Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Management & Administration
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A master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) opens doors to leadership and management positions within the healthcare sector. Some potential job titles include clinic manager, hospital administrator, nursing home administrator, health information manager and managed care executive.
Online education is flexible, so students can continue working and meeting family obligations while earning a degree. Learn about the colleges and universities with the best MHA programs, how they work, and the steps to apply.
The Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Management & Administration Programs
Park University
Parkville, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Offered through Park University’s School of Business, the online Master in Healthcare Administration degree prepares students for leadership careers within the healthcare field. The program features concentration options in areas such as finance, business, human resources, accounting and management to equip students with the tools necessary for employment in their desired sector. Students complete a minimum of 36 credits, which includes a capstone project in marketing and management. While the majority of courses can be completed online, some are a combination of online and face-to-face and require attendance at the Kansas City, MO campus.
- In-State$8,413
- Out-of-state$8,413
- In-State$6,435
- Out-of-state$6,435
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,782
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- Standish, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Accredited by the NAB, the online Master of Health Administration degree program operates on a 12-week course cycle, offering prospective students four program start dates per year. The program was formatted to be adjustable, fitting into the busy demands and lifestyles of working adult students. The online courses require independent study and also synchronicity and participation in live video classes. To complete the degree within two years, students are recommended to enroll every semester and take two classes each time. For students with undergraduate experience in health administration, the MHA fast-track program allows transferring credits be applied to the master program.
- In-State$39,986
- Out-of-state$39,986
- In-State$9,766
- Out-of-state$9,766
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled1,235
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill first offered degrees in 1940. It currently enrolls 1,545 students. The two-year Master of Healthcare Administration is focused on the development of “decision-making capabilities and leadership skills” and is offered entirely online with campus residencies required for a number of days in the fall, winter and summer. Admission requirements include completion of a bachelor degree and acceptable scores from GRE or GMAT (foreign student language) tests. To graduate, students must 49 graduate credit hours, a Capstone project in business-plan development, and required practicum, fieldwork and internships.
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$35,580
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled31,949
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded as a Jesuit, Catholic university in 1851, Saint Joseph's University currently serves 3,038 graduate students. Its proximity to Philadelphia, America’s fifth-largest city, affords students access to career opportunities and institutional networking. The MS in Health Administration program is offered online or on campus, and it is comprised of 45-credit options in health informatics, organizational development and leadership, or health care ethics. Students who are not pursuing a concentration can complete 36 credits in general core studies for their degree. Applicants must have completed up to 2 years of related healthcare experience and hold a bachelor degree.
- In-State$47,740
- Out-of-state$47,740
- In-State$18,144
- Out-of-state$18,144
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled7,863
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Loyola University of Chicago was established as a private Catholic research university in 1870 and today serves more than 15,000 students. The management programs at Loyola are offered through the Quinlan School of Business. The school’s MBA in Healthcare Management (MBA-HCM) degree is an interdisciplinary program combining faculties hailing from medicine and law. Students enter in a cohort group and can complete the degree in two years. Curriculum is comprised of 17 courses for a total of 51 credits with a focus in business fundamentals, healthcare management fundamentals, advanced healthcare leadership, and advanced healthcare management.
- In-State$46,410
- Out-of-state$46,410
- In-State$18,990
- Out-of-state$18,990
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled16,899
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mississippi
- University, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) was founded in 1848. It currently is home to 24,000 students who pursue degrees within Ole Miss’ 15 academic divisions and the UM Medical Center. The university offers the 48-credit Master of Healthcare Administration degree in conjunction with the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the business division of the University of Mississippi. Coursework can be completed online; however students are required to complete an internship at a university-approved health care facility in the final semester during the summer.
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$26,292
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$26,294
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled22,300
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The merger of several Chicago-based health colleges created what was to become the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1859. Dubbed “Harvard on the Rocks”, UIC held campuses on Chicago’s Navy Pier before moving its own campus in 1964. The School of Public Health offers the current two-year Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program in conjunction with the UIC College of Business Administration. The 60-hour program culminates in a thesis and the preceptorship of a student portfolio. Students can opt to complete additional courses in lieu of completing a thesis to graduate.
- In-State$10,776
- Out-of-state$25,126
- In-State$11,870
- Out-of-state$24,738
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled33,747
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Wilmington University is a private institution founded in 1968 to serve an initial enrollment of 194 students. Today it offers degree programs to 18,000 students, more than 8,000 of them at the master’s degree level. Classes are offered online in 15-week, 7-week, and weekend formats, with blended courses that incorporate campus face-time with educators. The master of science in management degree with a concentration in health care administration focuses on developing advanced decision-making and problem-solving skills. It is comprised of a business management core and one of eight concentrations (36 credit hours) along with six credits of elective courses.
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,129
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis is offered by the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health. The degree program focuses on the development of business skills germane to health care environment. Students integrate learning with practical experience, undertaking 3-credit internships and project work for healthcare organizations. The school’s mentor program matches graduate students with area healthcare executives. The 51-credit program is made up of 42 credits in core studies and six credits of electives in health administration. Applicants must hold a bachelor degree and have completed undergraduate prerequisites in accounting microeconomics, and statistics.
- In-State$8,972
- Out-of-state$31,410
- In-State$9,366
- Out-of-state$25,872
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled25,979
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of South Carolina-Columbia Arnold School of Public Health was founded in 1975. Today it offers more than 45 degree and certificate options, including the interdisciplinary Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree. The 58-hour curriculum suits professionals seeking healthcare management and delivery roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory care settings, consulting firms, insurance businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Classes are offered in formats designed for full-time students and for part-time working professionals. Three hours undertaken in a management residency are required for graduation. Graduate students in the Columbia area may be queried for compensated graduate assistantships to support their learning.
- In-State$12,288
- Out-of-state$33,528
- In-State$13,374
- Out-of-state$29,760
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled35,653
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
How do Online Healthcare Management and Administration Master’s Degree Programs Work?
Online programs are structured differently than in-person or hybrid programs. The best MHA programs combine asynchronous (recorded) and synchronous (live) lectures to ensure flexibility and accessibility for working professionals.
Online programs include core courses, electives, and practical experiences. Programs may require a capstone project or an internship in a healthcare setting. Some programs coordinate practicums with participating hospitals, healthcare systems, universities, community colleges, and national and state agencies.
Coursework usually includes healthcare policy, health economics, organizational behavior, healthcare informatics, and financial management. The courses build a student’s leadership and strategic planning competency within a healthcare environment. Since most programs are flexible, candidates may complete them as full-time or part-time students. Most full-time students can complete the degree in roughly two years, while a part-time student has a maximum of five to six years, depending on the program.
Applying to a Master’s in Healthcare Management and Administration Program
Application to an MHA program involves several steps. Candidates must usually submit an application form, undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement or essay, and a resume. Some programs require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. Many schools include an interview in the application process.
- Admission Materials: Application form (usually online), an official transcript from an accredited bachelor program, letters of recommendation from academic and professional references, a personal statement, a resume, an interview, and optional GRE or GMAT test scores.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum 3.0 GPA is required from an undergraduate program, but this requirement can vary.
- Other Requirements: Some programs prefer relevant work experience in healthcare or management, specific undergraduate coursework related to business or healthcare. All require English proficiency testing for international applicants.
Why is Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation assures students that the MHA program meets established standards of quality. Independent accrediting bodies evaluate programs, including curriculum, faculty, and necessary resources for student success. Candidates living in Florida must earn a degree from an accredited program for licensure and certification in healthcare management roles.
Employers and licensing boards understand that accreditation ensures graduates have received high-quality education crucial for career advancement and meeting state-specific professional standards. All programs in our ranking of the best MHA programs are accredited and meet the criteria necessary for students to pursue licensure and excel in the healthcare management field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Healthcare Management and Administration Programs
Earning a master’s in healthcare management and administration is often worth the time and energy for those wanting to pursue healthcare management careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services manager jobs are projected to grow 28% from 2022 to 2032 — much faster than the average 3% growth for all occupations. The median annual salary is $110,680, which is greater than two times the median annual wage for all workers.
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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed June 10, 2024.
