Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Online MA in Health & Human Services

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, located in Winona, offers an online MA in health and human services administration. This degree program prepares nursing home administrators to carry out the tasks required to ensure and improve the quality of care in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The healthcare industry needs competent, highly-skilled, ethical leaders, and this program seeks to train such people.

Students develop management skills related to care quality control and sustainability, examine regulations and policies and how they impact healthcare settings, and learn how to effectively manage an organization’s staff and finances.

To promote an effective online learning environment, all students are given the use of an iPad during the duration of the program. Students graduating from the program have gone on to work in hospitals, behavioral health organizations, government health and human service organizations, home health agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions. Notably, students can also prepare to be licensed as long-term care administrators in Minnesota and some other states.

What to Expect from the Online MA in Health & Human Services Administration

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MA in health and human services must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Applicants must submit an online or hard copy application and fee, official transcripts sent directly from the institution(s), a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement that addresses background, experience, training, as well as their career goals, reasons for seeking the degree, and strengths and weaknesses. No work experience or GMAT/GRE is required.

International students must provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, ITEP or MELAB test scores). In addition, all transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation by World Education Services or Education Credential Evaluators.

Study Plan: Students may begin courses in the fall, spring, or summer. The program can be completed in 24 months. Students should expect to spend 15 hours each week for every three-credit course.

Curriculum: The MA in health and human services administration consists of 36 credits, with 33 credits of required courses. Required courses include financial practices in the health and human services sector; health informatics and application; academic research, writing, and communications; human resources in the health and human services; finance for health service administrators; aging, illness, and the continuum of care; advanced health policy and ethics; and strategic health and human services leadership, among others.

Students also take a three-credit capstone course in which they integrate theory and practice into a final project that applies all learning outcomes to health and human services.

Online Experience: Saint Mary’s University delivers classes in an asynchronous format. Students must submit assignments by the due dates and can work at their own convenience. The university uses an online learning management system called Engage. Tuition in the online MA program includes the use of an iPad, preloaded with the operating system, Saint Mary’s learning platform, and productivity apps. Through the Engage platform, students can see classmates while they work on group projects; post discussions via podcast, videos, and dictation; read textbooks; share notes with classmates; engage in video conferencing with faculty; and stay organized with a variety of productivity apps. Students should have utilities and plug-ins, including virus protection; a Java, Flash, or Shockwave plug-in; and Acrobat Reader.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MA in health and human services as the program is 100 percent online. Students are welcome to visit campus anytime and are encouraged to participate in graduation.

Paying for the Online MA in Health & Human Services Administration

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota online MA in health and human services administration tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of Saint Mary’s University for exact costs.

Students can seek financial aid through scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and outside resources. Students can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Note that graduate students must be enrolled in at least 4.5 credits per term to qualify for federal loans.

In addition, many employers see the benefit of helping employees earn an advanced degree and offer tuition reimbursement programs. Even if an applicant’s employer does not have such a program, it can be beneficial to discuss the situation with a manager to see if arrangements can be made for partial or full reimbursement. Because this is a fully online program, some employers may be more willing to help with expenses as it is less likely to interfere with the employee work schedule. Finally, there are discounts and financial assistance for veterans, military personnel, and their dependents.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts in Health & Human Services Administration (MN LNHA Prep)

  • Tuition includes an iPad pre-loaded with Saint Mary's learning platform, so coursework can be completed anywhere
  • Provides the opportunity to become licensed as a Long Term Care Administrator in MN and other states
  • Prepares you to lead organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Complete in as little as 24 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation MN BENHA
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $730
Estimated Program Tuition * $26,280.00

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.