage hiring and training processes, design budgets, monitor payroll, and coordinate patient care. They also make sure that their facility meets all state and federal regulatory standards and set policies and procedures that keep facilities safe for patients.
Hospital Administrator
Hospital administrators act as liaisons for governing boards and medical staff, coordinate medical services, recruit and hire doctors and nurses, and develop quality assurance procedures. They may also participate in hospital fundraising and community health planning.
Hospital CEO
Hospital CEOs plan, direct, and coordinate daily hospital operations with the help of administrators and assistant executives. These professionals balance managing the day-to-day operations of hospital activities while developing and implementing strategic initiatives to improve hospital efficiency and maximize profit.
Health Services Manager
Health services managers coordinate and supervise the healthcare services of a given facility or department. These professionals ensure the quality of patient care by managing personnel, developing infrastructure, handling public relations, and communicating internally.
Healthcare Administration Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
For many, a master's in healthcare administration alone can help them kickstart or advance in their careers. However, some students choose to continue their education and earn a doctorate in healthcare administration as well.
Since a doctorate is the highest degree in the field, doctoral graduates often go on to land top roles in healthcare administration. Those positions include directors of hospitals or entire healthcare systems. Students also enroll in doctorate programs to become experts in specific areas, like healthcare policy or education, and to work as faculty members at colleges and universities.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Program?
Cost
Program costs range considerably based on many factors, like whether you attend a private or public university, or whether you enroll as an in-state or out-of-state student. On the less expensive end, some schools charge $400-500 per credit. Pricier programs can cost anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 per credit. Most programs require around 36 credits, though some require closer to 50.
Whether you enroll in an online or on-campus school doesn't always make a difference in terms of cost. Whichever format you choose, make sure you take into account the true program cost, including things like fees along with tuition.
Program Format
Online master's in healthcare administration programs offer several different formats. Some follow a synchronous format, which means that distance learners need to meet at certain times. Others follow an asynchronous format. Plus, you can find full-time and part-time programs, in addition to accelerated degrees that allow you to graduate more quickly.
Location
Even if you enroll in an online program, location can still make a difference. You might need to attend campus for some in-person requirements. Or your program may require students to participate in an internship at a local healthcare facility. Check with your prospective programs to make sure you can access any on-location components.
Accreditation
When researching online master's in healthcare administration programs, make sure they possess accreditation. The accreditation process evaluates schools to ensure they offer students a quality education. Because of this, employers and doctoral programs often look for candidates with accredited degrees.
Student Support
Student support services can make a huge difference when earning your degree. Look for programs that offer services like mentorship programs and alumni networking, which can help you succeed in your career later on. Some colleges also offer tutoring. All of these student resources can prove especially helpful for online students, who may otherwise feel disconnected.
2021 Best Accredited Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
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UNC-Chapel Hill offers an executive master of healthcare administration that students can complete mostly online. This program offers working students the opportunity to hone their healthcare-specific leadership strategies, while also creating space for learners to become reflective professionals through methods like journaling, reflection, and hands-on experience.
Shaped around a cohort and competency-based model of education, UNC-Chapel Hill requires students to demonstrate proficiency in a specific competency core before graduation. Students produce a business or technical paper as a capstone project during their last year. Course highlights include advanced analytics, strategic planning and marketing, and health law.
UNC-Chapel Hill is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration
School Status: Public
Tuition: $927 per credit (in-state); $1,759 per credit (out-of-state)
Credit Requirements: 49 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online with three on-campus sessions per year
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A private research university located in Los Angeles, USC offers a mostly online executive master of health administration. Combining synchronous, asynchronous, and in-person learning, students complete most coursework online. However, they must complete two four-day residencies on USC's campus during the program. These residencies help build a supportive learning and research community.
Curriculum highlights include courses like leading people and healthcare organizations, managing and improving health, and developing and monitoring the quality of patient safety and outcomes. USC also provides networking opportunities for students to cultivate relationships with prior MHA graduates, helping them access professional support and coaching.
USC is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Executive Master of Health Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $3,990 per credit
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program Length: 1.5-2 years
Format: Online, except for two four-day residencies
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Based in University Park, Penn State World Campus offers an online master of health administration for students with professional work experience in the healthcare field. Curriculum highlights include courses such as financing healthcare, leadership ethics in health services organizations, and health economics.
Program faculty bring broad experience in healthcare, economics, public policy, and other specializations to help students advance in their healthcare careers. Participants can tailor their capstone classes toward a specific focus, selecting courses that fit their unique career choices or future plans.
Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration
School Status: Public
Tuition: $996 per credit
Credit Requirements: 49 credits
Program Length: 28 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Located in Washington, D.C., GW offers a mostly online master of health administration. Made up of eight 10-week learning modules, GW's program offers four immersion experiences, both on GW's campus and in select healthcare facilities. The live-streamed online classrooms include tools like live chats, break-out rooms, polling, and annotations. With classrooms built around collaborative learning, students engage with peers and professors in real time.
Students uncover their leadership style through simulated scenarios depicting common healthcare challenges. They receive post-scenario feedback from peers and professors, which can help them develop into confident administrators. Curriculum highlights include courses in leadership and ethics, finance and economics, community health, and more.
GW is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $1,765 per credit
Credit Requirements: 50 credits
Program Length: 2-4 years
Format: Online with four on-campus or in-person immersion experiences
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A public university with about 60,000 students, UMN offers a mostly online master of healthcare administration. The online curriculum helps students stay grounded in their current careers, bolstered by increased knowledge and support from peers. Peer support extends to alumni involvement, innovative leadership projects, and conversations with peers, faculty, and staff.
Curriculum highlights include courses in health economics, information technology in healthcare, and a healthcare leadership capstone that brings together various threads of leadership theory and practice into a unified final experience.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Healthcare Administration (Executive)
School Status: Public
Tuition: $1,014 in-state; $1,332 out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 42 credits
Program Length: 25 months
Format: Mostly online, with 25 days spent on-campus over the course of the program
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Located in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian offers a mostly online master of health administration. Participants choose a concentration in healthcare leadership or information systems, depending on their future career plans. Coursework is delivered almost entirely online, with two days spent on campus each semester.
Students planning to manage healthcare organizations, teams, and policies may want to select the healthcare leadership track. Alternatively, data management, IT, and logistical healthcare policy professionals may find the information systems track a better fit.
Course highlights include foundations of the U.S. healthcare system, performance improvements and applications in healthcare, and data analytics in healthcare. Appalachian is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration
School Status: Public
Tuition: $414 per credit in-state; $1,072 per credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 46 credits
Program Length: 2 or 3 years
Format: Online, with two days per semester spent on campus
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT may be required
Contact the School
A Lutheran school located in Seward, Concordia oversees an online master of healthcare administration program. The curriculum offers healthcare insight through the lens of Christian ethics. Courses last eight weeks and students complete a 70-hour practicum experience.
The curriculum offers students the opportunity to select one of four concentrations: gerontology, health information technology, leadership, and population health.
The gerontology concentration focuses on the science, sociology, and unique healthcare needs of older patients, while the health information technology track prepares students for careers in data management and care improvement. The leadership concentration focuses on resource, financial, and organization management, and the concentration in population health empowers students to identify behavioral and psychological conditions that affect overall health.
Concordia is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master's in Healthcare Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $500 per credit
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum specified
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A private university located in San Antonio, Texas, Trinity offers a mostly online master of science in healthcare administration. Curricular highlights include courses in strategic planning and marketing, healthcare organization and management theory, statistical analysis in healthcare, and managerial epidemiology.
Courses take place both synchronously and asynchronously, and students can engage in real-time conversations with professors and classmates. Each semester — including summer semesters — begins with a three-day experience on campus at Trinity. In concert with the program's cohort model, these on-campus experiences help foster a sense of community among students and faculty.
Trinity University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Health Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $12,166 per semester
Credit Requirements: 41 credits
Program Length: 23 months
Format: Online, except for a three-day session on campus at the beginning of each semester.
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required on last 60 credits of undergraduate work
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT required
Contact the School
Located in Lancaster, PA College offers a mostly online master of science in healthcare administration. Courses take place fully online, and students gain additional experience during two in-person experiences on PA College's campus.
Because PA College focuses exclusively on the healthcare sciences, students benefit from a school-wide culture invested in developing healthcare leaders by providing cutting-edge curriculum and expert faculty. Courses in applied healthcare administration, disease prevention in a diverse society, and strategic planning anchor the 34-credit curriculum.
PA College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $896 per credit
Credit Requirements: 34 credits
Program Length: 1.5-2 years
Format: Online, with two in-person experiences
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.8 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A private research university located in Philadelphia, Drexel offers a mostly online master's degree in health administration. Combining asynchronous online learning with a five-day on-campus residency, Drexel offers courses in four 10-week sessions per year. Students who enroll in this 45-quarter-credit program can choose a two-year or three-year course of study, allowing for added flexibility.
The curriculum is shaped around science, business, and contextual awareness coursework, with classes focusing on subjects like planning in the era of the Affordable Care Act, biostatistics, and comparative health systems.
Drexel is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $907 per quarter credit
Credit Requirements: 45 quarter credits
Program Length: 2 or 3 years
Format: Online, with a five-day on-campus residency
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason offers an online master of health administration in health systems management. The curriculum features asynchronous and synchronous coursework and focuses on building competencies in healthcare management, organizational leadership, and systems organization. Students demonstrate their abilities in these areas through a capstone practicum, working alongside a healthcare organization to tackle a real-world problem.
This capstone practicum builds on classes like organizational behavior, health policy leadership, and contemporary issues in healthcare. Students prepare to be future healthcare administrators who can work well in teams and make executive decisions when necessary.
Mason is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration in Health Systems Management
School Status: Private
Tuition: $895 per credit
Credit Requirements: 47 credits
Program Length: 32 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers an online master of science in healthcare administration. Through asynchronous courses delivered in eight-week blocks, students engage in a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for work at either public or private healthcare organizations.
Courses focus on topics like health administration and benefits management strategies, crisis management techniques, and financial models. Students can complete a 42-credit general master's track or take six additional credits and pursue one of 12 optional specializations (e.g., accounting, nonprofit management, or supply chain management and logistics).
Liberty is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $565 per credit
Credit Requirements: 42 or 48 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A private university located in Philadelphia, SJU offers an online master of science in health administration. The 42-credit curriculum features eight-week course sessions. Taught in the Jesuit tradition, students prepare to be compassionate leaders.
Learners can follow a general track or choose a concentration in informatics or organizational development and leadership. The informatics option may appeal to students interested in working in data management. Participants learn to outfit healthcare organizations with analytic, information, and organizational systems that help deliver exceptional care.
Alternatively, the organizational development and leadership concentration may suit those considering an administrative career. Courses prepare students to manage change, empower employees, and develop an ecosystem of care for patients and staff.
SJU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master's in Healthcare Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $905 per credit
Credit Requirements: 36 or 42 credits
Program Length: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.75 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not specified
Contact the School
Located in Richmond, VCU offers a mostly online master of science in health administration. The 22-month program offers a curriculum optimized for those already in the healthcare industry, combining asynchronous courses with six in-person course experiences, each lasting one week.
Courses cover topics like health system organization, health analytics and decision support, and healthcare marketing. Students interested in part-time enrollment may select a pathway that adds 10 months to their course of study.
VCU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Science in Health Administration
School Status: Public
Tuition: $701 per credit (in-state); $1,442 per credit (out-of-state)
Credit Requirements: 41 credits
Program Length: 22 months
Format: Online with six on-campus sessions
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.75 minimum preferred
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT required
Contact the School
A private college in Standish, SJC offers an online master of health administration. A Catholic tradition of service, leadership, and ethics grounds the 42-credit program. Students who study on a full-time basis take two courses per term and graduate in 21 months. Alternatively, part-time learners can graduate in 42 months by taking one course per term.
The competency-based curriculum ensures proficiency in key skills related to healthcare administration. Additionally, an optional concentration in Catholic health leadership offers deeper insight from a faith-based perspective. Courses cover areas like healthcare informatics, long-term care operations and administration, and gerontology.
SJU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Master of Health Administration
School Status: Private
Tuition: $574 per credit
Credit Requirements: 42 credits
Program Length: 21 or 42 months
Format: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.5 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
An online master's degree in healthcare administration can open the doors to high-level positions within healthcare organizations. Graduates of these programs can pursue careers as hospital administrators, nursing home administrators, hospital CEOs, and health services managers.
The salary for MHA degree-holders varies by title, location, and experience. According to the BLS, health services managers earned a median annual salary of $104,280 in 2020, while top executives made a median salary of $107,680 that year.
Most online MHA programs take two years of full-time study to complete. However, completion times depend on course load, transfer credits, and the individual program.
An MHA and an MBA are both solid degrees for students who aspire to high-level administration and management positions. Students who want more of a business foundation are likely better suited for an MBA in healthcare administration, whereas an MHA is a better fit for students who seek specific healthcare knowledge.
Students in an online master's in healthcare administration program learn how to effectively manage a healthcare organization. Covered topics often include law and ethics, strategic management, human behavior, finances, accounting, and communication.
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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