A master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) degree opens the door to well-paying careers in healthcare management and leadership.
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Updated December 2, 2024
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Not everyone who wants to get into healthcare is destined to work directly with patients. Some people would rather build the operational infrastructure that makes patient care possible – perfect for getting a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA).
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, explore this page to determine whether this path is right for you.
Popular Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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In this Article
Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
#1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,552
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$28,844
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
19%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$7,020
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$37,360
Retention Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
32,496
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$10,552
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$28,844
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$10,552
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$28,844
Acceptance Rate
19%
Online Enrollment
25%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$7,020
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$37,360
Retention Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
32,496
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
#2
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$39,838
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$39,838
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
6%
Acceptance Rate
14%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$56,212
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$56,212
Retention Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
23,790
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$39,838
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$39,838
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$39,838
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$39,838
Acceptance Rate
6%
Online Enrollment
14%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$56,212
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$56,212
Retention Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
23,790
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
#3
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,719
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$19,104
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
69%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$4,443
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$19,063
Retention Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
17,843
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$4,719
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$19,104
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$4,719
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$19,104
Acceptance Rate
69%
Online Enrollment
70%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$4,443
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$19,063
Retention Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
17,843
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
#4
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online
$60,480
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$60,480
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
8%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$60,480
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$60,480
Retention Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
30,363
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$60,480
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$60,480
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$60,480
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$60,480
Acceptance Rate
8%
Online Enrollment
62%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$60,480
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$60,480
Retention Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
30,363
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
#5
George Washington University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$33,930
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$33,930
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
44%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$60,856
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$60,856
Retention Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
25,568
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$33,930
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$33,930
George Washington University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$33,930
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$33,930
Acceptance Rate
44%
Online Enrollment
25%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$60,856
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$60,856
Retention Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
25,568
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
#6
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$33,912
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$33,912
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
17%
Acceptance Rate
17%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$62,950
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$62,950
Retention Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
14,734
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$33,912
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$33,912
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$33,912
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$33,912
Acceptance Rate
17%
Online Enrollment
17%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$62,950
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$62,950
Retention Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
14,734
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
#7
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,426
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$35,377
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
89%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$9,796
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$33,960
Retention Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
39,528
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$13,426
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$35,377
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$13,426
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$35,377
Acceptance Rate
89%
Online Enrollment
71%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$9,796
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$33,960
Retention Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
39,528
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
#8
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$12,092
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$38,693
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
51%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$11,936
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$36,173
Retention Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
60,046
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$12,092
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$38,693
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$12,092
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$38,693
Acceptance Rate
51%
Online Enrollment
64%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$11,936
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$36,173
Retention Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
60,046
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
#9
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$36,234
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
78%
Acceptance Rate
42%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$56,595
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$56,595
Retention Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
21,573
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$36,234
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$36,234
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$36,234
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$36,234
Acceptance Rate
78%
Online Enrollment
42%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$56,595
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$56,595
Retention Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
21,573
Institution Type
Private
Accreditation
Yes
#10
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$5,467
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$16,695
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
73%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$6,099
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$21,665
Retention Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
30,849
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$5,467
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$16,695
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
$5,467
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state
$16,695
Acceptance Rate
73%
Online Enrollment
68%
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
$6,099
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state
$21,665
Retention Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
30,849
Institution Type
Public
Accreditation
Yes
What to Expect From an Online MHA Program
MHA online programs help you learn skills, concepts, and strategies in planning, directing, and coordinating the delivery of services in healthcare organizations.
Some online programs will require you to log into class at the same time each week, while others provide a self-paced curriculum. There are also hybrid and traditional on-campus programs.
Requiring up to 120 credits, MHA online programs can take an average of 2-3 years to complete depending on students’ full-time or part-time status. Full-time students may complete programs in as little as 12 months while part-time students can take as long as 4 years or more.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) accredit MHA programs.
Career paths include serving as an administrator of a hospital, nursing home, or other type of facility. Graduates can also pursue leadership roles related to quality and safety or risk and compliance, working in biopharmaceutical or other healthcare industries.
Further specialty certifications give MHA graduates expert training and knowledge in specific areas such as information systems or revenue cycle management.
MHA Curriculum
Coursework for an MHA degree often focuses on specific challenges in healthcare. Students may analyze case studies or healthcare policy statements as part of your assignments.
Before graduating, you’ll typically complete a capstone project to address a real-world problem. Requirements vary by program, but you may complete a healthcare marketing plan or analyze hospital policies and procedures. Another option could involve developing a training program for healthcare administrators.
Common courses include:
- Healthcare Information Systems
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Healthcare Law and Compliance
- Leadership in Healthcare Administration
- Budgeting and Management
- Health Policy
MHA Program Specializations
Along with core coursework, you may be able to pursue a specialization or concentration to further develop your skills in a focus area.
Common specializations for a master’s in healthcare administration include:
- Health Policy: Health policy covers issues related to healthcare access, medical insurance, and safety regulations. You may also use your knowledge to evaluate and analyze current health policy debates.
- Health Informatics: This concentration combines the study of data science, information security, and business as they apply within healthcare organizations. You may deal with electronic medical records, telemedicine delivery, or strategic data analysis.
- Healthcare Marketing: A marketing plan is essential for successful business ventures. And medical organizations must carefully consider how they market their brands and services. This concentration teaches you how to balance marketing strategies with hospital regulations.
- Project Management: This concentration enables you to pursue professional project management credentials. You’ll learn about processes and tools that can help you define a project’s scope, develop budgets, track task completion, and ensure quality control.
MHA Certifications
Some MHA students choose to pursue a certification in addition to their master’s degree. A certification shows proficiency in a focus area. These credentials can set you apart from the competition when seeking a job in the healthcare field.
Common certifications related to healthcare administration include:
- Certified medical manager (CMM)
- Fellow of the American College of healthcare executives (FACHE)
- Certified professional in healthcare risk management (CPHRM)
- Certified healthcare administrative professional (cHAP)
- Certified revenue cycle executive (CRCE)
- Certified revenue cycle professional (CRCP)
- Certified healthcare financial professional (CHFP)
- Certified professional in healthcare information and management systems (CPHIMS)
- Certified healthcare access manager (CHAM)
- Certified professional in healthcare quality (CPHQ)
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Healthcare? Discover Similar Degree Programs
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in Healthcare Administration?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical and health services managers earned an average annual salary of $134,440, with the top 10% earning a median salary of $216,750 per year in 2023.
The states with the highest average salaries include:
- New York: $179,160
- District of Columbia: $170,710
- Delaware: $164,190
- New Jersey: $162,430
- Massachusetts: $158,540
Medical and health services managers are in demand. The BLS projects 28% job growth between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the 3% average growth rate for all jobs.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degree?
An MHA online program provides you with the expertise and skills required for a variety of healthcare administration career paths and leadership roles. Plus, leadership roles tend to pay higher salaries.
Want to work in a hospital? An outpatient clinic? A nursing home? Or how about a pharmaceutical company or a rehab center? Maybe you’re more interested in working for a mental health nonprofit or government agency.
Great: You can do it all with an MHA.
| Job | Average Pay (Sept. 2024) | Entry-Level Salary (less than 1 year) | Mid-Career Salary (5-9 years) | Experienced Salary (20+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Administrator | $78,816 | $64,000 | $82,000 | $96,000 |
| Hospital Administrator | $95,466 | $67,000 | $93,000 | $119,000 |
| Clinical Director | $86,237 | $77,000 | $84,000 | $92,000 |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $99,569 | $78,000 | $107,000 | $114,000 |
| Hospital CEO | $168,113 | $103,000 | $114,000 | $199,000 |
| Clinical Trial Manager | $108,141 | $74,000 | $117,000 | $127,000 |
| Healthcare Consultant | $87,202 | $74,000 | $93,000 | $111,000 |
| Operations Manager | $73,068 | $57,000 | $73,000 | $86,000 |
Note that some of the above healthcare administration jobs may require extra or specialized training.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degree
An MBA in healthcare administration provides a broad business focus. It includes generalist courses on finance, strategy, economics, marketing, and accounting in addition to healthcare management courses. Students with an MBA in healthcare administration may find it easier to transition into roles in other industries.
Coursework for an MHA is more specialized. You’ll study many of the same business fundamentals as an MBA student but will do so specifically through a healthcare lens. An MHA may be a better choice for people who want to become healthcare experts.
After completing an MHA online program, you can pursue leadership and management positions across various functions and healthcare organizations. Places of employment may include hospitals, assisted living facilities, and doctor’s offices. You could also work at outpatient care centers, pharmaceutical companies, and nonprofit or government agencies.
Common requirements for applying to a master’s in healthcare administration include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Minimum GPA (often 2.5-3.0)
- Professional resume
- Personal statement/essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated commitment to or experience in healthcare (usually one year of work experience in the field)
- GRE test scores
MHA graduates can pursue high-paying and in-demand careers in healthcare management and leadership. They can contribute to improved patient outcomes, increased employee well-being, healthier workplace culture, and more effective and efficient healthcare facilities.
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