For health management and administration professionals who want to improve their credentials and move into higher positions, the best MHA degree programs provide all the knowledge, skills, and connections you need. An MHA degree refers to a master’s of health administration degree program. The masters of healthcare management provides an opportunity to work in healthcare management roles or to take on challenging work in the medical field.
When you are looking into different degree programs and schools for masters healthcare management programs, you want to make sure that you select the right school for your goals. Masters in healthcare administration programs offer different advantages and disadvantages for your career. You want to choose healthcare administration masters programs that fit with your long-term goals and offer the specific type of education you want for your plans.
Methodology: Ranking the Best MHA Programs in America
To rank the best Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs, Great Business Schools editors researched accredited colleges and universities offering excellent MHA degree programs. Our ranking uses practical factors like cost, potential salary, and student reviews to let prospective students know their hard work will pay off.
1. Medical University of South Carolina
When you are looking for the best MHA programs, you may want to consider the Master of Healthcare Administration at the Medical University of South Carolina. The program offers two tracks for students who are looking for a degree. The residential track is designed around students who do not have experience in the healthcare industry and want to build up their skills. The executive track, which is primarily online, is designed for students who have worked in the healthcare industry and have knowledge from their previous experience.
The Medical University of South Carolina is recognized in the top 20 universities for health care management by U.S. News and World Reports. The degree program emphasizes leadership and business as it applies to the medical industry. By encouraging students to develop the unique skills they need to work as a leader in a hospital, medical facility, or public health position, it allows students to advance in their career goals.
Highlight An estimated 92 percent of students who complete the MHA program from the Medical University of South Carolina find a job in their fields within three months of graduation.
Degree Master of Health Administration
2. Columbia University
The Master of Health Administration from Columbia University is one of the best MHA programs for students who want to take their management and leadership skills to the next level in their careers. The degree program emphasizes the role of leaders in public health, health policy, and health systems to ensure that students have the practical skills they need to apply theories to a real-world environment. That emphasis on different aspects of health ensures that students are able to work in a variety of positions.
Columbia University stands apart from other programs by offering three formats for student education. Students are able to study full-time, part-time, or in the executive program. The executive program is designed around working adults who may have limitations on their time due to their jobs or obligations. It works around the challenges that professionals may face when returning to school.
Highlight Columbia University is CEPH and CAHME-accredited for the Master of Health Administration degree program.
Degree Master of Health Administration
3. University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Students who are looking for the best program to help with their goals in health leadership may find that the Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is a good choice for their situation. The university emphasizes leadership, finance, organization, and management skills as they apply to the healthcare industry to prepare students to take on challenging careers. Since the school focuses on relevant business and leadership skills, it helps students recognize the options they have when working in a challenging field.
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor prepares students to work in a leadership role by emphasizing effective communication skills as well as analytical and practical business skills. It recognizes that leaders must have the ability to communicate with different individuals on a medical team to ensure the health and safety of patients. It also recognizes that business skills play a critical role in the long-term sustainability of the medical facility, so the program strives to ensure that students are ready to handle specific complications and challenges in their careers.
Highlight The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor requires students to obtain an internship to gain hands-on experience in healthcare administration.
Degree Master Of Health Services Administration
4. Rush University
The Health Systems Management masters program at Rush University is a good option for students who want to work in healthcare administration. The degree program emphasizes the management skills a professional needs to ensure that a medical facility has the resources to handle the challenges that may arise when providing care to patients. It recognizes the role of finance, organization, and medical skills in the long-term goals of a medical facility or hospital.
Rush University stands out from other programs due to the high rating on U.S. News and World Reports. The school is ranked among the top five universities for the health systems management degree program and it requires students to meet high standards of education. Due to the high standards of education, it is a good choice for students who are looking for the best options to reach their career goals.
Highlight Rush University has a small student to teacher ratio of 25 students for each teacher, which allows students to gain one-on-one help when concerns or questions arise.
Degree Health Systems Management, MS
5. Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a good college for students who want to study healthcare administration. Georgetown’s Master of Science in Health Systems Administration program provides students with a strong foundation in leadership skills and practical skills they need to advance in their careers. The degree program allows students to gain confidence in their abilities to make decisions as a leader in their fields.
Georgetown University stands apart by encouraging students to learn the skills to balance the goals of investors and board members in a medical hospital or facility with the needs of patients and medical professionals. It recognizes the challenges of maintaining the financial stability of the medical facility while also ensuring that patients are able to get the care they need to maintain their health. That emphasis on combining skills ensures that students are able to make effective decisions that benefit the facility and the patients who seek medical treatment.
Highlight Georgetown University is CAHME-accredited for the Health Systems Administration degree program.
Degree Health System’s Administration, MS
6. University of California, Irvine
The University of California at Irvine offers one of the best MHA programs for students who want to work in a leadership position at a hospital or medical facility. The Health Care Executive MBA program emphasizes the business aspects of the health care industry. The degree program prepares students to handle the challenges of working in a hospital, medical facility, or a public health organization. It also recognizes the importance of ensuring that students understand the business side of the medical industry to maintain a facility’s operations and financial resources.
The University of California at Irvine stands out for the research aspects of business studies. Students in the MBA program for healthcare administration are able to keep up with current research and participate in research projects to learn more about different areas of business and the advances of technology as it applies to business. That focus on research prepares students to apply their skills to the medical industry and make positive changes to help improve a facility or hospital.
Highlight The University of California at Irvine emphasizes a holistic approach to business and healthcare administration that evaluates different skills that may apply to the needs of the medical industry.
Degree Health Care Executive, MBA
7. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California at Los Angeles offers a Healthcare Management degree program that prepares students for the challenges of working in the healthcare industry. The program emphasizes business as it applies to medical facilities and hospitals to prepare students for the rigors of working in a modern environment. It also emphasizes leadership skills to ensure that healthcare managers and administrators are able to work with different professionals and communicate effectively to reach the goals of the facility.
The University of California at Los Angeles is one of the longest programs for healthcare management in the state. The degree program was started in 1975 and has maintained a high standard of education throughout the years to ensure that students are capable in their field. Since the program emphasizes the business aspects of the healthcare industry, it provides a strong foundation in business skills.
Highlight The University of California at Los Angeles is AACSB-accredited for its healthcare management degree program.
Degree Healthcare Management, MS
8. Penn State University
Penn State University offers a Master of Health Administration that offers a flexible approach to student education. The degree program allows students to study online or on-campus to ensure that students are able to keep up with their courses. The online degree program allows students to work around a complex schedule and ensures that working adults are able to focus on their studies while they are continuing with their normal career and activities.
Penn State University stands apart from other programs by emphasizing innovation and empathy in leadership. The focus on innovation ensures that students are able to keep up with modern medical technology. It also allows students to recognize when new strategies, tools, or technology may assist with the goals of a medical facility or hospital. Since students also learn ethics and empathy, they are able to communicate with medical professionals and patients in a positive manner.
Highlight Penn State University uses a competency model to ensure that students are able to improve their skills over time.
Degree Master of Health Administration
9. University of Iowa
The Master of Health Administration from the University of Iowa is one of the best programs for students who want a comprehensive understanding of the complicated systems associated with the healthcare industry and want to consider the medical industry from a patient-centered focus. The degree program gives students the business skills they need to keep up with the modern work environment. It also provides a comprehensive education in the ways that a patient-centered focus may alter or change a medical facility’s methods of handling different situations.
The University of Iowa uses an experiential learning process to ensure that students are prepared for their careers. Since it uses an experiential approach to education, students gain hands-on experience in their field before they start working full-time. It gives a strong foundation that carries forward into a career.
Highlight The University of Iowa offers scholarships and Graduate Research Assistantships to qualifying students.
Degree Master of Health Administration
10. Cornell University
Cornell University offers a Master of Health Administration that teaches students the fundamental skills they need in finance, economics, management, and law to handle the challenges of a modern medical work environment. The school recognizes that delivering medical care to patients requires students to balance the needs of the patient with the cost of the treatment. Students learn to use accounting, finance, and economic skills to provide the help a patient or several patients may need.
Cornell University offers professional development workshops and intersession field trips that allow students to learn in different environments and from experienced professionals in the healthcare administration field. It gives students a different perspective to contrast with their lessons in the university, which allows students to recognize the challenges that may arise in their jobs.
Highlight Cornell University requires students to participate in a 10-week internship during their studies in health administration.
Degree Master of Health Administration
11. San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers a Health Management and Policy MPH program that prepares students to handle the challenges of leadership in the medical field. The degree program prepares students to take on challenging tasks within their fields and offers insight into ways that policies may impact the management of a medical facility.
San Diego State University emphasizes the role of policy in medical practice. Since policies may impact the care that patients receive when they are looking for assistance, students must understand different ways to evaluate a policy. They must understand the different policies and standards that apply to the facility or hospital. They also learn management and leadership skills that allow them to make decisions for the facility.
Highlight San Diego State University is CAHME-accredited for the Health Management and Policy program.
Degree Health Management & Policy, MPH
12. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is one of the best programs for a Master of Health Administration degree. The program focuses on leadership development and prepares students to handle the challenges that may arise in a modern work environment. Students can expect to learn the practical application of strategic planning, analytical skills, and business skills as it relates to the healthcare industry.
Johns Hopkins University is one of the most renowned colleges for medical training and education. Students can expect to learn a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the skills they need when working in health administration and taking on a leadership role within a medical facility. The program provides students with the fundamental skills they need to move forward with their long-term career goals.
Highlight Johns Hopkins University is ranked among the top ten schools for health administration by U.S. News and World Report.
Degree Master of Health Administration
13. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers one of the best programs for MHA degrees for students who are looking for an opportunity to take on a leadership role within the medical industry. The school offers a residential program that is designed to allow students to learn the basic skills they need to work in the healthcare industry, even if they are coming from a different career path or background. Students can expect to learn business skills as well as the leadership skills they need to work in the health administration field.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides students with hands-on experience through a 9 to 12 month residency program after students complete the course materials. Since students are able to work in administrative positions as a resident before they start a career, they are prepared for the challenges they may face in their jobs.
Highlight The University of Alabama at Birmingham is recognized as the number one health administration program by U.S. News and World Reports.
Degree Health Administration, MS
14. University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma offers a Master of Health Administration program that emphasizes leadership and management in the healthcare industry. The program gives students the communication skills and training they need to handle the challenges of working with professionals and patients in a medical environment. It also prepares students to handle the business aspects of a medical facility to ensure it is sustainable and can continue to provide medical services to patients.
The University of Oklahoma stands apart from other programs by emphasizing stewardship, innovation, and integrity in healthcare administration. It encourages students to evaluate potential solutions using modern technology and innovative strategies. Students can expect to learn quantitative analysis and related business skills as well as innovative solutions to help improve a medical facility.
Highlight The University of Oklahoma assists students in getting post-graduate fellowships that offer stipends and on-the-job training when they complete their course materials.
Degree Master of Health Administration
15. Boston College
The Master of Healthcare Administration from Boston College prepares students to take on the challenges of leadership in a medical facility or hospital. It teaches students to work with different professionals and communicate effectively to reach the goals of the medical facility. The program also prepares students to recognize the healthcare economy and ensures that students are able to find innovative solutions to problems that may arise.
Boston College recognizes that students in the MHA program may come from a variety of backgrounds and situations. It provides the fundamental training and skills that students need to work as a leader in the healthcare industry. It also ensures that students are able to use their training and experience in different fields or industries, as well as medical fields, to work with medical professionals.
Highlight Boston College requires students to provide a resume, transcripts from their undergraduate program, letters of recommendation and complete an interview before they start in the MHA program.
Degree Master of Healthcare Administration
16. Texas State University
The Healthcare Administration program from Texas State University enhances student knowledge of management and leadership to advance in a career in the healthcare industry. It is designed around the needs of professionals who have worked in healthcare administration and want to advance into more senior levels of leadership, though it does recognize that students may come from different fields or industries in some situations. The program gives students a strong foundation in leadership and management to ensure they can make improvements to a medical facility or hospital.
Texas State University emphasizes the business aspects of healthcare administration and focuses on topics related to financial management, human resources, marketing, and related skills. It prepares students to handle the challenges of maintaining a sustainable medical facility while still providing care to patients.
Highlight Texas State University does not require students to work on a thesis for the master’s degree program.
Degree Healthcare Administration, MHA
17. University of Kentucky
The Master of Health Administration from the University of Kentucky is a good choice for students who want to advance in their careers in the healthcare industry. The program focuses on building a strong foundation in leadership and management skills to enhance the ability of students to handle challenges in their careers. It provides students with the opportunity to find innovative measures to improve patient care while maintaining or reducing costs to the medical facility.
The University of Kentucky focuses on strategic planning and thinking processes. It teaches students to use strategies to make improvements to a medical facility. The emphasis on strategic planning gives students the ability to solve problems and clarify potential concerns before facing undue financial or economic complications. It helps students recognize concerns before it gets out of control and take measures to limit risks to the medical facility.
Highlight The University of Kentucky offers small class sizes with a low student to teacher ratio.
Degree Master of Health Administration
18. Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers a master’s degree in Health Administration that emphasizes data analysis, finance, and leadership skills. It recognizes that health informatics is a growing field in the medical industry and ensures that students are prepared to handle informatics and data analysis when working as a healthcare administrator. It also provides students with a strong foundation in the business and leadership skills they need to work at the senior level in a medical facility.
Georgia State University emphasizes hands-on experience through experiential projects and site visits to different medical facilities. Since students are encouraged to gain experience throughout the program, they are able to start working after graduation in a leadership role. It gives students the opportunity to build up their skills before they start a career.
Highlight Georgia State University is a member of the Business School Alliance for Health Management, or BAHM.
Degree Health Administration, MS
19. Baruch College (CUNY)
Baruch College in New York offers an MBA in Healthcare Administration that helps students work as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an MBA program, it emphasizes the business aspects of the healthcare industry. It provides students with the fundamental business skills they need to improve a medical facility or make positive changes to a hospital. The program also teaches students about the healthcare industry and concerns that may arise in patient care.
Baruch College offers a program that is designed around working adults. The MBA program offers night classes to help students who may have a job or personal obligations that limit their time. It allows students to continue with their work while they obtain a degree to advance in their field or to make a change to the healthcare administration field.
Highlight Baruch College offers an international study tour for eight to ten days to give students a different perspective on the healthcare industry.
Degree Healthcare Administration, MBA
20. Ohio State University
The Health Services Management and Policy MHA program from Ohio State University is one of the best MHA programs for students who want to work in a government role or take on policy roles in a management or leadership position. The degree program emphasizes leadership and policy development to prepare students to handle challenges that may arise when working in the medical industry.
Ohio State University stands out by giving students a holistic view of the medical industry and the potential challenges that may arise when working in a medical field. The program recognizes that patient safety and quality of care are essential for the hospital or medical facility to maintain sustainability. It also provides students with a firm understanding of the financial and business aspects of the medical industry to ensure that students are able to find an effective way to balance the quality of care with the costs of care.
Highlight Ohio State University offers scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to students in the MHA program.
Degree Health Services Management and Policy, MHA
21. Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Health Administration that allows students to build on their careers and advance into senior-level leadership positions. The degree program is designed around students who have experience in their field and may want to take the next step to work as a leader in the healthcare industry. It may also help students who want to shift to a career in health administration from business or technology fields.
Georgia Southern University takes a student-centered approach to education and works with students to ensure that the program fits their needs. It allows students to discuss concerns with faculty or staff when they are working on their degrees. Students can expect to participate in community engagement projects to gain hands-on experience while they are working on their degrees.
Highlight Georgia Southern University is CAHME-accredited for the Health Administration program.
Degree Master of Health Administration
22. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a Master of Health Administration that focuses on health equity and the challenges of keeping up with modern urbanization and medical care. The degree program teaches students to balance the care of patients and the safety of patients with the costs of care and the financial challenges of maintaining a medical facility.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte encourages students to promote healthy communities and to prepare for work as a leader in the medical industry. It recognizes that healthy communities play a critical role in long-term health outcomes and it strives to ensure that leaders in the healthcare industry are able to balance the business side of a medical facility with the needs of patients.
Highlight The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has a high rate of graduates who are hired by graduation with roughly 83 percent of students having a job when they graduate.
Degree Master of Health Administration
23. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh offers one of the best MHA programs for students who want to work as a leader in the medical industry. The degree program emphasizes professional competency and works around the goal of ensuring that students are competent in their jobs. It teaches students the leadership and business skills they need to handle the challenges of working with medical doctors, nurses, patients, and other medical staff while also providing effective care to patients and ensuring long-term financial sustainability to continue providing medical services.
The University of Pittsburgh stands apart from other programs by emphasizing analytical skills and communication skills. The program recognizes that leaders must be able to analyze problems and find solutions while also communicating to professionals at different levels of education and from different backgrounds.
Highlight Roughly 95 percent of students who graduate from the MHA program at the University of Pittsburgh are hired within three months of graduation.
Degree Master of Health Administration
24. University of Arkansas for Medical Science
The University of Arkansas for Medical Science offers a Master of Health Administration that teaches students about healthcare regulations, finance, management, and the provision of appropriate medical supplies. It prepares students to organize information and keep up with the needs of patients through proper planning and business skills.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Science provides students with a blend of traditional classroom experiences and hands-on training. The experiential learning style ensures that students are ready to take on a challenging career in the medical field. It provides students with a strong foundation in leadership and ensures that students are ready to handle the challenges of their career goals.
Highlight The University of Arkansas for Medical Science is the only school in Arkansas that is CAHME-accredited.
Degree Master of Health Administration
25. Tulane University
Tulane University offers an MHA program that emphasizes the role of healthcare managers and administrators in a global work environment. It recognizes that students may need to evaluate healthcare organization and related topics from an international perspective and it prepares students to handle different organizational and leadership tasks in the medical industry.
Tulane University provides students with a strong foundation in public health as well as the business and leadership skills they need to organize and maintain a medical facility or hospital. Since students learn about public health topics, they are able to assess data and evaluate situations in a calm manner. They have a broad array of data and information to help them make effective decisions as a leader.
Highlight Tulane University has been CAHME-accredited since 1971 and is the only school in Mississippi and Louisiana with CAHME-accreditation.
Degree Master of Health Administration
Should I Get an MHA or an MBA in Healthcare Administration?
What is health care administration? Health care administration refers to the management of health services in a facility or hospital. When you obtain a masters of science in healthcare administration or an MHA degree, you are prepared to take on the challenges of a role in health services. You provide the management services a medical facility needs to keep up with long-term goals when it comes to patient care and the costs associated with patient care.
When you are looking into your options for a master’s degree, you may consider the question of MHA vs MBA as it applies to the medical field. You can also consider an MBA MHA dual degree program that offers the benefits of both degree programs.
The primary consideration when it comes to your degree is the differences in your education. An MBA in healthcare administration focuses on the business aspects of the degree program. You learn about business topics before you learn about healthcare topics. That may mean that you are looking at the management of health services from a business perspective. In the case of an MHA degree program, you learn about the management of healthcare administration and services as the primary aspect of your education. You also learn about business as the secondary aspect of the degree.
You may also consider the MHA vs MBA salary potential. Since an MBA is more generalized for different industries, you may have greater opportunities within different areas of interest. The salary may be slightly higher for an MBA as an average; however, the MHA degree offers specialized training that allows a high salary. The exact salary potential may vary based on many factors, including your location and the specific role you seek in your career. Generally, you can expect a similar salary potential when working in the healthcare industry.
How Do I Choose a Healthcare Administration Master’s Program?
The first consideration for health administration masters programs is the accreditation of the program. The top healthcare administration graduate programs are generally accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, or CAHME. You want to choose from the top schools for masters in healthcare administration that have accreditation to ensure that you meet specific standards of education.
Avoid programs that are not accredited. If you are unsure about the accreditation, then look into the school to make sure that it is accredited for your degree. You also want to make sure that you focus on programs that work well with your career goals. Opt for schools that offer the specialized training and skills that you want for your career. Some schools may offer specialized concentrations that allow you to move forward with specific career plans. You want to make sure that you have generalized training or specialized training that works with your personal goals.
What Will I Learn in an MHA Program?
When you decide to pursue an MHA program, you will want to consider the topics you can expect to study in most programs. The masters in healthcare administration requirements may vary slightly between schools and programs; however, certain skills and training apply to the majority of accredited programs.
The primary focus of a healthcare administration degree program is healthcare policies, healthcare, and leadership. You may also learn about medical advances or technology that may allow you to make improvements to a medical facility over time. As a student in healthcare administration, learning leadership skills plays a critical role in your career goals. You may need to lead doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that a medical facility runs well and provides the right services for patients. You take on the administrative tasks and keep the facility or hospital organized to provide the maximum care to patients at the right prices.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief