Online MHA Programs in California: View & Compare CA Schools
Whether you’re a current California healthcare administrator looking for career advancement opportunities or you’re in need of a career change, earning your master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) can help you achieve your next career move.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at online and on-campus MHA programs in California. It includes a list of the best programs with details on cost, curriculum, and admission requirements. We even included an FAQ section to advise you on how to succeed in an MHA program and as a professional in the healthcare management field.
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Exploring Online MHA Programs in California
Online MHA programs in California offer greater flexibility and convenience compared to their traditional counterparts. Several online MHA online programs in California feature fully online coursework, while others feature a mix of online and on-campus components. There are also accelerated programs that combine online coursework with weekend classes to accommodate students who would like to advance their careers as soon as possible.
Many online MHA programs also allow students to focus on an area of concentration from clinical care management to primary care management. If you have a specific interest you would like to specialize in, look for California programs that offer concentrations to guarantee you are not just obtaining an MHA in general healthcare administration. Below, we’ll look at several online MHA programs in California to help you start your search.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) offers an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program designed for mid- to senior-level healthcare professionals aiming to advance into executive roles in a flexible fashion. The program combines online coursework with face-to-face seminars, focusing on leadership, healthcare policy, ethics, finance, and strategic management.
The curriculum empowers professionals to immediately apply their lessons in the real world, offering instantaneous value for both students and their healthcare organization. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the EMHA can be completed in as few as six semesters. Students benefit from networking within the USC community and access to industry leaders.
Duration: Six semesters
Mode: Online with in-person seminars
Cost: $84,744
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0
- Minimum of three years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility in health care
Curriculum:
- Develop leaders who anticipate and leverage healthcare system changes
- Understand and adapt to the drivers of cost-effective care
- Improve operational efficiency to enhance patient outcomes
- Prioritize and implement strategies to improve patient safety and quality
- Utilize health IT systems to drive organizational growth and effectiveness
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
California State University-East Bay
California State University, East Bay offers a Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MS-HCA) fully online, with both synchronous and asynchronous options. The program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in healthcare, covering topics like healthcare policy, ethics, and strategic management. Applications for Fall 2025 open on October 1, 2024, with priority admission consideration deadlines on January 30, 2025, and space-available admission consideration deadlines on June 1, 2025.
The MS-HCA program aligns with the Health Care Leadership Alliance’s five core competencies: communication, leadership, professionalism, healthcare environment knowledge, and business skills. These competencies translate into six program learning outcomes, equipping graduates with the ability to analyze healthcare issues, communicate effectively, build collaborative relationships, foster teamwork, uphold ethical standards, and apply business principles within the healthcare context.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online
Cost:$9,107 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA, preferred 2.75. Explain low GPA in Statement of Purpose
- One to two page statement that explains career goals and suitability for the program
- Two letters from academic/professional sources on official letterhead
- Resume including all healthcare employment
- Official transcripts to University Admissions
Curriculum:
- Analyze healthcare system issues and policy
- Communicate effectively in writing and orally
- Build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Foster teamwork and align priorities
- Adhere to ethical and professional standards
- Apply business principles to the healthcare environment
University of California Los Angeles
The UCLA online MHA program provides a flexible pathway to advance your healthcare career. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leadership skills, and real-world application through hands-on learning. Two on-campus immersions provide invaluable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of real-world healthcare challenges.
Additionally, a capstone project allows students to apply their knowledge by working directly with a healthcare organization to address pressing issues and implement innovative solutions. Taught by renowned faculty from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, the program equips graduates with the expertise to excel in leadership roles and contribute to a more effective and compassionate healthcare system.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online with in-person components
Cost: $61,050
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Three years of professional work experience in any industry
Curriculum:
- Develop analytical skills for informed healthcare management
- Build essential leadership qualities for effective team management and organizational success
- Provide practical experience through on-campus immersions and a capstone project
Student Resources: Frequently Asked Questions About Online MHA Degrees
Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career with an online MHA? This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding online MHA programs in California. From program requirements and career prospects to accreditation and program costs, you’ll find valuable insights to guide your decision-making process as you explore your educational options.
What knowledge and skills do you learn in MHA programs in California?
In an MHA program in California, students acquire the skills and competencies necessary to lead healthcare teams and oversee administration efforts in hospitals, private practices, and other healthcare settings. Specific ways students grow in these programs include:
- Professionalism and ethical standards
- Knowledge of the history and current environment of the healthcare industry, particularly in California
- Knowledge and skills in budgeting, finances, and business management
- Human resource management skills
- Written and oral communications skills
- Analytical skills leading to effective decision-making, greater operations efficiency, and better health outcomes
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in California?
As mentioned above, there are three MHA programs in California accredited by the CAHME that feature online study: Cal State Long Beach’s partially-online Accelerated MS in Healthcare Administration, USC’s partially-online Executive MHA, and Concordia University’s fully-online MHA.
When looking for the right program for you, one of the first things you should check is whether that program is accredited. If the accreditation is not stated anywhere on the programs webpage, then you can check the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
What are the admissions requirements for MHA programs in California?
Specific admissions requirements for MHA programs in California vary from program to program. However, you can expect most programs to include requirements similar to the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a stated cumulative minimum GPA, commonly 3.0 with exceptions like Cal State East Bay’s 2.5 minimum requirement.
- Work experience in the healthcare field. Anywhere from two to five years is not uncommon. Some programs, like Cal State Long Beach’s Traditional MHA, have no work experience requirement.
- GRE/GMAT scores are sometimes required, though there is a trend away from this requirement for MHA programs.
Additional application requirements typically include a current resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and personal statements and/or statements of purpose, but vary by institution.
How long do MHA programs in California take to complete?
The biggest variable affecting how long it takes to graduate is if you take classes part-time or full-time. Many programs follow the cohort-learning model where students proceed at the same pace and finish in about two years. Some programs allow students to complete classes more quickly with an accelerated time frame of only 16 months. Generally expect any MHA program to last between two to three years.
How much do California MHA programs cost?
Price tags for MHA programs in California vary substantially. The schools below provide an idea of the full range of program costs for California MHA programs. Usually, the lowest cost programs are those houses in public universities, such as the universities in the California State University system. Several primary factors impact cost, including whether the program is offered by a public or private institution, the prestige of the program or school, and whether it’s full-time or part-time.
To help offset tuition costs and make them more affordable, there are several types of financial aid available for MHA programs in California. These include scholarships, grants, veteran’s benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Regardless of your financial situation, it is always worth contacting your school’s financial aid office to ask about available funding opportunities.
Salary and Career Outlook for RN to BSN Track
Understanding how MHA programs work is important as you consider your education options. But it’s also critical to gain a clear understanding of what will be ahead of you as a working professional in terms of earnings, job security, and career growth. For HA professionals, the outlook is bright, as indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in the tables below. Looking at California overall, medical and health services managers earn annual salaries, on average, of between just under $75,000 and nearly $240,000. While salaries vary somewhat both below and above these averages within the state, these impressive figures are in line with and, in fact, somewhat higher than those for HA jobs nationwide.
In regard to job security and growth potential, the figures are nothing less than astounding. The BLS puts the estimated long-term (2022-2032) job growth for all occupations in the U.S. at 2.8%. Therefore, medical and health services managers in the U.S. overall and California specifically are projected to enjoy job growth of over 10 times and 14 times, respectively, that of all U.S. occupations combined. Here are the numbers:
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $74,420 | $139,430 | $239,000+ |
| Bakersfield, CA | $63,730 | $125,150 | $203,120 |
| Chico, CA | $76,580 | $132,250 | $199,490 |
| El Centro, CA | $56,410 | $110,710 | $192,840 |
| Fresno, CA | $62,590 | $126,020 | $217,970 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $66,610 | $127,590 | $210,430 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $73,370 | $134,050 | $233,690 |
| Madera, CA | $75,290 | $148,090 | $217,790 |
| Merced, CA | $64,460 | $108,660 | $185,270 |
| Modesto, CA | $77,290 | $131,800 | $212,160 |
| Napa, CA | $80,000 | $174,510 | $239,000+ |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $64,590 | $115,430 | $207,360 |
| Redding, CA | $66,420 | $120,820 | $202,940 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $65,410 | $129,490 | $217,090 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $78,630 | $156,330 | $218,620 |
| Salinas, CA | $69,190 | $132,560 | $211,950 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $73,990 | $137,630 | $239,000+ |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $94,400 | $177,940 | $239,000+ |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $72,800 | $168,440 | $239,000+ |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $63,450 | $118,510 | $239,000+ |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $66,480 | $132,000 | $218,330 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $59,790 | $121,590 | $221,750 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $74,290 | $144,000 | $222,970 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $65,520 | $130,290 | $218,680 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $80,690 | $176,160 | $217,670 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | $66,400 | $121,050 | $233,880 |
| Yuba City, CA | $63,840 | $116,890 | $213,930 |
Source: Medical and Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 509,500 | 654,200 | 144,700 | 28.40% | 54,700 |
| California | 58,300 | 81,400 | 23,100 | 39.60% | 7,140 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MHA Programs in California
We’ve surveyed the entire landscape of online RN to BSN programs in California and listed what we believe to be the best of those programs in the rankings below. Or choices are based on a review of a number of important student-focused program elements, including accreditation, affordability, (including access to valuable financial aid resources), curriculum content, study flexibility, and the availability of quality academic and career support services.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Why We Selected University of Southern California:
- The USC MHA program offers a 1,000-hour residency for hands-on experience under senior managers.
- The program is located in a top-ranked school of public policy, providing unique interdisciplinary insights.
- Faculty practitioners actively shape healthcare policy through innovative research and teaching.
Program Details
- AccreditationWASC
- Average In-State Tuition$60,446
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
Why We Selected California State University-East Bay:
- The program offers a supportive cohort learning environment with individualized advising and mentoring.
- The curriculum includes health profession internships, research experiences, and community service opportunities.
- The program provides a competitive edge for applying to health professional schools with flexible scheduling for working adults.
Program Details
- AccreditationWASC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,176
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
