The United States has always held countless opportunities for those who aspire to drive their careers forward in whatever field, and the same can be said in the discipline of healthcare and healthcare administration. Healthcare and medicine are vital fields in themselves. However, aside from working as a medical practitioner, several opportunities exist that help facilitate healthcare and deliver it to those in most need of it. One of these opportunities to transform healthcare delivery and management is in the field of health administration.

One of the states that holds several world-renowned healthcare institutions, whether for undergraduate or post-graduate programs, is California. These universities and colleges offer excellent programs, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and hands-on opportunities that supplement the learning experience of enrolled students in healthcare administration education.

If you’re seeking to move your career forward in this essential and highly impactful field, one possible gateway is the pursuit of a master’s degree in health administration, particularly in California. California has an abundance of top-tier institutions, and there is a very diverse set of master’s programs in health administration that accommodate students globally. Among these, there are also several universities that offer online programs so that you can still obtain an exceptional education wherever you’re situated in the world.

MHA Programs in California

There are a total of 16 MHA programs in California. The following includes a list of universities that offer master’s degrees in health or healthcare administration through in-person, hybrid, or online (or a combination) learning:

California State University, Bakersfield

Program: Master of Healthcare Administration

Location: Bakersfield, California

Modality: In-person learning at the Bakersfield, CA campus

In-state tuition: $4,537 per 9 units/3 courses plus other fees

Out-of-state tuition: $8,101 per 9 units/3 courses plus other fees

Program Overview: The Department of Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Bakersfield offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration Program (MSHCA), which aims to train contemplative practitioners and leaders who make decisions grounded in evidence and data. The university strongly emphasizes developing the abilities of present and future managers of healthcare organizations—whether non-profit or affiliated with the government. Graduates and students of this program are equipped by their curricula to practice inclusive and socially responsible governance.

Once one has graduated from the program, they are prepared for both administrative and managerial jobs. They are also prepared to be adaptable and versatile enough for both non-profit and public healthcare sectors. The program overall is focused on addressing local healthcare and human service needs and ultimately preparing its students, whether on the local, national, or international level.

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California State University, San Bernardino

Program: Master of Science in Health Services Administration

Location: San Bernardino, California

Modality: In-person learning at the San Bernardino, CA campus

In-state tuition: $4,548.37-$4,564.40 per 6.1+ credit units plus other fees

Out-of-state tuition: $4,548.37-$4,564.40 per 6.1+ credit units, plus $361 per credit unit, plus other fees

Program Overview: The program is intended for people who want to work in establishments related to healthcare administrators or managers of health services. The M.A. in health science is a highly specialized master’s degree option. One of the unique features of this program is that its students also have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Finance, Accounting, or Information Systems with a Master of Science in Health Services Administration.

Some places where graduates of this program can be employed include hospitals, health maintenance organizations, clinics, nursing homes, public health departments, governmental organizations, military health services, and other healthcare facilities.

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Mount Saint Mary’s University

Program: Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

Location: Los Angeles, California

Modality: In-person learning at the Los Angeles, CA campus

Tuition: $896 per unit for 42 units – $37,506 plus other fees

Program Overview: Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program aims to produce skilled executives capable of making informed decisions through thoroughly comprehending healthcare services and structures. With this, graduates become adept in addressing crucial concerns, including costs, financing, and accessibility of treatment. Public, private, and nonprofit organizations seek graduates from this program. All in all, this program offers a way to have a significant impact on the healthcare industry. It’s for those who are looking to move into management or leadership and those who wish to improve the quality of healthcare facilitation.

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California Northstate University

Program: Master of Healthcare Administration

Location: Elk Grove, California

Modality: In-person learning at the Elk Grove, CA campus, Hybrid, or Online

Tuition: $64,142 plus other fees

Program Overview: California Northstate University aims to produce graduates of the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program who are prepared for leadership positions in the healthcare industry. Students who have undergone this program are expected to be adept across a variety of sectors:  hospitals, healthcare facilities, Bio-Pharma, health tech, consulting, government agencies, and even insurance companies.

The program’s curriculum is in line with the competencies of the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA). These cover some major areas of healthcare management, such as awareness of the healthcare environment, leadership and ethics in healthcare management, effective communication and relationship management, and professionalism in healthcare delivery.
The program is taught in a convenient weekend schedule with a flexible format that includes hybrid and online options to accommodate students who have a variety of obligations. Students can finish the 39-unit program in two academic years.

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National University

Program: Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Location: San Diego, California

Modality: In-person learning at the San Diego, CA campus or Online

Tuition: $442 per quarter unit for 72 quarter units – $31,824 plus other fees

Program Overview: The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at National University acknowledges the enormous complexity of the healthcare sector. The program provides students with the conceptual and analytical abilities necessary to navigate modern healthcare organizations through its career-oriented curriculum. Graduates of this program become skilled managers who can meet the challenges of the field. They are also expected to foster innovation and development in healthcare access, cost, and quality. At present, the program has a candidate status from the CAHME.

It can be noted that students can transfer up to 13.5 quarter units from past relevant graduate work completed at other institutions toward the MHA degree. This is as long as those units were not used to fulfill requirements for another advanced degree. Students must complete a minimum of 72 quarter units of graduate courses to achieve the MHA degree.

CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs in California

Five universities in California have CAHME-accredited MHA programs. They are:

California State University, Long Beach

Program: Master of Science in Health Care Administration (Traditional)

Location: Long Beach, California

Accreditation: CAHME

Modality: In-person learning at the Long Beach, CA campus or Hybrid

In-state tuition: $3,804 per 7+ units plus other fees

Out-of-state tuition: $3,804 per 7+ units, plus $285 per credit, plus other fees

Program Overview: The program is designed for recent graduates, aspiring healthcare professionals, and even international students seeking administrative positions in the healthcare sector.
Accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the program gives students access to many resources and networking opportunities. One of the highlights is that it also offers a thorough education and one of the crucial aspects of management and administration: real-world experience. Hence it offers several mentorship and internship opportunities. The Department of Health Care Administration at CSULB maintains solid relationships with nearby and regional healthcare organizations and businesses, providing its students with invaluable mentorship and practical experience.

The university also offers elective courses per each student’s personal learning objectives and area of interest. All of these are included in the 45 units of coursework that make up the curriculum. The program offers flexible scheduling options, allowing students to complete their studies part-time or full-time. Courses are held throughout standard semesters; some are available during the summer. This program has a strong track record of educating healthcare executives for success, with a network of alumni that numbers more than 300 graduates.

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California State University, Northridge

Program: Master of Health Administration

Location: Northridge, California

Accreditation: CAHME

Modality: In-person learning at the Northridge, CA campus 

In-state tuition: $7,167 per semester plus other fees

Out-of-state tuition: $7,167 per semester, plus $396 per credit unit, plus other fees

Program Overview: The Master of Science in Health Administration at California State University, Northridge, covers several topics that are essential in the said field. These include subjects to prepare students for various management and leadership roles in the healthcare industry. To name some specifically, these include the following: management, planning, marketing, consulting, quality improvement, strategic planning, and operations.

Moreover, this school is one of just five universities in California that provide CAHME-accredited programs. The school also offers evening schedules accommodating working professionals and its diverse student body. Generally, graduates are well-equipped for fulfilling jobs in management and leadership within the healthcare industry. Alumni positions can be found in healthcare organizations and agencies that are public, nonprofit, and private.

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Concordia University, Irvine

Program: Master of Healthcare Administration

Location: Irvine, California

Accreditation: CAHME

Modality: Online

Tuition: $644 per unit for 40 units – $25,760 plus other fees

Program Overview: Concordia’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program strongly emphasizes leadership, real-world application, and professional growth. The curriculum prepares its graduates for management positions in a variety of healthcare settings and positions: hospitals, corporate healthcare systems, outpatient clinics, long-term care institutions, private practice offices, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and community-based healthcare organizations.

The curriculum is CAHME-accredited, ensuring conformity with industry standards and high employer demand. Moreover, it may be finished in two years entirely online. Its curriculum strongly emphasizes fundamental skills and knowledge in business, leadership, professionalism, and communication. Concordia’s MHA program offers a well-rounded education adapted to the changing requirements of the healthcare business. This can be attributed to its committed teachers who contribute real-world expertise, an involved advisory board, and a capstone project merging prior study and practical experience.

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Loma Linda University

Program: Master of Healthcare Administration

Location: Loma Linda, California

Accreditation: CAHME

Modality: In-person learning at Loma Linda, CA campus or Online

Tuition: $69,865  plus other fees

Program Overview: The Master in Health-Care Administration (MHA) program at Loma Linda University School of Public Health combines several factors that make it another excellent choice for pursuing an MHA. It has a robust curriculum, knowledgeable teachers, and networking opportunities with affiliate organizations like the American College of Healthcare Executives. With flexible online learning options, this CEPH-accredited program appeals to clinical practitioners, mid-career leaders, and fresh college graduates interested in healthcare administration. Graduates of the program will be prepared for leadership positions in healthcare companies within Loma Linda University’s renowned health sciences environment. The curriculum also strongly emphasizes data analytics and population health and offers practical experience through an 800-hour practicum.

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University of Southern California

Program:  Master of Health Administration

Location: Los Angeles, California

Accreditation: CAHME

Modality: In-person learning at Los Angeles, CA campus

Tuition: $104,106 plus other fees

Program Overview: Future healthcare leaders and administrators can also receive their post-graduate education from the University of Southern California, or particularly their Sol Price School of Public Policy. They offer a Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, and the program has a demanding curriculum that heavily combines in-class instruction with real-world experience, including a necessary 1,000-hour administrative residence. The CAHME-accredited program provides students with the tools they need to be effective leaders in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.

Health information technology, health legislation, behavioral science, policy, finance, and economics are just a few of the important topics covered in the program. The MHA program at USC is ranked fifth nationwide in the field of health policy and management. It also offers additional focus areas and intersectional health management and policy training. Moreover, the program is known for its esteemed faculty, solid business contacts, and giving students access to a wide range of job prospects in Southern California’s healthcare sector.

Online Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in California

Here are 5 universities in California that offer fully-online MHA programs:

University of California, Los Angeles

Program: Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Location: Los Angeles, California

Modality: Online

Tuition: $61,050 plus other fees

Program Overview: The online MHA program at UCLA is intended to give graduates the information and abilities required for leadership positions in the healthcare industry. This curriculum has a strong emphasis on value-based care practices. These practices are driven by data and values, giving students the skills they need to manage operations, form effective teams, and make data-driven decisions. A capstone project and on-campus immersions are part of the curriculum, which offers networking opportunities and practical experience. In this rapidly expanding industry, professionals may balance jobs with career progress thanks to flexible schedule options, including full and part-time study.

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University of California, San Francisco

Program: MS Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership

Location: San Francisco, California

Modality: Online

Tuition: $59,720 plus other fees

Program Overview: The MS-HAIL program is designed for professionals who are currently employed and want to advance healthcare organizations by obtaining a related master’s degree. Students from various clinical and non-clinical healthcare backgrounds are eligible to apply to this interdisciplinary program. Students can receive their master’s degree in as little as 12 months with the option to finish the program online. They may also select between the fall and spring quarters.

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California State University, East Bay

Program: MS in Healthcare Administration

Location: Hayward, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Modality: Online

In-state tuition: $8,429 per year plus other fees

Out-of-state tuition: $16,631 per semester plus other fees

Program Overview: In this program, you will acquire the analytical abilities and information needed to handle issues with healthcare delivery and create organizational structures. It is suitable for working professionals because it provides an education of the same level as courses taken on campus. Furthermore, it can be finished in only four semesters.

The program has also won accolades, including being named one of Intelligent.com’s top 25 online master’s in health services degree programs. The program’s style, which is fully online and has seven four-unit courses and one six-unit course, is ideal for healthcare professionals with at least two years of experience. It offers a thorough education for those aspiring to leadership and management roles in healthcare organizations.

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California Baptist University

Program: Master of Healthcare Administration (Online)

Location: Riverside, California

Modality: Online

Tuition: $520 per unit for 48 units – $24,960 plus other fees

Program Overview: The online MHA program at California Baptist University offers a multidisciplinary curriculum. It is designed to provide both present and future healthcare administrators and managers with the skills necessary to meet the industry’s current problems. Participants gain the information and skills required to succeed in this field through a program combining in-depth study and real-world experiences. 

Its curriculum provides applicants with excellent training to address present and future trends in healthcare and a strong foundation in management principles. The online format provides efficient time management and accommodates students from varying areas. Coursework supports integrating theory into practice by aligning with the immediate demands of healthcare organizations. The MHA also acts as a stepping stone for people considering pursuing doctoral studies in health administration or similar subjects.

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Trident University

Program: Masters in Health Administration (MSHA)

Location: Cypress, California

Modality: Online

Tuition: $10,206 per year plus other fees

Program Overview: The MSHA program at Trident University provides students with the information and abilities required to successfully run healthcare organizations. Even with its flexible online learning environment, the program places a strong emphasis on legal and ethical procedures, critical analysis of health administration literature, and collaboration with peers and professors. The growing need for healthcare administrators who can understand the intricacies of the healthcare ecosystem and adapt to a constantly shifting environment is addressed by the MSHA degree.

No GRE Required MHA Programs in California

Graduate Record Examination scores are often required for admission to a Master’s degree program. However, these four California universities do not require MHA applicants to submit GRE scores:

• California State University, East Bay
• California State University, Long Beach
• California State University, Northridge
• Trident University

At California Northstate University, meanwhile, the GRE score may be waived for those who are enrolled in a doctoral program. 

Accelerated MHA Programs in California

The quickest MHA program is offered by the University of California in San Francisco. In just 12 months, students can already finish the MS-HAIL degree.

Affordable Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in California

California State University-Bakersfield offers the cheapest program for in-state residents, with the tuition fees at $4,537 per 9 units, or about $15,123 for the entire program.

The most affordable MHA program for out-of-state or international students is that of Trident University, which costs $10,206 plus other fees per year. This totals to $20,412 plus other fees for the entire program.

What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MHA Degree in California?

Compared to other applicants, Graduates of California MHA programs are deemed more qualified to take on any of these roles: 

Hospital Administrator 

California has the second-highest number of hospitals at 336, coming next to Texas which has 372. With a total of 74,443 staffed beds, the state’s hospitals are in need of MHA graduates who function well as hospital administrators. Tasks include overseeing day-to-day operations, managing finances, and improving service efficiency, to name a few. 

Health Department Administrator

The California Health & Human Services Agency is responsible for overseeing the healthcare programs run by the state and the federal government. It is divided into many departments, such as that of Aging, Emergency Medical Services, and Public Health, many of which are in need of capable administrators. 

Health Insurance Administrator

California is home to many major insurance carriers, such as Aetna, Kaiser, Blue Cross, and Blue Shield, to name a few. These companies are constantly in need of health insurance administrators. MHA graduates are ideal for this position, as the job entails regulatory compliance, operational management, and billing/accounting, to name a few. 

Group Practice Administrator

Being a large state, California is dotted with many group practices. MHA graduates can help administer these groups by performing tasks such as managing daily operations, supervising staff members, and handling insurance issues. 

Urgent Care Center Administrator

There are 10,728 urgent care centers in the country, with most of them located in large states such as Texas, Florida, and of course, California. MHA graduates have the necessary competencies to administer these urgent care centers, as they are educated to perform tasks such as handling administrative issues, managing staff and facilities, creating budgets, etc.