Some online master’s degrees require two years to complete.
But fully online MHA programs require 12 to 18 months, while graduate certification can be completed within one year or less.
Online MHA programs are created for working professionals who want to start or advance their careers in managerial roles in healthcare.
The online MHA programs we have listed on this page are available for individuals with no experience in healthcare.
With the rapidly growing demand for educated and experienced healthcare administrators, many universities offer MHA degree programs.
According to the US BLS, the employment for these professionals is projected to grow by 18% through 2028, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
The increased demand for healthcare professionals is driven by the aging population as well as the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act.
To meet these economic trends, universities tailored their online programs to meet the needs of working professionals and their families.
Two of the most attractive features of these programs are that the degree can be completed online and students can keep their jobs while studying with no need to relocate for an on-campus program.
Online MHA programs use web-based tools and platforms to deliver the content and allow students and professors to interact.
Some courses require turning in written assignments in online discussion forums.
Others may have in-person meetings through chat or video-based platforms once a week.
Courses can include asynchronous tasks with specific due dates and synchronous real-time meetings.
The type of interaction in the courses is up to the program faculty and the instructor.
Every online MHA program has a unique delivery format and curricular requirements, but there are some common features.
Besides online coursework, some programs require a final project or issue-based research informed by observations students make during their hands-on practicum.
Also, some programs require hybrid on-campus immersions when students meet on campus for several consecutive days.
In fully online programs, though, there are virtual residencies that allow students and professors to interact face-to-face from off-campus locations.
Most MHA programs’ course requirements combine core and elective classes so that students can focus on a specific area in healthcare.
Specializations in this industry commonly include health informatics, long-term care, and public administration.
Go to Section:
The Best Fully Online MHA Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 9 to 18 Months
#1 Western Governors University
About the School
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, accredited online university known for its competency‑based model, letting you move through material as you demonstrate mastery rather than waiting on semester schedules.
Students work with a Program Mentor to set goals, and many finish their online Master of Healthcare Administration in about 12 months if they move efficiently through coursework.
The model supports working professionals who want flexibility and self‑paced progress.
Courses Offered
The one‑year MHA typically includes about 10 courses covering core administrative and leadership topics in healthcare.
Sample subject areas include healthcare law and ethics, data analysis for healthcare decisions, risk management, healthcare economics, health services research, and quality improvement.
Students can expect to work through courses one at a time with guidance and regular assessments.
Program Cost
Tuition is charged per six‑month term at a flat rate of about $4,995 per term.
Because the program can be finished in two six‑month terms, total tuition can be under $10,000 for students who complete all requirements within roughly 12 months.
Transferring credits up to about 24 percent of the program may shorten the time and reduce the cost as well.
Contact Information
- Address: 4001 S 700 E #300, Millcreek, UT 84107, United States
- Phone: +1 801-274-3280
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 Louisiana State University Shreveport
About the School
Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) offers a 100 percent online Master of Health Administration designed to be flexible and accelerated.
Students from a variety of backgrounds can take accelerated seven‑week courses, making it possible for full‑time students who take multiple courses per session to finish in around 12 months.
LSUS’s MHA program emphasizes applicability for working professionals and does not require healthcare experience to begin.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes 10 graduate courses totaling 30 credit hours.
Core topics include healthcare organizational behavior, human resource management, healthcare law and ethics, healthcare marketing, informatics, finance, economics, policy, and strategic management.
Students engage with asynchronous coursework and weekly deadlines.
Program Cost
Tuition is calculated per credit hour.
With 30 credit hours required and an approximate cost per hour of $421, the total tuition and fees come to around $12,624.
This cost excludes optional foundation courses and does not account for financial aid or transfer credits.
Contact Information
- Address: One University Pl, Shreveport, LA 71115, United States
- Phone: +1 318-797-5000
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 Dartmouth College
About the School
Dartmouth College offers an accelerated Master of Health Administration track through its Tuck School of Business and Geisel School of Medicine teams.
This program is highly selective and geared toward professionals seeking leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
It blends online learning with live and in‑person components, including periodic residential sessions and synchronous classes.
The accelerated track is structured to be completed in about 12 months.
Courses Offered
Students in Dartmouth’s accelerated MHA complete a rigorous sequence of around 16 courses covering management and business concepts applied to healthcare systems.
Coursework often includes population health equity, health economics, operations management, strategic planning, finance, accounting, policy, and a capstone experience.
The hybrid structure emphasizes interaction with peers and faculty.
Program Cost
Total tuition for the accelerated one‑year track is around $78,000.
Additional costs may include student fees, residential session lodging and meals, and other program materials.
Financial aid and scholarships may be available based on need and merit.
Contact Information
- Address: Hanover, NH 03755, United States
- Phone: +1 603-646-1110
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 West Coast University
About the School
West Coast University (WCU) is a health‑focused institution offering an online Master of Health Administration with flexible pacing options.
Students may choose an accelerated format intended to be completed in about 12 months, or an even faster eight‑month option.
The program includes track choices such as informatics, organizational leadership, project management, or public health, allowing some customization.
Courses Offered
The MHA curriculum is 30 credits.
All students complete core courses such as legal and ethical issues in healthcare management, information systems, financial management, hospital administration, leadership models, project management, and a capstone course.
Track‑specific electives cover topics aligned with the chosen specialization.
Program Cost
Direct program costs for the accelerated format include tuition of around $22,500 to $23,160 for 30 credits.
Technology fees and minimal supply fees apply.
Indirect costs, such as living expenses, vary but are budgeted separately by the university.
Contact Information
- Address: 2411 W La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801, United States
- Phone: +1 714-876-6041
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 Franklin University
About the School
Franklin University offers an online Master of Healthcare Administration designed for busy professionals.
The program is usually completed in about 14 months in an accelerated format, though it may take close to one year for highly motivated students taking a full course load each term.
Franklin emphasizes a structured online experience with one class at a time to help balance work and study.
Courses Offered
The MHA curriculum at Franklin includes core coursework in health policy, healthcare strategic management, health information governance, and related subjects.
Elective options may allow students to focus on areas such as analytics, human resource management, or clinical workflow.
Courses are typically three credit hours each.
Program Cost
Tuition is approximately $670 per credit hour.
With a typical requirement of around 36 credits, the total tuition before fees comes to about $24,120.
Additional fees and books are extra.
Financial aid and employer reimbursement may reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
- Phone: +1 877-341-6300
- Website: Visit School Website
#6 Arizona State University Online
About the School
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Master of Healthcare Innovation designed to prepare students for leadership roles that blend clinical insight with management, policy, and technological innovation.
While not always labeled as an MHA, this fully online program covers advanced topics relevant to health administration and can be completed in about one year if taken full-time.
Courses Offered
The 34‑credit curriculum blends core courses, electives, and a capstone project. Sample coursework includes systems thinking in a complex environment, healthcare policy and innovation, financing for innovation, outcomes evaluation, IT for healthcare innovation, and advanced innovation principles.
Classes typically run about 7.5 weeks each.
Program Cost
ASU Online tuition varies by residency status and course load.
Financial aid and scholarships are available to reduce direct expenses, and there is no separate out‑of‑state fee for some online graduate programs.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Phone: +1 855-278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| | #1 | Western Governors University |
| | #2 | Louisiana State University Shreveport |
| | #3 | Dartmouth College |
| | #4 | West Coast University |
| | #5 | Franklin University |
| | #6 | Arizona State University Online |
