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Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)


Build the business foundation you need to lead transformation for your healthcare organization, patients, and community.
Build the business foundation you need to lead transformation for your healthcare organization, patients, and community.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
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Master of of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Choose Walden?

OFFERING MHA ONLINE SINCE 2008

Our MHA program was developed for online learners—and continuously refined to meet the unique needs of working professionals.

A DEGREE ON YOUR TERMS

Choose our flexible, competency-based format designed to work around your busy schedule.

ALIGNED WITH NCHL

Aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model, this MHA program combines industry knowledge with practical competencies for outstanding healthcare leadership.

A PIONEER IN DISTANCE LEARNING

For more than 50 years, Walden has harnessed learning innovation to offer students the high-quality education they need to thrive.

Program Details

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 53 quarter credits
    • Foundations course (3 credits) 
    • Core courses (50 credits)

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.

 

Transfer of Credit
You may be eligible to receive 25 transfer credits for prior master's-level coursework when enrolling in Walden's MHA program, which can save you time and money. Call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 to determine eligibility and learn more.

Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Accreditation

Walden has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990. The HLC is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The leadership from the College of Management and Human Potential is very pleased to announce that the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program has received Candidate Status from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This is the first step in a several years process, leading up to, and potentially achieving accreditation status for the MHA academic program. Candidate status is an indication that a program in healthcare management has voluntarily committed to participate in a plan of self-improvement and is actively progressing toward the status of accreditation. Candidate status is not accredited status and does not guarantee eventual accredited status.

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAMOUNT
Tuition53 quarter credit hours$525 per quarter hour$27,825
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,225
   $29,050**
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$5,250

$23,800*

*Represents the course-based learning format, General Program, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.

Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.

Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each three-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.

Program Subscription Period Tuition Subscription Period PROGRAM Fee Subscription Period Time Frame
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) $2,900 $170 3-month subscription period
You may be able to complete your Master of Healthcare Administration degree in 22 months for under $22,000.*

Effective March 4, 2024

Program Subscription Period Tuition Subscription Period PROGRAM Fee Subscription Period Time Frame
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) $3,000 $175 3-month subscription period
You may be able to complete your Master of Healthcare Administration degree in 22 months for under $23,000.*

*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAMOUNT
Tuition68 quarter credit hours$525 per quarter hour$35,700
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,400
   $37,100**
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$5,250

$31,850*

*Represents the course-based learning format, specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.

With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your Master of Healthcare Administration degree in 19 months for under $20,000*

* Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.

Program Outcomes

Build Your Leadership Confidence

Walden’s 100% online MHA degree program empowers you to move from doing to leading in the changing world of healthcare. Build on your expertise with the hard and soft business skills leaders need to be successful. Coursework explores best practices in financial operations, management, and human resources as well as the trends, regulations, laws, and policies that impact health systems today.

What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MHA? 

In today’s U.S. healthcare climate, employers seek creative, innovative leaders who can respond to community needs while improving organizational performance. Jobs for medical and health services managers are expected to grow 32% through 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations.2

As a healthcare professional with vision, you want to broaden your impact—and brighten your future. Trust Walden to help you achieve it.

A Master of Healthcare Administration degree can academically prepare you to pursue career options such as:3

  • Clinical director
  • Health manager
  • Nurse Manager
  • Mental health program manager

A Master of Healthcare Administration degree can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:

  • Hospitals—state, local, and private
  • Physician offices
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government agencies

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this MHA online program.

JOBS FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MANAGERS ARE EXPECTED TO GROW

32%

THROUGH 2030.2

Resources

Learning Outcomes

All graduates will be prepared to:

  • Utilize effective oral and written communication strategies as productive healthcare administrators
  • Analyze the components of effective health care delivery for diverse populations in the United States
  • Assess the effect of delivery of care on patient outcomes and equity for healthcare organizations
  • Analyze the impact of environmental factors on healthcare operations management
  • Assess the impact of emerging trends and innovation on healthcare organization’s performance
  • Apply critical thinking to solve healthcare administration challenges in considering the social determinants of health framework
  • Appraise strategic practices on achieving sustainable competitive advantage for healthcare organizations
  • Evaluate the role of healthcare administrators in improving health outcomes through facilitating social change

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FAQ About Walden’s Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

What do healthcare administrators do?

Healthcare administrators have a wide range of duties that require skills and experience across many disciplines, including:

  • Finance: Healthcare administrators manage facility budgets, including payroll, the purchase of new medical devices, and even budgeting for expanded locations. They are responsible for controlling labor costs and ensuring all areas of need are met within the allocated budget.
  • Human Resources: A critical component of any healthcare organization is having solid human resources practices. This includes hiring the right people, evaluating staffing needs, and making sure all roles are filled to provide necessary patient care.
  • Compliance: Maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws is essential for all healthcare organizations—otherwise, they risk significant financial penalties. Compliance for billing, occupational safety and health, and privacy and security can all fall within the duties of a healthcare administrator.
What are the benefits of earning a Master of Healthcare Administration degree?

As a leader of a healthcare organization, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, doctors, and other staff members every day. With a master’s in healthcare administration, you can help guide lifesaving research, improve hospital safety, and lead public health policy.

In terms of what you will learn, coursework covers topics such as health policy, population health, marketing management, business communications, healthcare quality management, and much more. Once you complete your degree, you’ll have the knowledge and leadership skills that you need to excel as a healthcare administrator.

What is the job outlook for those holding a Master of Healthcare Administration?

The job outlook for Medical and Health Services Mangers is strong, and joining the field could be a positive career move. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Mangers have an expected 32% growth rate of employment from 2020 to 2030. As of May 2020, national estimates show both employment and wages on the rise. People in this field earn a mean hourly wage of $50.13. The median annual wage is $104,280, and people in the top 10% are earning $195,630.1

1Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm

What career options might I have with a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)?

There are plenty of job options for people who have earned an MHA degree, and having an advanced healthcare administration degree could be a job requirement for some positions. In-demand jobs include those in government as well as positions in general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories, scientific research facilities, and more.

How does earning an MHA degree online differ from in-person learning?

As an online MHA student at Walden, you have the opportunity to connect with students and faculty from diverse locations and backgrounds. This leads to an energetic exchange of ideas, opinions, perspectives, and experiences. There are three key features of online learning at Walden:

  • Flexible Scheduling: Our online learning model is designed to fit your busy schedule. This means you can participate in classes on a weekly basis, whenever it’s convenient for you.
  • Assessment and Evaluation: Tests are delivered online and are typically scored when you finish, which provides you with immediate feedback. Papers and projects are submitted through a drop box.
  • Online Student Support: Our Student Support Team guides you through the online learning experience, including providing a Student Readiness Orientation to help you get ready for your first online course.
How do you choose the best online university for your MHA program?

When it comes to finding the best online academic institution for you, reputation is key. Walden University is a pioneer of distance learning and has been supporting the educational needs of working professionals for more than 50 years. Accreditation should also be key in your decision-making. Attending an accredited university means you can be confident that your chosen institution has been evaluated for quality assurance and continuous improvement by an independent accreditation organization. Walden University participates in a thorough recertification process every 10 years with The Higher Learning Commission, an independent accreditation corporation founded in 1895.

What is the difference between an MBA and an MHA?

Perhaps you’re wondering whether you really need a healthcare administration degree to succeed in healthcare, or if an advanced business degree just as good. Healthcare is significantly different from other industries. It has its own reimbursement mechanism, which is based on third-party payers, its own ethics issues, including life-and-death issues, and its own policy issues, with specific government regulations.

An MBA program will likely have courses on leadership, marketing, managerial finance, communication, and other subjects designed to help you become a business manager or consultant. You can also specialize in specific areas such as human resource management or project management. Some of the top MBA programs even offer a healthcare management specialization—but that specialization still requires you to take core business courses.

All courses taken in an MHA program should be about issues related to healthcare. Typical courses include Contemporary Topics in the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System; Law, Ethics, and Policy in Healthcare Administration; Healthcare Operations Management; and Healthcare Quality Management. In other words, MHA courses should be designed to give you an in-depth understanding of the business of healthcare, while MBA courses take a broader approach to business.

Does Walden require the GRE/GMAT?

Walden does not require college-level testing. Our admission requirements are based on an applicant’s professional and academic experience.

How long does it take to earn an MHA online?

Walden’s MHA program is 53–68 quarter credits, depending upon your decision to take the general program or add a specialization.* The general program is designed to be completed in six quarters, which generally equates to eighteen months. Adding a specialization will require three additional courses designed to be completed in two quarters, which generally equates to 20 months. At Walden, we understand that adult learners are often juggling many priorities such as work and family, and students have up to seven years to complete the program.

What is the difference between the course-based MHA format and the competency-based option?

In traditional degree programs, you progress course by course. In Walden’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program in the Tempo Learning® format, you’ll demonstrate competencies instead of completing courses. Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and abilities you’ll need to be successful in your healthcare administration career. Completing these competencies ensures that as a graduate, you’ll be able to show your current or future employers the specific skills and abilities you learned in your MHA program. There are no weekly deadlines with the competency-based option, and you decide when and where to complete your work.

1Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database from 2013–2019. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code 51.0701 “Master’s degree – Health/Health Care Administration/Management” for Master’s degrees (Award level 7). Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data. (Retrieved July 2021; may consist of or include provisional release data.)

2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, SOC code 11-9111. Retrieved October 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.

3Source: O*Net Online. Summary Report for SOC Code 11-9111. Medical and Health Services Managers. Sample of reported job titles include Clinical Director. Retrieved October 2021.

Note on Licensure
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is not a licensure-leading program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed professional in healthcare administration, healthcare leadership, nursing home administration, or other similar positions.

For Student Achievement data, please view the CMHP DATA page.