Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

  • A master's in healthcare administration prepares you for leadership positions within the healthcare industry.
  • MHA grads receive a targeted business education with a healthcare focus.
  • People with this degree may benefit from a rapidly growing job market and strong salaries.
  • These professionals are in high demand because of an aging population and a growing emphasis on preventative care.
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Updated on June 28, 2023
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Not everyone who wants to get into healthcare is destined to work directly with patients. Some people would rather build the operational infrastructure that makes patient care possible. And those are the people who should get a master's degree in healthcare administration (MHA).

If that sounds like something you're interested in, here's what you should do next:

  • Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online master's in healthcare administration programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
  • Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.

Is a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

Yes. An MHA is a smart way to capitalize on the growing demand for healthcare workers without needing to provide direct patient care. The degree qualifies you for many high-paying careers where you'll help improve patient outcomes, increase operational efficiency, and provide high-quality services that impact people's lives.

Benefits of Getting a Master's in Healthcare Administration

  • The job outlook is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021-2031. That's over 56,000 openings a year on average!
  • The pay is good. The BLS reports that medical and health services managers earned over $100,000 a year in May 2021, with the highest-paid 10% earning more than $200,000 a year.
  • The degree is versatile. An MHA equips you with the business knowledge and specialized healthcare expertise you need to address organizational challenges at every level. You can use your training to pursue healthcare roles in marketing, project management, human resources, information technology, or whatever else you're interested in.
  • The work is rewarding. Healthcare administrators make strategic decisions about how healthcare organizations run, resulting in better patient outcomes and improved employee well-being.

Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Healthcare Administration Online

  • Online degrees are more flexible. An online MHA program gives you the freedom to set your pace, study from anywhere, and hold down a job or family while pursuing a degree.
  • Online degrees can save you money. Aside from potential savings when it comes to on-campus fees, you won't need to pay a budget for moving or commuting. If you can keep working, you won't lose any wages either. In some cases, online programs may even cost less than traditional programs.
  • Online degrees are great for career advancement. Increasingly, desirable healthcare positions require advanced degrees. Getting your MHA online allows you to acquire the skills and training you need to grow your career.

Read More: What Is Healthcare Administration? What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

Featured Master's in Healthcare Administration

Best Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs

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#1 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Franklin University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $670
Out of State | $670

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

Franklin University offers a master of healthcare administration program entirely online. The healthcare administration at Franklin University includes education in ethics, finance, healthcare law, and strategy. While the program is 36 credits long, up to four credits can be transferred based on certification by a professional healthcare organization.

You must have a GPA of at least 2.75 and demonstrate English language proficiency. Additionally, you must submit official transcripts and a resume.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$16,080
Retention Rate
9%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,926
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565 

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Liberty University's master of science in healthcare administration prepares you for the strategic management challenges necessary to excel in healthcare administration. The healthcare administration program at Liberty allows you to choose a specialization in areas such as accounting, finance, human resources, and leadership. 

The program takes a minimum of two years to complete. And you complete the program with a capstone course summarizing all content.

In addition to the application and associated fee, you must submit college transcripts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Seton Hall University

  • South Orange, NJ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,450
Out of State | $1,450

Credits to Graduate
42

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Seton Hall University offers their master of healthcare administration degree in both hybrid and in-person formats This healthcare administration program focuses on leadership in healthcare, management, critical thinking, and professionalism and ethics. The program includes real-life learning activities, including simulations, and you conclude the program with a capstone project.

You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0, but this requirement is flexible for those with prior healthcare experience. You must also submit three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a personal statement.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,920
Out-of-state
$42,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,372
Out-of-state
$24,372
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
9,814
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

AdventHealth University

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $670
Out of State | $670

Credits to Graduate
39

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

AdventHealth University offers a master's in healthcare administration in strategy and innovation. Course offerings at AdventHealth's healthcare administration program include healthcare finance, population health management, and ethical issues and public policy.

You must submit an application, resume, and personal essay, as well as two letters of recommendation. You must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,275
Out-of-state
$24,275
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
1,802
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

  • Carbondale, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $1,174

Credits to Graduate
42

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

SIU Carbondale's master's in healthcare administration is designed for distance learning students and those who are employed full time. In addition to coursework, SIU requires you to complete either an individual research project, a graduate residency, or an internship.

You must have a minimum of a 2.7 GPA in order to enroll in the program. And international students must meet additional criteria. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,591
Out-of-state
$9,591
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,268
Out-of-state
$28,170
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
11,366
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,020
Out of State | $2,000

Credits to Graduate
49

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

UNC Chapel Hill designed their online MHA program exclusively for students currently working full-time. Their two-year master's in health program is primarily online with three on-campus sessions per year. Additionally, you must complete a capstone course and a business plan or technical paper during your final year.

You must have at least three years prior experience in healthcare and currently be employed in the field with some managerial or supervisory experience.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Pfeiffer University

  • Misenheimer, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $680
Out of State | $680

Credits to Graduate
39

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Pfeiffer University offers a master of health administration program for busy professionals looking to advance their career. Core curriculum focuses on areas such as leadership, law and ethics, and health economics. Pfeiffer's program supplements classroom learning with activities such as applied field experience, and an optional study abroad session. 

You can choose to pair your degree with an MBA. Applications must include official transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,550
Out-of-state
$30,550
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,600
Out-of-state
$12,600
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
1,185
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Utica College

  • Utica, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $690
Out of State | $690

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Utica University provides a flexible, customizable MHA for those looking to pursue a career in healthcare administration. Utica University's curriculum allows for multiple elective courses to tailor the degree to your interests. All degrees culminate in a resume building capstone project.

You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Along with your application, you must submit transcripts, a personal statement, resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,560
Out-of-state
$21,560
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,480
Out-of-state
$21,480
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
4,613
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Concordia University-Irvine

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $615
Out of State | $615

Credits to Graduate
40

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education

Concordia University Irvine's MHA is tailored to prepare students for leadership positions across healthcare settings. The curriculum offers a broad survey of applicable business and management fundamentals. In Concordia's MHA program, you complete a capstone project integrating coursework and prior experience in the setting of a larger healthcare organization.

To apply, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0. You must submit transcripts, a statement of intent, at least one professional reference, and a resume. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,250
Out-of-state
$37,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,121
Out-of-state
$8,121
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
4,071
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees of 2023

Radford University

  • Radford, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Tuition
In State | $4,590
Out of State | $8,980

Credits to Graduate
N/A

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Radford University offers an MHA for students seeking careers in higher management of healthcare organizations. The Radford University MHA program emphasizes strategic thinking, data and analysis, and interprofessionalism. You'll work with the Carilion Clinic to earn real-life health management experience.

You must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and meet prerequisite course requirements. Applications must include two letters of recommendation and a resume. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,922
Out-of-state
$19,557
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,915
Out-of-state
$17,441
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
10,695
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How Much Does a Master's in Healthcare Administration Cost?

Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree

Public Institution | 2019-2020

$12,394

Private Institution | 2019-2020

$26,621

Source: National Center for Education Statisticss

You can keep your graduate school costs as low as possible in a few ways.

Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?

How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Healthcare Administration?

Average Base Salary, MHA, Healthcare Administration

$80,000

Source: Payscale, December 2022

Average Base Salary, MS., Healthcare Administration

$85,000

Source: Payscale, December 2022

Median Annual Pay for Medical and Health Services Managers in 2021

$101,340

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)


Source: BLS

How Long Does an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Take?

Typically, MHA students complete their degrees in 2-3 years. Accelerated programs can be as short as 18 months long. Part-time programs can take between 3-6 years.

Average Length of Time*

2 years

Required Course Credits*

30-60 credits

*Varies depending on your school/program

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree?

An MHA provides you with the expertise and skills required for a variety of leadership roles within healthcare. Plus, leadership roles tend to pay higher salaries.

Want to work in a hospital? An outpatient clinic? A nursing home? Or how about a pharmaceutical company or a rehab center? Maybe you're more interested in working for a mental health nonprofit or government agency.

Great: You can do it all with an MHA.

Popular Healthcare Administration Jobs

Healthcare Administrator

Nursing Home Administrator

Health Services Manager

Biopharmaceutical Manager

Quality and Safety Manager

Risk and Compliance Manager

Hospital Administrator

Hospital CEO

Healthcare Consultant

Clinical Director or Supervisor

Clinical Trials Manager

Operations Manager

Note that some of the above healthcare administration jobs may require extra or specialized training.

Read More: 7 High-Paying Careers in Healthcare Administration

Master's in Healthcare Administration Curriculum

Coursework often focuses on specific challenges in healthcare. You may analyze case studies or healthcare policy statements as part of your assignments.

Before graduating, you'll typically complete a capstone project to address a real-world problem. Requirements vary by program, but you may complete a healthcare marketing plan or analyze hospital policies and procedures. Another option could involve developing a training program for healthcare administrators.

Common courses include:

  • Healthcare information systems
  • Healthcare financial management
  • Healthcare law and compliance
  • Leadership in healthcare administration
  • Budgeting and management
  • Health policy

Specializations

Along with core coursework, you may be able to pursue a specialization or concentration to further develop your skills in a focus area.

Common specializations include:

Health Policy: Health policy covers issues related to healthcare access, medical insurance, and safety regulations. You may also use your knowledge to evaluate and analyze current health policy debates.

Health Informatics: This concentration combines the study of data science, information security, and business as they apply within healthcare organizations. You may deal with electronic medical records, telemedicine delivery, or strategic data analysis.

Healthcare Marketing: A marketing plan is essential for successful business ventures. And medical organizations must carefully consider how they market their brands and services. This concentration teaches you how to balance marketing strategies with hospital regulations.

Project Management: This concentration enables you to pursue professional project management credentials. You'll learn about processes and tools that can help you define a project's scope, develop budgets, track task completion, and ensure quality control.

MHA Certifications

Some MHA students choose to pursue a certification in addition to their master's degree. A certification shows proficiency in a focus area. These credentials can set you apart from the competition when seeking a job in the healthcare field.

Common certifications related to healthcare administration include:

  • Certified medical manager (CMM)
  • Fellow of the American college of healthcare executives (FACHE)
  • Certified professional in healthcare risk management (CPHRM)
  • Certified healthcare administrative professional (cHAP)
  • Certified revenue cycle executive (CRCE)
  • Certified revenue cycle professional (CRCP)
  • Certified healthcare financial professional (CHFP)
  • Certified professional in healthcare information and management systems (CPHIMS)
  • Certified healthcare access manager (CHAM)
  • Certified professional in healthcare quality (CPHQ)

Is a Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree Right for Me?

Do you want to make the way we deliver healthcare better for everybody while also pulling a serious salary? Do you want to be the person calling the shots and finding better ways to do things? Are you patient, strategic, a problem-solver, and a leader?

Then a master's in healthcare administration is probably a great fit for you.

Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree

What is the difference between an MHA and an MBA in healthcare administration?

An MBA in healthcare administration provides a broad business focus. It includes generalist courses on finance, strategy, economics, marketing, and accounting in addition to healthcare management courses. Students with an MBA in healthcare administration may find it easier to transition into roles in other industries.

Coursework for an MHA is more specialized. You'll study many of the same business fundamentals as an MBA student but will do so specifically through a healthcare lens. An MHA may be a better choice for people who want to become healthcare experts.

What can you do with an MHA?

With an online MHA degree, you can pursue leadership and management positions across various functions and healthcare organizations. Places of employment may include hospitals, assisted living facilities, and doctor's offices. You could also work at outpatient care centers, pharmaceutical companies, and nonprofit or government agencies.

What are the admission requirements for a master's in healthcare administration?

Common requirements for applying to a master's in healthcare administration include:

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