Graduate Healthcare Management degrees and Healthcare Administration degrees are becoming increasingly popular for those who want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that over 4 million health care jobs will be added through 2026, making it the fastest growing field. In keeping with this shift, more colleges and universities are offering online healthcare degrees for busy working professionals who need a flexible program. Because of this rapid rate of growth, there will be a high demand for Healthcare Managers, Executives and Administrators. Many degree options come in the form of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a graduate degree in Public Health. A Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree or Healthcare Management degree offers specialized training tailored to meet the needs of health care management professionals. By pursuing a graduate Healthcare Management degree in an online format, students can continue to work while they earn their degree.
Ranking the Top 20 Online Master’s in Health Administration and Healthcare Management Degrees
Our ranking highlights the top 20 online graduate programs in Health Administration or Healthcare Management. Consideration was given to those programs which received both regional and program-specific accreditation. We then analyzed data provided through College Navigator to determine average graduate tuition rates and the student/faculty ratios. Since this ranking is focused on online programs, we awarded additional points to programs that did not require students to come to campus to complete their degree.
Ranking is as follows:
Average Graduate Tuition Rate Per Year:
- Less than $13,000- 3 points
- $13,000 to $20,000- 2 points
- Greater than $20,000- 1 point
Student/Faculty ratio:
- 15:1 or less- 3 points
- 14:1 to 19:1- 2 points
- 20:1 and above- 1 point
Residency Requirement:
- No- 3 points
20. Georgetown University – Washington, DC
Executive Master in Health Systems Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $47,880/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The Executive Master in Health Systems Administration offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University is a two year program. It’s designed for working professionals. Students complete:
- five 12-week online sessions
- three week-long on-campus intensives
- one offsite intensive
This CAHME accredited online master’s in healthcare management admits new students each fall. Courses cover essential healthcare management areas like:
- human capital management
- planning and marketing
- operations management.
19. University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
Executive Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $43,200/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California features a top online Master of Health Administration (MHA). It’s focused on health management and policy. Coursework is primarily offered online with two five-day residency experiences offered on-campus. Courses cover areas like:
- operational efficiency processes in health care
- health care economics
- quality of care
While in the program, students have the opportunity to learn from MHA faculty who make substantial contributions to both research and the practice of health management and policy. Graduates have found success working in roles like:
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Medical and Health Services Director
- Medical and Health Services Executive Director.
18. Trinity University – San Antonio, Texas
Executive Program in Health Care Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $40,728/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The Executive Program in Health Care Administration at Trinity University is a 23 month program. It emphasizes both theoretical and experiential learning. The program is designed to meet the needs of current health care professionals working full-time. Students begin each semester with a short intensive on-campus study. The remainder of work is completed online and facilitated through teleconferencing sessions. Coursework covers areas like:
- leadership effectiveness
- managerial epidemiology
- healthcare finance
- information technology
New students are admitted each fall. This allows students to move through the program as a cohort, building professional relationships with peers.
17. The George Washington University – Washington, DC
Master of Health Administration (MHA) Online
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $29,790/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University is a two year program. It uses live, online classes that keep students engaged. The program is designed for students with full-time work experience. Courses cover areas like:
- management and strategy
- finance and economics
- community heath and quantitative methods
Courses are delivered in 10-week online modules. On-campus immersion experiences take place four times over the course of the program. They focus on:
- ethics
- health system analysis
- leadership.
16. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Executive Master’s Program in Health Management and Policy
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $22,368/year in-state and $45,156/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The School of Public Health at the University of Michigan features the number one ranked online master’s in health management and policy in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. The program is designed for working professionals planning to advance their career in healthcare management and administration. This cohort-based program is comparable to a health care MBA program. Students can complete the program in just 20 months. They can continue to work full-time while going to school. On-campus intensive learning sessions take place over 3-day weekends throughout the year. There is web conferencing interaction between sessions.
15. Seton Hall University – South Orange, New Jersey
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) Online
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $21,816/year in-state and $23,659/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
Seton Hall features an exciting online master’s in healthcare administration offered in a cohort format through Learning Teams. Students move through the program together. They complete online coursework and meet face-to-face during three five-day intensive residency experiences. This 24 month program includes courses in areas like:
- health finance
- healthcare management
- research methods
- population health management
During the final semester, students complete an in-person “Leadership Institute” and present their capstone projects to their peers and instructors.
14. Pennsylvania State University–World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,470/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The Online Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration (MHA) degree program is offered through a collaboration between the Penn State World Campus and the Department of Health Policy and Administration. This top online MHA degree program is a good fit for students with over five years of full-time professional work experience in the field. This 49 credit hour program can be completed in seven semesters. Courses cover areas like:
- health economics
- health care marketing
- health law
- project management
There are two face-to-face management intensive experiences. One is during the first semester. The second is during the final semester. Also, during the final semester, students will complete a one-credit independent study project in a focus area of interest.
13. University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Executive Master of Healthcare Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,728/year in-state and $25,884/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 4
The University of Minnesota features a top online master’s in healthcare administration offered in a cohort format for working professionals. Students complete both online and on-campus coursework. They work through the same curriculum together, developing professional relationships. The majority of the program is completed online, with five short on-campus sessions over the course of 25 months. Courses cover areas like:
- health finance
- health and health systems
- healthcare services accounting
This 42 credit hour program is accredited by the CAHME.
12. Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri
Executive Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $19,800/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice features a top online master’s in health administration. It’s offered in a convenient hybrid format with monthly face-to-face classes. SLU is top ranked by U.S. News and World Report and has one of the most established MHA programs in the country. This top online master’s in health administration was awarded Program of the Year by AUPHA for 2018. Coursework covers areas like:
- health economics
- legal aspects of health services management
- health policy
- health information systems.
Most students can complete the program in about two years.
11. Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston, South Carolina
Master in Health Administration: Executive Format
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,986/year in-state and $22,164/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
The Medical University of South Carolina features a top online health administration master’s degree program accredited by the CAHME. This executive format program is delivered primarily online, with one long weekend of on-campus study each semester. This 54 credit hour program includes coursework in:
- organizational theory
- health care delivery systems
- financial management for health care organizations
Students can attend part-time or full-time. No internship experience is required. Graduates have found success in a variety of settings including:
- ambulatory care facilities
- community health agencies
- hospitals.
10. Des Moines University – Des Moines, Iowa
Online Master of Health Care Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,374/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
Des Moines University faculty believe experience is the best teacher. This top online master’s in health care administration is taught by scholars and health care leaders with professional experience in the field. The majority of the program can be completed online through an integrated online learning platform. Students come to campus for three five-day immersion experiences over the course of this two year program. New students are admitted during the fall, spring, and summer semester.
9. Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia
Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA)
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,466/year in-state and $23,487/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
The Master of Health Administration Degree atVirginia Commonwealth University is a flexible 22 month program. It offers a combination of online courses and six on-campus sessions. The program is open to students from diverse professional backgrounds with at least five years of professional work experience. Asynchronous coursework allows students to study from anywhere. They can complete coursework around family and professional obligations. Students can immediately apply their knowledge and training to their current position, further enhancing the professional skills they already possess.
8. George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
Online Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,228/year in-state and $30,932/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
George Mason University features a flexible online program that prepares students for a future executive position. Students come from a variety of backgrounds in healthcare, business, and risk management. This top online program mirrors the on-campus program in rigor. Most classes are taken online However, students participate in a Week-in-Washington, D.C. to learn about healthcare policy and visit policy makers. Most students can earn their degree in just two years of study.
7. University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,640/year in-state and $23,659/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
The online top master’s in health administration at the University of Missouri is a 42 credit hour program accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the CAHME. Courses cover areas like:
- financial management
- health care law
- human resources
- leadership
Courses are semester based and are delivered primarily online. Students come to campus for four weekend campus visits during the program. Courses cover areas like:
- decision support in health care systems
- health care law
- financial management for health care organizations
During the final semester, students must pass an oral examination and present a research project.
6. Texas Woman’s University – Denton, Texas
Master of Healthcare Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,672/year in-state and $12,142/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 5
The healthcare administration top online master’s at Texas Woman’s University provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. Courses are offered in a convenient online and hybrid format. This makes it a great choice for working professionals. Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the CAHME and has adopted the National Center for Healthcare Leadership competency integration model. Over 70% of faculty and staff are women, which is a unique feature in a business program.
5. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,943/year in-state and $27,154/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Residency Requirement: Yes
Points: 6
The top online master’s in healthcare administration at the University of North Carolina is a specialized program. It’s for mid-career healthcare professionals with at least three years experience in the field. The program is consistently ranked in the top three in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and Modern Healthcare. Students gain valuable skills and knowledge in healthcare management through an innovative and flexible online learning model. Courses build upon the skills acquired in the previous term. Most students can complete the program in about two years of study. There is no thesis requirement.
4. Marist College – Poughkeepsie, New York
MPA Healthcare Administration Master’s Online
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,400/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Residency Requirement: No
Points: 7
Marist College features a top online master’s in healthcare administration accredited by the NASPAA. It’s designed to prepare students with healthcare experience for senior level positions and those new to the field with the skills needed to begin a successful career. Courses cover areas like:
- US health care policies and systems
- ethical and legal issues in health care
- critical issues in health care
Graduates are well prepared for positions in government and non-profit organizations.
3. Weber State University – Ogden, Utah
Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,942/year in-state and $16,723/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Residency Requirement: No
Points: 7
Weber State University features an online CAHME accredited master’s in health administration. It’s directed to students planning to advance their career. Designed for working professionals, Weber State’s online master’s in health administration requires no on-campus residency and can be completed in just four semesters. There are no on-campus course requirements. However, students do attend a one-day on-campus orientation to get set up with the program and start off on the right foot. Graduates have found success working in leadership positions in:
- finance
- human resources
- health law
- facility management.
2. University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
Executive Master of Health Administration, EMHA
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Residency Requirement: No
Points: 7
The University of Central Florida’s Community Innovation and Education College features an online master’s in health administration. It takes just two years to complete. Students move through the program as a cohort, limited in size to under 30 students. Designed for students with at least three years of healthcare management experience, coursework is immediately applicable to the workplace. Graduates have found success in roles like:
- executive director
- risk management director
- chief nursing officer.
1. The University of Scranton – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Health Administration
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,580/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Residency Requirement: No
Points: 9
Our top online master’s in health administration is offered by The University of Scranton. Its MHA program is offered entirely online. It features specialization options in either health informatics or global health. As one of the only programs in the country taught by expert practitioner faculty, students gain a unique perspective in health leadership and evidence-based management. Courses cover areas like:
- healthcare IT management
- healthcare ethics
- healthcare planning and marketing
- human resources management
All students complete an internship that prepares them for success as effective health care administrators.
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