Southern Methodist University Online MHA Program
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The Moody School of Graduate & Advanced Studies at Southern Methodist University offers an online master of healthcare administration (MHA) program, preparing professionals to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing healthcare industry. This flexible part-time program is ideal for working adults, combining asynchronous coursework and live sessions with two required on-campus immersions.
Students benefit from three annual start dates in fall, spring, or summer and can complete their degree in as little as two years, without GRE requirements. SMU’s connections to hospitals, healthcare nonprofits, private organizations, and major industry leaders across the Dallas-Fort Worth area provide networking, internship, and job placement opportunities throughout the program.
The curriculum is built by experienced faculty members and healthcare executives, integrating real-world projects, collaborative problem-solving, and applied analytics to prepare graduates for leadership across health systems. The required immersion experiences, one at program launch and one during the final capstone, allow students to network with classmates, faculty members, and industry professionals.
Graduates of Southern Methodist University’s online MHA program are prepared for a wide range of healthcare administration and executive leadership roles, including careers as healthcare executives, department managers, operations directors, project managers, health policy analysts, revenue cycle directors, and medical and health services managers.
SMU, located in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
What to Expect from the Southern Methodist University Online MHA Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Southern Methodist University online master of healthcare administration (MHA) program must meet several key requirements. Candidates are required to submit a completed online application, official undergraduate transcripts, and a current resume. Two years of professional work experience in healthcare or healthcare-adjacent roles are necessary for consideration. Additionally, applicants must provide two letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining their goals.
The application process also includes payment of an application fee. For non-native English speakers, proof of English language proficiency is required, which may be demonstrated through test scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Notably, submission of GRE scores is not required for admission to this program. SMU offers three application windows per year, allowing students to begin their studies in the fall, spring, or summer term.
| SMU Online MHA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Degree Type | Learn More |
| Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
For the latest academic year, we have 170 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
State Restrictions: Southern Methodist University’s online MHA program is available to students across the United States, as there are no universal geographic or state-of-residency restrictions listed for admission or enrollment. Applicants from all 50 states can apply and participate fully in the online program, provided they meet standard admissions and English language proficiency requirements. All students, regardless of their location, are required to attend two on-campus immersion experiences in Dallas, Texas, as part of the curriculum.
International applicants whose native language is not English may demonstrate English language proficiency by taking either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam. Students who did not obtain a degree in the United States may still apply and be considered, provided their degree reflects an equivalent education. Given the complexity involved in international admissions, applicants are advised to contact SMU directly with any questions or application assistance needs.
Study Plan: The online master of healthcare administration (MHA) at Southern Methodist University is designed for working professionals and can be completed in two years if taken part-time. Students usually take two courses each term, with a total of six terms to complete the program. The program offers three convenient start dates each year in the fall, spring, or summer.
The curriculum consists of 36 credits delivered through a mix of asynchronous assignments and live evening Zoom classes. Students will participate in project-based learning, writing assignments, simulations, and interactive discussions, culminating in a capstone project. Students will be required to travel to the Dallas campus for two required on-campus immersion experiences, once at the start for orientation and networking, and again at the end to present their final project.
Curriculum: The Southern Methodist University online MHA program consists of 36 credits, typically completed over six terms. Courses mix self-paced assignments with live evening Zoom sessions.
Courses include health systems & concepts; leadership & management in healthcare; health economics; epidemiology & biostatistics for managers; healthcare operations for managers; health law; negotiations; health communications; innovation in healthcare; organizational behavior for healthcare managers; ethics in healthcare; finance and strategic decision-making in healthcare systems; research & evaluation in healthcare settings/capstone I; and health informatics/capstone II.
In the final stage, students complete a capstone project where they apply what they’ve learned to real-world challenges. The program starts and ends with an on-campus immersion in Dallas.
Online Experience: Southern Methodist University’s online MHA program is designed with flexibility and convenience in mind for working adults. Most coursework is completed online with a mix of self-paced assignments and live evening classes on Zoom. Despite learning online, students have plenty of opportunities to make connections through live lectures, networking sessions, and two on-campus immersions in Dallas.
On-Site Requirements: Although most of the SMU online MHA program is offered in a flexible online format, students are required to come to campus in Dallas for two important immersion experiences. The first on-campus immersion happens at the beginning of the program and includes interactive lectures, workshops, and networking sessions with faculty, classmates, and healthcare professionals.
The second required immersion takes place at the end of the program, during the final capstone course. In this session, students present their capstone projects to peers, faculty members, and industry leaders. Attendance at both campus visits is mandatory.
Paying for the Southern Methodist University Online MHA Program
The tuition figures for the online MHA degree program are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should closely review tuition information and contact SMU for additional support with applications and questions as needed.
The SMU website offers information on graduate student financial resources. Topics include financial aid resources such as grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment, federal government-funded financial aid, and the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) form, satisfactory academic progress policy, and financial resources specifically targeted to students of particular backgrounds. Graduate students may qualify for a variety of financial resources. It is not uncommon for students to make use of multiple resources to finance their education. To determine eligibility for federal financial resources, students may complete the FAFSA.
Southern Methodist University Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
For the latest academic year, we have 170 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
- Choose from three convenient start dates each year
- Find professional support through a large network of Dallas-area alumni
- Connect in person with fellow online students at two in-person immersions on campus
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 3 - Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Earn your degree in two years, part-time |
| 100% Online? | No, two on-campus immersions are required |
| Program Accreditation | SACSCOC (University-level regional accreditation) |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | Yes, 2 years of healthcare or healthcare-adjacent work experience required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,000.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $36,000.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
