University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Online MS Healthcare Administration

• Online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore

Updated August 11, 2025

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The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) offers a fully online MS in healthcare administration (MSHA) program that can be completed in two to three years. Asynchronous courses and online discussion forums give busy adults maximum flexibility of course completion, while still building relationships with faculty and peers. UWL offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer, with the same tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse focuses on engendering within its students the necessary skills to solve the challenges of the 21st century. These skills include curiosity, creativity, and tenacity, according to the university’s vision statement. The MSHA is designed to develop compassionate, effective leaders in the healthcare administration sector.

The MSHA provides courses focused on key concepts in healthcare administration including financial management, communication, healthcare quality, health law, and organizational development. There are no electives as all courses are specifically designed to offer a complete master’s-level education in healthcare administration. A healthcare administration capstone is included at the end of the program which requires at least 150 hours in a healthcare setting, applying the principles learned in the MSHA courses.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to fill positions in both urban and rural settings within various organizations, including health systems, nursing facilities, health insurance institutions, private practice, and hospital systems. Job titles may include clinical manager, health services director, medical director, director of nursing, or health information manager.

Applicants to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse online MS in healthcare administration are encouraged to have at least two years of professional work experience and have completed elementary statistics, medical terminology, and a public speaking course.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MS in healthcare administration program is a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). This program is offered in conjunction with University of Wisconsin Online Collaboratives and is also offered through UW-Stevens Point, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, and UW-Stout.

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Admission Requirements: Interested students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, an average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework, or a 3.0 average in at least 12 semester graduate credits from an accredited graduate school. Two years of professional work experience is recommended, and GMAT or GRE scores are not required for admission. Those who do not meet the GPA requirements may be admitted on probation and may continue as long as their GPA is 3.0 or higher.

Application materials include the University of Wisconsin online application and fee, official transcripts that must have an official seal from the institution at which they were completed, including college-level high school courses, and proof of prerequisite course completion. Accepted applicants who must complete one or more prerequisite courses will be admitted conditionally. Proof of English language proficiency is required for international applicants.

Study Plan: The online MS in healthcare administration begins three times yearly in the summer, fall, and spring. Courses run on semesters. The program can be completed in two to three years, depending on the rate of course completion.

Students complete 37 credits, including 11 core healthcare administration courses, one credit of capstone preparation, and a capstone project course.

Curriculum: The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse online MS in healthcare administration requires the completion of 37 credits. Courses include US healthcare systems; population health and epidemiology; health communication; healthcare technology, data analytics, and information governance; healthcare financial management; human capital management in healthcare; healthcare operations and project management; healthcare quality and performance management; health law and policy; organizational development and strategic leadership in healthcare; communicating current and emerging topics in healthcare; capstone preparation; and healthcare administration capstone.

Online Experience: UWL offers online MSHA courses through Canvas, its learning management system (LMS). As well, the student information system, called WINGS, allows students to register for classes, view grades, and seek financial aid and other services. Courses consist of asynchronous video lectures and discussion forums; therefore, graduate students are not required to be online at any specific time. Typically, students log in to the Canvas system several times a week to watch video lectures, participate in discussion forums, and complete required work.

Online graduate students can access faculty through online avenues, including discussion boards, email, chat, and synchronous meetings as necessary. Other resources and services include technical support, the CARE Team, which helps students in crisis, the Student Life Office, violence prevention, and wellness and health advocacy.

On-Site Requirements: The program does not include any on-site requirements and is delivered in a completely asynchronous online format. A minimum of 150 hours of capstone work in partnership with a mentor or supervisor in a healthcare setting.

UWL MS in healthcare administration tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Applicants should verify current tuition and fees with the UWL College of Science and Health (CSH).

UW-La Crosse offers application fee assistance, Advanced Opportunity Grants (AOP Grants) for eligible Wisconsin residents, and UW Online Collaborative scholarships. Graduate students may also receive financial aid and scholarships by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other funding sources may include employer tuition reimbursement programs, community and organizational grants and scholarships, and private loans. Prospective students should contact the UWL Financial Aid Office for more information.

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.