Earning a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) gives you the expertise and skills to pursue a variety of well-paying leadership positions in the healthcare industry.
Are you more interested in building operational efficiency and improving the quality of healthcare outcomes than providing direct patient care? Then, an MHA degree might fit your goals. Check out our ranking of the top online MHA programs and what to expect once you enroll.
Featured Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The 10 Best Online MHA Programs of 2023
Learn About Our Methodology Here
#1 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $670
Out-of-State | $670
Credits to Graduate: 36
At Franklin University, you can enroll in an online MHA. The program focuses on process improvement, physician management, and risk management. You can also choose a focus area in health informatics.
You take nine six-week classes in Franklin's MHA program. The curriculum follows a one-class-at-a-time format, and you can graduate in 14 months. The program offers three start dates in February, May, or September.
You need an undergraduate bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA to apply. Admissions representatives consider applicants with a 2.5 GPA on a conditional basis.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $565
Out-of-State | $565
Credits to Graduate: 48
The fully online MHA program at Liberty University follows an asynchronous format so that you can log on and complete coursework on your own time. On average, students complete the 48 credits in about two years.
The curriculum follows a general track, or you can pursue one of 11 specializations, including accounting, finance, and human resources. You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Seton Hall University
- South Orange, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,450
Out-of-State | $1,450
Credits to Graduate: 42
Seton Hall University offers its MHA program in an online/hybrid or on-campus format. The 42-credit curriculum teaches leadership skills, critical thinking, population health, communication, and ethics.
The online/hybrid option requires three in-person intensive residencies to fulfill course requirements and build networking and professional skills. You must also complete a three-credit capstone course culminating in a final project presentation.
You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You should also submit three recommendation letters and a statement of goals.
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
AdventHealth University
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $670
Out-of-State | $670
Credits to Graduate: 39
AdventHealth University facilitates a master of healthcare administration in strategy and innovation (MHA-SI) that you can complete online.
You need either an associate or bachelor's degree to enroll. Although the general coursework follows a 39-credit general curriculum, students with bachelor's degrees take 15 additional credits and those with associate degrees complete 21 bridge credits.
To apply, you need at least a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a goals statement.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $6,698
Out-of-State | $6,698
Credits to Graduate: 14 units
For Penn's MSN in nursing and healthcare administration, you take 13 regular courses, plus two nursing practicum courses worth 0.5 course units each.
You can enroll in either the on-campus or online option. Coursework combines nursing and healthcare administration, covering topics like financial management, strategic planning, quality improvement and patient safety, and informatics.
You need a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a registered nurse license to apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association of University Programs in Health Administration
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $550
Out-of-State | $550
Credits to Graduate: 42
In Southern Illinois University's MHA program, you can take either online or on-campus courses. You can complete the 42-credit program in two years.
You can also add a certificate of clinical leadership to your degree. The certificate focuses on patient care environments with courses in strategic planning and operations.
You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA to apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $586
Out-of-State | $1,602
Credits to Graduate: 49
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online executive MHA focusing on building skills to navigate the modern healthcare marketplace.
You participate in synchronous distance learning courses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and complete intense on-campus workshops in business competencies.
You must complete three on-campus requirements each year, with the program lasting two years. To apply, you must submit your bachelor's degree transcripts, three references, and a personal statement.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Pfeiffer University
- Misenheimer, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $680
Out-of-State | $680
Credits to Graduate: 39
Pfeiffer University offers an online MHA that you can complete in 29 months. The program's curriculum covers organizational communication and behavior, law and ethics, leadership, health economics, health services information, and financial management.
You engage in applied field experiences, usually conducted under the supervision of a senior manager. You can also participate in an optional study abroad experience for 7-10 days in London, Austria, or Germany.
To apply, you need a bachelor's degree and three recommendation letters.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Utica College
- Utica, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $690
Out-of-State | $690
Credits to Graduate: 36
The MHA program at Utica College follows a 100% online format with eight-week courses. The curriculum covers advanced leadership skills and helps prepare you for administrative roles across healthcare settings.
You can enroll either full or part time. Although most courses follow an asynchronous format, some courses require scheduled Zoom sessions to meet your cohort.
You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a personal statement to apply for this program.
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs
Concordia University-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $625
Out-of-State | $625
Credits to Graduate: 40
The fully online MHA program at Concordia University-Irvine emphasizes leadership, professionalism, healthcare environment knowledge, and business skills.
You take seven-week courses one at a time. The culminating course involves a capstone project in which you carry out research and present your findings in class.
You must submit your bachelor's degree transcripts, a statement of intent, and at least one professional reference to apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration: Program Overview
Online MHA requirements vary by program. Earning your degree typically takes two years if you're attending full-time, but accelerated programs may only require 18 months. Part-time programs may take four years to complete depending on the number of credits you earn each term.
Most MHA programs require 30-60 credits in courses such as healthcare information systems, financial management, budgeting and marketing, law and compliance, and health policy. MHA students generally complete a thesis or capstone project addressing a real-world problem or policy issue.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program
When comparing online MHA programs, pay attention to key factors such as program delivery, accreditation status, tuition and fees, and the availability of specializations that interest you.
Program Format
While an online program may offer more flexibility than a campus-based degree, it's still important to understand your course delivery options. Does the program offer asynchronous courses that you can access at your convenience or a synchronous format that requires you to log in at specific times? Some degrees use a hybrid model that includes in-person attendance or on-campus residencies and online coursework.
Accreditation
Attending a school that holds accreditation from agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education ensures that you can transfer credits and receive federal financial aid. When choosing an online MHA program, look for degrees accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). CAHME accreditation indicates that your program meets rigorous standards of academic quality.
Cost
The average annual tuition for a graduate program in 2020-21 was $12,394 at a 4-year public institution compared to $26,621 at a private school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Some online programs cost less than on-campus options. Enrolling in an online program may save you money on housing and transportation and give you the flexibility to keep working while earning your degree.
Specializations
Specializations can help you develop your expertise in a particular focus area that interests you. As the demand for healthcare administrators grows, specialization can make you more marketable. This list describes some of the most popular MHA specializations.
- Healthcare Informatics: This subfield applies data analysis, information security, and business practices to healthcare delivery and electronic medical record-keeping.
- Financial Management: Financial managers in healthcare organizations create and manage budgets, allocating and utilizing funds while minimizing risks.
- Healthcare Policy: This specialization focuses on ethics and health law with applications in healthcare access, insurance, safety regulations, and government compliance.
- Healthcare Operations: Prospective healthcare operations managers study marketing, human resources, facilities and project management, and asset management.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Healthcare Administration
An MHA helps prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare industry, including hospitals, residential care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Many management roles in healthcare administration pay average salaries of 100,000 or more.
Healthcare Administration Career Outlook
Healthcare Administration Careers |
Median Annual Salary (2021) |
Projected Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$101,340 |
28% |
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers |
$99,290 |
7% |
Financial Managers |
$131,710 |
17% |
Sales Managers |
$127,490 |
5% |
Source: BLS
Healthcare Administration Job and Salary Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), several demographic and industry changes will drive the employment and salary outlook for MHA jobs between 2021-31. The growing healthcare needs of the nation’s aging population, the emphasis on preventive care, and the expansion of IT and informatics systems and electronic health records contribute to the strong demand for healthcare administrators.
Is a Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Worth It?
An online master's in healthcare administration program offers a convenient path to help you advance to leadership positions within the industry.
The BLS projects that medical and health service manager jobs will grow 28% between 2021 and 2031. These positions also pay a high average salary of about $100,000 per year. The top 10% of earners earn more than $200,000. Healthcare administration graduates can also pursue other hot jobs in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About MHA Degrees
How long is a master's degree in healthcare administration?
Full-time students can complete an MHA degree in about two years, although curriculum requirements vary by program. Some schools offer accelerated programs that lead to a master's in 12-18 months.
What is the difference between an MHA and MBA in healthcare?
An MBA in healthcare is a business management degree that offers generalist courses in finance, economics, marketing and accounting with applications in healthcare administration. An MHA features a more specialized healthcare focus that covers the knowledge and skills for leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
What are the highest-paying healthcare administration jobs?
Healthcare administration jobs typically pay average annual salaries of $90,000-$100,000. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for hospital administrators was $90,770 as of June 2023. Clinical informatics managers — a relatively new position — earned $102,000.