A Master of Health Administration program, sometimes called a Master of Healthcare Administration program, provides students with a thorough course of study in the knowledge and competencies required for health administration careers. These leadership roles include management positions in hospitals and other healthcare organizations.
Healthcare administrators are in charge of managing, directing, and coordinating medical services in several settings including:
- clinics
- hospitals
- private practices
Duties are varied and often complex making business administration skills and knowledge of medical services essential. The primary goal of a healthcare administrator is to minimize costs and maximize efficiencies while ensuring that the best possible services are being provided.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected 28% growth nationally, much faster than average, in healthcare executives or healthcare administrators between 2021 and 2031. The average yearly healthcare administrator salary and for medical and health services managers was $101,340 in 2021.
Methodology
OnlineMastersInPublicHealth is proud to present the best healthcare administration masters programs online masters. Schools have been organized by the following ranking methodology:
All schools are public or not-for-profit private institutions within the United States. Schools that offer healthcare administration degree programs were ranked based on:
- Affordability Rating
- Overall Graduation Rate of the Institution
- Mid-Career Salary Reported From Graduates of the Institution
- Student Opinion
These, in numeric value, were added together to gain a ranking score. There is more information about how the data is simplified into numerical form for obtaining a score below.
Sources that were used to gather data for our ranking of the best online masters in healthcare administration programs include:
- NCES
- Niche
- CollegeData
- Payscale
- Individual Institution Websites
Whether you are a freshman or a graduate student, the overall affordability of a program will usually have an impact on your decision as far as which school to choose over another. For this reason, we chose to use affordability to rank the schools which offer online Master’s in Health Administration degree programs. Affordability is ranked on a scale so that the least expensive annual cost of attendance, starting at 10,000 and below, ranks a 100. The scale then descends by 5 points as the tuition increases by $5,000. For example, a school with a cost of attendance of $32,000 per year would rank at 75 on the affordability scale.
Although this ranking is for a graduate program, the overall graduation rate of institutions is an excellent way to determine the overall quality. Graduation rates are used as whole numbers, simply dropping the percent sign. For the same reasons, we also chose to use mid-career salary data to assemble this ranking. This data can indicate the return on investment a student can expect when attending that institution, although usually after obtaining a higher degree, opportunities for increased salary can become available. Salary data is simply rounded to the thousands, so if the average salary is $122,000 per year, it would be rounded to 122 for ease of calculating the score.
Niche does an excellent job of bringing the student’s perspective and voice to light. Each college has been given an overall score at Niche and this has been used to provide the ranking with the student opinion of the institution. We feel it is very important to consider the student’s point of view for rankings. We used a scale to convert the grade assigned to the institution at Niche into a number to use the data in a ranking formula. The scale starts with A+ as 100, A as 95, A- as 90 and so on in this manner.
Notes: Some schools may have been excluded due to the absence of data from the sources used. No schools have been given preferential treatment over another, nor has anyone requested such treatment. Our goal is to be transparent in our ranking methodology so that anyone can duplicate the same results while using the same data from these sources. OnlineMastersInPublicHealth cannot be responsible for changes in data that occur after data is collected for the ranking. We do strive to keep our MHA program rankings updated.
Students interested in obtaining a master’s degree may also be interested in our ranking for the Top 25 Online MPH Programs which includes a variety of programs from across the United States.
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Executive Master of Healthcare Administration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,552/year in-state and $28,844/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 90%
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina system. The school was chartered in 1789 and officially opened doors for enrollment in 1795, which makes it one of 3 institutions that all claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States. Today, nearly 32,000 students are enrolled at UNC with nearly half of those being graduate students.
UNC’s Health Policy and Management (HPM) Executive Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is designed for working professionals who want to improve their decision-making capabilities and leadership skills to move forward in their careers. All students in the program work full-time in public health and healthcare organizations. The program is rigorous and required a significant commitment from each student.
The integrated curriculum includes courses like:
- Operations Research
- Health Care Information and Quality Tools
- Financial and Managerial Accounting
- Health Care Policy and Economics
Courses are taught by world-class faculty who understand the industry. Classes are held online in real-time, typically during the evening hours to accommodate work schedules. While much of the coursework is completed online, students are required to visit campus once in the fall (6 days), spring (4 days), and summer (4 days) during the program.
Most healthcare administration students can complete their degree in two years. The 49-credit hour top MHA program at UNC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
The University of North Carolina’s ranking score was 371.
You can find the UNC Chapel Hill HPM Master of Healthcare Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school to request more information about the program and admissions.
2. University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
Executive Master of Health Administration Online
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $63,468/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 92%
Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) is the oldest private research university in the state. The university was originally affiliated with the Methodist Church, however, since 1952 the school no longer has a religious affiliation. USC is well known for producing some of the nation’s best professionals and business leaders. Today, the school enrollment is over 49,000 students with over half being graduate students.
USC offers an online Executive Master of Health Administration (MHA) program for experienced clinical or managerial health care workers to further their knowledge and expand their skills to enhance their leadership role and advance their careers. The program offers flexible online coursework and project scheduling in order to better accommodate students that are working professionals. The Executive MHA program can be completed in six semesters or two years.
As one of the best health administration masters programs in the US, the Executive MHA gives students the tools they need to become visionary leaders. The curriculum is relevant, allowing students to apply theoretical and practical lessons to workplace situations. Course offerings include:
- Development and Monitoring of Quality and Patient Safety and Outcomes
- Health Information Systems
- Leading People and Health Care Organizations
- Health Economics, Financing and Reimbursement
Students participate in online synchronous and asynchronous learning modules during each course. There are also two, four-day in-residence sessions that allow students to gather together in-person on-campus. These on-campus sessions occur half-way through the program and again during the last semester when students will have a capstone experience.
The University of Southern California ranking score was 350.
You can find the USC Executive Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the USC directly in order to request info for more details about the program and admissions.
3. George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
Master of Health Administration – Health Systems Management
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $13,426/year in-state and $35,377/year out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 70%
Founded in 1849, George Mason University — or simply Mason — is a public research university with the main campus in Fairfax, Virginia. The university was originally established as part of the University of Virginia, but later became an independent institution in 1972. The College of Public Health at George Mason is the first and only College of Public Health in the state of Virginia. Mason serves more than 38,000 students annually with more than 10,000 of those being graduate students.
The online Master of Health Administration (MHA) in Health Systems Management offered by George Mason University is designed with professionals already working in healthcare in mind. Students will gain insight and skills in the areas of business, analytics, and decision making as related to the healthcare industry. Course offerings include:
- Health Economics
- Management of Health Information Systems
- Legal Issues in Health Administration
- Statistics in Health Services Management
Students have the option to choose a Health Care Quality or Executive concentration. All students complete a capstone practicum, spending six to eight weeks embedded in a health care organization.
The online MHA in Health Systems Management program is offered in a flexible format which includes both synchronous and asynchronous courses. It mirrors the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)-accredited on-campus program. Students will spend a week in Washington D.C. for participation in the annual Health Policy Institute, giving students a closer look at healthcare policymaking. In the final semester, students will complete a field-based capstone practicum. Students are usually able to complete the 47-credit program within 2 years.
The George Mason University ranking score was 347.
You can find Mason’s Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective master’s in healthcare administration students should contact the school in order to request information for more details about the program and admissions.
4. University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Online Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,447/year in-state and $28,605/year out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 73%
The University of Missouri, often called Mizzou, was the first public institution of higher education founded west of the Mississippi River in 1839. The main campus in Columbia is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System which has campuses in Kansas City, Rolla, and St. Louis. Today, Mizzou serves more than 31,000 students.
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) online degree offered by the University of Missouri is designed for professionals who are already working in the healthcare industry with at least 3 years of clinical or managerial experience. During the program, health care administration students will learn how to enhance and integrate clinical and managerial competencies and prepare them for executive leadership positions within the healthcare field. Titles held by recent grads include:
- Director of Health Information Management
- CEO
- CFO
Mizzou’s MHA program does require students to visit campus for some elements of the program. Courses cover areas like:
- health care law
- human resources
- strategic planning
- health services administration
- financial management
This best masters degree in healthcare administration is a total of 42 credits and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). The courses are semester-based and students are able to earn their degree within 2 years.
The University of Missouri ranking score was 337.
You can find Mizzou’s Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school in order to request info for more details about the program and admissions.
5. George Washington University – Washington, DC
Online Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $33,930/year
Graduation Rate: 84%
The George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university located in our nation’s capital. The university was chartered in 1821 by an Act of Congress. It was the wish of the first President of the United States, George Washington, that there be a national university in the District of Columbia. While GWU is often ranked as one of the most expensive universities in the nation, the overall high quality, as well as the return on the educational investment after graduation, make it worth the cost.
The online Masters of Health Administration program, MHA@GW, is designed for professionals currently employed in the healthcare industry with at least two years of clinical or administrative experience. The program is 50 total credits which include 8 online modules and 4 face-to-face immersions with 2 organizational research project classes. Healthcare administration courses are taught by expert faculty and cover areas like:
- law and regulation
- information technology and decision science
- management and strategy
- quality improvement
Among requirements for graduation, students must:
- have a 3.0 (B) grade average
- create a leadership portfolio
- complete the program within 5 years
The MHA program, as with all programs offered by The Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). In addition, the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
The George Washington University ranking score was 336.
You can find GWU’s online Masters of Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school in order to request information for more details about the program and admissions.
6. University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio
Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $13,224/year in-state and $24,966/year out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 73%
The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public research university and is part of the university system of Ohio system. It is the second largest university in Ohio with a student population of over 40,000. Cincinnati College and the Medical College of Ohio were founded in 1819. The University of Cincinnati was later charted in 1870 by Ohio legislature and absorbed the previous two institutions.
University of Cincinnati offers one of the best health administration programs with their online MHA designed for experienced professionals. The MHA is presented by experienced and professional faculty in the health care, law, and business fields.
This health care management program has a convenient, flexible format that blends real-world experience with competency-based coursework. This blend creates a comprehensive learning environment. The MHA coursework consists of 10 core courses, 2 concentration courses, and one capstone course. Course offerings include:
- Total Quality Management
- Evidence-Based Decision Making for Managers
- Health Policy
- Global Health Systems
There are no GRE/GMAT scores required for admission. Students can choose to take six to nine credit hours per term through the Fast Track path and graduate in just five semesters. Students choosing the Extended Track option can complete their degree online in approximately two years.
The University of Cincinnati ranking score was 333.
You can find the University of Cincinnati’s Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school in order to request information for more details about the program and admissions.
7. University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
Online Executive Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 75%
The University of Central Florida (UCF) was 1963 by the Florida Legislature and is a public state university as well as a space-grant university. The school opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University and offered support to the growing United States Space Program at the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on what is known as the Space Coast of Florida. In 1978 the school changed its name to the University of Central Florida. The initial enrollment was 1,948 students and now has the largest enrollment on a single campus in the U.S. with more than 70,000 students.
University of Central Florida excels in their online programs for distance learners who are working professionals or otherwise unable to attend in person. Fortunately, for those with health administration careers and are seeking an advanced degree, UCF offers an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) online. The program is accredited by the CAHME.
This program is offered as a cohort model that is designed for a maximum of 30 students and is delivered online. The students are not required to attend any meetings on campus. The EMHA online program is designed for working professionals who have had at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the field.
The curriculum is comprised of 11 courses or 44 credit hours. Students must enroll on a full-time basis, taking two courses each semester. Course offerings include:
- Health Care Quality and Risk Management
- Financial Accounting for Health Care Managers
- Leadership for Health Care Executives
The University of Central Florida ranking score was 331.
You can find UCF’s Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school in order to request info for more details about the program and admissions.
8. Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
Online Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,444/year in-state and $17,436/year out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 67%
With the original charter dating back to 1787, Ohio University is the first university to be chartered by an Act of Congress as well as the first university chartered in the state of Ohio. The charter was later reapproved for the territory in 1802 and state in 1804. In 1809, the university opened its doors to students. There are almost 25,000 students who take courses online or on-campus.
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) online program at Ohio University offers students the flexibility of 100% online coursework. Students can choose from a one-year full-time option or a two-year part-time option. As the healthcare industry is a growing field it is becoming more important for those in administrative positions to have a graduate degree. The program is designed with working individuals in mind to strengthen leadership skills and enhance their knowledge in order to support the growth of their career.
Students can personalize their degree to meet their career goals by choosing a specialization. These focus areas include:
- Healthcare Leadership
- Business Analytics
- Project Management
- Aging Studies
- Quality Improvement
The online MHA requires 12, 3-credit courses for a total of 36 credits. Each course lasts for 7 weeks. Students are only required to take one course at a time and still be able to earn their degree in as few as 2 years. There’s no GRE required for admission and no on-campus residencies. Students already working in the industry will be able to apply their learned knowledge immediately and be ready to advance in their careers upon completion.
The Ohio University ranking score was 325.
You can find Ohio University’s Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school in order to request info for more details about the program and admissions.
9. University of Scranton – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)
University of Scranton – Choosing Scranton from Brand IQ Creative Group on Vimeo.
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,580/year
Graduation Rate: 79%
The University of Scranton is a private Catholic and Jesuit research university in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The institution was founded by William O’Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, in 1888 and was originally named St. Thomas College. The school was operated by the Diocese of Scranton until 1897 and was then administered by the Lasallian Christian Brothers from 1888 to 1942 when the Society of Jesus took ownership.
In 1938, the institution officially became a university and was renamed the University of Scranton. The university became an independent institution in the 1960s, governed by a board of trustees, and is one of the 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
The University of Scranton MHA online program is one of the best healthcare administration programs. It was one of the first 100% online Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)-Accredited programs to become available. The program is presented by expert practitioner faculty and will allow students to face the challenges of the changing healthcare industry with expert leadership and responsive decision-making skills.
Most of the coursework is able to be completed when the student chooses, however, there are some synchronous elements in the program in order to align with the CAHME accreditation requirements. These elements are predetermined and can be found in the course syllabi. The program requires 44 credits and a 3-credit internship (150 hours of fieldwork experience) for a total of 47 credits overall.
Students can choose from two specializations including health informatics and global health. Course offerings cover areas like:
- health services administration
- healthcare law
- healthcare organization and administration
To be considered for admission, prospective students should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Students with less than three years of work experience will be required to complete an administrative residency to fulfill the applied professional experience requirement.
The University of Scranton ranking score was 320.
You can find the University of Scranton’s Online Master of Health Administration program here. Prospective heathcare administration students should contact the school in order to request information for more details about the program and admissions.
10. Saint Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Informatics
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $18,504/year
Graduation Rate: 83%
Saint Joseph’s University, or SJU and sometimes Saint Joe’s, is a private Roman Catholic Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SJU was founded under the name Saint Joseph’s College in 1851 by the Society of Jesus and is the seventh oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Saint Joseph’s is also one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
Their mission is to “prepare students for personal excellence, professional success and engaged citizenship”. SJU offers undergraduates more than 50 majors and minors as well as 30 degree completion or certificate programs. There are more than 50 programs for graduate students including the duel online Master of Science in Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Informatics.
The online MHA/MSHI offered by Saint Joseph’s University is a competency-based program designed to enhance students’ administration skills in order to maximize the performance of their organization and advance in their careers. The dual degree program offers administration focused coursework covering areas like finance and healthcare organization. The informatics-focused coursework includes studies in areas like clinical quality measurement and remote patient monitoring. Courses are taught by experienced faculty from various areas of the health care industry.
Both full and part-time program options are available. Full-time students can earn their degrees in just five semesters while part-time students can finish in eight. Most courses have less than 20 students. Graduates are prepared for exciting career opportunities as:
- Healthcare informatics consultant
- Director of health information services
- Director of health policy
The Saint Joseph’s University ranking score was 319.
You can find SJU’s Online Master’s in Health Administration program here. Prospective students should contact the school in order to request information for more details about the program and admissions.
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