Masters in Healthcare Administration Online Skip to content Skip to Chat Master of Healthcare Administration Apply Now OVERVIEW An Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Designed to Prepare You for Leadership You want to make a difference for the people around you, and an online master’s in healthcare administration can help you do just that. With this degree, you will be equipped with critical knowledge in the functions of healthcare systems that can help you become a leader in the industry. This program focuses on specific skills that are necessary for real-world success. Financial management for healthcare Quality improvement Community health Strategic and operational management Data analysis Compliance Research With a healthcare administration master’s degree from WGU, an accredited university, you can progress in your career in a variety of healthcare settings, prepared for healthcare management and leadership positions. Compare degrees: The Master of Healthcare Administration (also commonly referred to as an MHA program) is not WGU's only accredited degree designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. You may also be interested in our MBA Healthcare Management program or one of our M.S. Nursing – Leadership & Management programs (with options for nurses with or without a current BSN). Compare our health leadership degrees Graduates can finish within 12 Months Students who wish to accelerate can finish in as little as one year, while others may choose a standard pace of two years. Finish Faster Tuition per six-month term is $4,995 Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your MHA degree online. Finish faster, pay less! Cost & Time Transfer credit is accepted* 24% of your coursework (up to 9 credits) taken at the graduate (master's) level at an institutionally or nationally accredited institution can be transferred to this WGU program. Admissions FINISH FASTER One-Year MHA WGU's unique model allows you to move faster through your degree program. This online Master of Healthcare Administration degree gives you the flexibility you need to earn your degree on your terms. You don't have to leave your job to pursue a master of healthcare administration degree—something you and your employer will both appreciate. No logging in, no set class times—you are in the driver's seat of your education. WGU's one-year* MHA allows you to finish your Master of Healthcare Administration program in only 12 months. * Program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Otherwise, the standard is two years. Pricing is based on 12-month completion of the program. Students that do not complete in 12 months and need longer to complete the program will need to pay for additional terms. Graduate in 12 Months Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? Next Start Date: {{startdate}} Start Dates the 1st of Every Month Apply Today COURSES Healthcare Administration Courses Program consists of 10 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. This program features scaffolded learning throughout the standard path, requiring the standard path order to be followed for optimal student success outcomes. Program Guide WGU's Master of Healthcare Administration is a flexible, online degree program designed for learners with diverse healthcare backgrounds and experience levels. Healthcare is moving toward a value-based care model, and you can help lead the way with the skills you learn in this program. This master's degree program can also help you expand your knowledge and expertise in areas such as healthcare regulations and laws, patient care, and other changing healthcare initiatives. This online Master of Healthcare Administration degree program has been developed in close collaboration with experts and leaders working in major healthcare leadership positions as well as with the Accountable Care Learning Collaborative, Leavitt Partners, and other subject matter experts. WGU's online Master of Healthcare Administration program focuses on quality improvement of person-focused, culturally relevant care with an emphasis on professionalism, technology, and ethical practice to foster innovation and sustainability. This program consists of the following courses, which you will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you can pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. DOWNLOAD PROGRAM DETAILS Healthcare Administration Healthcare Management Healthcare Management explores the function, structure, and behavior of a wide variety of healthcare organizations (nonprofit, start-up hospitals, ACHE, etc.). It covers strategic planning, change management, corporate responsibility and broad managerial skill (critical thinking, adaptability, and decision-making) development within the context of healthcare. The course will focus on how organizations function and how people function within organizations (roles in the healthcare field, culture). This course prepares students to apply organizational leadership and behavior, principles of organizational culture development, techniques for building and leading teams, and conflict resolution strategies to support organizational goals. As learners are introduced to the skills and behaviors needed to lead a healthcare organization, they will consider how they can cultivate an organizational leadership style that influences an inclusive organizational culture and fosters innovation. There are no prerequisites to the course. Healthcare Law and Ethics Healthcare Law and Ethics provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical principles that govern the healthcare industry. This course explores the complex interplay between law, ethics, and healthcare practices. Learners will gain knowledge and analytical skills needed to navigate legal and ethical challenges in various healthcare settings. Learners will be prepared to address real-world issues related to patient rights, healthcare policy, professional conduct, and the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers and organizations. Learners will complete an ethics case study as a summative project. There are no prerequisites to the course. Data Analysis for Healthcare Decisions Data Analysis for Healthcare Decisions is designed to introduce learners to the fundamental principles and techniques of data analysis within the context of healthcare decision-making. This course aims to prepare learners to analyze healthcare data, interpret findings, and apply these insights to improve patient outcomes, optimize healthcare operations, and inform evidence-based decision-making. There are no prerequisites to the course. Health Services Research Health Services Research provides an in-depth introduction to the field of healthcare research focusing on the systematic investigation of how healthcare services are accessed, the quality of care provided, and the outcomes of care. It is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to critically evaluate healthcare systems, policies, and practices that inform health services delivery and policy decisions. Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites to the course. Transforming Healthcare Through Technology Transforming Healthcare Through Technology explores how information technology (IT) is utilized in healthcare settings to improve patient care, operational efficiency, and decision-making processes. The course includes the integration of IT systems with healthcare management principles to support organizational goals and regulatory requirements (compliance with HIPAA). Topics also include electronic health records (EHR), mobile applications, and digital health technologies. Healthcare cybersecurity, including threats and vulnerabilities specific to healthcare IT systems, will be emphasized. Learners also explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and their applications in healthcare. There are no prerequisites to the course. Healthcare Quality​ The Healthcare Quality course equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate, measure, and enhance the quality of healthcare services. By combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, the course prepares learners to lead impactful quality improvement initiatives, analyze healthcare outcomes, and implement strategies that promote patient safety, satisfaction, and overall care excellence. Through the use of performance metrics, learners will design a comprehensive quality improvement project tailored to a healthcare organization's quality improvement plan. This course fosters critical thinking and leadership, enabling participants to drive meaningful change in healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites to the course. Risk Management and Compliance Risk Management and Compliance examines risk exposure, response, and risk mitigation within healthcare organizations. Students will explore the regulatory environment, risk assessment methodologies, and strategies for mitigating risk. Topics should include healthcare policy, patient satisfaction, legislation, and regulations. Applying risk management and compliance frameworks, students will conduct a risk assessment and develop sustainable corrective action plans to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. There are no prerequisites to the course. Healthcare Economics Healthcare Economics provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the economic principles, financial management strategies, and reimbursement mechanisms that underpin the healthcare industry. Learners will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze healthcare markets, make informed financial decisions, and understand the complex payment systems that influence healthcare delivery and policy. Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites to the course. Resource Management and Performance Resource Management and Performance explores the management of human (internal and external) and physical to promote effective management at the department and organization levels. This course encompasses: effective utilization of resources, coordination of personnel and responsibilities, stakeholder identification (both individuals and entities. Students will also gain an understanding of healthcare performance measurement (key performance indicators (KPIs) in healthcare and their significance), techniques for measuring and benchmarking healthcare performance, and using data analysis to assess the performance of people/team, vendors, and the site (operational). There are no prerequisites to the course. Capstone MHA Capstone MHA Capstone is the culminating course in the MHA program, providing an integrative experience with all competencies and assessment topics throughout the program. You will synthesize concepts from previously completed coursework and demonstrate an understanding of responsible practices to promote quality, optimization, and innovation within healthcare organizations. The capstone includes a student-designed project intended to illustrate your ability to envision the future and effect change within a healthcare organization. You are required to use data and research to identify opportunities for improvement or change for a healthcare organization and then visually present a solution for implementation. In addition, the capstone encourages work in the healthcare industry that will be showcased in the student's collection of work and help solidify professional relationships in the industry. There are no prerequisites for the course. Skills For Your Résumé As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. Financial Management: Successfully recommended financial actions that aligned with organizational objectives, contributing to improved financial stability and growth. Quality Management: Developed robust processes to ensure compliance with quality standards, regulations, and requirements Management: Provided effective guidance and direction to teams, establishing performance standards and monitoring progress, leading to increased productivity and goal attainment. Risk Management: Skillfully recommended risk management strategies that minimized potential risks within the organization, safeguarding assets and reputation. Analytical Techniques: Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, making data-driven decisions, and leveraging current information to improve overall decision-making. Innovation: Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions to challenges, leading to improved healthcare quality and enhanced patient outcomes. “Earning my healthcare master’s degree gave me confidence in my new role leading a support department at a medical center, especially during the pandemic. I chose WGU because it allowed me to learn at my pace and apply what I already knew while learning things entirely new for me. WGU respects the knowledge brought to the program by learners and incorporates new information to create a well-rounded graduate ready to take on real-world challenges confidently.” —Stephanie Finn Leavitt School of Health Graduate WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor led lectures at a certain time and place Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year Apply Now Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour TUITION STRUCTURE Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors SUPPORT Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time EXAMS Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor led lectures at a certain time and place SCHEDULE Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options TIME TO FINISH As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year Apply Now Why WGU? Affordability WGU tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit. That means if you want to move faster through the online healthcare administration degree, you'll pay less. PAYING FOR SCHOOL On Your Schedule WGU students can continue working at their job, and keep up with their family responsibilities all while earning a degree. You don't have to take time off work or rearrange your shifts—at WGU you don't have to log in to classes at a certain time, and your assignments don't have deadlines. You can work any time, anywhere. A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Accelerated When you earn your health degree from WGU you can take your existing knowledge and put it to use. You can move through your courses as quickly as you show mastery in the material, helping you graduate faster. ADMISSIONS INFO Accredited, Respected, Recognized™ One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized. COST & TIME An Affordable Healthcare Admin Degree By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree. Apply FREE Tuition Calculator Pay less by completing your program faster TOTAL COST: YEARS Cost Breakdown Tuition 4,995 E-Books and Resources Fee 200 TOTAL (per 6-month term) 6-month terms Total Cost A Master's Degree Within Reach There is help available to make paying for school possible for you: The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average. Responsible Borrowing Initiative Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. Financial Aid Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for. Scholarships WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022). FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Take Control of Where, When, and How Fast You Complete Your Healthcare Administration Degree Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and oftentimes unpredictable for today’s busy professionals. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how online education should be in today’s world. No disruptions at work. No rigid class schedules. No barriers to earning your degree on your own terms. Just a solid, career-focused Master of Healthcare Administration program that meshes seamlessly with your current lifestyle. Other universities' online programs may give you the convenience of distance learning; WGU's online programs take that flexibility further—many steps further! REQUEST MORE INFO "Our partnership with WGU enables our employees to advance their education affordably without interrupting their careers.” —John Steele, Senior Vice President of Human Resources HCA Healthcare CAREER OUTLOOK Healthcare Is a Booming Part of the U.S. Economy—Take the Lead and Build a Thriving Career It's time to apply your leadership skills to improving health outcomes for individuals, communities, and populations in the health administration field. Healthcare facility leaders, healthcare managers, and policymakers are needed to improve organizational efficiencies and operations in the healthcare industry. There are many characteristics that prepare you for this work, including: Care coordination Collaborative leadership techniques Challenges in community health Strategic approaches in innovation This online Master of Healthcare Administration degree program is your opportunity to build the next phase of your healthcare career and positively influence others in your industry. Take advantage of flexible education and earn your Master of Healthcare Administration degree. MORE ABOUT CAREERS Return on Your Investment Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source: 2024 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU graduates. Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017. 28% Strong demand for medical and health service managers through 2031 means an impressive 28% projected growth rate for these roles. —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics WGU's Healthcare Administration Grads are Working in Diverse, Fulfilling Roles Our Leavitt School of Health alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers: Job Titles CEO or COO Provider network executive Home health agency president Health system vice president Ambulatory services executive Behavioral health director Managed care analyst Diverse Industries Private companies Healthcare organizations Nonprofit organizations Government Colleges and universities Major Employers Kaiser Permanente ARUP Laboratories Humana Healthcare Corp. of America U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable. More About Career Growth ADMISSIONS Admission Requirements Unique to This Master of Healthcare Administration Degree To be considered for this master's degree program, you must possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited university. GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Transfer Credits WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program. You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service. TRANSFER INFORMATION Get Your Enrollment Checklist Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment. VIEW CHECKLIST Get Your Questions Answered Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor. CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR More About the Master of Healthcare Administration Program General Program Questions Financial Aid Questions An MBA, even an MBA with a healthcare focus, will have a broader business focus than an MHA. An MHA program, while still focused on the business of healthcare, will dive more deeply into specific healthcare topics and the industry at large, where an MBA will spend more time focusing on general business knowledge, with a few courses specific to healthcare. An MHA program will typically have a stronger focus on the business side of health care organizations, while an MPH will focus on health science and research. MHA programs are dedicated to management and leadership, where MPH programs will have a stronger emphasis on individual research, diseases, and solutions for communities. There are many careers you can pursue with a master’s degree in healthcare administration, including: CEO or COO Provider network executive Home health agency president Health system vice president Ambulatory services executive Behavioral health director Managed care analyst Yes! The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that medical and health management positions will grow 28% by the year 2031, much faster than average job growth. As the industry has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with aging populations, healthcare management is an increasingly critical role. WGU is approved to offer federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394. Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on: How to apply Eligibility requirements Examples of scholarships What happens after you apply FAQs Other financial aid options WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? Apply Now The University Accreditation Newsroom Careers WGU Store For Students Student Portal Admissions Catalog Title IX Alumni Services Achievement Wallet Most Visited Links Business Programs Bachelor's Degrees Student Experience Online Degrees Scholarships Support Military Scholarships Financial Aid Faculty Testimonials Student Communities Cookie Policy