An online master's in healthcare administration (MHA) is often required for management positions in this fast-growing industry. All the schools included on this list offer rigorous curriculum and the flexibility to study from anywhere you have internet service.
Methodology for Ranking the Top Online Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA)
This list was created to help identify the top 20 best online master's in healthcare administration degrees from accredited nationally and regionally ranked colleges and universities. We looked at approximately 146 institutions listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and the most recent publication of U.S. News and World Report's Best Grad Schools for Health Care Management. We narrowed our list by applying the following criteria: available specializations; national, regional, or program rankings with U.S. News and World Report; and in-state graduate tuition/fees.
Below are the resulting selections for the top 20 best online master's in healthcare administration degree programs for 2017 listed in order of affordability.
#20 – University of Southern California
Online Executive Master of Health Administration
Los Angeles, California
USC's online master's in healthcare administration is ranked #22 in the nation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $40,670
While not the most affordable online master's in healthcare administration, University of Southern California's graduate healthcare administration program is top-ranked. This 36-credit hour program may be completed in as little as six semesters or two years depending on part-time or full-time status. Courses are 14 to 15 weeks in length and delivered entirely online. Online courses include leading people and healthcare organizations, managing the organization's financial health, operational efficiency processes in healthcare organizations, quality care concepts, and strategic management. USC and the Sol Price School of Public Policy are accredited and ranked with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks USC as the 23rd best national university and the 56th best value school in the country. Several of the school's online graduate programs have also earned recognition. The healthcare management program ranks #22 in the nation.
#19 – George Washington University
Online Master of Health Administration
Washington, DC
George Washington University offers an online master's in healthcare administration that is accredited and top-ranked.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $82,750 (entire program)
George Washington University offers a top-ranked master's in healthcare administration online through the Milken Institute School of Public Health. This program is designed for industry professionals who want to gain the skills needed to become effective leaders in healthcare management and administration. All courses are delivered online and taught by George Washington professors who regularly teach in the traditional classroom. Eight ten-week learning modules are presented four times per year and include courses in a wide array of health management topics like community health and quantitative methods, finance and economics, law and regulation, leadership and ethics, and management and strategy. George Washington University is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school's healthcare management graduate programs rank #16 in the U.S. News and World Report's most recent edition of Best Grad Schools.
#18 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration
University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State's online master's in healthcare administration emphasizes health policy.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,832
One of the top online master's in healthcare administration programs on our list is from Pennsylvania State University's World Campus. This online MHA program mirrors the school's residential MHA with courses taught by experienced professors with real-life and research experience. Forty-nine credits are required in courses like clinical issues for health services management, financing healthcare, healthcare marketing, health economics, health law, information systems in health services administration, and quality improvement in healthcare. Penn State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university in the country. Also, the school's healthcare management graduate school programs rank #27 in the nation.
#17 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online healthcare administration master's degree program that requires no GRE or GMAT.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited and affordable online master's in healthcare administration degree program designed to equip students with leadership skills needed to successfully work within the complex health administration field. There is no GMAT or GRE required for admission and the program may be completed in just 15 months by taking two courses per ten-week term. Courses include economic principles of healthcare, global health and diversity, healthcare informatics, health policy and law, and strategic human resource management. The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the #1 most innovative institution in the country and the 101st best regional university.
#16 – Utica College
Online Master's in Health Care Administration
Utica, New York
Utica College's healthcare administration MHA program is 100% online.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,397
Utica College's master's in healthcare administration online degree program is designed to equip individuals with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue management and leadership positions. Three specialization areas are available so that students may customize their degree to suit career goals and personal interests. These specializations include acute care, long term care, and service organizations. The program may be completed 100% online and includes virtual residencies so that students do not have to travel to campus. Online courses include healthcare financial management, human resources management, leadership in marketing and strategic planning, and quality management and performance. Utica College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 122nd best regional university, and several of the school's online graduate programs have also earned recognition.
#15 – Saint Joseph's University
Online Master's in Health Administration
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph's College of Maine offers an affordable online master's in health administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,840
Saint Joseph's University offers a practice-based online master's in healthcare administration program designed to provide students with skills and experience needed to improve administrative performance in health organizations. General and informatics tracks are available and offer respective courses that cover specialized topics. All courses are delivered online and include epidemiology and community health, healthcare and the Internet, health information management systems data and infrastructure, and health policy. St. Joseph's is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the North. Also, several online graduate programs offered by the school are recognized and ranked.
#14 – University of Cincinnati
Online Master's in Health Administration
Cincinnati, Ohio
The online master's in health administration program at University of Cincinnati offers five specializations.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468
The University of Cincinnati is one of our top online master's in healthcare administration degree programs due to affordability and available specializations. Five specialization areas are offered, including health systems management, organization and delivery, and strategic success. All courses are delivered online and include evidence-based decision making for managers, healthcare finance analysis, health economics, health policy and regulation, legal and ethical issues, and principles of leadership. The program is designed to be completed in two years while students maintain their current personal and professional commitments. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 135th best national university. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned top rankings.
#13 – Champlain College
Online Master's in Health Care Administration
Burlington, Vermont
Champlain College's online master's in healthcare administration takes 16 months to complete.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,202
Champlain College's master's in healthcare administration online degree program is designed for busy and working professionals who want to advance their career as health organization leaders. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, this 100% online program offers three start terms per year and may be completed in 16 months by taking two eight-week courses each semester. Also, no GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission. Classes are delivered online with no set class meeting time. These courses include healthcare finance, healthcare law, healthcare performance innovation, leading healthcare talent, and performance measurement and accounting systems. Champlain is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best regional university in the North and 3rd most innovative school.
#12 – New England College
Online Master of Science in Management – Healthcare Administration
Henniker, New Hampshire
New England College's online master's in management emphasizes healthcare administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,735
One of the best online master's in healthcare administration programs on our list is offered by New England College. This private institution is ranked as a top regional university in the North by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online master's in healthcare administration degree may be completed in less than two years. There is no GRE or GMAT score requirements, and rolling admissions allow students to enter the program every seven weeks throughout the year. Courses are delivered entirely online with no residency requirements. These courses include issues in ethics for healthcare, managing projects in organizations, organization management and leadership, and strategic planning and policy for healthcare. New England College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the North.
#11 – Central Michigan University
Online Master of Health Administration
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Central Michigan University's online master's in health administration is affordable for in-state residents.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,770
Central Michigan University offers one of the top online master's in healthcare administration degree programs on our list. This 36-credit program is designed to prepare students with skills needed to lead in various healthcare industry roles. Required courses include financial analysis and planning, fundamentals of healthcare finance, organizational dynamics and human behavior, and strategic planning for the administrator. Other requirements include health administration field experience, an internship, or a graduate thesis. Central Michigan is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and public school. Also, several of the institution's online graduate programs and graduate school have earned recognition.
#10 – University of Scranton
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Scranton, Pennsylvania
University of Scranton's master's in healthcare administration may be completed entirely online.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,162
University of Scranton, a Jesuit and Catholic institution, offers a master's in healthcare administration online program designed for those who want to become responsive leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare industry. The online MHA program is one of the first 100% online programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). All classes are delivered online and consist of 44 credits and a three-credit internship that requires 150 hours of fieldwork experience. Some of the courses include healthcare financial management, healthcare law, healthcare planning and marketing, healthcare services and systems, and healthcare statistics and research methods. University of Scranton is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best regional university in the North and 22nd best value school. Also, the graduate healthcare management programs rank #42 in the most recent edition of U.S. News and World Report's Best Grad Schools.
#9 – Western Kentucky University
Online Executive Master of Health Administration
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University's online master's in health administration can be completed quickly and efficiently.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,860
Western Kentucky University offers an accredited online master's in healthcare administration program designed for healthcare professionals who want to become prepared leaders in the field. The online executive MHA requires three classroom visits per year, which typically take place between mid-July and mid-August. The rest of the program is completed online through distance learning courses. Some of the required courses include biostatistics for public health, health behavior, healthcare organization, healthcare quality and accountability, and managerial finance for health services. Two 3-credit hour courses in a concentration area are allowed for the executive option, although advisor approval is required. Western Kentucky is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 31st best regional university in the South and 10th top public school.
#8 – Regis University
Online Master's in Health Services Administration
Denver, Colorado
Regis University's online master's in health services administration program includes courses in finance and strategic planning.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800
One of the top online master's in healthcare administration on our list is the affordable online health services administration degree from Regis University. The degree requires 36 semester hours that includes a series of electives that can be taken to help tailor the degree toward career goals and interests. Some of the courses include advanced concepts of healthcare finance, contemporary issues in health services delivery systems, healthcare information systems, methods of inquiry and research, and strategic planning and development in health services. Regis is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the West. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned top rankings.
#7 – Ohio University
Online Master's in Health Administration
Athens, Ohio
Ohio University's online master's in health administration program is 100% online and takes 2 years to complete.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510
Ohio University offers an accredited and affordable online master's in healthcare administration degree that can be completed 100% online in just two years. This program requires no GRE for admission and is designed for industry professionals who desire leadership skills and knowledge needed to successfully improve teams and organizations. Students take 12 three-credit courses that are seven weeks long. Some of the required courses include ethical issues in healthcare, evaluation and quality improvement in healthcare, information systems for health services, introduction to the U.S. healthcare delivery systems, leadership of health organizations, research and quantitative methods for health services, and strategic planning and marketing in health services. Ohio University is ranked by major publications like The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution as the 146th best national university and 74th top public school.
#6 – Colorado State University
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Colorado State University's online master's in healthcare administration program is completely online.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
The master's in healthcare administration online degree program found at Colorado State University is specifically designed for individuals who desire professional healthcare administration careers. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. Specializations are also offered so that students may tailor their degree to suit specific career goals and personal interests. There are a total of 14 available specializations. Online courses include healthcare finance, healthcare information systems, health law and ethics, and organizational behavior and human resources in healthcare. Colorado State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university, and many of its health graduate programs have earned recognition.
#5 – Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Standish, Maine
Saint Joseph's College of Maine offers an accredited online master's in healthcare administration.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,626
St. Joseph's University has been welcoming students for more than 160 years. The school has consistently been named as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News and World Report for years. The master's degree program in healthcare administration is designed for people working in the healthcare industry who wish to advance into a management position. The curriculum includes classes in ethics, healthcare law, and health services research. All courses are delivered online, and the program is accredited with the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Education (CAHME). Also, the school offers a fast-track MHA option for those who want to complete their degree requirements in a short amount of time.
#4 – University of Maryland University College
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Adelphi, Maryland
University of Maryland's online master's in healthcare administration is highly affordable.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
One of the top online master's in healthcare administration degree programs on our list is from University of Maryland. This 36-credit hour program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead in professional healthcare roles. The program is offered entirely online and covers courses like financial decision making for managers, information technology for healthcare administration, and the U.S. healthcare system. A required capstone course and project must be completed prior to graduation. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university.
#3 – Liberty University
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University's online master's in healthcare administration degree program is one of the most affordable on our list.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
One of the best online master's in healthcare administration on our list is offered at Liberty University. This flexible degree program is designed for working students who want to advance their career in health administration and management. The entire program is delivered online and consists of 48 total credit hours. Core courses include financial analysis and decision making in healthcare, healthcare administration, legal and ethical issues for health professionals, operations management for health organizations, and strategic management and marketing for health professionals. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a best national university. Also, several of the school's online health programs have earned recognition.
#2 – Oklahoma State University
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University's online master's in healthcare administration is 100% online.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,230
The Oklahoma State University School of Health Care Administration offers one of the best online master's in healthcare administration programs on our list, primarily due to affordability. This 32-credit hour program requires a creative component or thesis including six hours of general graduate level electives. All curricula is delivered online and includes courses in healthcare accounting and auditing, healthcare compliance, and leadership methods and styles in healthcare. Oklahoma State University is a nationally ranked institution and top public school, according to major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, several of the school's online graduate health programs have earned recognition and top rankings in recent years.
#1 – Louisiana State University
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Shreveport, Louisiana
The most affordable online master's in healthcare administration on our list is Louisiana State University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,859
The most affordable online master's in healthcare administration program on our list is located at Louisiana State University. The program is offered 100% online and is designed to prepare students for middle and upper health management positions. Curriculum consists of ten graduate level courses like healthcare finance, healthcare informatics, healthcare policy, healthcare strategic management, and healthcare systems. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the South. Also, several graduate health programs have earned top rankings.
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BMD Staff
February 2017