11 Best Online Healthcare Administration Master’s Programs for 2023
There’s really no question about it: online master’s degree programs are now every bit the equal of traditional on-campus degrees.
As you likely already know, any program that has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) has already cleared the significant hurdles required to join the ranks of the top master’s programs in the country.
It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in a lecture hall or at your kitchen table, CAHME accreditation means you’re getting an effective education in all the right subjects to make you a sterling candidate for any healthcare executive position in the country.
The big dividing line today isn’t quality; it’s access.
Online Programs Offer Unprecedented Flexibility For Students In Every Stage of Life
When it comes to access, online is actually better than on campus.
With an online degree program, you don’t have to pull up stakes and move to be close to a school with a quality healthcare administration master’s program. You can enroll from anywhere, and often at a lower cost than with traditional programs.
You can usually also study anytime it’s convenient for you, whether that’s noon on a Saturday while your kid is at soccer practice or in the middle of the night while you’re lying in bed. Course content is typically available 24/7, and accessible from any device.
So online programs are a great option for anyone looking into healthcare administration master’s degrees today, but there is a catch: a lot of CAHME-accredited programs classified as “online” aren’t necessarily 100 percent online. Because of the uber-rigorous curriculum requirements that need to be met to receive the CAHME stamp of approval, even most of the online programs involve at least a few on-site requirements for intensives, team projects, on-campus residencies and other types of hands-on experiential learning. Those programs are ideal for many students, but they don’t fit the bill for everyone.
So we’ve put together a list that eliminates any of the ambiguity. Here you’ll find a clear description of what kind of on-site requirements might be involved in the CAHME-accredited programs classified as online, along with the elite few that are in fact completely 100% online with no on-site requirements of any kind. They’re all here and they’re all clearly identified so there’s no guesswork.
Only A Handful Of Elite Institutions Qualify
It’s a short list—only eleven programs in the country qualify on these strict standards—but it’s still a lot of options for you to choose from. After all, with a 100 percent online program, or even one with minimal on-site requirements, you don’t necessarily have to restrict yourself to schools within driving distance.
You also don’t have to worry about the respective academic standards of the programs. Every single one of them is fully CAHME-accredited. That means they’ve hit all the boxes on the stringent CAHME guidelines, which include elements like:
- Hiring of qualified faculty
- Relevant and up-to-date research projects
- Accurate and relevant student assessments
- Student involvement in decision-making processes
- Curriculum standards
- Interaction with current healthcare professionals
These are all important building blocks for a program that will prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.
But part of the genius of the CAHME accreditation process is that it remains flexible despite being exhaustive. There is more than one way to teach any of the various complex topics that go into a comprehensive education in healthcare administration. Schools each have their own recipe for putting together a curriculum that produces fully qualified graduates. And because every student learns a little differently, that means that some institutions will be a better fit for you than others.
With this list of programs, you can see a variety of approaches toward meeting those standards. Each of them are fully qualified, but may embody different approaches to achieving those qualifications. Some make use of synchronous, real-time streaming for classes, tying cohorts together with live chat sessions in a way that replicates the on-campus experience. Others time-shift their content and use discussion boards for interaction, providing the ultimate in flexibility.
We lay out the critical differences in pedagogical approaches and in the technical capabilities of each of these 11 programs so you can make the absolute best choice based on your particular situation.
The Very Best Online Master’s Programs in Healthcare Administration
This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.
Milken Institute School of Public Health
Washington D.C.
Website
Master of Health Administration (MHA@GW)
(Program requires four immersive campus visits)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Program features both asynchronous and synchronous online learning for the best in convenience, flexibility, and collaboration
- Milken Institute School of Public Health is ranked 16thin the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Outstanding network of support includes admission counselors, a career services team, and dedicated professors who are there to provide you with valuable, one-on-one mentorship
For early- to mid-career professionals like you, the MHA@GW couldn’t be a better fit. With at least two years of full-time health sector experience or three years of full-time experience in another industry as your foundation, you’ll complete a comprehensive online program that’s designed to build upon your current knowledge and challenge you with an exploration of relevant and contemporary issues within the healthcare industry. You’ll also participate in four, immersive visits on campus and at various health organizations. These immersive experiences are a valuable addition to online study, as they provide you with opportunities to engage with your peers and network with accomplished healthcare professionals. Located in the acclaimed Milken Institute School of Public Health, which is ranked 16thin the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the MHA@GW features the same, demanding curriculum as the on-campus MHA. The only difference is in the delivery method: the MHA@GW presents coursework using innovative, virtual classroom technology. Through live video conferencing, you’ll participate with your peers in weekly, face-to-face class sessions that encourage meaningful discussions and successful collaborations. Other than your weekly class sessions, you’ll work alone as you complete self-paced, multimedia coursework. As an online student, you’ll enjoy access to GW’s vast resources, such as library resources and student and career resources, while getting the support you need from an outstanding network that includes admission counselors, a career services team, and dedicated professors who are there to provide you with valuable, one-on-one mentorship.
Department of Health Systems Administration
Washington D.C.
Website
Executive Master in Health Services Administration
(Program requires a combination of three, week-long campus intensives)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Outstanding opportunities for experiential learning in the nation’s capital
- Program features convenient, online sessions that last 12 weeks
- Valuable cohort model ensures exceptional student and faculty collaboration and communication
If you’re a working professional (with at least 5 years of professional experience) who needs the flexibility and accessibility of online study, but you’re also interested in a graduate program that’ll provide you with lots of opportunities for hands-on learning and meaningful collaborations with fellow students and faculty, the Executive Master in Health Services Administration at Georgetown University is for you! This two-year executive degree program features five 12-week-long online sessions, complemented by three week-long on-campus intensives, and one offsite intensive. The result? An outstanding and rigorous course of study that’s focused on contemporary healthcare challenges, quality and performance improvement, comparative health systems, preventive medicine, and more. You’ll engage in both synchronous and asynchronous learning, including web conferencing and real-time class discussions. Through a cohort model, you’ll study alongside like-minded peers who bring their diverse perspectives to the online classroom and to the on-campus visits. You’ll participate in high-level discussions, meet with industry professionals, and attend exciting site visits, while still enjoying the flexibility of a program that is completed mostly online.
Chapman Graduate School of Business
Miami, Florida
Website
Online MBA in Healthcare
(Program requires three on-campus residencies)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Program ranked first in the nation by Modern Healthcare in 2015-16 and among the Best Online Graduate Programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Features an accelerated, cohort-based program that features eight-week courses that are taken two at a time
- Outstanding, distance-based resources include access to a personal success coach, an academic coach, and web-based tutoring
- Advanced Certificate in Global Healthcare Administration can be earned concurrently with the MBA
Ranked first in the nation by Modern Healthcare in 2015-16 and among the Best Online Graduate Programs by U.S. News & World Report, the Online MBA in Healthcare at Florida International University has earned a reputation for being a world-class online program. This 18-month program allows experienced business professionals like you (with at least two years of professional experience) to explore some of the most contemporary and relevant issues and practices in the dynamic healthcare field. While the bulk of the program is completed through distance-based study to accommodate your busy schedule and/or geographical limitations, thanks to the program’s three on-campus residences you’ll still enjoy ample opportunities to engage with your peers and connect with faculty. This program is designed in an accelerated, cohort model that features eight-week courses, delivered two at a time. As a student here you’ll be able to build your professional network through the university’s large alumni network, make valuable connections with business leaders, and take advantage of valuable experiential learning opportunities as you participate in the Business Healthcare Alumni Affinity Council. You’ll also have access to a wealth of resources, including a personal success coach, an academic coach, and web-based tutoring. Interested in focusing your MBA on global healthcare? Consider adding the optional global travel program to your grad degree and you’ll also earn an Advanced Certificate in Global Healthcare Administration.
School of Health and Medical Sciences
South Orange, New Jersey
Website
Master of Healthcare Administration
(Program requires three, five-day on-campus intensives)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Program features both synchronous and asynchronous learning, and seven-week classes taken one at a time
- Outstanding on-campus resources include one-on-one career counseling, online career assessments, career events, and a mentor program that connects students with an extensive alumni network
The MHA at Seton Hall University brings together experienced business professionals like you in an engaging online course of study that’s complemented with valuable on-campus intensives, giving you the best in convenience without compromising the benefits of faculty and classmate collaboration. The 42-credit program, which offers the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus version, is designed to accommodate the needs of non-traditional students like you who require the convenience and flexibility of a distance-learning program. As an online student here, you’ll study alongside your peers in Learning Teams and engage with faculty through chat sessions, discussion boards, and face-to-face webinars. But you’ll also spend much of your time studying independently, completing courses one at a time in seven-week blocks. The program’s unique structure provides the flexibility working professionals like you need. Then you’ll make three campus visits to network with peers, faculty, and professionals in the field to sharpen your professional skills. You’ll also enjoy access to a myriad of on-campus resources, including one-on-one career counseling, individualized career development, online career assessments, career events, and a mentor program that connects students with an extensive and robust alumni network.
David D. Reh School of Business
Potsdam, New York
Website
MBA in Healthcare Management
(Program requires three on-site course requirements)
Entrance Exam Requirement: GRE/GMAT (may not be required for applicants with work experience, graduate degrees, or other practical/applied skill sets
- University ranked a Top-Tier National University by U.S. News & World Report in 2017 and among the nation’s best colleges by the Princeton Review in 2017
- Program features the same, rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty as the on-campus version
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Clarkson University’s MBA in Healthcare Management is designed for you! This online program, which can be completed on a part- or full-time schedule, features 48 credits, seven core courses, seven advanced courses, and two electives. You’ll enjoy the same outstanding curriculum and the same esteemed faculty as the university’s on-campus MBA in Healthcare Management. As a student of the online MBA program at Clarkson, you’ll complete the required coursework online over the course of three, ten-week trimesters and one, accelerated summer session. You’ll also complement your distance-based courses with three on-site, three-day-long intensives. If you’re new to the field of healthcare management, you’ll also be required to complete an internship, which is usually completed during the summer before your first and second year. Want another reason to choose Clarkson? This university was ranked a Top-Tier National University by U.S. News & World Report in 2017 and among the nation’s best colleges by thePrinceton Review in 2017.
World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Master of Health Administration
(Program requires two face-to-face management intensives)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Features an asynchronous format for the best in flexibility and convenience
- Highly ranked faculty, an exceptional alumni network, and a 25-year plus track record of producing successful graduates
Pennsylvania State University’s Master of Health Administration is an example of online learning at its best. This program builds on your previous work experience in the healthcare industry (at least 5 years in a healthcare environment is preferred) to prepare you for a role in leadership—all in a convenient online format that makes earning your degree more attainable than you might have thought. All courses in this program are asynchronous, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient. You’ll use a combination of self-study and peer-to-peer interactions over an online learning network, and you’ll complete weekly assignments, readings, discussions, and occasional group projects during the course of the program. As a collaboration between Penn State’s World Campus and the Penn State Department of Health Policy and Administration (part of the esteemed College of Health and Human Development), the online MHA boasts world-class faulty, an exceptional alumni network of more than 4,000, and a track record for producing successful graduates that goes back more than 25 years. Two face-to-face management intensives complement this online course of study, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership competencies and connect with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. In addition to time spent in the classroom, you’ll also attend program-sponsored events, visit healthcare facilities, and participate in panel discussions with healthcare professionals during these intensives.
David Eccles School of Business
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website
Professional Master of Health Administration
(Program includes a blend of evening and online classes)
Entrance Exam Requirement: GRE/GMAT
- Superb faculty include many current/retired healthcare executives
- Outstanding opportunities to participate in experiential learning activities through the Master of Healthcare Administration Student Association and the UMentor Healthcare Leadership Program.
Designed specifically for mid-career professionals like you who have at least three years of full-time post-undergraduate work experience, the Professional Master of Health Administration at the University of Utah is the flexible program you need to successfully juggle your professional responsibilities while earning your graduate degree. Consisting of 48 credit hours and two-three years of study, the Professional MHA features a robust course of study, a faculty of experienced healthcare executives, and a top alumni network that often participates in mentoring activities with current students. During the course of this program, you’ll complete courses in a lock-step schedule, and most classes are available either in the evenings or online. As a student of the University of Utah, you’ll also have ample opportunities to participate in experiential learning activities through the Master of Healthcare Administration Student Association and the UMentor Healthcare Leadership Program.
Department of Health Management and Informatics
Orlando, Florida
Website
Executive MHA
(100% online delivery – no on-campus requirements)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Designed for candidates with at least three years of administrative or clerical experience in healthcare
- Completely online program features an asynchronous format that allows you to study wherever and whenever it’s most convenient for you
- Collaborative cohort model ensures outstanding communication and networking with peers and instructors
- Exceptional online resources include peer-assisted learning, online tutors, and online academic advising
Want an online program that really does have it all? Look no further than the University of Central Florida’s Executive MBA, a 44-hour program that’s offered entirely online to accommodate your geographical restrictions or professional obligations. You may be studying from a remote location, but this program will still keep you connected to the heart of the university experience, featuring a collaborative cohort model that encourages peer-to-peer communication and networking. You’ll take two, four-credit courses each semester under the guidance of instructors who have extensive expertise in areas like information management, finance, international health systems, and long-term quality care. The program is delivered online using advanced video technology that allows you to easily communicate with your peers and instructors without ever visiting the campus. And the largely asynchronous design of this program means that you’ll be able to study whenever it’s most convenient for you. As an online student, you’ll have a host resources at your disposal, including peer-assisted learning, online tutors, and online academic advising.
The Panuska College of Professional Studies
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Website
Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
(100% online delivery – no on-campus requirements)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Designed for candidates with at least three years of management experience
- Program features a 150-hour fieldwork experience
- Features the same curriculum as the university’s on-campus MHA
- Majority of the program is delivered in an asynchronous format, so you can study whenever it’s most convenient for you
- Distance learning format features 24/7 technical assistance
- Small class sizes and outstanding opportunities for collaboration through online discussions and virtual meetings
An outstanding, fully online learning environment, a faculty of experienced healthcare professionals, and 150 hours of fieldwork experience in the form of an internship for outstanding, hands-on learning are the hallmarks of the University of Scranton’s Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration. As one of the first, fully online MHA programs to receive CAHME accreditation, the Online Master’s Healthcare Administration has a long history of academic excellence. It mirrors the on-campus MHA, so you can be sure you’re receiving the same curriculum as your on-campus peers. Most of the coursework of this program can be completed on your own time, although some elements of synchronous learning include course overviews, lectures, faculty-student discussions, and case study reviews. Other perks of this fully online grad program include 24/7 technical assistance…outstanding opportunities for classmate collaborations through online discussions and virtual meetings…small class sizes for the best in peer-to-peer communication…and access to the university’s outstanding alumni network of more than 45,000 who work in every field of business and management, both in the U.S. and across the globe.
School of Business Administration
Chester, Pennsylvania
Website
Online Health Care Management MBA
(100% online delivery – no on-campus requirements)
Entrance Exam Requirement: GMAT (may be waived for candidates with 5 or more years of post-bachelor’s relevant work experience, a GPA of 3.3 or above, or a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution)
- Outstanding faculty of nationally recognized industry experts who serve as scholars, researchers, analysts, and business professionals in the business and healthcare field
- Comprehensive curriculum complemented by career and development workshops
- Features a largely asynchronous learning format for the best in convenience and accessibility
- Outstanding online resources include assistance from a program manager and student services coordinator throughout the program and 24/7 technical support
Widener University’s Online Health Care Management MBA is proof positive that geographic limitations and professional obligations don’t need to stop you from earning your grad degree. This fully online, 33-credit course of study offers an advanced curriculum that’s led by nationally recognized industry experts who serve as scholars, researchers, analysts, and business professionals in the business and healthcare field. You’ll learn at your own pace, on your own time while you connect with your classmates through online discussion boards and group projects. You’ll also glean valuable insight into everything from negotiations to ethics through the program’s career and development workshops, which are taught by leadership coaches. Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or current healthcare professional, the Online Health Care Management MBA will prepare you to serve as an innovative business leader in the healthcare field. You’ll also enjoy outstanding online resources, which include support from a program manager and student services coordinator throughout the program and 24/7 technical support.
Department of Health Administration and Policy
Fairfax, Virginia
Website
MHA in Health Administration Management Online
(100% online delivery – no on-campus requirements)
No Entrance Exam Requirement
- Mainly asynchronous format is complemented with case studies, student presentations, team projects, moderated groups discussions, lectures, and more
- Offers the same, rigorous curriculum as the university’s on-campus MHA
- Program features real-world learning through a capstone project
Online learning has never been more convenient, thanks to George Mason University’s MHA in Health Administration Management, which consists of courses delivered 100% online, offering a truly convenient learning format that’s designed to suit your busy lifestyle. As an online student of George Mason, you’ll complete the same, rigorous curriculum as your on-campus peers, yet you’ll enjoy accelerated, eight-week courses that are taken one at a time. The 47-credit, online curriculum, offered in a mainly asynchronous format, is supported by a team of highly qualified instructors. In this program you’ll participate in case studies, student presentations, team projects, moderated groups discussions, lectures, and more. You’ll also work on a valuable capstone practicum as part of this online program, which includes completing a non-thesis project assigned by your preceptor.