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MHA
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 experience required to help improve patient and organizational outcomes.
The mission of Capella University's Master of Health Administration program is to help empower health care professionals to navigate evolving challenges and opportunities, shaping the future of health care. Our Master of Health Administration program delivers its relevant and rigorous curriculum through a dynamic, interactive, and collaborative learning environment that encourages learners to capitalize on the professional experiences they and their peers bring to the program, and to incorporate those experiences into the educational process, preparing them to become reflective practitioner-scholars in their respective profession or discipline. Our health administration learning environment benefits from the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of the individuals in the community, and the program’s efforts to foster an inclusive learning environment.
Classes start January 5
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 9 Core courses
- 2 Electives
- 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% 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 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete nine core courses and two elective courses
| Course | Descriptions | Quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| MHA5010 Strategic Healthcare Planning | In this course, learners examine strategic orientation, planning, and decision making in healthcare 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 healthcare organization staff development, and balance the prioritization of organizational and regulatory needs with feasible cost- effective solutions. Learners also develop a long-term strategic healthcare plan that includes information on human resource requirements, technology needs, and financial implications. | 4 quarter credits |
| MHA5016 Introduction to Health Information Systems | Learners 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. Prerequisites: MHA5001. | 4 quarter credits |
| MHA5006 Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement | Learners in this course gain knowledge of and apply financial management concepts, principles, and processes used in healthcare organizations. Learners examine accounting, financial statements and ratios, budgeting, capitalization, cost allocation, reimbursement methodologies and processes, and the impact of varying reimbursement structures on healthcare practice and service delivery. Learners also design, prepare, and manage healthcare budgets; analyze short- and long-term healthcare investment decisions; and articulate the ways effective healthcare finance and accounting processes are used to present operational and strategic financial information to organizational stakeholders. | 4 quarter credits |
| NHS 6004 Healthcare Law and Policy | In this course, learners examine the political, legal, and regulatory issues impacting healthcare organizations and environments. Learners analyze the effects of healthcare 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 healthcare policy and law concepts that promote organizational improvement. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 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
The MHA degree program prepares learners to pursue leadership roles as health care administrators to help meet the needs of an ever-changing health care environment. The curriculum focuses on health care systems involving patients, communities and professionals. The learner will encounter methods for improving delivery of health care and wellness, applying evidence-based change leadership processes in dynamic health care environments, and developing teams, employing the process of building awareness of self-leadership competencies working toward individual excellence and team collaboration.
Throughout the program, learners engage in collaborative group experiences that help them develop and strengthen their communication, collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to leverage organizational processes, performance management, financial skills and organizational awareness to help optimize effectiveness of health care organizations.
Graduates will learn to influence and motivate key stakeholders, apply solid project management skills to ensure effective implementation of initiatives and work collaboratively with others as an effective team member to lead and manage complex health care organizations across national and global environments.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Translate strategy to develop and maintain optimal organizational performance in health care settings.
- Create an organizational climate that values and supports employees and colleagues in health care settings.
- Facilitate a change process that effectively involves patients, communities, and professionals in the improvement and delivery of health care and wellness.
- Apply evidence-based change leadership practices in complex, dynamic healthcare environments.
- Develop high-performing teams by inspiring individual excellence and leading talent development in healthcare organizations.
- Develop and enhance existing leadership skills through introspective investigation and reflection of personal tendencies, strengths and weaknesses.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Program eligible for Experiential Learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and demonstrate what you're learning.
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.
87% of bachelor’s and master’s health care administration alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“With FlexPath, I loved that I could balance my school schedule work around my hectic work schedule. Capella has given me many resources to succeed in healthcare leadership and I am able to utilize these tools in my career now and for continued years to come.”
–Angela May, MHA FlexPath*
*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 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.
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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.
Job titles to explore
- Program manager
- Director of human resources
- Program director
- Director of development
- Associate director
- Director of regulatory affairs
- Director of clinical services
- Director of diversity and inclusion
- Director of program management
Employment settings to explore
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Other miscellaneous ambulatory health care services
- Home health care services
*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.