Best Healthcare Management Master's Degrees Online 2025
Our ranking highlights the best healthcare management master’s degrees online by the number of students completing their healthcare management degree from accredited schools.
Key Takeaways:
- Western Governors University ranks #1 overall and leads with the highest online enrollment at 49,193 learners (100th percentile nationally).
- The University of Southern California reports the highest median earnings at $136,971 among healthcare management graduates.
- George Mason University has the best recommendation rate at 94%.
See our methodology for details on how we rank degrees. After our analysis of the list below, we spoke with Dr. Kevin Huffman, Medical Director at American Bariatrics, who emphasized the importance of systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and data-driven leadership in healthcare management. He offers practical advice for aspiring students in the field.
Best Healthcare Management Master's Degrees Online 2025
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | 1,796 | $8,856 | N/A | 74% | |
| Capella University | 573 | $18,675 | $70,150 | 76% | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 439 | $11,286 | $78,894 | 69% | |
| Johns Hopkins University | 269 | $68,040 | $123,655 | 93% | |
| Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | 174 | $21,460 | $134,399 | 87% | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 147 | $13,839 | $89,262 | 71% | |
| University of Southern California | 131 | $36,943 | $136,971 | 94% | |
| Liberty University | 117 | $10,848 | N/A | 75% | |
| University of North Carolina at Wilmington | 111 | $23,029 | N/A | 92% | |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | 108 | $17,550 | $120,651 | 92% | |
| Florida International University | 94 | $39,928 | N/A | 93% | |
| National University | 83 | $15,912 | $104,280 | N/A | |
| George Mason University | 81 | $39,397 | $99,780 | 94% | |
| Purdue Global | 78 | $17,945 | $65,236 | 74% | |
| Belhaven University | 59 | $11,070 | $54,729 | 74% |
What The Data Says About Our List of Online Master’s in Healthcare Management Degrees
Healthcare management is a people-driven profession. Large graduating cohorts, like the ones on our list, give you a ready-made community that can hopefully open doors for mentorship, referrals, and job opportunities. In a field like healthcare where leadership roles are competitive, tapping into an expansive alumni base is a solid strategy.
When weighing graduate options in healthcare management, the master's programs that graduate more students show:
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sustained demand,
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proven virtual infrastructure,
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and strong alumni networks.
All of this ultimately translates into practical career advantages in healthcare management.
On this list, the top program, Western Governors University (WGU), awarded nearly 1,800 online MHA degrees in a single year, while even schools lower down, like Belhaven University, still graduate dozens annually in a more tight-knit (but still effective) cohort. This level of scale, from the bottom to the top of our list, means you’re not experimenting with a niche program, you’re entering a system with clear traction and employer recognition.
Below, we also layer in other useful data points like median earnings, retention and graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, and — perhaps most importantly — recommendation rates from over 90,000 student surveys collected by our team. Together, these indicators create a fuller picture of what success looks like after you finally enroll.
How Graduates Rate The Schools On Our List
Recommendation rates, based on our student survey responses, tell you whether graduates actually felt the investment was worth it. The standouts here are schools like University of Southern California (94%) and Johns Hopkins University (93%), where nearly all alumni endorse the experience. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Florida International University also post recommendation rates above 90%, reinforcing that student satisfaction isn’t limited to the elite brands.
The standouts here are schools like USC (94%) and JHU (93%), where nearly all alumni endorse the experience.
Meanwhile, even mid-tier performers like WGU (74%) or Liberty (75%) still show majority approval, but the gap suggests there are perhaps some differences in advising, support, or curriculum relevance. An online school with high satisfaction is a safer bet than popularity alone.
Outcomes in an Online Healthcare Management Master's Degree
Earnings are perhaps the clearest indicator for ROI in graduate education.
For example, USC’s Master of Science in Healthcare Decision Analysis ($136,971) and JHU’s MS in Health Care Management ($123,655) are tightly aligned with specialized, high-level functions in the healthcare industry. These programs emphasize areas like commercialization, pricing strategy, and analytics, preparing graduates for roles that sit at the intersection of management, policy, and market access. Pair that with the prestige of the institutions and their employer networks, and it makes sense their alumni report six-figure earnings.
MCPHS’s MS in Clinical Management ($134,399) also signals this focus on advanced, leadership-level skills. Unlike a generalized MHA, its curriculum cover clinical management as well as strategic planning and finance, aiming squarely at hospital and health system leadership roles where pay levels are higher.
Similarly, UIC’s MS in Health Information Management ($120,651) shows how data-heavy, compliance-focused pathways can command higher compensation as well. Graduates here bring specialized expertise in information systems and revenue cycle management. These are skills that healthcare organizations must pay competitively for.
By contrast, the lower-end salaries at Belhaven ($54,729) and Purdue Global ($65,236) suggest a different emphasis. Both offer broader management degrees — Belhaven’s general MHA and Purdue Global’s MS in Management and Leadership with a Health Care Management concentration. These prepare graduates for mid-level administration or supervisory positions, but not necessarily for the niche, high-paying specialties in finance, analytics, or commercialization.
Our takeaway: Degrees that dive deep into high-demand technical areas (analytics, information management) or leverage elite research networks tend to lead to higher salaries, while generalist management tracks often provide solid but more modest returns.
Dr. Kevin Huffman, Medical Director, on Why Emotional Intelligence and Systems Thinking Define Healthcare Leadership
Medical Director at American Bariatrics
"The fundamental skills for managing large interdisciplinary units include:
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Emotional intelligence
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And systems thinking.
In a bariatric program, for example, success is dependent on the harmony between surgeons, dieticians, psychologists and nurses. A leader must lead these countless personalities and agendas with awareness to reduce conflict and foster a system of true collaboration.
This patient-driven model of care must be complemented with the discipline of data-driven decision-making in guiding human resources, funding and most importantly, patient outcomes all underpinned by ethical leadership.
I can't overemphasize the significance of taking targeted electives and seeking out capstone projects or internships in their area of interest.
For students, I can't overemphasize the significance of taking targeted electives and seeking out capstone projects or internships in their area of interest. For instance, a long-term care facility should provide insight into unique regulatory challenges as well as leadership issues.
The most typical obstacle for these new managers moving from clinical roles is managing colleagues and ceasing to work directly with patients. This requires developing a whole skill set in financial and operational language."
FAQs About a Healthcare Management Master's Degree Online
What Is a Master's in Healthcare Management?
A healthcare management master's degree online typically covers health policy, economics, informatics, and organizational behavior, empowering graduates to address complex challenges in healthcare systems. High-level careers in the healthcare field are sometimes described as "service through management," which is mainly because professionals use their expertise in planning and directing to provide the best quality care for their patients. Serving the community in this way requires excellent managerial skills as well as a deep knowledge of the healthcare industry. These two priorities form the foundation of online master's degree programs in healthcare management and online MBA programs specializing in healthcare management.
The healthcare industry is filled with doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners who want to serve others by providing direct patient care. However, it's important to remember that hospitals and other medical facilities are also business organizations that require careful oversight, which creates the need for trained managers who understand the complexities of the healthcare field. Online master's programs in healthcare management are designed to fill this need.
In these programs, students learn to make sound decisions that allow their organizations to run smoothly and provide high quality care to patients and their families. Courses cover many of the core business topics — accounting, finance, data analysis, leadership, human resource management, and strategy, to name a few — but always viewed through the lens of the healthcare industry. While earning a master's degree, students have the opportunity to develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication.
Students interested in earning an advanced degree in healthcare management can opt for a Master of Science in Healthcare Management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management. Applicants with no education or work experience in healthcare or business management may be required to take several prerequisite courses before enrolling in a healthcare management master's program.
For either an MS or MBA, an online master's in healthcare management degree typically requires the completion of 30-36 credit hours. Programs often involve five or six core courses, with the remaining credits taken as elective courses. Many programs end with a capstone project, although a few require a written thesis instead.
What Will You Learn in an Online Master’s in Healthcare Management Program?
Online master's in healthcare management programs are often an interdisciplinary mix of courses integrating the study of business administration and leadership with knowledge of the healthcare services industry. Some of the more common electives explore subjects such as operations, supply chains, economics, contract negotiation, diagnostics and medical devices, healthcare informatics, and pharmaceuticals.
The following are some of the more common core courses in a healthcare management program:
- Accounting for Decision Making: This course reviews many common accounting practices and explores some of the complexities of accounting in healthcare systems. Coursework also reveals how data derived from accounting can be used to make informed business decisions.
- Healthcare Systems in the U.S.: Often one of the earliest courses in a program, this class provides a broad overview of healthcare delivery systems in the country. Students learn about healthcare providers, consumers, and insurance companies. They also discover how the government and politics influence healthcare systems.
- Strategic Organization and Management: In this course, students look at high-level management issues, such as strategic planning and goal setting. Topics may include change management, team dynamics, and quality initiatives.
What Concentrations Can You Pursue in an Online Master’s in Healthcare Management?
By selecting a set of related electives, enrollees may develop an area of specialization within healthcare management. Completing coursework for a concentration this way may set graduates apart from other job candidates and enable them to land specific positions within the healthcare industry.
The following are some of the more popular areas of specialization:
- Healthcare Informatics: Information technology is one of the most important aspects of healthcare system operations. Students who want to specialize in managing IT in the healthcare industry can take courses in electronic health records, data analytics, and network systems. Those particularly interested in this niche may find themselves better suited to a master's degree in healthcare informatics.
- Legal Issues in Healthcare: The healthcare industry is heavily regulated in terms of patient privacy, licensure to practice, insurance practices, and more. A concentration in healthcare law provides students with a thorough understanding of regulations, compliance measures, and other legal issues.
- Supply Chain Management: A significant cost factor in overall healthcare management is supply chain management. Courses in this concentration cover the most cost effective and efficient means for purchasing, logistics, and quality assurance.
- Quality Improvement: Some students may want to focus on improving the quality of healthcare systems. For this concentration, students may take courses in spreadsheet modeling and analytics, as well as quality improvement models such as Six Sigma and Lean Management.
What Can You Do With a Healthcare Management Master's Degree?
Master's graduates with online degrees in healthcare management often go to work in hospitals, many of which are part of larger healthcare organizations. Other employment opportunities include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and large medical practices, as well as health insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.
With enough work experience, some healthcare systems managers may advance to top executive positions. Chief executive officers and chief financial officers may earn as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, most new graduates will need to start with an entry-level administrative position, such as department manager, before working their way up to second-tier management positions, like the following:
are responsible for the high-level oversight and strategic planning of a large department within a healthcare facility or possibly the entire facility. They must be skilled in setting goals, working with data and financial documents, and interacting with other managerial team members.
usually direct the operations of a large healthcare facility, such as a hospital. Their diverse responsibilities include planning the use of resources, setting policies and procedures, overseeing daily operations, and managing change as needed.
plan and direct all computer-related activities in a healthcare organization. This can include making purchasing decisions, establishing training programs, securing the organization's system, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
Is a Master's in Healthcare Management Worth It?
According to the BLS, a master's degree is not required for many healthcare management positions, so some professionals — especially those who've earned bachelor's degrees in healthcare management — may decide to forgo the time and expense involved in earning an advanced degree and instead work their way up the corporate ladder. However, those who pursue a healthcare management master's degree may gain the type of specialized knowledge designed to equip them for higher-level, higher-paying positions more quickly.
What's the Difference Between Healthcare Management and Healthcare Administration?
Although there is some overlap in the coursework for a healthcare management master's degree and a healthcare administration master's degree, they lead to very different occupations. Healthcare management may be the best choice for students who are interested in high-level management of healthcare facilities, including strategy, operations, and quality, while healthcare administration may be the preferred option for those who want to focus on managing a large staff of healthcare professionals.
What's the Difference Between a Master's in Public Health and a Master's in Healthcare Management?
The career path derived from a public health master's degree differs greatly from that of a healthcare management program. Public health professionals typically work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations, focusing on creating educational programs that help entire communities lead healthier lives. Healthcare managers, on the other hand, usually work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, using their managerial skills to provide quality service to the patients and families in their care.
Is Healthcare Management in Demand?
Yes, healthcare management is in high demand, with most job roles in the field projecting significantly higher growth rates than the U.S. average of 3% across all occupations. In fact, the BLS projects a in openings for medical and health services managers over the next eight years. Throughout the next decade, 62,100 openings are estimated for medical and health services managers each year on average. The large number of aging Baby Boomers is creating an increasing need for healthcare providers in general, generating a greater need for managers with specialized knowledge of the healthcare field.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an Online Master’s in Healthcare Management?
In addition to the cost and type of an online healthcare management master's degree, prospective students may want to consider several other key factors before choosing a specific program. These factors may include the following:
- Accreditation — The best healthcare management master's programs can be found at schools that have been accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the .
- Area of Specialization — Not all programs offer the same areas of specialization or electives, so students who want to specialize in a particular aspect of healthcare management should research concentrations before selecting a program.
- Format — Although many online healthcare management master's programs are fully online, a few require students to come to campus for brief periods to participate in experiential learning activities.
- Job Placement — Before enrolling in a program, students may want to confirm that the program has a high graduation rate, that graduates have been hired by reputable employers, and that the school's career development center supports online students.
- Program Length — A few master's programs in healthcare management are available at an accelerated pace, which may be a priority for some students.
Student Reviews of Online Healthcare Management Programs
I would not waste your time or money. After $10K I have nothing to show for it, and it’s not for lack of effort. I busted my butt in every single class, like most other people. I work a full time job, try to maintain a normal life, and study as much as possible. 1 class kept me from getting my degree, 1. I attempted to take the exam 3 times, and it didn’t matter if it would’ve been an open book exam, the material never matched what I was studying. The PA was zero help and didn’t even line up slightly... Read More
Review Date: 10/1/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Make sure the degree program you enter into will help advance your career whether it is current or future. After graduating I found out I cannot enter into the career of my choice and this is very disappointing and unsettling especially when I called the school and they offered no other alternatives.
Review Date: 9/16/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The pros of the University of Scranton's online Master's in Health Administration program are the CAHME-accreditation, internship component, accessibility to professors, flexibility and structure to fit the schedules of working professionals. The cons of the program are the lack of scholarships, graduate student teaching assistantship or research assistant positions.
Review Date: 2/1/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I absolutely love the MPH in Health Policy at GWU. The faculty is amazing and so is the curriculum. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the program!
Review Date: 2/28/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Herzing University has equipped me with the essentials needed to be successful with my future endeavors. I have developed leadership skills that will allow me to be a vital asset to any organization. I own much gratitude to Herzing, they saved my life.
Review Date: 9/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For a working parent CSU-global works very well for me. The professors understand that we are all very busy and things can come up. The grading is usually fair and I have only had one professor that seemed to go through the motions. I wish their online program had virtual lectures rather than slideshows and journal articles. However, the information is solid and you can learn a lot of you apply yourself.
Review Date: 12/1/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am pursuing an MBA in Health Care Management at Saint Leo University and I am thoroughly pleased with the program, curriculum and overall experience. They are very helpful and swift with responses. Financial aid is always on time and the classes present an abundance of knowledge. They have a rich historical background and excellent instructors. I would recommend Saint Leo University to anyone seeking higher education.
Review Date: 4/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I decided to go back to school for my master's in health care management for one reason, and that is to better understand the health care field particularly management. I have a son who is 3 and he is non-verbal autistic. University of Phoenix has allowed me the freedom of taking classes online, which does not distress the care I have to give to my son. I'm able to work at my own speed when completing classwork without all the stress. The only downfall that I have found is the physical contact that... Read More
Review Date: 12/1/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
WGU is a non-profit university which makes it very affordable. I received my bachelors degree and have now started my masters with WGU.
Review Date: 3/12/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The cons of my graduate program is the workload. Given I am a full time student as well as an employee and mother, it is difficult at times to joggle it all. However, I am no stranger to taking challenges and I look forward to overcoming this one. The pros of my graduate program include: the knowledge I am gaining while attending University of Phoenix MHA online. I truly enjoy the learning environment and cannot wait to practice my knowledge in real life experiences.
Review Date: 10/22/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've been very happy with the Mentoring program which assigns a mentor to call you on a weekly basis to check up on you and set academic goals. The program is flexible and because it is all online, I didn't have to worry about relocating. I've been extremely happy with the program.
Review Date: 2/8/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The use of an online program for a working professional is an incredible option. the ability to have access to the professors via email and phone around the clock is a wonderful thing.
Review Date: 1/19/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been incredibly impressed with the online Executive Master's Program through the Gilling's School of Public Health. The instructors do an excellent job and keeping you involved throughout the semester and getting you involved with your classmates. Some of the work feels a little like busy work but all in all it is an excellent program.
Review Date: 7/17/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As in any online graduate program, it can be very difficult to learn without the classroom learning experience. However, I feel that Tiffin University excels at easing the students into an online program and making every effort possible to make the online graduate program successful for each and every student.
Review Date: 12/10/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
After research on chosing my graduate program Dacenport was very cost effective. I have had a wonderful experience here and the staff is very helpful with anything you may have questions on.
Review Date: 2/9/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love AIU online. I have been able to get all my degrees through AIU. I am finishing up my Master's degree as a single mother and I am still going strong. Great program with great support.
Review Date: 1/29/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I completed my MBA in Health Care Management in 14 months with no break. CCU exceeded my expectations in both academic rigor and excellence. The support staff from admissions, faculty, and recognition by the president were all first rate and truly motivated me to stay the course. Having more than one option to receive course materials is a big plus and offers flexibility for those traveling while in school. I started a second Masters this year and look forward to completing it next year along with... Read More
Review Date: 6/17/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
All of the classes are online which makes feedback from the instructor or team a little hard because you must wait for a response before completing an assignment. The up side is that the work is done at your own pace, sometimes you can complete a lot of assignments and sometimes you can only complete one per day. What I have noticed is that there are not a lot of Heath care Administration jobs available nor mentors for this field. I do how ever like most of the instructors who were on campus for... Read More
Review Date: 2/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have just finished my 9th course (out of 12) in the MBA program. The quality of education is very high. The workload is also very high. This is definitely not a ‘diploma mill.’ I was actually hoping for something a little easier, but nothing about this program is easy. For example, the class I just finished had the standard tests, discussion board, and reading (don’t think you can complete a class without reading). In addition to this, I had to complete 2 papers (10 pages each) which required significant... Read More
In short, the education is dependent on what you put into it. The caveat is that if you don’t put in significant effort, you will not pass. The professors treat you as a professional and seem to have little patience for laziness. It has been mentioned multiple times that and MBA is for a business professional, and based on that expectation a professional effort is expected.
This may sound like a negative review, but it isn’t. I have the highest regard for this program. I just want to point out that this program is not for a person looking to write a check and get a few letters behind their name for resume banter.
Review Date: 12/12/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The overall program offered a high quality of educational material with supplemental exposure provided by many of the instructors. It was rigorous, yet challenging. I found that most instructors were supportive and responded to questions in a timely manner. The Financial Aid division responded well and was very helpful. I was not particularly impressed with the career counseling division at the time.
Review Date: 7/20/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No