March 19, 2024

Top 20 Graduate Programs in Health Care Management in the South 2020

healthcare management masters programs

The field of health care is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth and change, with a 20% projected growth through 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is largely due to healthcare reform, an aging population, and the switch to electronic medical records. To help keep up with the rapidly changing environment and complexity of the field, highly skilled health care managers are needed to fill the number of new positions. There are several degree options for these positions, including a highly specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Health Care Administration. These graduate degree options use a curriculum designed to help managers become effective and efficient health care managers and leaders. We created this ranking to highlight the best programs found in the southern portion of the United States.

Ranking Methodology

To determine out top master’s in healthcare administration for schools in the South, we looked to College Navigator, a website provided by the National Center for Education Statistics that provides information on institutions of higher education around the country. We used the federal government’s list of southern states to narrow our list to only schools in the south. We then further narrowed our scope to only schools with CAHME accreditation. We used CAHME accreditation as one of our indicators of a quality healthcare administration program. We also looked at tuition rates for graduate school. We recognize that tuition rates can vary depending on program incentives, online program rates, and financial aid award packages. As always, you should consult the university to find out specifics related to their healthcare management program and if they offer any incentives or scholarships to reduce your overall cost.

Average Graduate Tuition

  • Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
  • $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
  • $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
  • $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
  • Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

We also looked at a school’s student/faculty ratio and awarded more points to schools with a lower ratio. We believe a lower student to faculty ratio allows students to receive individualized attention and support throughout the program.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

  • 15:1 or less= 5 Points
  • 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
  • Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

Ranking the Top 20 Graduate Programs in Health Care Management in the South

20. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $53,740/year
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Points: 6
The Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University features a top master of health administration. It’s considered one of the top programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Courses cover areas like:

  • medical practice management
  • quantitative tools for managers
  • health economics for managers
  • managed care and health insurance

During the second year of the program, students complete a field placement and capstone presentation. Graduates have found employment with organizations like:

  • Cigna Medical Group
  • UNC Rex Health
  • Children’s Hospital Colorado.

19. Tulane University

New Orleans, Louisiana

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $52,856/year
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Points: 6
Tulane, a top southern university, features a top MHA accredited by the CAHME. Students complete coursework in:

  • health care economics
  • financial management
  • population health
  • leadership

A year long residency provides students with the practical experience needed for success in the field. This 60 credit hour program produces graduates who are successful in a variety of healthcare settings.

18. Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Master of Health Systems Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $49,560/year
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Points: 6
The health systems administration master’s degree at Georgetown University is an on-campus program with a competency-based and practice-centered curriculum. This CAHME accredited program has small classes that allow students to develop close relationships with faculty and staff. Internship opportunities are available at a variety of settings, helping students develop their professional skills. Graduates have successfully joined the workforce, earned administrative fellowships, or gone on to advanced graduate study.

17. Trinity University

San Antonio, Texas

Master of Health Care Administration


Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $42,360/year
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Points: 6
The Department of Health Care Administration at Trinity University features a top master’s in health care administration program.  It’s offered in a traditional on-campus format and as an executive program. Courses cover areas like:

  • health care institutional management
  • physicians and physician relations
  • financial management
  • health care strategic planning and marketing

On-campus students complete a 12 month administrative residency that allows students to explore both the clinical and administrative sides of health care.

16. University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida

Master in Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $36,540/year
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Points: 6
The Master in Health Administration at the University of Miami is a specialized program taught by world-class health sector management and policy faculty. Core courses cover areas like:

  • human resource systems
  • quality management
  • professional skills development
  • corporate strategy and organization

Students have the opportunity to participate in an internship to gain valuable hands-on training and skill development.

15. Army Baylor University

Waco, Texas

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $30,888/year
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Points: 6
The Army-Baylor MHA at Baylor University is a CAHME accredited program for students employed by the federal government. There are 70 open slots each year for new students and the program has historically high admittance standards. Courses cover areas like:

  • managerial economics
  • leadership
  • healthcare strategic management
  • operations management
  • marketing management

All students complete a 12 month administrative residency under the supervision of a highly qualified preceptor. A joint MHA/MBA degree is also available.

14. George Washington University

Washington, DC

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $30,780/year
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Points: 6
The George Washington University in Washington DC features a top master’s in health administration program at its Foggy Bottom campus. The program incorporates coursework in areas of:

  • business
  • medical informatics
  • management theory
  • finance law
  • policy

Courses are scheduled in the late afternoons or early evenings to allow students to gain professional experience while working on their degree. Students have the opportunity to engage in research and participate in unique practice experiences available throughout the DC area.

13. University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,350/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Points: 6
The University of South Florida features a top master’s in health administration that prepares students for leadership positions in both the public and private health sectors. Courses cover areas like:

  • health policy and politics
  • organizational behavior in health services
  • strategic planning and health care marketing
  • health finance applications

Students complete an internship and then present a report for their culminating experience. The program is flexible to accommodate early to mid-level career professionals, as well as recent grads and those changing fields.

12. Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia

Master of Science in Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,020/year in-state and $22,518/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Points: 6
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University features a top MHA with a broad and deep curriculum. Students will study areas like:

  • health management
  • leadership
  • data analytics
  • health informatics
  • finance

Faculty have experience in a variety of health sectors including:

  • managed care
  • health services
  • health IT

Students engage in experiential learning projects, participate in national case competitions, and attend site visits with industry leaders. Students connect with an executive mentor during their second year to prepare for success after graduation.

11. University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Points: 6
The top master’s in health administration offered by the University of Central Florida features a program track in health services administration or executive health services administration. Courses are offered in a mixed mode for the traditional HSA program.  The executive program is available fully online. Courses cover areas like:

  • marketing
  • sales
  • accounting
  • information systems
  • HR

This CAHME accredited program will prepare students to succeed in a variety of health care settings including:

  • hospitals
  • long term care facilities
  • health care clinics.

10. Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,552/year in-state and $17,904/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Points: 6
Texas A&M University features a top Master of Health Administration designed for students planning a career in administrative practice in healthcare. This 55 credit hour program can be completed in 21 months for full-time students or 33 months for part-time students. Executives and mid-management professionals may consider the Master of Health Administration Executive track option. This 24 month program is taught one weekend a month and takes 24 months to complete.

9. University of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,650/year in-state and $29,196/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Points: 7
The Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina features a CAHME accredited Master of Health Administration. This top master’s in health administration in the South is offered in a traditional format and a professional weekend format. The traditional program is a 58 credit hour MHA with coursework in:

  • management
  • leadership
  • accounting
  • IT
  • quality management

The program prepares students for a career in healthcare management in both the private and public health care sectors. The professional program is for current healthcare practitioners. It provides students with advanced training for career advancement. Graduates are successfully employed in:

  • hospitals
  • ambulatory care facilities
  • insurance organizations
  • government agencies.

8. Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,217/year in-state and $25,032/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Points: 7
The College of Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University features an “industry specific” healthcare leadership program through its Master of Health Administration program. Courses cover areas like:

  • managerial epidemiology
  • health economics
  • information systems for health care management
  • health care managerial accounting

Students complete a 12 month paid residency experience during the 3rd year of the program. This unique opportunity provides students with the opportunity to work with leading healthcare executives in organizations around the world.

7. George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Health Systems Management (MHA)

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,736/year in-state and $32,322/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Points: 7
The Master of Health Administration in Health Systems Management at George Mason University is a flexible program available in a convenient online or on-campus format. Online courses are delivered in a convenient asynchronous format ideal for working professionals. Students spend a week in Washington DC to get an up close look at healthcare policy making. The capstone practicum experience allows students to spend a few months with a healthcare organization, developing their skills and analyzing a complex healthcare problem within the organization.

6. University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,770/year in-state and $27,335/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Points: 7
The College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida features a rigorous top Master of Health Administration. The University of Florida is the largest university in the South and is considered one of the top 10 largest schools in the country. The program is offered on campus and prepares students for management positions in the healthcare field. This two year program includes courses in:

  • health care finance
  • healthcare data analytics
  • health economics
  • HR management

Students complete an internship during the summer between the first and second year to practice their skills in a professional environment.

5. Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Master of Health Administration

medical-university-of-south-carolina

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,333/year in-state and $22,564/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Points: 8
The Medical University of South Carolina features a top master’s in health administration in a full-time traditional day program and in an executive format. The residential program consists of:

  • 50 semester hours of core coursework
  • three credits of elective
  • 10 hours of field experience

The executive program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers. Graduates have a strong understanding of governmental regulations, healthcare technology, and reimbursement systems.

4. University of Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

Master of Science in Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,100/year in-state and $18,540/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Points: 8
The top health administration master’s program at The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a CAHME accredited program that includes 23 courses and a 12 month administrative residency. This MHA program is considered the top program in the country by U.S. News and World Report. New students begin the program in the fall and complete the coursework portion of the program in 21 months. The program follows a cohort model, allowing students to develop a built-in peer network. Courses cover areas like:

  • health care marketing
  • health care financial management
  • information systems and management science

Dual degree programs are available by pairing the MHA with an MBA, Master of Science in Health Informatics, or Master of Public Health.

3. University of North Carolina Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

Master of Health Administration

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,337/year in-state and $17,771/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Points: 8
The Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina Charlotte features a top health administration master’s program open to both full and part-time students. This 51 credit hour program includes an internship and elective coursework. Courses are scheduled during the evenings, allowing students to work during the day. The curriculum covers areas like:

  • HR management
  • health law and ethics
  • strategic management of health services organizations
  • health economics

Graduates work in settings such as:

  • health insurance companies
  • medical supply and equipment manufacturers
  • hospital and hospital systems.

2. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,243/year in-state and $27,454/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Points: 9
The Department of Health Policy and Management at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC features a top Master of Healthcare Administration for individuals who want to become healthcare leaders. This top master’s in healthcare administration is ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Program options include a full-time residential program and an executive program. The residential program is a 60 credit hour program that includes a 12-week internship and three semesters of professional training. The executive program is offered in a flexible online format designed for students working full-time in the field. Both programs are CAHME accredited.

1. University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,054/year in-state and $17,838/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Points: 10
Our best master’s in health administration in the South is at the University of Memphis. This CAHME accredited program features low tuition and a low student to faculty ratio. It is the only CAHME accredited program in Tennessee and ranked 47th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The program is delivered in an on-campus format that takes 21 months to complete for full-time students and three years to complete for those attending part-time. U of M features an innovative Day One program that includes a team develop retreat and a seminar series focused on core professional competencies. For the past three years, 100% of U of  M MHA graduates have found jobs within 90 days of graduation.

Related Resources: