University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Online MHCA
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a fully online master of science in healthcare administration (MHCA) program, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare leadership. This flexible program equips professionals with the essential managerial, leadership, and analytical skills necessary to succeed in the healthcare industry, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and insurance companies. The program’s curriculum addresses the business and financial aspects of health services as well as healthcare policy, law, ethics, and quality improvement, making it ideal for those planning to move into leadership positions.
The 34-credit curriculum is completed entirely online over five semesters, including summer sessions, and enables students to earn their degree in as little as two years. Graduates are equipped to take on positions such as healthcare administrators, health services managers, clinical directors, hospital operations managers, or public health administrators.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and recognized by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith MHCA program offers a high-quality, affordable program with opportunities for scholarships like the Charles Shuffield Healthcare Administration Endowed Scholarship. Students benefit from experienced faculty members, industry-relevant courses, and a program structure that allows them to balance education with personal and work commitments.
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What to Expect from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Online MHCA
Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith online master of science in healthcare administration (MHCA) program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. All candidates will be required to submit a completed application form, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current CV or resume, and a nonrefundable graduate application fee. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
Applicants must also provide two professional letters of recommendation and a personal letter of intent that describes their career and educational goals. Demonstrated leadership experience is required, and published deadlines should submit all application materials. After all documentation is submitted, candidates must participate in a scheduled interview with the MHCA executive director and a member of the MHCA advisory board.
International applicants may apply if they are enrolled in the program while residing outside the US. The MHCA program is not available to international students on an F-1 visa who reside in the United States. Provisional admission may be offered to applicants who do not meet all criteria.
Study Plan: The online MHCA program at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is designed for flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. The program comprises 34 credits and can be completed in as little as 16 months for full-time students. The curriculum is spread over five semesters, including summer sessions. Coursework is fully online and covers foundation core subjects, advanced core topics, and a final graduate project.
Curriculum: The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith online MHCA is made up of 34 credits designed to help students build strong leadership and management skills. The program is structured into three main parts: foundation core courses, comprising 21 credits, advanced core courses, which total nine credits, and a four-credit graduate project.
Foundation core courses include healthcare systems; healthcare policy and governance; organizational behavior in healthcare; healthcare law and ethics; research in healthcare administration; fundamentals of financial management in healthcare; and strategic planning in healthcare.
The advanced core courses include information systems management in healthcare; managed care and reimbursement systems; and healthcare quality improvement. The program is completed with a graduate project in healthcare administration.
Online Experience: The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith MHCA program is delivered entirely online, making it convenient for students to balance education with work and personal responsibilities. All classes are completed through a user-friendly online platform, allowing students to study from anywhere at any time. This flexible online format requires no campus visits, making it ideal for those who wish to advance their careers without disrupting other commitments.
On-Site Requirements: The master of science in healthcare administration program at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is completed 100 percent online, so there are no required campus visits or in-person requirements. All lectures, assignments, and exams are managed through the university’s virtual learning platform, providing students with the flexibility to study from anywhere. There are no immersion experiences or in-person requirements, making this program especially convenient for working professionals and students living outside of Arkansas.
Paying for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Online MHCA
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith MHCA program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Applicants should verify current tuition and fees with the university. The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers financial aid and external scholarships to students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Other funding sources include employer tuition reimbursement programs, community and organizational grants and scholarships, and private loans. Prospective students should contact the university for more information.
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHCA)
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 34 |
| Time to Complete? | Finish in as little as 16 months full-time or go at your own pace |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | HLC |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE Required |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but with leadership experience preferred |
| Credit Hours | 34 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $684.50 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $23,256.00 |
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.
