Walden University Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)
The Walden University College of Management and Human Potential offers an online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program with a general curriculum or an optional specialization in Leadership and Organizational Development.
Depending on learning style, a student can choose one of two formats: course-based or Tempo Learning®.
The course-based format follows a quarterly schedule, with students taking one or more courses per term. Tuition is charged on a per-credit basis, and students pay by the course. The program is completed in a traditional course completion model, which is more structured and includes preset deadlines and faculty-based teaching and guidance through each course.
Tempo learning® is a competency-based format where students pay in three-month all-you-can-learn subscriptions and demonstrate competencies instead of completing credit-based courses. MHA competencies include the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a successful healthcare administrator. Tempo Learning® is more flexible, and students can adjust how quickly or slowly they complete modules.
In the Tempo Learning® format, faculty support is available when needed. Students also have a personal Academic Coach that helps them throughout the program. Note that this learning model is best for self-motivated students who are well-organized and work well independently. There are no set deadlines, and assessments are completed when a student feels ready. The tuition subscription model is best utilized when working steadily through the modules.
The MHA General Program offered in the course-based format may be completed in as few as 18 months. The specialization adds three courses, so completion could take longer. The program offered in the Tempo Learning® format may be completed in as few as 22 months. Time to completion, however, varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
A bachelor’s degree or higher is required for admission; GMAT/GRE test scores are not. Walden University strives to make education accessible and the admission process simple.
Walden’s MHA curriculum aligns with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model, which combines industry knowledge with practical competencies for outstanding healthcare leadership.
Graduates may go on to careers such as nurse manager, mental health program manager, clinical director, or health manager. Positions may be earned in hospitals, government facilities, long-term care facilities, healthcare systems, physician offices, and research or other healthcare organizations. Career options, however, may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of an MHA online program.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What to Expect from the Walden University Online MHA
Admission Requirements: Applicants to a Walden online master’s program must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution accredited by a regional, professional/specialized, or national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution. They must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in bachelor’s degree coursework, or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in master’s degree coursework. Application materials include official transcripts. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request the names and contact information for two persons, professional or academic, qualified to comment knowledgeably on the applicant’s skills and qualifications. GMAT/GRE test scores and work experience are not required. There may be restrictions for study in some states. You must also have access to a computer and the internet. Conditional admission may be available for specific programs. Specific program requirements may apply.
Study Plan: The MHA program is 100% online, with no campus visits or clinical requirements.
MHA Curriculum: Walden’s MHA program consists of 53 quarter credits in the General Program and 68 quarter credits in the Leadership and Organizational Development specialization. Students in the Tempo Learning® format should inquire with the College of Management and Human Potential as to the learning modules required. Specialization courses may need to be completed in a course-based format, rather than through Tempo Learning®.
Core topics covered in the program include the foundations of healthcare administration, the delivery of healthcare, creating healthy communities, law and ethics in healthcare, healthcare finance, leadership within the healthcare sector, technology and innovations in healthcare, healthcare operations, building healthcare brand and alliances, healthcare quality management, and strategic leadership management.
Leadership and Organizational Development Specialization Courses: Leadership and Organizational Change, The Language of Leadership, and Board Governance and Volunteer Management.
Experience: Students complete an online orientation and can participate in online forums throughout the program with peers, faculty, alumni, and Student Success Advisors. Student services include academic and writing help, guidance through Student Success Advising, career planning, financial aid services, and technical support. Courses in the course-based program format are delivered asynchronously and have weekly deadlines.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the Walden MHA program, as it is delivered completely online.
Paying for the Walden University Online MHA
The cost of tuition in the course-based format is $525 per quarter credit, in addition to per-quarter fees. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400. Tuition for the Tempo Learning® format is $3,000 per three-month subscription term, plus a per-term program fee. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Students may be eligible for scholarships and grants. Terms apply.
Additionally, students may choose to apply for federal grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Other funding options may include employer tuition reimbursement programs, private loans, and outside scholarships and grants.
Walden University Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 53 |
| Time to Complete? | Earn your MHA in as few as 18 months (course-based) or 22 months (Tempo Learning®) |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | None |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelors degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | None |
| Credit Hours | 53 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $525 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $27,825.00 |
Walden University MHA - Leadership and Organizational Development
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 68 |
| Time to Complete? | About 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | None |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelors degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | None |
| Credit Hours | 68 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $525 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $35,700.00 |
Visit www.Waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-healthcare-administration for more information on the MHA program available at Walden University.
* Tuition is calculated based on course-based program credits, at the currently published tuition rate and does not include program fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change and may vary. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out-of-state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees.
** Represents the course-based learning format, the General Program or the specialization, and minimum time to completion. Your actual total program time may vary.
FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
