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Best Masters of Health Administration Programs

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best master's degrees 2016

Now is an exciting and challenging time to work in the healthcare industry!

We are witnessing an aging population, changing demographics, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes. Therefore, the need for savvy healthcare managers and administrators has never been greater.

Effective leaders in health care can do all of the following:

  • assess organizational problems and needs
  • analyze critical data
  • collaborate with others
  • formulate solutions
  • impact policy
  • improve the delivery and stability of the healthcare system

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What Will You Learn in the Best Masters of Health Administration Degrees?

A master’s degree is the standard credential for current professionals in the healthcare field who want to equip themselves for leadership roles and advancement in their career.

A high-quality online degree program will help you take your career to the next level. It will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills while giving you the flexibility to remain in your job.

Because the curriculum in most online programs is practice-based as much as theoretical, what you learn will be immediately applicable to your work environment!

A master’s degree will also make it possible for those seeking a new career in healthcare to obtain entry level leadership positions.  

Most students pursue a Master of Health Administration. Or for a greater emphasis on business practices, an MBA in Health Administration. Other specializations are available, including executive, clinical, and informatics programs. Put business skills to work and find a job in the healthcare sector.

Courses may include topics such as:

  • healthcare finance
  • organizational leadership
  • health information systems
  • healthcare organization
  • marketing
  • business communication
  • operations management
  • community health
  • population health management

What Can You Do With a Masters in Health Administration?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031. This is faster than the average for all occupations.

Career opportunities are available and growing in a wide variety of areas beyond healthcare administrators, including:

  • hospitals
  • medical group practices
  • health insurance organizations
  • long-term care facilities
  • physician practices
  • healthcare associations and healthcare organizations 
  • universities and research centers

The Bureau of Labor and Industries reports that Medical and Health Services Managers’ median pay in 2021 was $101,340 per year.

Those who are equipped with professional experience in healthcare organizations and master’s degrees can reach mid- and upper-level management positions. They have opportunities to earn even more.

Our Methodology for the Masters of Health Administration Rankings

To create our MHA programs rankings, we only considered schools that possessed regional accreditation. These schools must also be listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics for having distance graduate programs in healthcare administration or a related field.

Then, to wrap up our masters of health administration rankings, we evaluated colleges and universities based on the following factors:

  • Reputation
  • Flexibility
  • Affordable tuition
  • Return on investment

It’s tough to come up with a comprehensive list of all the best masters of health administration. This ranking covers the top 30. However, you’ll find other top notch choices for professional development in healthcare management and health policy at schools like:

  • University of Alabama
  • University of Florida
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • New York University
  • University of Washington
  • Columbia University
  • University of South Carolina
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • The Ohio State University

Ready to get started on your search for a healthcare administration program? Take a look at the following online school rankings to find the best master of healthcare administration to help you meet your goals!

30 Best Masters of Health Administration Programs

#30. Tiffin University’s School of Business

Tiffin University is near the Sandusky River in Tiffin, Ohio. It began in 1888 as a for-profit institution. It became a private, nonprofit university in 1939. Over 1,000 graduate students attend here. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

First on our online MHA programs rankings is Tiffin University.

Tiffin

The School of Business offers an online degree program for a MBA. It has a concentration in Healthcare Administration. Designed with working professionals in mind, this health administration program educates students in the areas of:

  • management
  • emerging technologies
  • financial management
  • referral systems
  • health law/ethics

Students gain skills in:

  • communication
  • leadership
  • teamwork
  • information technology
  • problem solving
  • managing healthcare organizations
  • working at a medical center

This 36-credit health care management program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The curriculum involves 18 courses over five semesters. Tuition is affordable per credit hour.

Some of the courses in this master’s in healthcare administration are:

  • Financial Accounting
  • Business Research Analysis
  • Managing Healthcare Systems
  • Healthcare Process Management

A final capstone course culminates student learning in the second year.

#29. University of North Dakota’s College of Business and Public Administration

This online health administration program is located in the city of Grand Forks. The University of North Dakota is home to nearly 3,400 graduate students. It holds the honor of being the state’s oldest and largest university. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

UND

You’ll find another best masters degree in health at the University of North Dakota. The College of Business and Public Administration offers a 100% online degree program. This online MH program is for a Master of Public Administration with a Health Administration track.

This 36-credit health administration program takes two or more years to complete. It includes live web classes one evening per week.

The program develops management and analytical skills for competency in the areas of:

  • ethics
  • leadership
  • financial management
  • human resource development
  • experience working in healthcare organizations and medical center facilities
  • policy
  • management theories
  • research methods
  • governmental institutions

The Health Administration track in this master’s in healthcare administration involves four courses:

  • Health Policy
  • Health Organization and Administration
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Administration
  • Health Economics

You’ll pay a low per credit tuition rate and financial aid is available.

#28. Belhaven University’s School of Business

Belhaven University is a private, nonprofit, Christian liberal arts institution. It is in an historic neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi. This university was founded in 1883. It now enrolls over 2,500 undergraduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools provides regional accreditation. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Belhaven University

The School of Business offers a 100% online degree program for a Master of Health Administration. This 36-credit online health administration program takes just two years. Classes are offered in eight-week terms.

Students gain academic, practical, and technical skills for use in the health care industry.

Christian values are infused into the curriculum for MHA students.

A sampling of course offerings for this master’s in healthcare administration includes:

  • Current Issues and Trends in Health Administration
  • Ethics in Health Care
  • Leading High Performance Teams
  • Health Care Finance and Budgeting
  • Health Care Quality Management

The program concludes with a Health Administration Capstone.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must show a professional resume. This must illustrate at least two years of relevant work experience. You must also have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA for these healthcare administration degree programs. 

#27. Loyola University Chicago

This school is located in “The Windy City.” Loyola University Chicago is a private, nonprofit Jesuit Catholic institution. It has almost 5,600 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Loyola

Loyola University Chicago offers two online master’s degree programs related to leadership in the health care industry. The Master of Arts in Health Care Mission Leadership program prepares students for senior leadership positions. The online MHA program prepares students for programs where duties include developing and protecting the identity and mission of the health care organization. The MHA program curriculum covers topics in ministry, health care, and bioethics.

Courses are offered all online. However, students must also complete an education practicum in their home state. Full-time students complete this 36-credit-hour program in two years.

The MS in Nursing degree in Health Systems Management maintains nurses’ core values of quality care. It incorporates:

  • emerging technologies
  • evidence-based decision making
  • management

In this health care management program, students may choose a focus in either Health Care Informatics or Outcomes Performance Management. This school of public health offers an affordable cost per credit rate.

#26. Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Graduate and Professional Studies

Mount Vernon Nazarene University opened in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in 1968. This private, nonprofit institution offers a liberal arts education. It has an evangelical Christian mission.  The student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. Over 360 graduate students attend here. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Mount Vernon Nazarene

Graduate and Professional Studies offers an online degree program for an MBA in Health Care Administration. This 12-course program includes nine business courses for career advancement covering subjects such as:

  • accounting
  • economics
  • human resources management for local healthcare executives
  • finance
  • management
  • marketing

Three additional courses in Health Care Administration round out the program. This online MHA program is ideal for practicing clinicians and health care professionals who want to make a greater impact in the workplace through increased leadership.

Students in this master’s in healthcare administration study:

  • health services management
  • legal aspects
  • health care human resources
  • quality management
  • strategic leadership

#25. The Charlton College of Business at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is also known as UMass Dartmouth. This public academic institution traces its roots to a textile school founded in 1895. It is part of the University of Massachusetts System. UMass Dartmouth enrolls over 1,600 graduate students. It reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The Charlton College of Business offers a 100% online MHA degree program for a MS in Healthcare Management. This 30-credit-hour program includes eight required courses. In addition, students choose two elective courses, a Master’s Project, or a Master’s Thesis.

Scholars and practitioners contribute to the curriculum. Core coursework in this online MHA covers:

  • management of costs
  • quality
  • error reduction
  • the development of leadership, motivation, and collaborative skills

Required courses in this master’s in healthcare administration include (but are not limited to):

  • Strategic Cost Management
  • Management of Health Care Operations
  • Lean Operations in Health Care

Graduates learn how to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare. They become equipped with the leadership skills needed to effect organizational change. Students may pursue their degree at a part-time or full-time pace. This online program is not available to residents of:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota

Tuition is billed at an affordable cost per credit rate, with financial aid available for part time and full time students alike.

#24. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology began in 1958. Its goal was to serve professionals working in the space program at what is now Kennedy Space Center. It is located in the city of Melbourne. This private, nonprofit institution is also known as Florida Tech. It boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 and enrolls over 2,700 graduate students. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools administers regional accreditation.

Master’s in Health Program Details

Florida Tech

Florida Tech offers an online degree program for MBA programs in Healthcare Management. This online MHA program begins with a two-course sequence in the essentials of business development. Through case study analysis, students learn business fundamentals. This health care management program also covers skills in healthcare policy and management.

The curriculum of these healthcare administration programs takes a case method approach. Students draw from highly collaborate, real-world applications. This degree may be earned in two years or less.

The online MHA program includes:

  • six credits of Program Foundation courses
  • 15 credits of foundational courses
  • 12 credits of Specialization courses
  • 3 credits in a Capstone course

This is for a total of 36 credits. This program is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

#23. Seton Hall University’s School of Health and Medical Sciences

This university is located in South Orange, New Jersey. Seton Hall University is a private, nonprofit institution. It was founded by a Catholic bishop in 1856. The university enrolls over 3,800 graduate students. They experience a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Seton Hall

The School of Health and Medical Sciences offers an online degree program for a Master of Healthcare Administration. It combines online courses over six semesters with three in-person, five-day Intensives (residencies).

The curriculum for this online MHA is delivered to Learning Teams of 15-20 students each. The health care management program focuses on key areas such as:

  • the healthcare environment
  • change management
  • financial competencies
  • decision-making
  • strategic leadership
  • analysis

This program draws many mid- to senior-level professionals in the healthcare industry. However, this online MHA program is also open to motivated individuals with bachelor’s degrees. The 42-credit program culminates in a Capstone Project and Leadership Institute.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Prospective students must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a curriculum demonstrating academic rigor
  • three letters of recommendation
  • a statement of goals
  • a resume

The degree has a competitive admission rate. Financial aid is available to help reduce some of the cost per credit hour.

#22. Colorado State University-Global Campus

This university was founded in 1870. Colorado State University is a land-grant research institution located in picturesque Fort Collins. The Global Campus (based out of Greenwood Village) enrolls over 2,300 graduate students. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 38 to 1. The university is ranked as one of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best National Universities.” 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Colorado State University Global

The Global Campus offers a 100% online MHA program. This is for a Master of Healthcare Administration and Management.

This health care management program trains students for a wide variety of leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Graduates will be able to:

  • identify and solve healthcare organizational problems
  • apply business theory and management knowledge to the healthcare industry
  • analyze issues with a critical lens
  • understand policies and procedures
  • follow laws and ethics

These healthcare administration programs offer eight-week courses. There are term starts once per month for every class. Fourteen specializations are available for students to customize their healthcare administration degree. Each of these degree options consists of four courses.

A sampling of specializations in this master’s in healthcare administration includes:

  • Accounting
  • Human Resource Management
  • Information Technology
  • Organizational Learning and Performance
  • Strategic Innovation and Change Management

With a competitive admission rate, this school is ranked as one of the best by U.S. News & World Report. Tuition is offered at an affordable cost per credit hour.

#21. Dallas Baptist University’s Graduate School of Business

This university was founded in 1898. Dallas Baptist University is a private, nonprofit Christian institution in the hills of Southwest Dallas, Texas. Its mission is to provide Christ-centered quality education. About 2,000 graduate students attend here. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. The university is ranked as one of the “Best Regional Universities West.” The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools provides regional accreditation.

Master’s in Health Program Details

Dallas Baptist

The School of Business offers an online MHA program for a Master of Arts in Management with a concentration in Health Care Management. This program trains students to become successful managers in health care facilities. The degree consists of 24 hours of Required Core Curriculum and 12 hours of Concentration Courses.

Some of the core courses in this master’s in healthcare administration are:

  • Leadership in Management
  • Communications and Business Behavior
  • Organizational Change and Development

The four Concentration courses are:

  • Strategic Health Care Planning, Marketing, and Policy
  • Managed Health Care
  • Long-Term Care and Administration
  • Health Services Management Capstone Initiative

Dual degree opportunities are available.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants to these healthcare administration programs must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree
  • evidence of sound moral character,
  • a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • either a a successful score on the MAT or GRE, five or more years significant work experience, or 12 hours of graduate coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Financial aid is available, upon application, to help reduce the cost per credit hour for full time and part time students.

#20. Ohio University’s College of Health Sciences and Professions

This school was established in 1804. Ohio University is the ninth oldest state university in the United States. The institution makes its home in Athens. This is about 75 miles southeast of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Over 5,600 graduate students attend here. They experience a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The university is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best National Universities.” 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Ohio University

The Department of Social and Public Health offers a 100% online public health program for a Master of Health Administration. This health care management degree takes as little as two years.

This online MHA program is for mid-career health professionals. It increases leadership and decision-making skills for advanced-level expertise in the business of health care. The faculty is comprised of practitioners and scholars. This gives students the best learning opportunities for a relevant education.

There are twelve courses in the health care management program. They cover topics like:

  • introduction to the health care delivery system in the United States
  • leadership of health organizations
  • health policy
  • strategic planning
  • ethical issues

There are three start times per year. These are in the fall, spring, and summer. Most students take a course or two per semester over six semesters. The schedule is predictable. The online format of these healthcare administration programs make them flexible enough to fit the lives of busy working professionals.

#19. University of St. Francis’ College of Business and Health Administration

This university was founded in 1920. The University of St. Francis is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. It is located in Joliet, Illinois. The university enrolls 2,000 graduate students. They experience a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university is top ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the category of “Best Regional Universities Midwest.” 

Master’s in Health Program Details

University of St. Francis

Another of the best management programs for healthcare professionals can be found at the University of St. Francis.

Online students at the University of St. Francis have the option to pursue a MS in Health Administration (MSHA), or an MBA with a Health Administration concentration.

The online MSHA degree program is geared toward students with knowledge and experience in specific areas of health care.

This online MHA degree has a rigorous curriculum. It provides foundational understanding of theories of management as well as practical application. Most students in this public health program have worked in the health care industry for a number of years.

This 36-credit, nine-course MHA degree program takes as little as 15 months. The online MBA degree program offers relevant, up-to-date curriculum. It conveys essential business knowledge of:

  • global and competitive challenges
  • the value chain of business
  • analytical thinking
  • leadership
  • decision-making

The concentration in Health Care Management allows students to choose three of five courses that advance student expertise in health care processes. These MHA programs take just 12-18 months.

#18. Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership at University of Saint Francis

Not to be confused with the last University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana is home to a private, nonprofit institution called University of Saint Francis. This school of almost the same name opened in 1890. This liberal arts university follows the Catholic Franciscan tradition. About 450 graduate students attend here. They enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

The University of Saint Francis offers an online degree program for a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). This 45-credit health management program prepares students for leadership positions in the changing healthcare environment.

Graduates of this healthcare management program can:

  • understand administrative functions
  • analyze complex problems to find solutions
  • take on greater leadership roles
  • evaluate organizations
  • make decisions with confidence
  • pursue personal and professional goals

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants to this health policy and management program must have :

  • a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA
  • a current resume
  • a document outlining professional goals

For students who already possess a Master of Business Administration, this administration MHA program also offers a completion track of 24 credits to earn an MHA. The admission rate is low and competitive, but the degree offers phenomenal job placement rates. That makes it one of the best programs in the country. 

#17. The Graduate School at Western Kentucky University

This university is located on a hilltop campus in the small city of Bowling Green. Western Kentucky University is a public institution with a graduate enrollment of over 2,700 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1. The university is top ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the category of “Best Regional Universities South.” The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools administers regional accreditation.

Master’s in Health Program Details

WKU

The Graduate School offers an online degree program for an Executive Master of Health Administration. This healthcare management and policy program is ideal for working professionals in the health care industry. It is a flexible 42-credit public health program that is conducted online. This MHA degree does include three classroom visits per year on weekends.

Students in this master’s in healthcare administration take 33 credit hours of core courses. These are in topics such as:

  • Biostatistics for Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health Administration
  • Health Behavior

Students choose one Elective Course from a selection of seven. Students take two three-credit-hour courses in a concentration area. This must be approved by an advisor.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must be health care executives, physicians, or other health care professionals. They must have at least five years as working healthcare professionals in the field. Those with less experience may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.

#16. Gardner-Webb University’s Graduate School of Business

Gardner-Webb University is a private, nonprofit leader in Christian higher education. It was founded as a high school in 1905 in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Now, the university enrolls over 1,700 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. The university is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best schools in the category of “Best Regional Universities South.” Gardner-Webb University has secured regional accreditation. This is through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Master’s in Health Program Details

Gardner Webb

The online Master of Business Administration has an emphasis in Healthcare Management. The curriculum includes 30 hours of fundamental MBA coursework related to health policy and management. Examples include:

  • Managerial Accounting
  • Marketing Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Business Law and Ethics

The core work in this administration master’s also includes a Capstone Course in Strategic Management.

For the Healthcare Management Emphasis, students choose two courses from a selection of five. These are in areas of:

  • health care administration
  • organizations
  • economics
  • marketing
  • law/ethics

Students gain a working knowledge of business and managerial skills. The administration MHA offers solutions to help them thrive in their organization. You may have to take courses in accounting and business administration prior to enrollment. The program has excellent job placement rates, making it one of the best health policy and management programs in the country.

#15. Champlain College

Champlain College is in Burlington, Vermont. It is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1878. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. Just over 460 graduate students attend here. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Champlain

The Divisions of Graduate and Continuing Professional Studies offers a 100% online degree program for a MS in Health Care Administration.

This revised health management and policy program challenges students to think in a bold and innovative way as they prepare to plan, manage, and deliver care in a health-related setting.

The public health program is aimed at students who are experienced healthcare professionals. It provides opportunities for new thinking and unique approaches. The goal of this administration MHA is to increase efficiency and make significant improvements to healthcare delivery.

The program is designed on an interdisciplinary cohort model. This means a small group of students works together throughout their studies. They tackle courses together in eight-week terms.

#14. Gillings School of Public Health at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill welcomed students to campus in 1795. It was the nation’s first public university. It is now one of three academic anchors in a region known as “The Research Triangle.” The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1 and enrolls nearly 11,000 graduate students. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers a partial online degree program for an Executive Master of Healthcare Administration. These MHA programs equip graduates to join core executive teams in a variety of health organizations.

Students in this master’s in healthcare administration take courses in:

  • public health
  • systems operations
  • financial and strategic management

Limited on-campus visits (three per year) increase networking and cross-learning opportunities from savvy peers. These are across numerous healthcare areas. The public health program includes Effective Executive workshops. Students complete their degree in 24 months.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants to the school of public health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree
  • three letters of recommendation
  • an application essay
  • scores in the 50th percentile on the GRE/GMAT

The admission rate is competitive, but worth the effort.

#13. Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences

Western Carolina University is the westernmost institution in the University of North Carolina System. It is located in the town of Cullowhee, near the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains. The university enrolls nearly 1,600 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1. Western Carolina University has earned regional accreditation through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Master’s in Health Program Details

The College of Health and Human Sciences offers an online degree program for a Master of Health Sciences with a Health Management Concentration. The public health program prepares executives and administrators to excel at leading in the delivery of health care services at a variety of organizations. Students learn management skills in public health related to:

  • financing
  • emerging technologies
  • regulatory compliance
  • policy development
  • marketing
  • daily operations

The curriculum for this master’s in healthcare administration includes:

  • nine semester hours of Core Courses
  • 15 hours of Specialization Courses
  • six hours of Elective Options
  • three hours of a Completion Option (a Research Project or a Thesis).

Core courses in this administration master’s are:

  • Systems and Policy in Health Care
  • Biostatistics
  • Research Methodology in the Health Sciences

The advanced Specializations Courses include:

  • an Independent Study
  • an Internship
  • a Research Seminar

The admission rate to this program is low, but you can improve your odds of being accepted with a high GPA and GRE scores.

#12. Brenau University’s School of Business

Brenau University is a private, nonprofit academic institution in Gainesville, Florida. It was founded in 1878. Brenau University operates six campuses and boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. About 1,200 graduate students attend here. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools issued regional accreditation. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Brenau University

The School of Business offers an online degree program for an MBA in Healthcare Management. This 45-credit program includes 15 courses which can be taken one or two at a time. Thirty credits belong to the MBA core. 15 credits belong to the Healthcare Management concentration.

The program is designed to give students a solid foundation in key leadership and management principles. These MHA programs also give students the ability to be critical thinkers and make sound decisions in a fast-changing, competitive healthcare environment. Classes start six times per year. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants to these MHA programs must have at least two years of full-time experience in the health professions. You also need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

#11. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati has a main campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a public research university enrolling over 11,000 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a 100% online degree program for a Master of Health Administration. It was designed through a unique partnership between the College of Allied Health Sciences, the Lindner College of Business, and the College of Medicine. This 39-credit-hour degree program involves 10 courses.

The master’s in healthcare administration curriculum includes:

  • Health Systems Management
  • Health Care Finance
  • Health Care Marketplace
  • Public Health
  • Health Policy
  • Health Quality

Students also take two Concentration Courses via the school of public health. These are called Global Health Systems and Emerging Issues in Health Systems Management. The program culminates in a Capstone Course in Health Systems Management. During this, students pursue an integrative experience. They can choose a management problem from their workplace and using the skills and knowledge acquired in the program to present an effective solution.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Courses last 7.5 weeks. Most students take two courses per term. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. GRE scores are optional for most candidates.

#10. Trinity University’s Department of Health Care Administration

Trinity University is located in San Antonio, Texas. Trinity University is a private, nonprofit institution with a graduate student population of nearly 200. It has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1. Trinity University was founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1869. Trinity University has secured regional accreditation through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Master’s in Health Program Details

Trinity University

The Department of Health Care Administration offers an online Executive Program in Health Care Administration. This CAHME accredited program is one of the best.

These MHA programs are designed for individuals currently working in a health care setting. It allows them to take flexible online courses at a part-time pace. These MHA programs can be completed in about twenty three months. This 42-credit program involves 14 courses and integrates conceptual and experiential learning. Students complete a variety of health policy and management experiences that prepare them for job placement in the field. 

Students in this administration’s master are prepared for management and leadership roles in the health care field. The program limits class size to 20 students. Three days of intensive, on-campus study are required at the beginning of each semester. Then, students participate in coursework online and through regular class teleconferencing sessions.

Students are admitted once per year. They advance through the program as a cohort. GRE scores may be required for full time and part time candidates alike. 

#9. Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions at Regis University

Regis University opened in 1877. It is the only Jesuit Catholic university in the Rocky Mountain West. This private, nonprofit institution in Denver, Colorado. It enrolls almost 4,200 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Regis University

Regis University offers a fully online degree program for a Master of Science in Health Services Administration. This 36-semester-hour degree involves 12 courses in Health Services Administration. It builds on students’ existing work experience to boost their opportunities for leadership and management in health care. Students with little or no health care experience can begin with a bridge course in Health Care Delivery Systems.

The curriculum for this master’s in healthcare administration includes eight-week courses. These are in:

  • finance
  • operations
  • quality
  • research
  • technology management

Students complete the program in about 18-24 months. Students can begin in the spring, summer, or fall. Course size is limited.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They also need two years of work experience in a health care setting with some management experience preferred. GRE scores are optional. 

#8. Sol Price School of Public Policy University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private, nonprofit institution. It began in 1880. It opened in Los Angeles. The medical university in Los Angeles offers an urban learning environment with a large graduate population of over 23,700 students.  The student-to-faculty ratio is a low 9 to 1.  

Master’s in Health Program Details

University of Southern California

The Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California offers an online Master of Health Administration program that includes a couple administrative residency experiences. These each last a few days. The curriculum is aimed at working professionals. It prepares them for positions as:

  • managers
  • senior managers
  • directors
  • executive directors
  • vice presidents

A sampling of courses for this master’s in healthcare administration at the University of Southern California includes:

  • Health Care Economics, Financing, and Reimbursement
  • Operational Efficiency Processes in Health Care Organizations
  • Quality of Care

Each course in the program has articulated learning goals for maximum student competency. The program lasts six semesters. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • academic transcripts
  • three letters of recommendation
  • a professional resume
  • a personal statement of purpose
  • at least five years of professional experience at the mid to senior level

#7. Penn State World Campus

Penn State University is a public research university with a main campus in University Park. It has many additional campuses throughout Pennsylvania.  Penn State World Campus is the online campus for Penn State. It first opened in 1998. World Campus now enrolls over 4,500 graduate students. They enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Penn State

Penn State World Campus offers a 100% online degree program for a Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration. This 49-credit program offers a strong business management education. This complements student work experience in a health-related field.

The curriculum offers the tools necessary for strong leaders to face the challenges of the ever-changing dynamics in the health care industry. Penn State World Campus collaborates with both the Penn State Department of Health Policy and Administration, and the School of Public Affairs.

This is to bring experienced and knowledgeable faculty to this program. This CAHME accredited program is one of the best options for those interested in public health. 

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants should have strong academic preparation. They need at least five years of full-time professional work experience, and references.

#6.George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences

In 1821, an Act of Congress created George Washington University. It is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. This private, nonprofit university enjoys a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. About 14,900 graduate students attend here. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

George Washington University

The School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a 100% online degree program for a Master of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Management and Leadership. This 36-credit program equips clinicians with enhanced knowledge in management and leadership. It prepares them for a variety of mid- and upper-level management positions in the health care system.

Courses in this master’s in healthcare administration are asynchronous. They cover topics in:

  • human resource development
  • marketing of clinical services
  • financial management
  • leadership and change

Students take:

  • six hours of research coursework
  • nine hours of strategic leadership coursework
  • 18 hours in clinical management and leadership
  • three hours of electives

Up to six credits may be transferred into the program.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • relevant clinical work experience in health care
  • a resume
  • official transcripts
  • one letter of recommendation
  • a statement of purpose

#5. Saint Joseph’s University’s College of Arts and Sciences

Saint Joseph’s University is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known as the “City of Brotherly Love.” This private, nonprofit, Jesuit Catholic institution began in 1851. About 3,500 graduate students now attend here. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a 100% online degree program for a Master of Science in Health Administration. This practice-based program is taught by experienced professors. They are experts in the field and integrate theories into real-world application.

The program includes a choice of two career-focused concentrations in either Health Care Ethics or Informatics. The Health Care Ethics concentration examines complex moral and ethical considerations. These include genetic testing before birth, and end-of-life care.

The Informatics concentration focuses on emerging technologies in the world of electronic medical records. These include IT infrastructure and enhanced data management.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

The degree includes 36-42 credit hours, depending on the concentration. Students complete the program in two to three years. 

#4. Panuska College of Professional Studies at University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania, is home to a private, nonprofit, Jesuit Catholic institution called University of Scranton. The medical university was founded in 1888. About 1,600 graduate students are enrolled here. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

University of Scranton

The Department of Health Administration and Human Resources offers a 100% online degree program for a Master of Health Administration. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This CAHME accredited program is taught by expert practitioner faculty.

The courses in this master’s in healthcare administration supply students with necessary competencies. These are based on the ACHE Healthcare Leadership Alliance competency model. These are in the five domains of:

  • Communication and Relationship Management
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  • Business Acumen

Students will be prepared to meet leadership demands with confidence and expertise.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

The program requires 44 credits and a three-credit internship of 150 hours of fieldwork. It has a total of 47 credits for the degree. Most students in the program have several years of experience in the field. Students complete the degree in as little as 2.5 years.

#3. The Graduate School at Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is located in the city of Marion. It’s about 70 miles northeast of Indianapolis. This private, nonprofit institution began in 1920 and follows the evangelical Christian tradition. Over 4,500 graduate students are enrolled here. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1. Indiana Wesleyan University has secured regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Master’s in Health Program Details

Indiana Wesleyan University

The Graduate School provides an online degree program for an MBA in Healthcare Administration. This cohort-based program is taught by instructors with professional expertise.

There are six learning outcomes for graduates in this master’s in healthcare administration. They include:

  • designing solutions and strategies for complex business problems in healthcare
  • evaluating personal management capabilities
  • integrating critical analysis with healthcare administration disciplines
  • synthesizing ethics standards of decision-making
  • creating communication strategies
  • integrating a biblical framework

Students complete the 42-credit-hour program in 18-20 months.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Six credit hours may be allowed for transfer into the program. 

#2. The Graduate School and Continuing Education at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is a private, nonprofit, Lutheran university located in Valparaiso, Indiana. It is about an hour’s drive from Chicago Illinois. Over 1,200 graduate students attend here. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools granted this regional accreditation. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University offers an online degree program for a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. This program equips students to apply business principles and best practices in healthcare settings. Like most MHA programs, it focuses on understanding legal and ethical aspects and helping to drive policy changes that improve organizational performance and patient care.

The 36-credit degree may be earned in as little as 24 months. It includes 27 credits in foundational courses and nine credits in Specialization Courses. Students choose one of four specializations:

  • Leadership
  • Health Informatics
  • Forensic Health
  • Gerontology

Students pursuing the Health Informatics specialization must demonstrate basic competencies in calculus and statistics through relevant coursework prior to beginning this track.

A sampling of core coursework in this master’s in healthcare administration includes:

  • Understanding Health Care Organizations
  • Project Management
  • Financial Management
  • Ethics in Health Care

#1. Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is located on a 143-acre urban campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This private, nonprofit, global research and medical university was founded in 1900. About 6,700 graduate students attend here. They enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1. 

Master’s in Health Program Details

Carnegie Mellon University

The School of Public Policy and Management offers an online degree program for a Master of Medical Management. This cohort-based program was established in 1998. It lasts 18 months and includes four residencies on campus. Each administrative residency lasts around four days.

This program is designed for physicians and maximizes the professional work experience among peers to combine theory with real-world application. The mission of the program is to “educate physicians as innovative, ethical leaders to make substantial contributions to the transformation of health care organizations.” Students complete nine courses online. They spend about 15 hours per week on coursework.

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Applicants must be physicians with at least five years of professional experience past their administrative residency. They must complete prerequisite courses. The application deadline is April 1st. Cohorts begin each fall.

 

Michael Templeton
Managing Editor

Kacey Reynolds Schedler
Contributing Editor