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.
Popular Online Healthcare Administration Master’s Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Management & Administration Programs
Park University
Parkville, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Next Steps
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.
