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Online MHA – Public Health
Specialize your Master of Health Administration education with a focus in public health so you can work to positively impact the health of entire communities.
100% Online
Complete all your classes online with our flexible curriculum
8 Months
Finish this track in as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus program pace
30 Credits
Complete 30 credits to earn your MHA – Public Heath degree
MHA - Public Health Track Highlights
Coursework that helps you prepare for leadership roles in health administration and public health
An online classroom that goes wherever you are so you can study on-the-go
Experienced and accessible faculty members with diverse industry insight
Three program paces so you can choose a schedule that works for you
Why Choose an MHA – Public Health Track?
The MHA – Public Health track allows you to complete an advanced health administration degree while also gaining valuable knowledge and skills in the field of public health. Students in this track take courses on public health foundations, environmental and occupational health, and the disparities that exist in in today’s public health systems. These valuable skills help prepare you to make a difference in your community as a health administrator or public health worker.
Overview: Online MHA – Public Health
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 Master of Health Administration – Public Health Track 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 MHA – Public Health track 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 MHA – Public Health track 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 - Public Health Track
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 |
| STRF1 | $62.50 | $0 |
| Technology Fee2 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $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 campus | 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 .
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
Hands-on Support from Our Career Services Team
As a WCU student or graduate, you will receive ongoing assistance with your career planning and job search efforts from our Career Services department.1
Our career advisors provide valuable resources such as professional development workshops, interview coaching, networking opportunities with industry recruiters, and more. They’ll even send you job listings for positions in your field.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to WCU Career Services if you need assistance.
Public Health Job Placement Opportunities
There are various types of roles that may be available to MHA – Public Health graduates, including roles such as health education specialist, community health worker, and health service managers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, work environments for these types of jobs may include:
- Government facilities
- Individual and family services
- Hospitals (state, local, and private)
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
- Outpatient care centers
- Offices of physicians
- Nursing and residential care facilities2, 3
LinkedIn Learning
No-Cost LinkedIn Learning Account for MHA Students
At WCU, we leverage LinkedIn Learning to help better equip our MHA students for the job market. In addition to the high-quality education you will receive through your Master of Health Administration curriculum, you will also gain access to LinkedIn Learning’s extensive library of educational video content, which is created by industry professionals across various disciplines.
For every MHA core course you take, you will also sign up for a LinkedIn Learning module, which you will complete by the end of the term. The module will align with what you are learning in the MHA program, and you will earn a certificate of completion once you’re done. You can upload that certificate to your LinkedIn profile, which can help you better appeal to prospective employers when you’re searching for a job.
Featured Faculty
Alexandra Auslander, PhD, MPH, MS
Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health Program
Dr. Alexandra Auslander is an Associate Professor for ’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Prior to joining WCU, Dr. Auslander was a lecturer for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as well as an adjunct professor for the Department of Physical Education at Fullerton College and Cypress College.
In addition to teaching public health courses at WCU, Dr. Auslander is working for a research team in community public health as a physical activity subject matter expert. Her team’s focus is on reducing the risk of chronic disease in underserved and vulnerable populations in Southern California. The project, which focuses on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress, is being funded by a grant from the Surgeon General of California.
Dr. Auslander earned her PhD in health promotion with a concentration in public health from Claremont Graduate University, which is where she also earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) in with a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. She additionally has a master’s degree in kinesiology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and a bachelor’s degree in biology from San Francisco State University.
From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Auslander completed a Community and Global Health Fellowship at Claremont Graduate University. Her academic and professional honors include the 2015-2016 Cal Poly Pomona Intercollegiate Athletics Recognition of Appreciation, the 2016 Travel Award from Claremont Graduate University, and acceptance into the 2016 Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program from the California University Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Auslander has also been awarded grants, fellowships, contracts, and research opportunities from the 2016 Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.
With a passion for public health research, Dr. Auslander has had her work published in various health journals, and she has presented her research papers at the conventions of regional and national industry associations.
Dr. Auslander is married with two young children and a lab dog. She loves to cook, exercise, travel, and eat great food. One of her favorite sayings is “Cook with Love and Eat with Passion.”
FAQs
What can I expect to learn in the Master of Health Administration – Public Health track?
In the MHA – Public Health track, you will have the opportunity to complete all the core Master of Health Administration courses while also taking complementary courses designed to give you a strong foundation in public health. This track is ideal for students who have an interest in public health or who would like to work in this field.
Can I transfer past coursework and work experience into the MHA program?
WCU considers credit transfers for the MHA program, both for previous coursework and for things like professional certifications, licenses, trainings, and skills acquired through past work experience. View more information about prior learning assessment (PLA) credits and experiential credits in our .
You can work directly with your advisor to see which credits may be applied to your new degree, and to get more information on the transfer credit process.
Will I be able to complete my degree if I’m working?
Our online MHA program is perfect for working students as it gives them the flexibility to study when and where they want. While you will have weekly deadlines, you can watch lectures and complete their assignments on the days and times that work for you, which is ideal if you have a busy work schedule. As an online student, you can access everything you need remotely (your coursework, WCU library, no-cost tutoring, Student Success advisor, etc.).
How long does it take to complete the MHA – Public Health degree?
We offer three program paces for MHA students. You can complete your MHA 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 eligible to cut down the length of time in your program if you completed the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA) bridge program at WCU, which means you have already completed some of your required graduate-level courses.
What’s the difference between WCU’s MHA – Public Health, MBA – Public Health, and MPH (Master of Public Health) programs?
Each of these graduate programs prepares students for careers in public health, but they differ in their curriculum.
The Master of Health Administration primarily teaches students how to become administrators in healthcare settings whereas the Master of Business Administration teaches students how to become leaders and administrators across various types of business settings. Both the MHA and MBA programs have a Public Health track that allows students to take courses focused on this this specialized field. Meanwhile, the curriculum for the Master of Public Health program is fully focused on public health education.
The MHA – Public Health track and MBA – Public Health track are ideal for students who want to broaden the scope of their knowledge to include business and administration practices.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. A financial aid advisor from WCU can help you review the various types of aid that may be available to you, such as student loans, scholarships, grants, employer tuition reimbursement, and/or military tuition reductions.
A few of our include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covering up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covering up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covering up to 15% of tuition). For more information about your options, visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
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, , Updated Oct. 4, 2022
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, , Updated Sept. 8, 2022
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
WCU distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.
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