Online Master of Health Administration
Academic title: Health Administration, MHA
39 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Earn your MHA degree online
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) ranks among the most respected credentials in healthcare leadership, and a CAHME accreditation, like ours, distinguishes a serious program.
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education is the only body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation to accredit graduate healthcare management programs, and its standards are competency-based: programs must demonstrate that their graduates can perform the work, not merely complete the coursework.
With a MHA degree, you'll build the business and management skills to effectively lead healthcare operations and position yourself for leadership advancement to senior-level roles.
80% of graduates are working in healthcare within months of finishing their MHA degree.
Your degree program will consist of 39 credits. Every course is built around healthcare specific challenges–from staffing to compliance to quality outcomes. Throughout your studies, you'll have opportunities to engage with practicing healthcare professionals, present at conferences and publish work alongside faculty.
The MHA degree culminates in a required capstone built around a case competition. You'll apply the competencies you've developed throughout the program to a real-world healthcare case and defend your recommendations before a panel of practicing healthcare executives. You leave with more than a grade: you've solved an actual industry problem under real deadlines. A case competition on your résumé also signals to employers exactly the analytical and communication skills they most want to see. Depending on your career goals, you may also choose a research-intensive path and instead elect a master's thesis.
90% of MHA degree students complete their degree on time.
In addition, you'll have the option to participate in a faculty-led study abroad experience that takes you inside healthcare systems very different from our own, and across the full range of resource environments. Past and potential future destinations include:
- Learning experiences in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Canada
- Service learning in Belize and Kenya
- An international poster presentation in Rome
- AI science with international research teams in Amsterdam
The MHA degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) through 2026 and is currently on probationary status, with the new accreditation review process underway.
MHA degree overview
| Core credits | 39 |
|---|---|
| Concentration credits | 0 |
| Total credits to graduate | 39 |
How much does a master's in health administration cost?
The cost shown is based on this tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What is a MHA salary?
Medical and health services managers have a median pay of $117,960 in the U.S., a critical healthcare administration position. While employment opportunities can vary by experience, education and location, a M.H.A. degree will prepare you to step into leadership roles with increased pay and impact.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Care Administrator | $117,960 |
| Health Care Analyst | $67,310 |
| Supply Chain Director | $102,010 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission requirements
The program reviews all applications and submitted documents in making a determination on admission and makes such recommendations to the Office of Graduate Studies.
To be considered for admission, you must:
- Submit a completed application for admission and an application fee.
- Submit official transcript(s) from previous institution(s).
- Hold a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students who graduated from an AUPHA certified program will have priority consideration for admission.
- At least a 2.70 GPA as an undergraduate. If you have an overall GPA of less than 2.70, you may be considered for regular admission if you have a 2.70 GPA in the last 60 hours of course work. If you have an overall GPA of 2.50 to 2.69, you may be admitted with stipulations.
- Competency in math and statistics is required. Competency in economics, basic accounting and in written and verbal skills is recommended.
- Résumé that includes: educational experience, professional goals, work history, professional experiences, memberships and participation in professional activities.
- A personal statement (500-1000 words) that conveys your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in health administration at CMU.
- TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT) exam is required if you are from a non-English speaking country. You must achieve minimum scores in Reading (22), Listening (22), Speaking (26 minimum), and Writing (24).
If you do not meet one or more of the admission requirements, admission with stipulations may be considered by the program. In such cases you will need to earn at least a 3.00 GPA during the first 9 credits taken in the program. If you wish to be considered for admission with stipulations, you will need to submit a rationale for granting such admission, which will then be reviewed by the program, which has the final authority in making a decision.