Online Master's Degree in Healthcare Management (MSHCM) - Best of 2024

Get Matched With Healthcare Management Colleges

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic industries in the nation today. The aging population, plus increased access to care has benefited professionals everywhere. Where healthcare administration professionals used to adapt their MBA coursework to fit the specific needs of healthcare, there are now graduate degree programs specifically aimed towards generating the most focused and knowledgeable professionals possible in this profession. Not only that, but these courses are more and more commonly available through online education or hybrid programs, which offer some online and some traditional courses.

Whether you are seeking an MBA with specialization courses in healthcare management or health sciences, or a master's degree in healthcare management, this page is for you. Here you will learn all about how a graduate degree will impact your healthcare career for the better. An online master's in healthcare management degree or an MBA in Healthcare Management will not provide you with foundational coursework; you'll gain that from your bachelor's degree. Instead, a master's program will focus on specialization courses that will cover subjects in health sciences and health administration such as the following.

Financial Principles and Statistical Principles
Healthcare Information Systems
Healthcare Delivery Systems
Supply Chain Management in the Healthcare Industry
Business Administration / Healthcare Administration
Health Information Management
Health Management for Healthcare Quality and Reliability
Financial Management / Financial Resource Management
Issues in Healthcare
Global Health
Health Policy and Organizational Leadership
Healthcare Law
And More

Compare Popular Online Healthcare Management Programs

PROS

There are numerous advantages to earning an online or in-person master’s degree in healthcare management. One of the chief benefits is that you will learn much more about your industry and how it works. Your coursework will help you become more effective as a healthcare administrator or medical and health services manager. Even experienced health services managers will find that the degree can pave the way to greater success through improved skillsets and a better resume to send to healthcare organizations.

When you graduate with a healthcare management degree, you'll soon find that the doors of opportunity start to open wider than they did before. Upper-level roles in the healthcare management field, and even C-level jobs, will be within your reach. Naturally, that will include everything that comes with it such as added responsibility in creating health policy and quality improvement initiatives, higher salary, improved benefits packages, and healthy year-end bonuses.

Your degree also opens up more possibilities for organizational leadership in industry associations. You might be asked to speak at regional and national conferences or write articles that reflect your positions on various healthcare system matters. Thus, your career may take on a new dimension. Your expertise may have a broad, even national, impact on healthcare administrators and patients.

Finally, much of the foundational coursework for a master's in health management program or an MBA in Healthcare Management, such as courses covering financial principles, statistical principles, and healthcare information systems, can be completed through an online master's in healthcare management program. This means that experienced healthcare managers need not quit their jobs in order to earn a degree in the healthcare field from a business school that is hours, or states, away.

CONS

While there are many positive aspects to earning a master’s degree in healthcare management, there are also downsides. One of the biggest detractors to a graduate degree is the cost, even if you attend online. Professional degrees are not cheap and there is never any true guarantee that your investment will pay off in terms of higher salary or even a promotion. Further, if you cover the up-front costs with student loans, those costs will soon grow when compounded interest rates are applied.

There is also a significant amount of time and energy that goes into achieving a master’s degree, which may be difficult to push through if you attend online and have trouble balancing your school, work, and family life. If you continue working full-time, you may have to sacrifice much, if not all, of your family and leisure time for the sake of studying and coursework, even with an online master's in healthcare. Even if you’re able to attend school full-time without the burden of working in the healthcare arena, you will still be very busy.

These negative aspects of a master’s degree can be overcome, however. If you make a clear plan for time, financial management, and other requirements; you can navigate graduate school and emerge a better-educated, more successful professional.

Search Programs

Top 25 Best Online Masters in Healthcare Management Programs

Johns Hopkins University

Score: 93.39

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,840
- Out-of-State: $62,840
Net Price: $24,034
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 94%
Total Enrollment: 31,275
Undergrad Students: 6,044
Graduate Students: 25,231
Grads Salary: $94,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

Case Western Reserve University

Score: 78.46

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,360
- Out-of-State: $52,360
Net Price: $38,279
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 86%
Total Enrollment: 12,201
Undergrad Students: 6,017
Graduate Students: 6,184
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Michigan State University

Score: 77.16

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,808
- Out-of-State: $40,884
Net Price: $22,803
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 82%
Total Enrollment: 50,023
Undergrad Students: 39,201
Graduate Students: 10,822
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

George Mason University

Score: 77.15

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,726
- Out-of-State: $35,677
Net Price: $18,479
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 39,049
Undergrad Students: 27,014
Graduate Students: 12,035
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of Arizona

Score: 76.22

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,718
- Out-of-State: $32,290
Net Price: $17,075
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 49,403
Undergrad Students: 38,751
Graduate Students: 10,652
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Clarkson University

Score: 75.1

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,000
- Out-of-State: $36,000
Net Price: $32,450
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 73%
Total Enrollment: 3,719
Undergrad Students: 2,668
Graduate Students: 1,051
Grads Salary: $89,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Arizona State University

Score: 75.08

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,376
- Out-of-State: $25,722
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

University of Rhode Island

Score: 74.42

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,402
- Out-of-State: $29,904
Net Price: $20,695
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 17,473
Undergrad Students: 14,768
Graduate Students: 2,705
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Messiah University

Score: 71.73

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,590
- Out-of-State: $13,590
Net Price: $24,120
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 3,231
Undergrad Students: 2,495
Graduate Students: 736
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Loyola University New Orleans

Score: 70.95

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,524
- Out-of-State: $20,524
Net Price: $23,808
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 4,397
Undergrad Students: 3,289
Graduate Students: 1,108
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

American University

Score: 69.94

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,224
- Out-of-State: $32,224
Net Price: $41,369
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 79%
Total Enrollment: 13,885
Undergrad Students: 7,917
Graduate Students: 5,968
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Immaculata University

Score: 69.88

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,780
- Out-of-State: $12,780
Net Price: $29,188
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 2,361
Undergrad Students: 1,496
Graduate Students: 865
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Eastern Mennonite University

Score: 69.63

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,200
- Out-of-State: $15,200
Net Price: $23,783
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 1,334
Undergrad Students: 892
Graduate Students: 442
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

University of Michigan-Flint

Score: 69.48

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,383
- Out-of-State: $20,034
Net Price: $10,840
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 5,985
Undergrad Students: 4,609
Graduate Students: 1,376
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Score: 69.07

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,390
- Out-of-State: $29,578
Net Price: $19,700
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 7,457
Undergrad Students: 5,517
Graduate Students: 1,940
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Denver

Score: 68.13

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,032
- Out-of-State: $58,032
Net Price: $42,423
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 13,734
Undergrad Students: 6,151
Graduate Students: 7,583
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Southeast Missouri State University

Score: 67.25

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $6,565
Net Price: $14,519
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 9,927
Undergrad Students: 8,454
Graduate Students: 1,473
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Stevenson University

Score: 67.25

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,460
- Out-of-State: $8,460
Net Price: $27,600
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 3,483
Undergrad Students: 2,985
Graduate Students: 498
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Indiana Tech

Score: 67.07

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,026
- Out-of-State: $10,026
Net Price: $22,179
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 2,595
Undergrad Students: 1,490
Graduate Students: 1,105
Grads Salary: $86,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Point Park University

Score: 66.56

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,184
- Out-of-State: $14,184
Net Price: $24,702
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 3,288
Undergrad Students: 2,418
Graduate Students: 870
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Regent University

Score: 65.97

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,128
- Out-of-State: $16,128
Net Price: $17,341
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,337
Undergrad Students: 4,541
Graduate Students: 5,796
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Fairmont State University

Score: 65.91

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,758
- Out-of-State: $18,662
Net Price: $10,794
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 3,498
Undergrad Students: 3,197
Graduate Students: 301
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Bay Path University

Score: 64.51

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,235
- Out-of-State: $19,235
Net Price: $18,502
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 2,465
Undergrad Students: 1,315
Graduate Students: 1,150
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Score: 64.2

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,646
- Out-of-State: $20,646
Net Price: $18,162
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 1,903
Undergrad Students: 1,576
Graduate Students: 327
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Grand Canyon University

Score: 61.91

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,138
- Out-of-State: $10,138
Net Price: $21,939
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 101,816
Undergrad Students: 66,769
Graduate Students: 35,047
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Overview of a Master’s in Healthcare Management

What Healthcare Management Graduate Degrees are Available?

Master of Science in Healthcare Management:
A master's in healthcare management program will include healthcare management curriculum that focuses on courses such as finance, public health, health administration, health law, and the statistics involved in managing healthcare systems. However, some MS programs are lighter on these analytical topics than others. Because these science degrees still don't require much hands-on learning, they are still accessible through online learning.
Master of Arts in Healthcare Management:
Though this degree is sometimes hard to distinguish from an MS, your work in an MA program might have more of a focus on topics such as management, communications, and leadership. Arts degrees are often the most accessible when it comes to attending online because the format transfers easily to an online learning environment.
MBA with a Concentration in Healthcare Management:
This is a popular choice because it blends a core MBA curriculum with specialized coursework in healthcare management or health administration. The advantage here is that approximately half of your coursework will be applicable to any sort of business situation, which might prove useful in you later career. For instance, a working knowledge of corporate finance may prove helpful if your health system decides to purchase or merge with another, but this degree will ensure that healthcare administrators understand healthcare organizations.
Master of Healthcare Administration:
A master of healthcare administration (MHA) degree has evolved as something of a response to the ever-popular MBA. The only downside to this degree is that you'll graduate with a view of the industry that is all-encompassing, but you may not have the focus necessary to get into management of sub-interest departments.

Admission Requirements to Enter a Master’s Healthcare Management Degree Program

Once you have decided to embark on a master's in healthcare management or health administration, you will have to gain admission to a program. Depending on your program, you may need to provide scores from a graduate admissions examination, such as the GRE or GMAT. However, these tests are somewhat falling out of favor. You will also need to provide official transcripts from every college or university you've attended. You may need to provide letters of recommendation from supervisors and past professors. For those who have professional experience, your resume will be required as well as an admission essay that details how you intend to apply your graduate degree in the healthcare industry.

How long does it take to earn a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management?

Though every program is a bit different, most master's degree programs in healthcare management are structured to take around two years to complete. This assumes that you are able to attend full-time. If you are taking courses on a part-time basis, you might take three or more years.

However, many programs are structured to help students expedite their studies and graduate in two years or less. You'll surely find many accelerated programs, which can be intense, but the short-term pain will be worth it when you quicken your rise to the top.

Find Online Healthcare Management Schools

Potential Careers in Healthcare Management with a Master’s Degree

Hospital Administrator:
This is a very important position that will involve tasks such as budgeting, public relations, managing daily operations, and overseeing fundraisers, among other responsibilities. Hospital administrators are responsible for every aspect of a hospital's or health services organization's operation. Thus, healthcare leaders will need to maintain clear and open communication channels between themselves and each department, as well as facilitating inter-departmental communications. A graduate degree that prepares you to address all of the various issues involved in the operation of complex healthcare organizations will be invaluable. For all of that work, hospital administrators and other healthcare professionals working as leaders earn an average salary of $87,000, not including bonuses and benefits.
Healthcare Manager:
Professionals in this position are often in charge of specific departments, clinics, or a healthcare organization within a larger healthcare system. You will also need to be able to work within a budget and help develop business strategies. To attain this position, you'll need at least a bachelor's in healthcare management, but a master's healthcare management degree or other top-level healthcare administration degree will make you all the more effective. According to Payscale.com, healthcare managers earn an average salary of $65,000 before bonuses and benefits.
Clinical Director:
In this position, you will be charged with coordinating the short and long-term operations of a clinic, or even a group of clinics. You must have a full, working knowledge of billing systems, budgeting, and be able to coordinate your staff. Clinical directors must be able to create effective schedules, facilitate communications between employees, and negotiate deals with the vendors who supply equipment to the clinic. Clinical directors earn an average annual salary of $77,000 before bonuses and benefits.
Chief Executive Officer:
The CEO is the head of a health system. You might achieve this position after years working as a hospital administrator. Many CEOs are charged with a complex network of clinics, labs, and hospitals that fall under their corporate umbrella. The pay for a CEO is usually quite high because of this. Since a CEO's duties and responsibilities often fall more in the traditional business world than that of healthcare, you might consider an MBA degree program or perhaps graduate certificates that address healthcare management or health administration, corporate finance, marketing, and organizational management. CEOs earn an average salary of $155,000 before bonuses, stock options, and benefits.

Options to Advance

If you are working in healthcare administration and want to advance into management or beyond, you will probably need more training. One option is to seek out a graduate certificate program that focuses on your specific area of expertise. There are many options available such as certificate in marketing, clinical informatics, finance, communications, and management. Each of these specialty certificates can be found with a healthcare focus. Make sure to earn your certificate from a nationally accredited program and that the degrees they offer are appealing.

Your additional training will give you an edge and open up more possibilities within your daily duties, but a full degree will be even more helpful. The good news is that your graduate certificate will provide credits that can be applied toward an eventual master's degree. If you apply this strategy, your education will span a longer period of time but you will have met certain useful goals along the way.

Best Online Masters in Healthcare Management Degrees for 2024