The Best Master of Health Administration Programs
Credit: sturti / E+ / Getty ImagesThe ever-changing healthcare industry needs highly competent administrators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these middle managers can expect a whopping 29% annual job growth projected for 2023-2033. That’s more than seven times the 4% national average.
Nurse managers’ blend of clinical and administrative experience enhance patient care and outcomes.
A master of health administration (MHA) provides specialized training that can make you a sought-after administrator.
Explore our ranking of the nation’s best MHA programs.
The Best Master of Health Administration Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's master of healthcare administration (MHA) program offers two tracks: residential MHA and executive MHA (EMHA). With a 100% retention rate and a 95% graduation rate, the full-time, 60-credit residential MHA pathway prepares professionals to transition into healthcare management.
The 49-credit EMHA curriculum has a graduation rate of 94% and benefits healthcare administrators or clinicians interested in further leadership development. With the bulk of studies online and the option to attend part time, this program is designed for professionals with a full-time career. Learners can apply classroom theory in practical settings through three annual on-campus residencies.
- Program(s): Residential master of healthcare administration (MHA); executive master of healthcare administration (EMHA)
- Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH); Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $1,035 per credit for North Carolina residents; $2,029 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum three years of full-time experience in the healthcare sector with managerial experience (EMHA); basic knowledge in accounting, statistics, and microeconomics knowledge is recommended (EMHA)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $109,461 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
Based on Jesuit values, Georgetown University's master of science in health systems administration (MHSA) is a 42-credit, part-time program. It offers on-campus courses and synchronous online classes. Second-year students participate in an experiential project. Working students benefit from the program's flexible platform.
Located minutes from Capitol Hill, Georgetown University provides unique exposure to healthcare legislation. Learners can also participate in a spring break global health systems experience and national and regional conferences.
- Program(s): Master of science in health systems administration (MHSA)
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $2,550 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; experience in the healthcare field; knowledge of accounting and Microsoft Excel; official TOEFL or IELTS required for those whose native language is not English
- Minimum Time Commitment: 21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $120,217 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
Home to seven Nobel Prize winners, the University of Washington receives more federal funding for research than any other public university in the United States.
The University of Washington's master of health administration (MHA) program offers two tracks: MHA and a hybrid online Executive MHA. The 76-credit, on-campus MHA program targets professionals who average three years of experience. A summer internship allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a practice setting.
The 69-credit hybrid online executive MHA program benefits clinical and management professionals seeking executive roles and requiring flexibility to meet the competing demands of work and personal life.
Both programs culminate in a capstone project.
- Program(s): Master of health administration (MHA); executive master of health administration (EMHA)
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $910 per credit (MHA); $1,045 per credit (EMHA)
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; English language proficiency (ELP) for applicants whose native language is not English; 1-3 years of working in a healthcare setting is preferred (MHA); minimum seven years of clinical experience in a healthcare setting, with some management responsibilities preferred (EMHA)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $112,161 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
With a 96% retention rate and 97% graduation rate, the University of Florida's master of health administration (MHA) program is offered to both full and part-time students. The 57-credit curriculum comprises on-campus classes and a summer internship to put classroom theory into practice.
The part-time, three-year educational model offers the same courses over an extended period to accommodate working professionals.
- Program(s): Master of health administration (MHA)
- Campus: Gainesville, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $12,740 per year for in-state students, $30,134 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE score; official TOEFL or IELTS is required if native language is not English
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $105,472 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The Zicklin School of Business offers CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College's executive MBA in healthcare administration and has been educating students for over 50 years on the business of healthcare.
With classroom discussions that include high-level executives and an international study tour, this 49.5-credit program offers an in-depth global perspective on healthcare.
- Program(s): Executive MBA in healthcare administration (EMBA HCA)
- Campus: New York, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $72,500 total
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent; minimum five years of managerial, supervisory, or professional experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 22 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $169,078 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The University of Southern California's master of health administration (MHA) program is offered at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy campus. Students can choose from two track options: residential MHA and executive MHA (EMHA).
The residential MHA is a full-time, 48-credit module. It features classroom education paired with experiential learning through a residency in the second year. Enrollees can pursue the degree part time and complete requirements in 3-5 years.
The 36-credit EMHA hybrid program is designed for those more advanced in their career and looking to move into the C-suite or an executive role. With classroom learning online, this program offers flexibility to meet the competing demands of work and personal life. Two five-day residencies are required to put knowledge into practice.
- Program(s): Master of health administration (MHA); executive master of health administration (EMHA)
- Campus: Los Angeles, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $2,242 per unit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum five years of experience in a healthcare setting (EMHA); competency in descriptive and inferential statistics (MHA); competency in accounting (EMHA)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $136,971 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The College of Health and Human Services and the College of Professional and Continuing Education have collaborated to offer California State University-Long Beach's healthcare administration master of science healthcare administration (MSHCA) program. This institution offers two 45-credit tracks — a traditional and an accelerated program.
Students can enroll in the traditional MSHCA program full or part time. The accelerated program offers a hybrid modality of online and in-person weekend instruction. Both pathways boast a 100% retention rate.
- Program(s): Traditional master of science healthcare administration (MSHCA); accelerated MSHCA
- Campus: Long Beach, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Accreditation for Health Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $6,900 per year
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; at least nine credits of statistics, financial accounting, and microeconomics; minimum three years of field experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $109,267 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
Boston College's master of healthcare administration (MHA) comprises 12 courses at the Woods College of Advancing Studies. Enrollment options to this fully online, 46-credit program include full-time, part-time, and asynchronous formats. This format offers a balance between education and a full-time career for working professionals.
Although the roots of Boston College are based on Jesuit teachings, this school welcomes students of all backgrounds.
- Program(s): Master of healthcare administration (MHA)
- Campus: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $1,452 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- 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
Florida International University's master of health services administration (MHSA) program is offered in two tracks: a fully online option and a fast-track hybrid option (50% online and 50% on campus).
The full-time hybrid program holds a 100% retention rate, and the fully online option holds a 91% retention rate. Tuition for an out-of-state student is the same as that of a Florida resident.
FIU's Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences MHSA program offers a Green Belt Lean Six Sigma certification at no additional cost and a recommended administrative residency course every semester.
- Program(s): Master of health services administration (MHSA)
- Campus: Miami, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $31,200 per year for the online MHSA program; $36,000 per year for the fast-track hybrid program
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college; minimum 3.0 GPA; official TOEFL or IELTS required if non-native English-speakers
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months for online; 18 months for fast-track hybrid program
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $51,820 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The University of Miami's master of health administration (MHA) program is housed at the Miami Herbert Business School. This program has achieved dual accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
Students can start a Champion Certification in Six Sigma in this 40-credit program, with in-class courses led by C-suite leaders. Internships allow learners to practice in professional settings.
- Program(s): Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Campus: Coral Gables, Florida
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- Tuition: $2,530 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; official GMAT/GRE score; official TOEFL or IELTS is required for those whose native language is not English
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $108,479 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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 We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best MHA programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.
How Do Master of Health Administration Programs Work?
An MHA can pave the way for administrative and managerial careers in one of the nation’s largest job sectors. The return on your investment could include career advancement and a higher earnings potential. Schools design many programs for working professionals, including MHA degrees for registered nurses (RN). Executive MHA programs attract students with at least three years of healthcare experience.
Earning a master of health administration 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.
You’ll complete 45-57 credits, covering topics such healthcare financial management, healthcare leadership, data analytics, and quality improvement strategies. Electives can include healthcare marketing, project management, and legal issues in healthcare.
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 of Health Administration Program
Many RNs already meet the admission requirements for a master of health administration. 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 (optional in many instances)
Why Is MHA Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is a hallmark of excellence. That’s because accredited programs undergo a rigorous review process that ensures they meet high standards of academic quality.
Independent accrediting agencies evaluate programs based on curriculum materials, faculty qualifications, and graduate outcomes. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is the accrediting agency for MHA programs. However, some programs may hold accreditation through a business accrediting agency or institutional accrediting agency.
Accreditation pays off. According to the commission, graduates from CAHME-accredited programs earn about $10,000 more in their first year than graduates from non-accredited programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master of Health Administration Programs
Earning an MHA can pay off! Healthcare administrators report above-average salaries and strong demand. As of May 2024, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $117,960, with a 29% projected job growth from 2023-2033, according to BLS data.
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