Online Master's in Administration Degree (MSA)
Academic title: Administration, MSA
36 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
What is an online master's in administration degree?
An online master's in administration (MSA) degree is built around two complementary halves that work together to shape well-rounded leaders. FIfty percent of your coursework focuses on foundational management skills that give you a clear picture of how organizations function and how to guide the people within them.
You’ll select the remaining half of your online MSA from 10 concentrations, so you can shape your studies around the career you want.
Aiming for a senior leadership role across different industries? Choose a wider focus such as general administration or leadership. Already set on a specific field like health care, engineering or human resources? Pick the concentration that matches your goal.
Online Master of Science in Administration degree overview
| Core credits | 18 |
|---|---|
| Concentration credits | 18 |
| Total credits to graduate | 36 |
How much does an online Master of Science in Administration degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current 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 can you do with an online Master of Science in Administration degree?
Every online master's in administration program wraps up with a capstone project that you'll plan alongside your instructor. This culminating experience pulls together everything you've studied and puts your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities on full display.
Many students use the capstone to develop a thoughtful solution to a real challenge at their current job or in the field they hope to enter.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for business administrators is $206,420 for chief executives and $102,950 for general and operations managers. The job outlook is good at 4% employment increase per year.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | $100,750 |
| General Manager | $105,350 |
| Business Analyst (General) | $101,190 |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online Master of Science in Administration concentrations
Digital Management
- Lead in a digital-first workplace: Discover how to get the most from digital tools, guide remote teams and grow a strong social media presence.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Digital Transformation Manager, Digital Strategist, Product Manager, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) and more.
Engineering Management
- Bridge engineering and business: Add the leadership and interpersonal abilities that connect technical work to broader organizational goals, opening the door to management roles.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Engineering Manager, Technical Product Manager, Operations Manager, Management Consultant and more.
General Administration
- Stay flexible: Pull courses from several concentrations to create a personalized curriculum that lines up with your career goals.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Project Manager, General Manager, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst, Financial Manager and more.
Health Services Administration
- Step into a fast-growing field: Study the legal, financial and policy sides of health care while learning to navigate regulations and manage resources wisely.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Clinical Operations Manager, Practice Manager, Healthcare Administrator, Health Informatics Manager and more.
Human Resources Administration
- Tackle workforce challenges with confidence: Explore organizational development, labor relations and employee training.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: HR Director, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst, Labor Relations Specialist, Organizational Development Consultant and more.
Leadership
- Sharpen your ability to lead: Drive your organization forward using communication strategies, group dynamics conflict resolution, cultural awareness, and change management.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Project Manager, General Manager, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Business Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Management Analyst, Financial Manager and more.
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations
- Make a career out of helping others: Learn how to secure and oversee grants, work with governing boards and run nonprofit organizations.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Executive Director, Director of Development, Grant Writer, Grants Manager, Director of Communications, Community Outreach Coordinator and more.
Project Management
- Bring projects across the finish line: Strengthen your leadership, communication, multitasking and analytical skills so you can deliver work on time and on budget.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Project Manager, PMO (Project Management Office) Manager, Portfolio Manager, Project Consultant, General Manager and more.
Public Administration
- Grow your public service career: Gain a thorough understanding of the economic, social and political forces shaping public and nonprofit organizations.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Where it can take you: Public Policy Analyst, City Manager, Nonprofit Leadership, Project Manager, Emergency Management Director, Urban Planner, Development Director and more.
Talent Development
- Help your workforce reach its potential: Learn to train and motivate employees while making informed choices that strengthen your team.
- Study on your terms: Online classes and full- and part-time options let you shape a schedule that fits your life.
- Get a head start: If you already hold a CPLP certification, you may earn six credits toward your online master's in administration through our Certification-to-Credit Program.
- Where it can take you: Director of Learning and Development, Organizational Development Manager, Talent Management Director, Corporate Trainer, Learning Experience Designer, eLearning Specialist and more.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to the Master of Science in Administration program, you must meet the requirements for regular admission to Graduate Studies at CMU (a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 or, optionally, 3.0 in the final 60 semester hours of graded coursework toward the bachelor's degree). At least 60 semester hours of your undergraduate coursework must be graded.
If you possess an undergraduate GPA less than 2.7, you may be considered for regular admission with stipulations.
If you do not meet the requirements for regular admission to the MSA program, you must provide a resume and a statement of purpose explaining both your undergraduate performance and your success strategy.
A maximum of 6 hours taken before admission to the MSA program may be counted toward the degree.
English Language Requirements for International Students
If you are an international applicant with TOEFL scores of 213 CBT, 550 PBT or 79 iBT and above or IELTS scores of 6.5 and above, you may be granted regular admission to the MSA Program. If you have TOEFL scores between 500 and 549 PBT or 173 and 210 CBT or 61-78 iBT or IELTS scores of 5.5 or 6, you should review the International Student Admission section on TOEFL scores in the Graduate Bulletin. If you have satisfactorily completed a 4-year baccalaureate degree entirely in the United States, you qualify for English Proficiency. If you are from a non-exempt country and lack proof of English Proficiency, you must be assessed by CMU’s English Language Institute. All exceptions must be approved by the MSA Director’s office.
Online Courses and MSA International Students
International students on student visas must obtain departmental approval in order to take online courses.
Turn your life experience into college credit.
Do you have any work-related certifications, or have you participated in trainings relevant to your work? Choosing the online MSA as your master’s program is an excellent choice. The online MSA program can help you save time and money on your degree by turning experiences and certifications into college credit.
