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Master of Health Administration in
Health Policy and Administration

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Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Prepare for challenging leadership positions in health care by supplementing your health-related work experience with a strong business management education. The online MHA program can give you the tools to lead change and solve problems in the dynamic health care environment.

Two Management Intensives

Build leadership skills and connect with colleagues.

Apply by April 1 to start August 26

49 Credits $1,017 per credit

CAHME

Enhance Your Leadership Capacity with Health Care Leadership Skills

  • Use critical thought to develop solutions to the health care problems we face, both now and in the future.

  • Implement change in your organization to make a difference in the lives of others.

  • Lead ethically with a thorough understanding of the financing, organization, and delivery of health services.

  • Communicate arguments and ideas effectively in oral presentations and written works.

Become part of a tradition of excellence. Our online program builds on the experience of our nationally ranked residential MHA program and, just like our residential program, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

The MHA curriculum can provide you with a fundamental understanding of management and health services. The courses have been designed to prepare you for the requirements of increased accountability, organization, and management.

Inspired by the fields of health care and business management, Penn State's 49-credit online MHA program can help you gain a solid foundation of knowledge that combines both of these disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes competencies in ethical leadership, critical thought, and oral and written communication, as well as a broad understanding of the U.S. health care system. Areas of study include:

  • financing health care
  • clinical issues for health services management
  • quality improvement in health care
  • health care marketing
  • health economics
  • health law
  • information systems in health services administration

Penn State's online MHA program spans seven continuous semesters and is composed of 17 total courses, including an integrative online independent study and two face-to-face management intensives, totaling 49 credits — designed to be completed within 28 months. An online orientation precedes the first semester of courses.

Semester 1

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis of financial flows, third-party payment programs, and reimbursement practices in the health services sector.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to health systems, health services organization, and health care delivery focused on trends, problems, and issues.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of building blocks that support the ethical framework that drives decision making. Face-to face intensive scheduled in August. Begins during intensive scheduled first week of classes.

Semester 2

  • 3
    credits

    A systematic application of the principles of organizational behavior to understanding professional roles in health services organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    The financial environment of health institutions; financial aspects of management decision-making; emphasis on revenue sources, budgeting, and cost control.

Semester 3

  • 3
    credits

    This course is focused on understanding and overcoming the challenges associated with nurturing and managing effective health care operations.

  • 3
    credits

    A systematic study of the roles of health services managers and the organizational and environmental context within which they work.

Semester 4

  • 3
    credits

    Exploration of diagnostic and intervention strategies employed in planned change in health services organizations and programs.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge and skills for leading quality improvement, population health management, and patient safety efforts to create high reliability health services organizations that improve the overall health of the communities they serve.

  • 1
    credit

    Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. This is the first of a four-semester (1 credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

Semester 5

  • 3
    credits

    Survey of the application of economics to the roles of markets and government in health care.

  • 1
    credit

    Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. (The 2nd of a four-semester (one credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor.)

  • 3
    credits

    Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. (Introduction into project management; The course structure will give each student an opportunity to reflect on choices, assess progress to goals, and evaluate successes and failures in a supportive environment while striving for continual performance improvement. Organizing deliverables into a leadership portfolio will provide a vehicle to display growth and competency attainment.)

Semester 6

  • 3
    credits

    Foundations of human resource management applied to health care organizations, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the theory, concepts, skills, and principles of marketing applied to health related organizations and networks.

  • 1
    credit

    Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. This is the 3rd of a four-semester (1 credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

Semester 7

  • 3
    credits

    The legal process as it applies to the health administrator, health organization, medical provider, and patient.

  • 3
    credits

    Foundations of information systems for supporting clinical services, quality improvement, and administrative functions in health services management.

  • 1
    credit

    Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. This is the 4th of a four-semester (1 credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor. The final project presentation is delivered in person at University Park during the last semester of the program.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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An online MHA from Penn State can provide opportunities for career advancement for working professionals. As a graduate of the program, you could obtain an administrative, management, or executive position in a health care–related organization.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

As a graduate of the program, you could pursue an administrative, management, or executive position in a health care–related organization, such as:

  • Clinical Director
  • Health Care Facility Administrator
  • Health Services Administrator
  • Health Services Director
  • Medicine and Health Service Manager

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Medical and Health Services Managers

28.3%
employment growth (10 years)
476,750
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by April 1 to start August 26. How to Apply

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,017 per credit
12 or more $12,203 per semester

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,027 per credit
12 or more $12,325 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Management Intensives to Develop Leadership Skills

Two in-person management intensives provide opportunities to engage with classmates, faculty, and health care administrators and leaders and enhance your knowledge in key areas such as:  

  • change leadership 
  • strategic management 
  • performance improvement 
  • organizational design 
  • collaboration

The August Onboarding Intensive is a week-long immersive experience. It follows an online orientation in July and sets the foundation for the program.

You will meet other members of the cohort, program faculty, and staff through engaging onboarding activities. You'll have the chance to network with peers who are early in their careers as well, thanks to the inclusion of the incoming residential MHA students.

The goal is to give you the opportunity to begin the program with a common understanding of program and academic expectations. You can also gain an appreciation for the diversity of experience and life perspective of your peers.

You'll also complete a three-credit course during this first Management Intensive. The course, Leadership Ethics in Health Services Organizations, reinforces the program philosophy. It will help ground you in the unique ethical challenges and obligations inherent in the design and delivery of health care.

The Capstone Management Intensive is the culminating experience of the MHA program. Students prepare and deliver a formal presentation of their capstone project.

The capstone is an integrative project that requires you to apply the skills, techniques, and competencies developed throughout the MHA program to a topic of your choosing. For those who have completed all the requirements of the MHA program and are in good academic standing, participation in graduation and commencement ceremonies complete the intensive activities.

You’ll complete the online MHA program over the course of seven semesters along with a group of peers from diverse health care settings. The continuous cohort experience allows students to stay engaged and network, connect, and collaborate with peers and faculty as they advance through the program.

Penn State's online MHA program spans seven continuous semesters and is composed of 17 total courses. You will complete an integrative, online independent study and two face-to-face management intensives. The 49 credits are designed to be completed within 28 months. An online orientation precedes the first semester of courses.

An MHA Program That Works for You

The online MHA’s convenient online format allows students to earn a degree from an accredited program, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate professional and family responsibilities.

Penn State's online MHA program is designed for early to mid-level career professionals seeking to change positions in the health care industry or advance within their own organizations. If you have three or more years of full-time professional experience and want to enhance your applied business management skills, this program is for you. 

Our cohorts are composed of individuals who are working in a wide variety of health settings in entry-level to high-level leadership roles. We offer priority consideration to students with three or more years of full-time professional work experience (preferably in health care) but encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by April 1 to start August 26

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

We follow a cohort model, with admissions occurring once each year, in the fall. Your application portfolio, including receipt of all transcripts and references, must be received by the following deadline to be considered complete. Applicants are encouraged to submit all portfolio items as early as possible.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by April 1 to start August 26

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA and Test Scores — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) grade-point average is required. The program prefers an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed — Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript directly from each institution to the Graduate School, with no exceptions. You will receive instructions at that time.

    Test Scores — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for admission to this program.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete. References should come from professional peers and/or managers and supervisors.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload your résumé (one to two pages) to the online application.

    Personal Statement (PDF Required) — Please make sure to answer all questions and limit your answer to no more than 1,000 words.

    1. Describe your personal, academic, and professional background.
    2. Why did you become interested in the health care industry?
    3. What are your career goals?
    4. How will the MHA degree contribute to your career goals?

    Please feel free to share any unique or distinctive details about your life story. You may include events or individuals who have influenced you.

    Essay 1 (PDF required) — Please limit your answer to no more than 500 words.

    1. Describe two specific goals that you have set for yourself.
    2. Explain the factors that led to your pursuit of each of these goals.
    3. Tell us what you learned, how you faced challenges, and how you defined success.

    Essay 2 (PDF required) — Please limit your answer to no more than 500 words.

    1. Describe a time when you set aside your own priorities to help someone else.
    2. What were the circumstances?
    3. What was the impact of your decision?

    Interview — The admissions committee will review all completed application materials and determine if an applicant will be asked to participate in a brief interview, via Zoom, to assess the potential for success in an online program and the profession.

    Interview Selection Process — All applications will be reviewed in their entirety by the MHA Admissions Committee. Candidates who score above an established threshold on the written application will be invited to interview via Zoom. This hourlong discussion forms the basis for offers of admission to be extended.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

    Technical Requirements  
    Review the technical requirements for this degree program. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    The Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Master of Health Administration, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

Online MHA Program
Department of Health Policy and Administration
The Pennsylvania State University
118 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802-1300
Phone: 814-865-0631
[email protected]

The program is a collaboration between Penn State World Campus and the Department of Health Policy and Administration in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development.

This partnership connects you with faculty from a highly ranked program with 25 years of experience guiding student learning. Experienced faculty, the residential MHA program's 4,000+ alumni, and professional contacts help maintain the focus on emerging and complex health care leadership challenges.

Faculty

  • Chris Calkins

    • Ph.D., Health Policy and Administration, Penn State
    • MPA, California State University, East Bay
    • B.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State

    Dr. Chris Calkins leads the MHA programs and teaches the leadership ethics course that sets the foundation for all new students. He serves as faculty associate to the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and is a board member of the Quell Foundation. Research interests include mental health access and treatment, decision-making and informed consent, and palliative and end-of-life care. Dr. Calkins has broad experience in health care organizations and leverages that experience on behalf of all MHA students and alumni.

    Read more about Dr. Chris Calkins

  • Christopher S. Hollenbeak

    • Ph.D., Economics, Washington University in St. Louis
    • M.A., Economics, Washington University in St. Louis
    • B.A., Economics, Brigham University

    Dr. Christopher S. Hollenbeak is a professor and department head of Health Policy and Administration. Prior to HPA, he was professor of surgery and public health sciences, chief of the division of outcomes research and quality, and associate director of the Center for Applied Studies in Health Economics at Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Hollenbeak has extensive research expertise in health services and outcomes research with an emphasis on economic evaluation in surgery. His research is directed at public health and clinical audiences to inform clinical decision-making and public policy.

    Read more about Dr. Christopher S. Hollenbeak

  • Ronald J. McConnell

    • Fellow (FACHE), American College of Healthcare Executives
    • Graduate Certificate, Financial Management, Gannon University
    • MBA, Finance, Gannon University
    • B.S., Resort Management/Business, Penn State

    Ronald J. McConnell is an assistant teaching professor for the Master of Healthcare Administration program. Ron has broad, industry-based health care experience, having served in numerous roles over his nearly 25-year health care professional career — including as the chief operating officer for a major tertiary care hospital/health care system for more than a decade. Ron’s practical industry knowledge and passion for student learning greatly enrich the classroom learning experience.

    Read more about Ronald J. McConnell

  • Carol Mills

    • Ph.D., Health Policy and Management, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
    • M.S., Management, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    • B.S., Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

    Dr. Carol Mills has an extensive background in health care administration, assuming leadership positions in multiple settings in both provider and payor environments. She maintains credentials as a registered nurse. Her research interests include health care operations, rural health, health care delivery systems, and the health care workforce.

  • Troy A. Phillips

    • MHA, Penn State
    • B.S., Accounting, Elizabethtown College

    Troy A. Phillips is an adjunct instructor for the online health care finance courses. He has spent more than 25 years in health care, currently working as an executive at a health care IT company. Previously, he served in executive roles in hospital finance, revenue cycle and managed care, and he has clinical experience as a paramedic. He’s previously taught health law, health care information technology, health care marketing, and strategic management at other institutions. Troy is a Ph.D. student at Penn State researching how structured on-the-job training improves the development of the patient-teaching competency in clinicians.

  • Kristi Pintar

    • Ed.D., Work-Based Learning Leadership, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
    • MBA, Human Resource Administration, Temple University
    • B.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State

    Kristi Pintar, Ed.D., MBA, is an adjunct instructor for the Master of Health Administration program. Kristi brings more than 30 years of executive leadership as an organization development professional with expertise in large-scale change, leadership development, and operational improvement. She has led learning and development, management engineering, organizational development, and physician office practice operations in three large academic health systems, driving organizational performance improvement across the domains of employee engagement, patient satisfaction, clinical quality, and finance.

  • Yunfeng Shi

    • Ph.D., Public Policy and Information Systems, Carnegie Mellon University
    • M.S., Economics, Carnegie Mellon University

    Dr. Yunfeng Shi has been an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Administration since 2015. His research focuses on how consumers (patients) react to important changes in health care markets, such as information, insurance, technological advancement, and government policies. His studies have been published by many journals in the field, including Health Affairs, Health Care Management Review, Health Services Research, Medical Care, Journal of Health Organization and Management, and American Journal of Managed Care.

    Read more about Dr. Yunfeng Shi

  • Richard E. Smith Jr.

    • MSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore City
    • B.S., Psychology, Morgan State University

    Richard E. Smith Jr. is an instructor for the Master of Health Administration program and teaches a course on change management in health care organizations. For more than 28 years, he has been instrumental in helping health care organizations enhance their quality of care with an emphasis on increasing overall satisfaction for patients, staff, and physicians alike. He has been particularly interested in ensuring care is delivered with great passion and sensitivity to the needs of patients and family members as they journey through the care continuum.

  • Vicki L. Wertz

    • J.D., University of Maryland School of Law
    • MHA, Duke University
    • B.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State

    Vicki L. Wertz teaches HPA 836: Health Law for World Campus as part of the Master of Health Administration program. Vicki worked in-house in a hospital setting for 20 years and has served as compliance officer, privacy officer, and patient safety officer during her health care career.

The words of the Nursing Sciences Building are shown on an awning hanging over the entrance.
Emergency entrance at Mt. Nittany Medical Center

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by April 1 to start August 26. How to Apply

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