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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 healthcare 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 healthcare professionals to navigate evolving challenges and opportunities, shaping the future of healthcare. 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 October 7
Apply today with no 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
Show all descriptions
MHA5010
Strategic Healthcare Planning
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
Learners develop the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use health information systems and technology in healthcare 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.
4 quarter credits
MHA5006
Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement
4 quarter credits
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
NHS6004
Healthcare Law and Policy
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite: BHA4004 or MHA5001 or NHS4000 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration learners must have completed NHS5004; MSN5003 or NURS5003; MSN5005 or NURS5005; MSN5007 or NURS5007.
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 healthcare administrators to help meet the needs of an ever-changing healthcare environment. The curriculum focuses on healthcare systems involving patients, communities and professionals. The learner will encounter methods for improving delivery of healthcare and wellness, applying evidence-based change leadership processes in dynamic healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare settings.
- Create an organizational climate that values and supports employees and colleagues in healthcare settings.
- Facilitate a change process that effectively involves patients, communities, and professionals in the improvement and delivery of healthcare 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.
Vision
Our Master of Health Administration program envisions a future where healthcare leadership transcends boundaries, driving innovation and equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all. We aspire to cultivate a community of visionary healthcare leaders who are dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape, breaking down silos, and improving the health and well-being of diverse populations.
Our vision is to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values needed to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems. We aim to be at the forefront of shaping healthcare policy, management, and delivery, fostering a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and patient-centered care. Through collaboration, research, and expert interactions, our program seeks to produce graduates who will lead with compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving healthcare environment. We envision our alumni as catalysts for change, driving healthcare organizations to achieve the highest standards of efficiency, effectiveness, and equity.
In our vision, the Master of Health Administration program is not just an educational experience; it is a transformative journey that equips our learners to be stewards of health, champions of innovation, and advocates for a healthier, more just society.
Values
- Excellence: We value excellence and the highest standards of academic rigor and strive to provide our learners a comprehensive and relevant education that helps prepare them in the field of healthcare.
- Leadership: We believe in cultivating visionary leaders who create adaptable, inclusive cultures that drive innovation. We instill leadership qualities such as integrity, accountability, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams toward a shared vision to achieve transformative change in healthcare organizations.
- Knowledge: We value the acquisition and application of current, relevant knowledge as the foundation of effective healthcare administration. We promote a culture of continuous learning, providing our learners with the latest research, evidence-based practices, and industry insights to drive informed decision making.
- Information Literacy: We equip our learners with the skills to navigate and thrive amidst changing trends, technologies, and policies.
- Ethics: We value integrity and emphasize the importance of ethical standards and conduct in healthcare administration, including respect for patient confidentiality and advocacy for patient rights and equitable access to healthcare services.
- Compassion: We value compassion as a fundamental attribute of effective healthcare administrators. We encourage our learners to prioritize patient-centered care, empathy, and understanding, recognizing the human aspect of healthcare and the impact of their decisions on individuals and communities.
- Collaboration: We value collaboration and believe in the power of interdisciplinary teamwork. Our learners are trained to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and community partners, and to foster an inclusive approach to healthcare administration.
- Diversity and Inclusion: We value diversity and recognize the strength that comes from a variety of perspectives and experiences. We foster an inclusive and culturally competent environment to ensure respect, equity, and inclusivity in healthcare administration practices.
- Innovation: We value innovation as a catalyst for positive change in healthcare. We encourage our learners to think creatively, explore new approaches, and embrace technological advancements to improve healthcare delivery, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
- Social Impact: We value social well-being and are committed to making a positive impact on society through healthcare administration. We encourage our learners to consider the broader implications of their work, addressing healthcare disparities, and actively contributing to the well-being and health of individuals and communities.
The program’s mission, vision, and values form the guiding principles of the MHA degree program and shape the education, experiences, and character development of learners as they prepare to assume leadership roles and make a meaningful difference in the dynamic healthcare ecosystem.
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
$27,885
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
$26,400
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$550 per credit, $125 resource kit fee, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. These estimates do not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format are based on “accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students), “typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students), and “slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students) and assumes average number of transfer credits. Tuition estimates shown for programs in the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes 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, 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
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater). Those students will also need to meet the requirement of 45 transfer credits to be approved for the transition into FlexPath.
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 healthcare services
- Home healthcare 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.