How long is the MHA degree?

Typically, it takes two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study to earn an online master’s in health administration. A part-time program can help you balance your personal and professional life, while an accelerated program may allow you to complete the curriculum more quickly.

How hard is an MHA degree?

An MHA degree can be challenging because of the rigorous curriculum that blends healthcare management, policy, and economics. Students must master theoretical knowledge and practical skills in leadership and operations. The degree also demands strong analytical skills and an ability to solve complex problems.

Is an MHA as good as an MBA?

The best degree for you depends on your career goals. An MHA is a specialized degree focusing exclusively on healthcare management. The degree is ideal when your career goals are focused on healthcare. A master’s in business administration (MBA) provides broader business training that is applicable across various industries.

Who should get an MHA?

An MHA degree is a good fit for people with a background in health or related fields who wish to pursue advanced roles in hospital administration, healthcare consulting, or policy development. Earning this degree is designed for individuals who are dedicated to improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes.

Master's of health administration

Earning an MHA degree online can lead to roles requiring leadership, organization, and strategic thinking. Consider program curriculum and career options after graduation.

Explore online MHA programs

Why earn an online master's in health administration?

Earn higher salaries

Roles that require you to hold an MHA degree usually come with increased compensation.

Expand your career opportunities

An MHA qualifies you for senior management roles in various healthcare settings and improves your job prospects in public and private sectors.

Gain essential leadership skills

Develop emotional intelligence, conflict management, team building, and systems and strategic thinking skills.

Browse MHA online programs

An online master's of health administration (MHA) program can equip you with the necessary skills for leadership and management in an evolving healthcare landscape. Discover what you'll learn and what career options you can pursue to help you to drive improvements in quality and efficiency.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in health administration?

Graduates of an MHA program are equipped to handle complex operational, managerial, and ethical challenges found in modern healthcare settings. Some common job opportunities include healthcare administrator, medical and health services manager, and practice administrator.

Each role has distinct responsibilities which can vary widely, though they generally include improving quality and efficiency while developing and implementing policies. Graduates of MHA programs may negotiate contracts, innovate healthcare delivery, and oversee financial operations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical and healths services managers earned a median annual salary of $110,680 in 2023 with a projected job growth of 29% from 2023-33.

Graduates can find opportunities in the private and public sectors, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and insurance companies. Each setting demands a unique blend of skills to influence healthcare.

In , MHA graduates play a critical role in crisis management during emergencies by designing and executing response strategies to protect public health.

What can you learn in an online master's in health administration program?

Many schools offer the option to through an program. If you aim to in a flexible format, an online MHA degree may be the right fit for you.

These programs can prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare. You'll complete core courses with optional electives. Core courses often cover:

Healthcare policy and ethics
Leadership and organizational behavior
Healthcare finance
Information systems
Health law and compliance
Human resources management

Plus, many online MHA programs offer specializations so you can tailor your degree to your specific career goals. Examples include:

Health policy: Explore healthcare policy development, advocacy, and the impact of policy on healthcare organizations and the broader industry.
Health informatics: Concentrate on healthcare data management, health IT systems, and leveraging technology for healthcare improvements.
Healthcare marketing: Focus on marketing strategies, patient engagement, and healthcare branding in the context of healthcare organizations.
Project management: Develop project management skills relevant to healthcare, including managing healthcare projects and initiatives.

Ready to start or advance your career in healthcare? Browse programs.

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Admissions requirements for an online master's in health administration

All online master's in health administration programs require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree and have specific GPA requirements. You can earn an in many fields to complete this requirement, including . While specific admissions requirements may vary depending on the program, most require:

Current employment in health or human services
Previous work experience in health or human services
Résumé/CV
College transcripts
Personal statement
Letter(s) of recommendation
TOEFL scores (if applicable)