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MHA in General Health Administration
Master of Health Administration
Our online Master of Health Administration (MHA) offers an innovative, flexible way to earn a master’s that can help you advance toward your professional and personal goals in this field. This program features interprofessional, practice-based learning that covers a broad range of topics in health administration, from patient care to business strategy. You’ll develop skills that can help you solve today’s complex health care challenges and gain the insight and expertise required to make a real impact on patient and organizational outcomes.
Classes start October 9
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 7 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 1 Capstone
- 48 Total quarter credits
- 12 Maximum transfer credits
With FlexPath, you can earn your MHA in 14 months and under $13,000.*
*Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore health administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 24 program points in FlexPath or 48 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses and four specialization courses
| MHA5010 |
Strategic Health Care Planning
In this course, learners examine strategic orientation, planning, and decision making in health care organizations and environments. Learners analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, demographical, and multicultural implications of strategic planning decisions and how those decisions impact communities and populations, define best practices for health care organization staff development, and balance the prioritization of organizational and regulatory needs with feasible cost-effective solutions. Learners also develop a long-term strategic health care plan that includes information on human resource requirements, technology needs, and financial implications |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| MHA5024 * |
Health Care Consumerism and Marketing
Learners in this course examine and demonstrate their knowledge of consumerism and marketing concepts and processes used to optimize interactions with stakeholders and meet community needs. Learners differentiate between consumer and business markets; analyze the influence of social networking in consumer satisfaction and market share acquisition; synthesize health care market research, analysis, and assessment; study marketing communication processes; and design a marketing plan targeting identified health consumer needs. Prerequisite(s): MHA5006, MHA5010, NHS6004, NHS6008. |
4 quarter credits |
| MHA5006 |
Health Care Finance and Reimbursement
Learners in this course gain knowledge of and apply financial management concepts, principles, and processes used in health care organizations. Learners examine accounting, financial statements and ratios, budgeting, capitalization, cost allocation, reimbursement methodologies and processes, and the impact of varying reimbursement structures on health care practice and service delivery. Learners also design, prepare, and manage health care budgets; analyze short- and long-term health care investment decisions; and articulate the ways effective health care finance and accounting processes are used to present operational and strategic financial information to organizational stakeholders. |
4 quarter credits |
| MHA5016 * |
Introduction to Health Information Systems
Learners in this course develop the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use health information systems and technology in health care organizations and environments. Learners differentiate between administrative, clinical, management, and decision-support information technology tools; design and evaluate short-and long-term IT management projects; and analyze the budgetary and financial concerns associated with implementing IT management projects. Learners also demonstrate best practices and industry standards of health information systems management into professional practice, with an emphasis on effective staff management and organizational performance. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, NHS6008. |
4 quarter credits |
| NHS6004 |
Health Care Law and Policy
In this course, learners examine the political, legal, and regulatory issues impacting health care organizations and environments. Learners analyze the effects of health care policy on health care practice and service delivery, with particular emphasis on the strategies used to monitor and maintain legal and regulatory compliance. Learners also identify and apply health care policy and law concepts that promote organizational improvement. |
4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll study
This specialization synthesizes the fundamental concepts, principles, and processes in the field of general health administration and process improvement. The curriculum includes practice-based explorations and collaborative group experiences in a choice of health administration topics, including human capital management, health care consumerism and marketing, facilities and capital asset management, comparative models of global health systems, health care policy drivers, and policy and legislative development processes. You can open the door to leadership roles in a variety of professional settings such as health clinics, hospitals, and ambulatory care health facilities.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Facilitate a change process that effectively involves patients, communities, and professionals in the improvement and delivery of health care and wellness
- Create an organizational climate that values and supports employees and colleagues in health care setting
- Translate strategy to develop and maintain optimal organizational performance in health care settings
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Program eligible for Workplace Integrated Learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and apply what you’ve learned in your field.
How much does the MHA cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session*
$12,675
ACCELERATED PACE
$17,745
TYPICAL PACE
$25,350
SLOWER PACE
$2,535 per 12-week billing session, $125 resource kit fee, 24 total program points, 6 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$19,800
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$26,400
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$550 per credit, $125 resource kit fee, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
“Now that I have my degree, I feel like I have lots of opportunities. I accomplished something that I wanted to accomplish for 20 years. You just have to believe in yourself. If I can do it, you can do it.”
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MHA admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MHA, General Health Administration program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath Self-Paced Learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Step into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format, and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
A Nurse at the Intersection of Finance and Health Care
Nurse and sponsored Capella University student Nacole Riccaboni sees a powerful opportunity for a career combining health care and business/finance. Learn more about her decision.
How does FlexPath work?
There's so many things that make FlexPath unique. Learn more about what you can expect to see as a FlexPath student.
What Is the Business Side of Health Care?
People often think of health care in terms of doctors, nurses, and lab technicians—but how does it work from a business perspective?
What can you do with an MHA degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MHA in General Health Administration.
Job titles to explore
- Clinical manager
- Program director
- Health director
- Chief executive officer
- Administrative director
- Health manager
- Chief operating officer
- Practice manager
- Business analyst
- Health administrator
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital
- Ambulatory care service
- Insurance carrier
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.