Sacred Heart University Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers a fully online, asynchronous master of health administration (MHA) program that can be completed in two years. This is a part-time-only program. Courses last eight weeks each, with two start dates each in the fall, spring, and summer. A capstone project culminates the program and allows students to gain real-world experience in a healthcare facility or research setting.

The SHU online MHA prepares graduates to become effective leaders in healthcare organizations who seek to improve healthcare delivery. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed for both clinical and non-clinical healthcare backgrounds. Up to six credits can be transferred, and two years of healthcare work experience are required. Accepted students who do not have a healthcare background and healthcare work experience must complete an additional three-credit course and an internship.

The online MHA program teaches students foundational skills for managing the complex healthcare industry, including healthcare policy improvement, economics, law, ethics, leadership, strategic planning, and finance. A clinical and non-clinical focus allows graduates to pursue work settings that best suit their career goals.

Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The SHU College of Nursing is seeking accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the MHA program.

What to Expect from the SHU Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MHA must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. At least two years of healthcare work experience is required. No GRE or GMAT is required. Application materials include an application and application fee, a resume or CV, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Those without a business background must complete one additional healthcare course and an internship.

Study Plan: The online MHA is part-time only and is designed to be completed in two years. Courses last eight weeks each, and the two-year time-to-completion schedule includes summers. There are six start dates–two each in the fall, spring, and summer. Online MHA students should expect to spend 12 to 15 hours per week on each course.
All coursework is online, and a capstone project culminates the program, allowing students to gain real-world experience in a healthcare facility or research setting.

MHA Curriculum: The Sacred Heart University online MHA program comprises 37 credits. Core courses include management of healthcare organizations; healthcare finance, accounting, and economics; strategic management and marketing in healthcare organizations; healthcare informatics; leadership in healthcare environments; health policy, law, and ethics; healthcare data analytics; professional development; populations and global health management; and capstone.

Students then choose three electives from the following courses: introduction to human resource management; healthcare operations and quality; negotiations and conflict resolution; innovation and organizational change management; fundraising for non-profits; project management for healthcare administrators; non-profit grant management; disaster operations response and recovery; and communications and crisis management.

Accepted students without a healthcare background must take a prerequisite course: the language and culture of healthcare, and complete an internship.

Online Experience: All courses for the online MHA are 100 percent online, and no campus visits are required. Asynchronous courses are delivered through Blackboard Learn. Online services can be found under one login through the MySHU Portal.

Online students must be able to download files, and effectively use the internet, email, and software programs. Online students can access academic advising, admissions counseling, faculty office hours, an online bookstore and library, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the SHU online MHA. All courses are fully online with no campus visits. The capstone course may involve an experience in a healthcare organization, and students without a business background must complete a local internship.

Paying for the Sacred Heart University Online MHA Program

Sacred Heart University online MHA program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective online students should contact the SHU College of Nursing admissions department for total cost clarifications and updates.

SHU may offer financial aid through merit or needs-based scholarships, grants, and unsubsidized graduate federal student loans. Students can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Students may also find funding from outside resources such as employer tuition reimbursement programs, tuition discounts, or community and organizational scholarships and grants.

Sacred Heart University Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

  • Take advantage of a two-year, fully online, asynchronous MHA program for working professionals
  • Participate in a capstone experience in a research or healthcare setting, allowing hands-on application of learned skills
  • Choose three electives that align with your career goals
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 6 - Two each in the Fall, Spring, and Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 37
Time to Complete? Graduate in two years.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation Seeking CAHME accreditation
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? At least two years of healthcare work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 37
Average Cost Per Credit $725
Estimated Program Tuition * $26,825.00

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.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.