20 Best MHA Programs in 2024 | Complete Student Guide
Aside from getting healthcare certifications, enrolling in any of the best MHA programs can enhance your career as a healthcare administrator.
Earning a master’s degree in health services administration involves acquiring leadership skills that will allow you to work as a consulting health administration or director of the strategy for a payer organization.
This program will also equip you to make decisions that can help drive the strategic direction of an organization and support thousands of employees and patients.
Basically, a Master of Health Services Administration (MHA) degree helps students and professionals take their careers and leadership roles in health care delivery and financial organizations to the next level.
These students and professionals are equipped to plan, coordinate, and direct services in all facets of health care delivery, for example, in pharmaceutical, consulting, and medical organizations.
In addition, health care administrators are in high demand at global health, human rights, and other government agencies, private, and non-profit health care organizations as the number of older people increases.
Currently, there are many universities that offer master’s programs in health administration. Aside from management programs, they also dominate In Healthcare Informatics Online and other related programs.
As you read this article, you will learn about the top 20 MHA programs and the schools that offer them. With your knowledge, you can carefully decide on the program to start that can help you build a lasting career in health care.
Table of Contents.
- 1. George Washington Online MHA Program
- 2. Ohio University, Athens, OH
- 3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- 4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- 5. Seton Hall University, South Orange
- 6. Pennsylvania State University
- 7. University of Scranton
- 8. University of San Jose
- 9 University of Cincinnati.
- 10. University of Central Florida, Orlando
- 11. Weber State University – Ogden, Utah
- 12. Poughkeepsie Marist College, New York
- 14. Texas Woman’s University Denton, Texas
- 15. University of Missouri, Columbia
- 16. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- 16. George Mason University
- 17. Des Moines University
- 18. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
- 19. Saint Louis University
- 20. University of Minnesota
BEST MHA programs
Here are the best healthcare administration master’s degree programs available:
- George Washington Online MHA Program
- Ohio University, Athens, OH
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Seton Hall University, South Orange
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Scranton
- Saint Joseph University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Central Florida, Orlando
- Weber State University – Ogden, Utah
- Poughkeepsie Marist College, New York
- Texas Women’s University Denton, Texas
- University of Missouri, Columbia
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- George Mason University
- University of Des Moines
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
- Saint Louis University
- University of Minnesota
1. George Washington Online MHA Program
Tuition Cost: Estimated $90,000
Course duration: 2 years
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
First on our list of the best master’s programs in healthcare administration is the George Washington University MHA program.
This program is for passionate professionals looking to advance their healthcare careers, assume leadership positions in diverse health-related settings, and oversee effective change in communities around the world.
They also seek experienced candidates with a history of professional and educational excellence who are passionate about becoming healthcare leaders. And you don’t need to have a GRE score before you enroll in the program.
Enrolling in this program is a sure step to becoming a Health Manager.
Requirements for the online MHA program at GW, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree
- Have at least two years of full-time experience in the health sector or three years of full-time experience in any industry
- Currently working in the health sector.
2. Ohio University, Athens, OH
Tuition Cost: $25,338 for Ohio residents and $26,022 for non-residents.
Course duration: 1 year for full-time or two years for part-time.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
First on our list of the best MHA programs is Ohio University’s Master of Health Administration. This program will give you the confidence and strategic vision that will enable you to lead healthcare organizations into the future.
Your program provides a comprehensive perspective that will enable you to balance Healthcare’s charitable mission with the business obligations necessary to build profitable organizations that deliver excellent and affordable care.
More interestingly, Ohio University offers one of the best master’s programs in health care administration.
So if you are considering a top-tier institute to enroll in your MHA program, Ohio University is a good choice.
Requirements
To apply for this MHA program at Ohio University, you must have:
At least a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
You must have a grade of 3.0 on average.
Professional work experience in the US healthcare system. Letter of recommendation and excellent English writing skills preferred.
If applicable, TOEFL scores (100 iBT with 26 on the writing section) or IELTS scores (minimum 8.0 in all bands)
Objective/personal statement
Current resume or curriculum vitae
3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Tuition Fee: $2,137/unit, 30 units
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
The University of California offers an online Executive Master of Health Administration program for clinical and management professionals.
It allows you to advance your health care career and promote health services within your communities more effectively.
Additionally, this program is to assist mid to senior-level professionals with the passion and potential to serve as industry leaders.
This program will sharpen your business understanding. You’ll also gain exposure to a comprehensive knowledge of the latest theories and the best in contemporary health management practice.
Requirements for the online MHA program at the University of Southern California, you must :
- Complete an online application
- have a bachelor’s degree
- In addition, you need five or more years of relevant professional experience in health care.
4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Tuition Fee: 28,633 EUR/year
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
Among the best Healthcare Colleges in the world, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is one of the schools that offers one of the highest-ranked online MHA programs.
This program focuses on the realities of today’s healthcare market and the unique skill sets required to explore and succeed in that market.
Also, this online MHA program has a good reputation, giving its students an advantage during recruitment.
To enroll in this MHA program, you must exhibit an excellent level of commitment if you are to excel in this program.
Requirements for the online MHA program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, you must :
- Be working in the health or human services field.
- Have three years of experience in Public Health or Public Health at the time of classes and currently working in Public Health or Health Services.
- Have a college degree with a 3.0-grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
- Submit a personal statement and three letters of reference.
5. Seton Hall University, South Orange
Tuition Fee: $2,137/unit, 30 units
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
Next on our list of schools with the best MHA programs is Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey. This school is a CAHME-accredited private institution with an excellent reputation.
It is also one of the affordable private universities that offer excellent online or on-campus MAH programs.
Over time, this institution has built a strong reputation for MHA programs, evident in its record of 96% of its students being recruited within three months of graduation.
Requirements for the online MHA program at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, you must :
- Applicants must have an accredited university degree.
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in most recently acquired degrees.
- Have your international degrees evaluated by a member agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
- Have three letters of recommendation indicating that you possess the aptitude and ambition to complete a course of study for the MHA degree.
- Have a written statement of your career goals and interests.
- Have a Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report documenting an Internet-based score of 90 or higher if English is not your native language. In addition, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can be accepted, which documents a score in the range of 6.5 or higher.
6. Pennsylvania State University
Tuition Fee: $1007/year
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
An online MHA from Penn State can offer you the opportunity to advance your career as a healthcare professional.
The degree program is a partnership between Penn State World Campus and the Department of Health Policy and Administration in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development.
Plus, the online learning system offered by Penn State World Campus allows you to fit a degree program into your life. As a result, you can study whenever and wherever you want.
So if you are considering pursuing an online MHA program, Pennsylvania State University may be the right choice as it is among the top-ranked universities offering MHA programs worldwide.
Requirements for the online MHA program, you must :
- Applicants must have a strong academic background.
- Applicants must have years of full-time professional work experience in health care.
- Have references from professional peers or supervisors who can attest to their commitment to the profession.
7. University of Scranton
Tuition Fee: $920/credit, 42-50 credit hours
Course duration: 2.5 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
The University of Scranton’s MHA program is among the first fully online master’s of health administration programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME).
The University of Scranton MHA program also received the CAHME Award for Sustainability in Healthcare Management Education and Practice.
The University of Scranton is good if you want a highly reputable yet affordable online institution to enroll in your MHA option.
Requirements for the online MHA program at the University of Scranton, you must :
- Complete your application online
- Have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate study
- Applicants must then have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Take HAD 581 to meet the Applied Professional Experience requirement if you have 0-3 years of work experience or complete HAD 580 0R HAD 582 as your Applied Professional Experience if you have three or more years of work experience.
- Have three letters of recommendation. If you have three years of managerial experience, at least one of the letters must come from a different senior executive within your organization or from a previous job.
- Submit a background check.
8. University of San Jose
Tuition Fee: $941/unit of credit
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
Saint Joseph University’s online MHA program is among the best in the country, according to US News & World Report.
Saint Joseph University Online Program is worth considering for an online MHA program where you will gain the future-proof skills needed for what comes next at a very affordable price.
More interestingly, you will learn from expert teachers and connect with an entire community of students dedicated to success.
Requirements
To apply for this online MHA program at Saint Joseph University, you must :
- Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree.
The 9 University of Cincinnati.
Tuition Cost: $754/unit of credit for residents or $769 for non-residents
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
Another program on our list of the best MHA programs for students is the Master of Health Administration from the University of Cincinnati. This program trains students to become the next generation of healthcare executive leaders by bringing together real-world experience and competency-based coursework in an innovative learning environment.
The mission of the University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Health Administration program is to create access to a high-quality curriculum in health care administration.
This program is for practicing professionals who may not have easy access to traditional educational routes, preparing them to serve as transformational, innovative, and ethical healthcare leaders within healthcare teams, organizations, and systems.
So, if you are looking for an online program to run your master’s program in Health Administration, you can also consider this program.
Requirements
To apply for this program,
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Please provide your resume with a personal, professional, and educational background that highlights your healthcare experience.
- They must have official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
- Have completed their Bachelor’s program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- Please provide two letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic preparation for graduate-level work, work ethics and habits, and the applicant’s interpersonal and communication skills.
- Complete your online application by paying $65 for domestic students or $75 for international students.
- Have a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 580 (paper version), 237 (computer), or 93 (Internet), and obtain a full evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents.
10. University of Central Florida, Orlando
Tuition Cost: $772.69/credit hour
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
When you enroll in this program, you will join a committed set of just 30 students who are striving to become healthcare administrators.
Through this program, you will connect with your peers, receive personalized attention, and gain a deep understanding of essential real-world topics within healthcare administration and the healthcare industry.
Apart from being one of the best programs for MHA students, it is affordable compared to other online programs.
You can opt for the online MHA program with the University of Central Florida for a reputable program that won’t break the bank.
Requirements
- Applicants must have years of relevant experience in healthcare management prior to applying. At least three years.
11. Weber State University – Ogden, Utah
Tuition Cost: $7942/year in-state or $16,723 out-of-state
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
Weber State University is an online CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration program. It is for students or working professionals who plan to advance their careers.
However, students attend a one-day on-campus orientation to familiarize themselves with the program and start off on the right foot.
Graduates have found success working in leadership positions in finance, health, human resources, and facilities management.
Requirements for the online MHA program at Weber State University, you must :
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Be a graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA
12. Poughkeepsie Marist College, New York
Tuition Cost: $14,400/year
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: accredited by NASPAA
Marist College’s Online MHA is one of the best NASPAA-accredited online MHA programs. Prepares you with a healthcare background for high-level positions in government and nonprofit organizations.
Requirements for the online MHA program at Marist College, you must :
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Be a graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA
14. Texas Woman’s University Denton, Texas
Tuition Cost: $4,672/year in-state and $12,142/year out-of-state
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
Texas Woman’s University is one of the best CAHME-accredited online Master of Health Care Management programs. It provides students with a combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.
Another cool thing about this program is that you can take it whenever it suits you.
This factor makes it an excellent choice for working professionals. More than 70% of the faculty and staff are women, a unique entrepreneurial program.
Requirements
- Applicants must have an accredited university degree.
- They need a GPA of 3.2 or higher in their last 60 undergraduate hours and are not required to take the GRE/GMAT for regular admission.
- Have met the GRE/GMT program requirement if your GPA is between 2.5 and 3.19 in your last 60 undergraduate hours.
- Submit your resume
15. University of Missouri, Columbia
Tuition Cost: $8,640/year in-state and $23,659/year out-of-state
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
The University of Missouri’s online Master of Health Administration is one of the best CAHME-accredited programs to help you integrate clinical and managerial competencies.
Assume you have at least three to five years of clinical or administrative experience in health care and are seeking an executive leadership position in a healthcare setting. In that case, this degree may be for you.
Requirements
To apply for this MHA program at the University of Missouri:
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.
- Then a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate or graduate education. If your GPA exceeds 3.0, the Admissions Committee may accept you into the program on probation and require you to maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- Have at least two to three years of technical, clinical, or administrative experience in health care or health sciences.
- Additionally, applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 100 (Internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 7.0, or a Duolingo score of at least 120, if English is not their native language.
16. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Tuition Cost: $11,466/year in-state and $23,487/year out-of-state
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
Let’s say you are an experienced, mature, self-motivated professional seeking advanced preparation in managerial and administrative roles that will eventually lead you to executive positions in complex health services. In that case, this online MHA program from Virginia Commonwealth University is for you.
Requirements
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. No particular primary course of study is required.
- Have five years of post-bachelor’s experience in a healthcare or related organization.
- Provide a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score.
16. George Mason University
Tuition Cost: $11,466/year in-state and $23,487/year out-of-state
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
George Mason University’s CAHME-accredited online program is one of the top online MHA programs sought out by working professionals who require flexible online learning with similar standards to their contemporary CAHME -certified on-campus program).
CAHME stands for Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education and is recognized by the US Department of Education as the accrediting body for master’s-level healthcare management programs.
So if you fall into this category of passionate professionals looking to further their healthcare administration career, this program is for you. No previous work experience in health care is required before you can apply.
Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the US or an equivalent degree from a nationally recognized institution outside the US, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Upload your official academic record
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Provide your personal/professional resume
- Provide your mission statement
- Meet the graduate English proficiency exam requirements for direct enrollment as an international student.
17. Des Moines University
Tuition Cost: $15,374/year
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
Des Moines University Online MHA is one of the best CAHME-accredited online programs to consider in 2023. He believes that experience is the best teacher. Therefore, they have experienced professionals and academics who advise students in this field.
Requirements for the online MHA program at Des Moines University, you must :
- Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, although all applications will receive a thorough review.
- You must have strong writing and composition skills and basic technical computer skills to undertake graduate-level courses.
- Please provide a TOEFL score as an international applicant unless you have earned a degree from an accredited university in any country whose sole national language is English.
- Provide a course-by-course transcript
18. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
Tuition Cost: $15,986/year in-state and $22,164/year out-of-state
Course duration: 1 year.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
The Medical University of South Carolina has a superior CAHME-accredited online Master of Health Administration program. This executive-format program is primarily online, with a long weekend of on-campus study each semester.
It is primarily an online residential program for those residing in the US or countries close to the US, as they will be required to have one week of on-campus study each semester.
Requirements for the online MHA program at MUSC, you must :
- Applicants must have a college degree with a 3.0 GPA.
- Have resume/CV and personal statement
- The applicant must also provide a transcript.
19. Saint Louis University
Tuition Cost: $19,800/year
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited
The College of Public Health and Social Justice at Saint Louis University offers one of the best online master’s degrees in health administration.
The school has a conducive hybrid format with monthly face-to-face classes. This program is top-ranked by US News and World Report and has one of the most structured MHA programs in the nation.
This online master’s degree in health administration was awarded Program of the Year by AUPHA for 2018.
Requirements for the online MHA program at SLU, you must :
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Have a 3.0 GPA
20. University of Minnesota
Tuition Cost: $16,728/year in-state and $25,884/year out-of-state
Course duration: 2 years.
Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.
Requirements for the online MHA program at the University of Minnesota, you must :
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA.
- Submit admission essays/personal interviews
- Provide letters of recommendation.
- Have experience in healthcare administration/management (executive programs only).
CONCLUSION
Earning an MHA degree can open the door to higher-paying jobs with increased leadership responsibilities. And many financial and healthcare delivery organizations require job prospects to have a master’s degree.
Considering the long-term salary potential in these leadership roles, it is well worth the cost of time and finances to earn an MHA from a highly reputable and accredited program.
Frequent questions
What is the best MHA accreditation?
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is the most reputable accrediting agency for MHA degrees, as well as the only organization that grants specific accreditation for the MHA program. Students and employers consider it the highest standard.
Does it matter where you get your MHA?
Any potential school you are considering should have regional rather than national accreditation.
Which is superior, MHA or MBA?
The MBA is a generalist degree that gives students a more complete understanding of business processes and best practices than an MHA program. As a result, it is widely assumed that earning an MBA makes it easier to transition to a broader range of industries.
Is it worth pursuing an MHA online?
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program is valuable because it addresses the many responsibilities of modern administrators. MHA vs MBA programs is perfect examples of how traditional online or healthcare degrees can be very rewarding.
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