Online Master of Science in Health Administration
Grow your capacity to lead health care.
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Master of science in health administration, online
UofL’s online master's in health administration (MSHA) is designed for aspiring health care executives or leaders with 5+ years of experience who are looking to broaden their core health care management competencies and/or pursue career advancement applying the principles of population health management.
UofL’s online master’s in health administration prepares you to confidently lead health care organizations into the future. Implementing our reputable CAHME-accredited curriculum and taught by leaders in health care innovation, the online MSHA courses will explore broad principles and important influencers within top health care organizations, examine data-driven methods of strategic leadership and effective management, analyze external policy and health care environments that affect management and more.
Overall, the MSHA program builds on your experience and deepens your understanding of processes, environments, structures and strategies that are disrupting the industry as well as focusing on assessments that emphasize solving authentic, real-life challenges you face within your current role.
The online master’s in health administration is offered through the School of Public Health and Information Sciences at the University of Louisville.
The MS in health administration is offered through the School of Public Health and Information Sciences which has been consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for its graduate programs in health care management, academic excellence and student support.
This program is CAHME-accredited and aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) Competency Model.
UofL's Online MS in Health Administration
100% online, special tuition rate, no GRE required for admission. Apply today and start building an impactful career!
Master of science in health administration, 100% online
The big picture
The online master of science in health administration at the University of Louisville is designed for experienced health care professionals in Kentucky and beyond, ready to move into higher levels of leadership and strategic decision-making. UofL’s online program builds advanced competencies in health care management, policy, finance and organizational leadership, with a strong emphasis on real-world application.
Here, students learn to navigate complex health care systems, lead diverse teams and drive improvement in quality, access and outcomes across a rapidly evolving industry. We offer this education opportunity for students just like you, who want to complete a CAHME-accredited health administration degree on a timeline that works for them and their career path.
Online MS in health administration degree highlights
- Join a program grounded in the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) Competency Model, aligning coursework with the skills health care employers value most
- Earn a CAHME-accredited degree that meets the highest national standards for health care management education
- Develop leadership expertise through a specialized curriculum informed by the Public Health Leadership (PHL) framework
- Gain applicable and transferable healthcare management knowledge in strategy, finance, policy and operations
- Complete 100% online coursework designed for working health care professionals with leadership experience
- Finish your degree in as few as 2 years or progress part-time over 4+ years to fit your career and responsibilities
Health care is evolving. You should be growing too.
From technology and analytics to standards of patient care, health care is continuously evolving and growing as an industry. As a health care administrator, you’re responsible for leading the charge in embracing these changes. Our online program - specialized for working professionals with 5+ years leadership experience in the field - is designed to help you take on that challenge.
CAHME accreditation
UofL’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). UofL's online master of science in health administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
As the singular accrediting body for graduate health care administration in the United States, CAHME accreditation highlights the academic rigor and relevance of UofL's MSHA curriculum. Students can be confident enrolling in a CAHME-accredited program that meets strict standards for preparing future health administration leaders. CAHME is the accrediting body for graduate programs in health management in the United States.
Health care is changing fast. Strengthen your leadership capacity, expand your influence and position yourself to lead with confidence in a complex health care environment.
How to apply to UofL’s online MSHA degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the MS in health administration online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall | August |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to apply for the online MSHA
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292
What are admissions requirements for the online MS in health administration?
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- One-page personal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of your goals in health care management
- Three letters of recommendation
- A current resume or curriculum vitae, demonstrating 5+ years of experience within a health care organization or system. Experience must include some period of direct or associated health services employment or volunteer time. Military service and general business experience can be included in the 5+ years of experience
- Interview with the HMSS Health Leadership Committee; an interview provides the committee an additional source of information and perspective about your potential fit for the University of Louisville
*Your application portal
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
5+ years of qualifying experience (examples)
- Positions in any health care provider, technician, administrator, etc. that serves patients, staff and/or community members
- Military service (commissioned or non-commissioned officer)
- Federal, state and/or municipal civil service
- Service in medical logistics or pharmaceuticals
- Dental, veterinary, preventative medicine, occupational health and other allied health occupations
MSHA online degree for international students
The master of science in health administration program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our online learning enrollment counselor through an information request.
How much it costs to earn an online MSHA degree at UofL
Academic year tuition
$530 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
Talk to an online enrollment counselor today to get started!
What you learn in the online master of science in health administration
Online courses
The MS in health administration curriculum is designed to build advanced leadership and management expertise across the full scope of today’s health care organizations. The guiding philosophy for the online track in the MSHA graduate curriculum design is that an online, primarily asynchronous learning basis can allow mid-career professionals to continue working in their current jobs while enrolled at UofL.
Our curriculum covers governance, strategy, finance, policy, economics, quality improvement and population health management, with a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-world challenges. Through a structured sequence of courses and a culminating capstone experience, students develop the strategic, analytical and decision-making skills needed to lead effectively in complex and evolving health care systems.
Courses are offered in five 8-week terms in the fall, spring and summer semesters to facilitate year-round enrollments and the ability for working professionals to focus on fewer courses within concentrated periods of time.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab)
Courses are developed in partnership with the Delphi Center for Online Learning at the University of Louisville and adhering to the Quality Matters standards for online course development.
Take the next step with confidence.
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a master's in health administration?
A master of science in health administration is a must-have for those pursuing higher level health care leadership roles. The online MSHA program at UofL can give you the expertise you need to advance into a health care executive position (e.g. senior director, VP, CEO etc.).
The online master of science in health administration degree will prepare you for organizational leadership and management roles, whether your experience is in a health care-related or non-health care related field.
Positions range from health care administrator, military officer, civil service or health insurance to dental, veterinary or allied health care provider. As a leader in any health care industry, you’ll be responsible for overseeing and managing services, programs, staff, budgets, facilities, external relations and more.
Leading in health care is especially advantageous. With an aging population and increased demand for services, health care occupations are expected to grow 13% between 2021 and 2031, adding around 1.9 million jobs in that same period – faster than the average growth compared to all occupations (bls.gov).
Degree and skills value after graduation
As a graduate of our MS in health administration online program, you’ll be equipped to:
- Manage strategic projects and action plans in health care organizations
- Assess institutional financial and health care delivery performance
- Examine community health care needs per industry standards
- Model accountability with respect to compliance in policy and regulation and ethical codes of conduct
- Analyze organizational needs based on clinical and financial data
Explore your future in health care administration with our online program!
Who will support you in the online MSHA program?
We know online students need robust, proactive support and we built this program to deliver exactly that every step of the way. From your first question through graduation, you'll be informed, guided and cheered on by a dedicated team invested in your success.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Lee Bewley | Program Director | lee.bewley@louisville.edu | 502.852.2490 |
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Andrew McCart | Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
To be accepted into the MSHA, do I need a bachelor’s degree in a health care-related field?
No! You can apply to the program with a bachelor’s degree in any field, as long as you have 5+ years of experience in a health care role. (If you’re not sure whether your experience qualifies you, send your resume to us at online@louisville.edu and we’re more than happy to help!)
If I am a physician, nurse or other licensed health care provider, is this program right for me?
Absolutely! One of the prime reasons that we developed the online MSHA program was to provide working health care clinical professionals the opportunity to earn a graduate health care management degree and obtain focused, critical leadership and management competency development to more effectively serve in leadership positions within health care organizations.
What if I missed the application deadline?
We encourage you to still apply! Our admissions team will work diligently to assess your application and help you get started in the next available term.
Do courses meet at a specific time?
All classes for the online MSHA are asynchronous, meaning they don’t meet at a set time. However, there may be course elements or deliverables (such as office hours, 1:1 professor and student conferences, etc.) that require a specific time and date to be chosen. These will be at the course instructor’s discretion and will take your schedule into account.
Can I complete the program as a part-time student?
Yes, the online MSHA program is available as both a part-time and full-time program. The full-time schedule requires students to take 2 courses at a time every 8 weeks, with the degree being completed in 2 years. Part-time enrollment gives you the flexibility to take 1-2 courses at a time, every 8 weeks, as your schedule allows. Degree completion time will depend on number of courses taken at once. View the MSHA course list for more course information.
Can I take courses both online and on-campus?
Due to the way UofL’s on-campus MSHA and online MSHA programs are structured, you cannot take a combination of online and on-campus courses. You will need to choose and enroll in one of the two options. However, if you start in one format and decide you’d be better suited for the other, you are allowed to switch your coursework entirely from online to on-campus or vice versa.
What’s the difference between the on-campus and online programs?
The primary difference between UofL’s online and on-campus MSHA program is that you need 5+ years of health care experience to qualify for the online format. This is an important distinction because of the variance in student experience and the types of discussions those experiences may elicit.
With regard to content and faculty expertise, both the online and on-campus MSHA programs are CAHME-accredited. The only difference in coursework is the required practicum for the on-campus program has been eliminated for the online program, as the online program is designed for working health care leaders and professionals who are experiencing the industry firsthand every day.
What does the admissions interview process look like?
After you apply, if you meet all the admissions criteria, you’ll be contacted by the MSHA team for an interview. The interview will be conducted via Teams at a time that works best for you and is really about checking to make sure the online MSHA is the right fit. Don’t worry, it’s really just a confirmation that you’re on the right track and prepared to succeed in the program!
Will this degree prepare me to get board certified?
Yes! The FACHE certification exam through ACHE requires a master’s degree. Therefore, the online MSHA degree prepares you with both the qualifications you need to take the exam, as well as the competencies/knowledge you need to pass it. You’ll also be prepared to apply for MGMA, AAMA and HFMA certification, as relevant to your career trajectory.
Does this program award continuing education units (CEU) credits?
No, at this time you cannot receive CEU credits for completing coursework through the MSHA program at UofL.
The graduate application page lists MSHA under the SOPHAS application requirement. Do I need to submit that?
No. While SOPHAS is required for our resident program, the online MSHA program does not require a SOPHAS application to be submitted. Please review our application requirements for the online MSHA program for more details on what we require for acceptance.
What's the difference between an MBA and an MSHA?
An MBA focuses on general business skills, while an MSHA specifically develops health care administration abilities, including knowledge of laws, regulations, technology and policies unique to the health care field.
How long does an online MSHA program take?
A full-time online MSHA can be completed in as fast as 2 years, but may take up to 4+ depending on your course load. Please speak with an enrollment counselor for more information. Once enrolled, your academic advisor will provide more guidance on the best pace and fit for your needs.
Is an online MSHA worth it?
Yes, an online MSHA provides advanced health care leadership training for higher administration positions and salary and is a worthwhile investment for any student wanting to move up into management roles in health care organizations where advanced education is requirement. For those who cannot attend classes on campus, the online option provides the perfect setting to accommodate learning needs and styles.
What type of experience meets the program requirements?
This program is designed for a wide range of organizational leadership and management roles, as well as a variety of health and non-health industries. The experience requirement includes:
- Positions with any health care provider, technician, administrator, etc. that serves patients, staff and/or community members
- Military service (commissioned or non-commissioned officer)
- Federal, state and/or municipal civil service
- Service in medical equipment, supplies, construction or maintenance
- Service in health insurance or managed care service in medical logistics or pharmaceuticals
- Dental, veterinary, preventative medicine, occupational health and other allied health occupations
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
