A guide to the Master of Health Administration degree

If you're considering advancing your career in healthcare, you've likely come across the Master of Health Administration degree. Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to step into executive management, a career changer aiming to break into the healthcare industry or an aspiring leader in healthcare administration, an MHA offers a wealth of opportunities. But what exactly does the degree entail, what careers can it lead to and how does it compare to other graduate degrees like the MBA? 

What is a Master of Health Administration degree? 

A Master of Health Administration is a graduate degree focused on preparing students for leadership and management roles within the healthcare sector. Unlike purely business-focused degrees, the MHA program combines business principles with an in-depth understanding of the complexities of healthcare systems.

MHA curriculum typically covers topics like healthcare policy, organizational leadership, health economics, quality improvement and even emerging technology trends in healthcare. You’ll learn how to address challenges such as improving patient care, managing budgets, navigating regulatory policies and leading healthcare teams—all within the unique landscape of healthcare organizations. 

Is an MHA as good as an MBA? 

This is a question many prospective students ask, and the answer depends on your career goals. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) provides a more general business education that is applicable across various industries. On the other hand, an MHA is tailored specifically to the healthcare industry, focusing on challenges, regulations and contexts unique to healthcare.

If you're passionate about leading within hospitals, clinics, health systems or other healthcare-specific organizations, the specialized nature of an MHA makes it highly valuable. However, an MBA may be a better choice if you're aiming for broader career flexibility across industries

What can you do with a Master of Health Administration degree? 

An MHA holds the key to a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities. Since healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries, management roles in this sector are in high demand. With an MHA, you could find yourself working in executive leadership, operations management, policy advocacy or consulting, among many other roles. 

MHA careers and salaries 

Here’s a look at some of the career paths and potential salaries for MHA graduates according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Healthcare Administrator: Median salary of around $110,680 per year (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) with responsibilities like managing staff, overseeing budgets and ensuring regulatory compliance. 
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operations Officer (COO): Salaries for these executive management roles often exceed $150,000, depending on the size of the organization. 
• Health Policy Analyst: Median salary of $93,000–$145,000 for roles focused on shaping and analyzing healthcare policies and regulations. 
• Practice Manager: An annual median salary of $110,000, overseeing the operations of medical practices. 
• Healthcare IT Specialist: Salaries ranging from $85,000–$120,000, addressing the growing demand for technology-driven solutions in healthcare. 

These roles span hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations, offering endless pathways for graduates. 

How long does it take to earn an MHA? 

The time it takes to earn your Master of Health Administration will depend on the format of the program. Full-time on-campus programs typically take around 2 years to complete. However, many universities offer online MHA programs for working professionals that can be part-time and completed in 2-3 years depending on the pace you choose. 

For those in a hurry, some universities even offer accelerated online options that allow you to graduate within 12-18 months. 

What are the requirements for an MHA? 

Admissions requirements vary by university, but here are some common criteria you’ll need to meet for most MHA programs:

• A bachelor’s degree, typically in programs such as public health, business or related fields (though other degrees are often accepted as well).
• A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0.
• Professional experience in healthcare or related industries may be required for executive MHA programs.
• Letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
• Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores, though many online MHA programs now waive this requirement. 

Why choose an MHA? 

By earning a Master of Health Administration degree, you position yourself to lead and affect real change in one of the world’s most impactful industries. Whether it’s improving patient outcomes, streamlining hospital operations or driving policy advancements, an MHA equips you with the tools to make a tangible impact. 

With healthcare constantly evolving—fueled by advancements in technology, an aging population and global challenges—healthcare leaders are needed now more than ever. An MHA can help you lead the way to the next level of global healthcare.

Start your MHA journey today 

Central Michigan University’s online MHA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This online program is designed to fit into your existing work/life schedule and can be completed in approximately three years when taken part-time.

• If you have no previous healthcare experience, you’ll complete a semester-long internship to help you elevate your skills in the field. 
• If you have direct care or healthcare management experience, you’ll complete a project-based field experience or applied research project to demonstrate your leadership effectiveness and knowledge of patient care.

Get started today!