Business
Career
Healthcare
MHA Online
Become a leader who creates change in healthcare. A Master of Health Administration helps prepare you for management and executive roles where you can make a difference.
100% Online
Complete all your classes online with our flexible curriculum
8 Months
Earn your MHA degree in as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus program pace
4 Specializations
Choose from one of these specialized tracks: Informatics, Org Leadership, Project Management, or Public Health
Online MHA Program Highlights
Learn strategies that improve health outcomes so you can create change in your community
Explore core areas of management to develop leadership skills and business acumen
Choose a specialized MHA track that aligns with your career goals
Earn a degree from a nationally recognized university with 58,000+ alumni across the globe
Why Choose an Online Master of Health Administration Program?
Prepare for leadership roles where you can improve the quality and accessibility of health services in your community. Learn how to improve day-to-day operations at healthcare facilities, combining research-backed strategies with care and compassion.
Your classes will be 100% online, providing you the flexibility you need to earn your degree.
Explore the MHA program at WCU!
Interested in an MHA Specialization?
Explore our available MHA tracks:
Overview: Master of Health Administration Program
Program Details
Accelerated Plus Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
8 Months
2 Trimesters
Accelerated Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
12 Months
3 Trimesters
Working Professional Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
20 Months
5 Trimesters
Curriculum
Health Administration Curriculum
To achieve the graduation requirement of 30 credits, all students must complete 30 credits of core and track courses. Core courses provide students with the specific discipline experience required for the degree. All students will complete at least 21 core course credits as detailed below. The remaining 9 credits are based on the program track the student is enrolled in. The currently available programs are:
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- MHA – Informatics Track
- MHA – Organizational Leadership Track
- MHA – Public Health Track
- MHA – Project Management Track
Core Courses:
Core Courses to be completed by all students (21 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| HA 500 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care Management | 3 |
| HA 505 | Information Systems for Health Care Programs | 3 |
| HA 520 | Financial Management for Health Care Managers | 3 |
| HA 545 | Hospital Administration and Management | 3 |
| HA 550 | Leadership Models for Health Care Managers | 3 |
| HA 555 | Project Management | 3 |
| HA 565 | Capstone Course: Cases in Health Care Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| HA 525 | Marketing Management for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| HA 540 | Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations | 3 |
| HA 560 | Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Health Care Industry | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Track Courses:
Informatics Track
Track courses to be completed in the Informatics Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| Database Systems, Design and Informatics | 3 | |
| Project Management in Healthcare Informatics | 3 | |
| Implementation, Management, and Evaluation of Healthcare Systems | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Organizational Leadership Track
Track courses to be completed in the Organizational Leadership Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| Principles of Management | 3 | |
| Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Operations Management | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Public Health Track
Track courses to be completed in the Public Health Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| Foundations of Public Health | 3 | |
| Cultural Diversity & Health Disparities in Public Health | 3 | |
| Environmental and Occupational Health | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Project Management Track
Track courses to be completed in the Project Management Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Operations Management | 3 | |
| Project Management II | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the Online Master of Health Administration Program Cost?
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Master of Health Administration tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the online MHA program costs at .
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Master of Health Administration
Tuition and Fees
Accelerated Plus*
| Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 2 trimesters | 2 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $750 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| STRF1 | $60 | $0 |
| Technology Fee2 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $23,550 | $23,550 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $23,610 | $23,550 |
Accelerated*
| Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 3 trimesters | 3 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $750 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| STRF1 | $60 | $0 |
| Technology Fee2 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $24,050 | $24,050 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $24,110 | $24,050 |
Working Professional*
| Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters | 5 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $750 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| STRF2 | $62.50 | $0 |
| Technology Fee3 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $25,050 | $25,050 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $25,112.50 | $25,050 |
Indirect Costs
| 8 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
| Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
| with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
| Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,328 |
| Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
| Total | $9,644 | $15,196 | $10,100 | $15,932 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend . The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Master of Health Administration must:
- Complete an online application for admissions.
- Participate in an interview with a University Advisor.
- Complete an enrollment agreement, consisting of program policies, costs, completion requirements, and other student obligations.
- Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.
- Applicants with an undergraduate GPA 2.00-2.69 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
- The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
- The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with the Program Dean/Director.
- The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
- A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program. Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
- Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.
- Applicants with an undergraduate GPA 2.00-2.69 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
- Provide official undergraduate transcripts of a baccalaureate degree prior to the end of the add/drop period of the first term.
- Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts will be required to have their coursework evaluated by a transcript evaluation service to determine the equivalency to a U.S. degree/course. If the transcript evaluation is unclear as to the equivalency to a U.S. degree/course, the Program Dean will evaluate transcripts to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been completed for admission.
- Applicants submitting advanced degrees will be reviewed by the Program Dean to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been completed for admission.
- Master of Health Administration Transfer Credit Evaluation: Only graduate level courses in which a grade of B- or better was received, taken in a program similar to the Master of Health Administration will be evaluated for transfer credit. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours will be considered for transfer and must reflect the same content and course credit as the course for which transfer credit is requested.
For additional requirements, including information for students submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts, please visit our .
Learning through Storytelling
offers a dynamic approach to learning through its integration of binge-worthy episodic content. Each episode presents real-life scenarios where learners can witness the application of practices that they will learn in the Master of Health Administration program at .
Academic Calendar
New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
Career Services
Ongoing Support and Career Development
At WCU, we believe in giving you the tools you need to succeed. That’s why our Career Services department offers a wealth of ongoing support for students and graduates, including professional development workshops, one-on-one guidance, help scheduling meetings with recruiters, assistance with finding job leads, and more.1
WCU’s online Master of Health Administration program helps provide the education you need to take the next step in your career, opening the door to a range of entry-level managerial opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals (state, local, and private)
- Offices of physicians
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government facilities
- Outpatient care centers2
LinkedIn Learning
A No-Cost Resource for MHA Students
Alongside our comprehensive health administration curriculum, we give our MHA students no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning, a valuable tool for building new professional skills. Your MHA courses include opportunities for you to explore relevant topics through LinkedIn’s extensive library of educational video content.
Additionally, LinkedIn Learning allows you to earn certificate of completions, which you can add to your profile for prospective employers to see. Over time, you will have the chance to build a robust ePorfolio, which can be a valuable asset for future job searches.
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation students will be able to:
- Analyze ethical and legal practices to make informed decisions within healthcare organizations.
- Evaluate the culturally diverse healthcare environment including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and the social determinants of health and health disparities to foster better patient outcomes.
- Perform core technical business skills and plans such as financing of healthcare services, market analysis, environmental scanning, and data information management within the healthcare environment to make informed data-driven decisions.
- Articulate leadership models within healthcare organizations to drive strategic planning, facilitating the delivery of high-quality care while upholding financial stability.
- Discuss the inter-professional relationships within a healthcare setting to practice effective teamwork and team-based care to help build better patient-centered outcomes.
- Identify entrepreneurial opportunities within the global healthcare industry to assist in achieving a competitive advantage.
“I chose health administration because I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how healthcare organizations operate at both the micro and macro level.”
Jonathan M., MHA ’18
“I chose because it provided me the flexibility and stability of being able to work while going to school during my program, which in healthcare can be difficult to navigate.”
Marissa M., MHA ’22
Featured Faculty
Meet the Dean
Justin Ako, DC, BSBA, CHEP
Dean, Health Administration (MHA/BSHA, MBA/BSBA Programs)
Dr. Justin Ako is the Dean of Health Administration at . He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i and received his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a double major in marketing and strategic management. Dr. Ako then went on to receive his doctorate from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and most recently completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program at Harvard University.
Dr. Ako has been in private practice for more than 25 years and has been a dean of multiple programs at higher education institutions. He has served as Dean of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Bachelor of Health Services Administration (BHSA) programs at for the past 10 years. He also serves as the interim dean for WCU’s MBA and BSBA programs.
Dr. Ako has sat on community boards such as the board for Northridge Hospital/Dignity Health, and he works collaboratively with NGOs such as the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent while serving his local community.
FAQs
What is an MHA degree?
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree helps graduates develop the skills for overseeing healthcare organization operations while helping healthcare workers optimize the delivery of healthcare services.
How does WCU’s MHA program prepare me for a career in health administration?
The Master of Health Administration program gives students foundational knowledge of management best practices with a specific focus on the healthcare industry. The program helps equip graduates with the multidisciplinary skills they need for entry-level managerial positions. The program also helps prepare them for the challenges facing the healthcare industry today, as well as the significant social and economic impacts of those challenges.
Can I get an MHA degree online?
Yes, at WCU, you can earn your MHA degree 100% online.
How long does it take to earn an MHA degree?
WCU’s online MHA programs offers three program paces. You can earn your degree in as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus pace, 12 months at the Accelerated pace, or 20 months at the Working Professional pace. You may also be able to shorten your time at any pace if you completed the BSHA bridge program at . This is because you will have already completed some of your required MHA credits beforehand.
Will I be able to use transfer credits in the MHA program?
We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. WCU accepts up to a total of up to 9 credits for graduate programs.
WCU may accept credit for courses completed at other academic institutions, but only when the course meets the criteria of the academic program for which it is being considered. To qualify for transfer credit for a graduate course, you must have received a grade of B- or better, and the grade must be documented on official transcripts. Each WCU program has its own requirements for transfer credit.
Can I earn credits for past work experience or professional certifications?
WCU will evaluate your previous professional experience and certifications to see if you qualify for prior learning assessment (PLA) credits or for experiential credits. PLA credits can be given for professional licenses, or trainings, and experience credits can be given for skills earned through previous work experience. More information is available in our .
Will I be able to complete my degree if I am working?
Our MHA program is designed specifically with working adults in mind. Because your coursework and WCU resources (such as our online library) are available to you virtually, and because there are no set class times, you have greater flexibility. You can study anytime and anywhere to meet your weekly assignment deadlines. You can also choose the Working Professional program pace if you need to take fewer courses per term to accommodate your work schedule.
What is the difference between an MHA degree, an MBA - Health Administration & Leadership degree, and an MPH degree?
All three of these programs help prepare students for administrative roles within the healthcare industry, but they have their key differences.
In the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, students are fully focused on learning how to apply business concepts and managerial skills within healthcare settings. In a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a focus on Health Administration & Leadership, students primarily get a general business education with some courses being dedicated to health administration-related topics.
Meanwhile, in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program, students learn about the social context of health—such as social determinants and inequities in healthcare—and how to apply that scholarly knowledge to the improvement of care for entire communities.
Will I learn from experienced faculty?
Yes. Our online MHA program includes highly qualified faculty members who have extensive experience working within the healthcare field and who actively engage in scholarship and research, professional development, and service.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Some of the available to online students include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition).
You can visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page to learn about additional aid options, such as student loans, employer tuition reimbursement, and military tuition reductions.
is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/ .
1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, , “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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