University of Saint Francis Online MHA

The University of Saint Francis’ online master of healthcare administration (MHA) program is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in today’s rapidly growing healthcare industry.

Focused on developing modern healthcare leaders, this program equips students with the latest practices in healthcare administration. Saint Francis’ MHA stands out for its ethical foundation, rooted in Franciscan values and the Catholic university’s tradition of character and integrity.

Students learn from expert faculty members who are committed to teaching both the business and ministry aspects of healthcare, preparing graduates to manage organizations efficiently. Courses are delivered online in eight-week sessions with three start dates, making the program accessible for working professionals. The curriculum focuses on the practical competencies necessary for effective leadership, aligning with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim to enhance population health, improve patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs.

Saint Francis’ MHA follows a competency-based approach using the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model. Students develop skills in professional responsibility, healthcare awareness, leadership, project management, quality improvement, and strategic transformation. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing centers, and more, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities within today’s complex healthcare industry.

The University of Saint Francis is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

What to Expect from the University of Saint Francis Online MHA

Admission Requirements: To apply for the University of Saint Francis online MHA program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. If the GPA is below 2.75, applicants are required to complete directed essay questions for additional admission review.

Applicants with bachelor’s degrees from non-regionally accredited institutions must submit GMAT or GRE scores for consideration. GMAT scores should be 500 or higher, and GRE scores 300 or above. All applicants need to submit an online application for admission, official transcripts from the most recent bachelor’s or graduate degree earned, and a current resume.

Study Plan: The University of Saint Francis online MHA program is structured for flexibility and convenience, making it easy for working professionals to advance their education. The MHA can be completed in as little as one year for full-time students, or over two years on a part-time schedule. Courses are delivered fully online in an accelerated eight-week format.

There are three start dates each year, allowing students to begin the program according to their personal and professional commitments. Students complete 27 core MHA credits and nine credits of electives. An MHA completion track is also available to students who have already earned an MBA. The MBA to MHA completion track requires 24 credits in addition to the 12 credit hours achieved through an accredited MBA program.

Curriculum: The University of Saint Francis online MHA program requires a total of 36 credits, including 27 credits of core courses and nine credits of electives. The curriculum is built around key competency domains from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model.

The 27-credit core MHA curriculum includes courses such as ethics and Franciscan values for healthcare administrators; healthcare accounting & finance; US healthcare delivery system; population health management; healthcare leadership; healthcare economics; quality management in healthcare; healthcare law and compliance; and healthcare strategic management.

Electives allow students to tailor their degree to meet professional goals or to focus on specialized skills, such as leading change; negotiation and conflict resolution; healthcare information; managerial marketing; business analytics; and organizational culture and behavioral leadership.

Online Experience: The University of Saint Francis online MHA program is designed for working professionals, offering a fully online, asynchronous learning experience. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions, and students can complete assignments and participate in discussions whenever it fits their schedule. With flexible start dates and other support services, the online experience at Saint Francis allows students to balance work, life, and graduate studies as they prepare for leadership roles in healthcare.

On-Site Requirements: The University of Saint Francis online MHA program is delivered entirely online, so there are no mandatory on-site or campus-based requirements. All coursework, discussions, and program activities can be completed online, providing maximum flexibility for students. This allows working professionals and those with busy schedules to earn their degree without the need for travel or relocation.

Paying for the University of Saint Francis Online MHA

The University of Saint Francis MHA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Applicants should verify current tuition and fees with the university. The University of Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis Master of Healthcare Administration

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 3 - Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 27
Time to Complete? Complete the degree in one year or go part-time for two years
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation HLC
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT/GRE required if the bachelor’s degree was from a non-regionally accredited institution
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 27
Average Cost Per Credit $565.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $15,255.00

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.



Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani has written many how-to career, online program, and scholarship guides related to master of healthcare administration degrees since 2018. Some guides she has written include online healthcare management programs, master's in regulatory science programs, and health administration scholarships. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).