The Best Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: sturti / E+ / Getty ImagesHealthcare administrators are in high demand, with a whopping 28% annual job growth projected for 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — far higher than the 3% national average.
Earning a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) can prepare you to be a sought-after professional in this rewarding field.
Nurses in particular can bring valuable clinical experience to administrative roles, be it on a nursing team or organizationwide. Find the right program for your goals with our ranking of the nation’s best MHA programs.
Popular Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$35,580
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled31,949
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,784
- Out-of-state$59,784
- In-State$54,672
- Out-of-state$56,592
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled20,984
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,927
- Out-of-state$38,757
- In-State$17,004
- Out-of-state$30,477
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled53,083
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled19,969
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled49,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled40,190
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,530
- Out-of-state$60,530
- In-State$32,616
- Out-of-state$33,912
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled14,734
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled55,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,112
- Out-of-state$53,112
- In-State$39,834
- Out-of-state$39,834
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled19,401
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
How do MHA Programs Work?
An MHA degree can set the foundation for a broad range of administrative and management careers in one of the nation’s largest job sectors. Earning an MHA typically takes 1-3 years. Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks are available, and you can earn your degree online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Many schools design programs for working adults, including MHA programs for registered nurses (RN).
As an MHA student, you’ll explore healthcare financial management, data analytics, and quality improvement strategies, among other topics. Electives can include healthcare marketing, project management, and policy. Many programs incorporate real-world experience through an internship or capstone project.
In short, the right MHA program will make you a stronger leader, a more effective problem-solver, and a better decision-maker.
Applying to a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program
Many RNs already meet the admission requirements for an MHA degree program. Often, a bachelor’s degree plus healthcare experience is enough to gain admission. You can also strengthen your application by explaining how your background in nursing has prepared you for graduate school.
While specific eligibility requirements and admission materials vary, many include the following requirements:
- Admission Materials: bachelor’s degree and transcripts; resume or CV; letter(s) of recommendation; statement of purpose
- GPA Requirement: minimum 3.0 GPA
- Other Requirements: professional healthcare experience; standardized test scores
Why is MHA Program Accreditation Important?
Choosing an accredited MHA program can shape your education and career. That’s because accredited programs meet high standards of academic quality.
Independent accrediting agencies evaluate programs based on curriculum materials, faculty qualifications, and graduate outcomes. In the case of MHA programs, the accrediting agency is the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Alternatively, however, some programs may hold accreditation through a business accrediting agency or institutional accrediting agency.
Accreditation pays off. According to CAHME, graduates from CAHME-accredited programs earn about $10,000 more in their first year than graduates from non-accredited programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About MHA Programs
An MHA degree, also known as a master’s in healthcare administration, focuses on the management side of the healthcare industry. MHA students strengthen strategic leadership, organizational management, and financial management skills, all through a healthcare lens.
Explore Other MHA Program Resources
What Can You Do With a Healthcare Administration Degree?
A healthcare administration degree can lead a variety of careers. Learn more about what you can do and where.
Nursing vs. Healthcare Management
Trying to decide between furthering your career in nursing or healthcare management? Check out details on both to help you decide which might be right for you.
The Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs
Learn about the advantages of an MSN/MHA dual degree online program. Explore program and admission requirements.