20 Best MHA Programs in 2024 | Full Student Guide

Apart from getting healthcare certifications, enrolling in any of the best MHA programs can enhance your career as a healthcare administrator.

Obtaining a master’s in Healthcare service administration entails gaining leadership skills that will enable you to work as a healthcare management consultant or as a director of a strategy for a payer organization. 

This program will also equip you to make decisions that can help drive an organization’s strategic direction and support thousands of employees and patients.

Basically, a Master of Health Service Administration (MHA) degree helps students and professionals take their careers and leadership roles in healthcare delivery and financial organizations to a greater level. 

These students and professionals are equipped to plan, coordinate, and direct services in every facet of healthcare delivery, for instance, in pharmaceutical, consulting, and medical organizations.

Furthermore, healthcare administrators are in high demand in global health, human rights organizations, and other healthcare organizations of non-profit, private, and government agencies as the number of the aged keeps increasing.

Currently, there are a lot of universities that offer master’s degree programs in healthcare administration. Aside from administration programs, they also master In Healthcare Informatics Online and other related programs.

In the course of reading this article, you will learn about the top 20 best MHA programs and the schools that provide them. With its knowledge, you can carefully decide on the program to start with that can help you build a lasting healthcare career.

BEST MHA Programs 

Here are the best masters in Healthcare Administration Programs available:

1. George Washington Online MHA Program 
2. Ohio University, Athens, OH
3. University of South California, Los Angeles
4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
5. Seton Hall University, South Orange
6. Pennsylvania State University
7. Scranton University
8. Saint Joseph University
9. University of Cincinnati 
10. University of Central Florida, Orlando
11. Weber State University- Ogden, Uta
12. Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York
13. Texas Woman’s University Denton, Texas
14. University of Missouri, Columbia 
15. 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 

1. George Washington Online MHA Program 

Cost of Tuition: Estimated $90,000

Course Duration: 2 years

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.

First on our list of best master’s programs in healthcare administration is the MHA program at George Washington University.

This program is for passionate professionals seeking to advance their healthcare delivery careers, assume leadership positions in various health-related environments, and oversee effective change in communities worldwide.

They also seek experienced candidates with a history of professional and educational excellence who are passionate about becoming healthcare leaders. And you are not required to have a GRE score before enrolling in the program.

Enrolling in this program is a sure step of becoming a Healthcare Administrator.

Requirements for the online MHA program at GW, you must:

• Be a Bachelor’s Degree Holder
• Have at least two years of full-time health sector experience or three years of full-time experience in any industry
• Be currently working in the health sector.

2. Ohio University, Athens, OH

Cost of Tuition: $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.

The first on our list of best MHA programs is the Master of Health Administration at Ohio University. This program will offer you great confidence and strategic insight to enable you to lead healthcare organizations into the future. 

Their program provides a comprehensive perspective that will permit you to balance the charitable mission of Healthcare with the necessary business obligations to create profitable organizations that offer excellent and affordable care.

More interestingly, Ohio University offers one of the best master’s programs in Healthcare Administration. 

So, if you are considering a top-notch 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 point of 3.0 on average.

Professional work experience in the US healthcare system preferred one letter of recommendation and Excellent English writing skills.

If applicable, TOEFL scores (100 iBT with 26 on the writing section) or IELTS scores (8.0 minimum across all bands)

Goal/personal statement

Current resume or curriculum vitae

3. University of South California, Los Angeles

Cost of Tuition: $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 career in health care and to advance health services within your communities more effectively.

In addition, this program is to help mid-to-senior-level professionals with the passion and potential to serve as industry leaders. 

This program will sharpen their business understanding. You will also gain exposure to complete knowledge of the latest theories and the best in contemporary health management practice.

Requirements for the online MHA program at the University of South California, you must:

•  Complete an online application
• Have a Bachelor’s Degree
• Also, you need five or more years of relevant professional experience in Healthcare.

4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Cost of Tuition: 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 top-ranked online MHA programs.

This program focuses on the realities of today’s healthcare marketplace and the unique skill sets necessary to explore and succeed in that marketplace.

Furthermore, this online MHA program has a good reputation, which gives its students an edge during recruitment. 

To enroll in this MHA program, you must exhibit an excellent level of commitment if you must 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 Healthcare or public health by the time classes and currently working in public health or healthcare services.
• Have an undergraduate degree with a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit a personal statement and three Letters of Reference.

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5. Seton Hall University, South Orange

Cost of Tuition: $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 MAH programs online or on-campus. 

Over time, this institution has built a strong reputation in MHA programs, evident in her record of 96% of her students being recruited three months after graduation.

Requirements for the online MHA program at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, you must:

• Applicants must have an accredited undergraduate degree.
• They must have a minimum of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA on 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 goals and career interests.
• Have a Curriculum vitae or résumé.
• Submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score Report documenting an internet-based score of 90 or above if English is not your native language. Also, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can be accepted, documenting a score in the 6.5 range or above. 

6. Pennsylvania State University 

Cost of Tuition: $1007/year 

Course Duration: 2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

An online MHA from Penn State can offer you an 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.

Furthermore, the online learning system offered by Penn State World Campus makes it possible for you to fit a degree program into your life. As a result, you can study when and where you want. 

So if you are considering obtaining an online MHA program, Pennsylvania State University can 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 solid academic background
• The applicants must have years of full-time professional work experience in health care.
• Have references from professional peers or supervisors who can attest to your commitment to the profession.

7. Scranton University

Cost of Tuition: $920/credit, 42-50 credit hours

Course Duration:2.5 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.

The MHA program at Scranton University is among the first fully online master’s in health administration programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME).

The MHA program of Scranton University also received the CAHME Award for Sustainability in Healthcare Management Education and Practice.

Scranton University is good if you want a highly reputable yet affordable online institution to enroll for your M.H.A.option. 

Requirements for the online MHA program at Scranton University, you must:

• Complete your online application
• Have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate study
• Then, applicants must 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 management experience, at least one of the letters should come from a different senior executive within your organization or prior employment.
• Undergo a background check.

8. Saint Joseph University 

Cost of Tuition: $941/credit unit 

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.

Saint Joseph’s University’s MHA online program is among the best in the nation, according to the US News & World Report. 

Saint Joseph University Online Program is worth considering for an online MHA program where you’ll gain the future-proof skills required for what’s next at a very affordable rate. 

More interestingly, you will learn from expert faculty 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. 

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9. University of Cincinnati 

Cost of Tuition: $754/credit unit for residents or $769 for non-residents

Course Duration: 2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited.

Another program on our list of top MHA programs for students is the University of Cincinnati Master of Health Administration. This program trains students to become the next generation of executive health care leaders by joining 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 degree program is to create access to a high-quality curriculum in health care management. 

This program is for working professionals who might not have ready access to traditional educational routes, preparing them to serve as transformative, innovative, ethical healthcare leaders within teams, organizations, and health systems.

Therefore, if you are seeking 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. 
• Provide your resume/CV of personal, professional, and educational background highlighting your healthcare experience.
• They must have official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
• Have completed your Bachelor’s Degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
• Provide two letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic readiness for graduate-level work, work ethic and habits, and the applicant’s communication and interpersonal skills.
• Complete your online application with the payment of $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 complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents.

10. University of Central Florida, Orlando

Cost of Tuition: $772.69/ credit hour

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

When you enroll in this program, you’ll join a committed set of only 30 students striving toward becoming health care administrators. 

Through this program, you’ll connect with peers, receive personalized attention and gain a deep understanding of essential real-world topics within health administration and the healthcare industry.

Besides 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 before applying. At least three years.

11. Weber State University- Ogden, Uta

Cost of Tuition: $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 in health administration program. It’s for students or working professionals planning to advance their careers. 

However, students attend a one-day on-campus orientation to get set up with the program and start on the right foot.

Graduates have found success working in finance, health, human resources, and facility management leadership positions.

Requirements for the online MHA program at Weber State University, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited college
• Be a graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA

12. Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York

Cost of Tuition: $14,400/ Year

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: NASPAA accredited

Marist College’s online MHA is one of the best online MHA programs accredited by NASPAA. It prepares you with healthcare experience for senior-level positions in government and non-profit organizations.

Requirements for the online MHA program at Marist College, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited college
• Be a graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA

14. Texas Woman’s University Denton, Texas 

Cost of Tuition: $4,672/year in-state and $12,142/year out-of-state

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

The Texas Woman’s University is one of the best CAHME accredited healthcare administration online master’s programs. It provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. 

Another exciting thing about this program is that you can take it at your convenience. 

This factor makes it an excellent choice for working professionals. Over 70% of faculty and staff are women, a unique business program.

Requirements 

• Applicants must have an accredited undergraduate degree.
•  They need a GPA of 3.2 or higher in their final 60 undergraduate hours and are not required to take the GRE/GMAT for regular admission. 
• Have scored the GRE/GMT program requirement if your GPA is between 2.5 and 3.19 in your final 60 undergraduate hours.  
• Submit your resume

15. University of Missouri, Columbia 

Cost of Tuition: $8,640/year in-state and $23,659/year out-of-state

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

The Missouri University online master’s degree in health administration is one of the top CAHME accredited programs to help you integrate clinical and managerial competencies. 

Suppose you have at least three to five years of clinical or administrative experience in health care and want to obtain 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 the health sciences.
• Also, 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 your native language.

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16. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 

Cost of Tuition:$11,466/year in-state and $23,487/year out-of-state

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

Suppose you are a self-motivated, mature, and experienced professional seeking advanced preparation in management and administrative roles that ultimately lead to executive positions in complex health services. In that case, this online MHA program at Virginia Commonwealth University is for you. 

Requirements

• Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university. No particular primary course of study is required.
• Have five years of post-baccalaureate experience in a healthcare or related organization.
• Provide a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score. 

16. George Mason University 

Cost of Tuition:$11,466/year in-state and $23,487/year out-of-state

Course Duration: 2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

The George Mason University CAHME accredited online program is one of the top online MHA programs sought after by working professionals that require flexible online learning with similar standards to its contemporary on-campus program certified by the (CAHME). 

CAHME means Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, and the US Department of Education recognizes it as the accrediting body for master’s-level healthcare management programs. 

So if you are in this category of passionate working professionals seeking to advance their health administration career, this program is for you. It does not require prior work experience in Healthcare 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 non-U.S. institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Upload your official academic transcript
• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Provide your personal/ professional resume
• Provide your goal statement
•  Meet graduate English proficiency exam requirements for direct enrollment as an international student.

17. Des Moines University 

Cost of Tuition: $15,374/year

Course Duration: 2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

Des Moines University’s online MHA is one of the best CAHME-accredited online programs to consider in 2024. It believes that experience is the best teacher. Hence, they have experienced professionals and scholars that tutor the 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, though all applications will receive a thorough review.
• You must have strong writing and composition skills and basic technical computer skills to perform graduate-level coursework.
• 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

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18. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.

Cost of Tuition: $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 features a top online health administration master’s degree program accredited by the CAHME. This executive format program is primarily online, with one long weekend of on-campus study each semester. 

It is majorly a residential online program for those residing in the US or countries close to the US since they will be required to have a one-week on-campus study each semester. 

Requirements for the online MHA program at MUSC, you must:

• Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with an average of 3.0 GPA.
• Have resume/ CV and personal statement
• The applicant must also provide a transcript.

19. Saint Louis University 

Cost of Tuition: $19,800/year

Course Duration:2 years.

Reputation / Accreditation: CAHME accredited

The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice offers one of the best online masters in health administration. 

The school has a conducive hybrid format with monthly face-to-face classes. This program is top-ranked by the US News and World Report and has one of the most structured MHA programs in the nation. 

This online master’s 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 in any accredited university
• Have 3.0 GPA 

20. University of Minnesota 

Cost of Tuition:$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.
• Present admission essays/personal interviews
• Provide letters of recommendation
• Have Healthcare administration/management experience (executive programs only).

CONCLUSION

Obtaining an MHA degree can open the door to higher-paying jobs with greater leadership responsibilities. And many healthcare delivery and financing organizations require that job prospects have a master’s degree. 

Considering the long-term salary potential in these leadership roles, obtaining an MHA in a very reputable and accredited program is worth the cost of time and finances.

Interestingly, you can check out 15 Best MPH Programs | Masters In Public Health 2024

FAQs

References

• Shu.edu- Mha admissions.cfm
• Worldcampus.psu.edu- Health Policy and administration masters
• Elearning.scranton.edu- Masters health administration
• Online.uc.edu- Master of health administration
• Ha.chp.vcu.edu- Msha program 

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