Online Master of Health Administration Program

Yes. Sacred Heart’s online MHA is 100% asynchronous with focused 8-week terms, built specifically for working healthcare professionals who cannot step away from their roles to pursue graduate education. The 37-credit program is designed for completion in approximately 2 years at full pace, or 2.5–3 years part-time. Students choose their course load each term based on professional demands. SHU 2024 graduate Nancy Taylor was able to apply program skills directly to her current role while still enrolled, a common experience among working students in this program. All instruction is taught by faculty with active healthcare leadership experience.

Sacred Heart’s online MHA prepares graduates for leadership and administrative roles across both clinical and non-clinical healthcare environments, from hospital department director and practice manager to health systems executive and health policy analyst. SHU’s interdisciplinary curriculum covers economics, leadership, health policy, law and ethics, informatics, and strategic management, building competencies applicable across hospitals, physician groups, insurance organizations, government health departments, and community health agencies. Importantly, the program is open to applicants from any undergraduate background, and clinical and non-clinical professionals are equally welcome.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of approximately $104,000–$110,000, with top earners at large hospital systems and health networks exceeding $170,000. Salaries are highest in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and California, markets where SHU’s regional presence and established alumni network give graduates a competitive advantage. An MHA is broadly preferred over a general MBA for senior administrative positions at health systems, academic medical centers, and government health agencies that prioritize healthcare management expertise.

SHU’s online MHA requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized four-year university in any field of study, a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, official transcripts from all prior institutions, two letters of recommendation, a CV or résumé, a personal statement, and a $75 non-refundable application fee. No GRE or GMAT scores are required. The program equally welcomes applicants from clinical backgrounds (nursing, allied health, pre-med) and non-clinical backgrounds (business, public administration, social sciences). Up to 6 transfer credits from an accredited institution may be accepted, potentially reducing both time and total cost.

Sacred Heart’s online MHA costs $725 per credit hour across 37 total credits, for an estimated program tuition of approximately $26,825, competitively priced relative to comparable private university MHA programs. Federal financial aid is available through the FAFSA for eligible students, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Students may also reach out to their financial aid counselor to explore other alternative loan options . Many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement programs compatible with SHU’s per-credit pricing and 8-week term structure. Up to 6 transfer credits from an accredited institution may further reduce total cost. A $75 non-refundable application fee applies.

An MHA is purpose-built for healthcare leadership: every course covers health systems, policy, law, quality, and clinical or non-clinical administration directly. An MBA with a healthcare concentration delivers broader general business training with a limited number of healthcare-specific electives, providing less depth in regulatory compliance, health policy, and clinical operations. For professionals committed to healthcare leadership careers, the MHA provides more targeted preparation and is often the preferred credential among hospital systems and health departments making senior administrative hires. CAHME accreditation, the healthcare management equivalent of AACSB, specifically validates MHA programs; SHU’s MHA is currently in CAHME candidacy.