Master of Health Administration, M.H.A.
Health administrators must deeply understand policy, management, and law. Enter or advance your career in the rapidly expanding healthcare industry with Governors State’s Master of Health Administration (MHA). With an MHA, you will learn to manage regulatory procedures, financial concerns, legal issues, human resources, technology, policy-making, and public relations in medical settings.
Demand for health administrators is growing as measures in policy change and cost control continue to increase. With an MHA, your mastery of all aspects of the healthcare industry will equip you to enter this evolving field—all while keeping the patient’s experience at the center of your studies.
Advantages and Benefits
- Pursue excellence in healthcare administration with Governors State University’s CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, a hallmark of high-quality education that meets rigorous CAHME standards.
- Designed for affordability, our program stands out as one of the most cost-effective in the nation, with in-state tuition at just $26,784, ensuring you receive exceptional value without compromising on quality.
- Balance your studies with professional and personal commitments through our flexible hybrid delivery format, blending on-campus and online learning for convenience.
- Benefit from small class sizes that foster personalized attention, mentorship, and meaningful interactions with faculty and peers. With a track record of success, over 85% of our graduates secure employment within three to six months of graduation, launching careers in hospitals, government agencies, and healthcare organizations.
- Join a program that combines affordability, flexibility, and outstanding outcomes—your future in healthcare management starts at GovState!
Quote from Lisa Purdy
The MHA faculty members encourage students to get out in the field by passing along opportunities. I’ve had the chance to co-author research with one of my professors—together, we studied the Affordable Care Act and how its implementation has affected populations of people both with and without diseases. I was also able to present a grant to the GovState community, an opportunity I am so grateful for.
MHA Curriculum Sequencing and Offering
The MHA Program at GovState is a 2-year program for students who take at least 3 courses or 9 credit hours per semester. If you are a part-time student it may take you 2.5 or 3 years to finish the program depending on the number of courses you take and the courses offered in a semester. All courses are offered twice a year either in the fall and spring, fall and summer, or spring and summer terms. All MHA courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working adult learners.
Fall Semester (I)
- ACCT 6100 Foundations Of Accounting (3)
- HLAD 7101 Introduction to Health Care Organization (3)
- HLAD 7102 Community Health and Managerial Epidemiology (3)
Spring Semester (I)
- HLAD 7107 Economics of Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 7108 Health Care Ethics and Policy (3)
- HLAD 7109 Health Care Informatics (3)
Summer (I)
- HLAD 7110 Health Care Financial Management I (3)
- HLAD 7111 Organizational Theories in Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 7112 Health Care Management I (3)
Fall Semester (II)
- HLAD 8000 Program Evaluation and Analysis (3)
- HLAD 8103 Health Care Quality Improvement Concepts and Tools (3)
- HLAD 8107 Health Care Finance Management II (3)
Spring Semester (II)
- HLAD 8101 Quantitative Decision-Making for Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 8105 Health Care Human Resource Management (3)
- HLAD 8106 Legal Aspect of Heath Care (3)
Fall (III)
- HLAD 8108 Strategic Planning and Marketing for Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 8901 Health Care Management II (3)
- HLAD 8902 Field Experience (3)* or
- HLAD 8110 Internship/Residency (minimum of six months) (3) or
- HLAD 8111 Graduate Thesis (minimum of six months) (3)
Total credit hours: 54
Spring Semester (I)
- ACCT 6100 Foundations Of Accounting (3)
- HLAD 7101 Introduction to Health Care Organization (3)
- HLAD 7102 Community Health and Managerial Epidemiology (3)
Summer (I)
- HLAD 7107 Economics of Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 7108 HealthCare Ethics and Policy (3)
- HLAD 7109 Health Care Informatics (3)
Fall Semester (I)
- HLAD 7110 Health Care Financial Management I (3)
- HLAD 7111 Organizational Theories in Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 7112 Health Care Management I (3)
Spring Semester (II)
- HLAD 8000 Program Evaluation and Analysis (3)
- HLAD 8103 Health Care Quality Improvement Concepts and Tools (3)
- HLAD 8107 Health Care Finance Management II (3)
Summer (II)
- HLAD 8101 Quantitative Decision-Making for Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 8105 Health Care Human Resource Management (3)
- HLAD 8106 Legal Aspect of Heath Care (3)
Fall (II)
- HLAD 8108 Strategic Planning and Marketing for Health Administration (3)
- HLAD 8901 Health Care Management II (3)
- HLAD 8902 Field Experience (3)* or
- HLAD 8110 Internship/Residency (minimum of six month) (3) or
- HLAD 8111 Graduate Thesis (minimum of six months) (3)
Total credit hours: 54
The MHA program at GovState requires all entering students to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas of study. These deficiency courses must be satisfied prior to taking MHA core courses:
- Completion of a college-level statistics course or HLAD 3104 Health Care Statistics with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
- Completion of a college-level economics course or HLAD 3102 Principles of Health Care Microeconomics with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
- Completion of a college-level accounting course or HLAD 4106 Health Care Accounting with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
You may also be required to take the following two deficiency courses if your undergraduate study does not involve any coursework in health care:
- College-level health care management course or HLAD 3101 Introduction to Health Care Management Strategies with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
- College-level health care policy course or HLAD 3108 Policy and Politics in Healthcare with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
Program Outcomes
Academic Year | N Entering | Retention Rate* | Total Graduated | Graduated ≤3 years | Graduated 3-5 years | Graduated >5 years | Completion Rate** |
2015-2016 | 38 | 92.1% | 14 | 64.2% | 14.2% | 14.2% | 78.6% |
2016-2017 | 32 | 93.7% | 6 | 100% |
|
| 100% |
2017-2018 | 31 | 93.5% | 15 | 86.7% | 6.6% | 6.6% | 93.3% |
2018-2019 | 17 | 94.1% | 14 | 78.6% | 21.4% |
| 100% |
2019-2020 | 14 | 92.8% | 14 | 71% | 21% | 7% | 100% |
2020-2021 | 16 | 93.7% | 15 | 73.3%% | 20% | 6.7% | 100% |
2021-2022 | 9 | 89% | 6 |
|
|
| 100% |
2022-2023 | 12 | 91.6% | 10 | 80% | 20% |
| 100% |
2023-2024 | 11 | 100% | 6 | 83% | 17% |
| 100% |
*Updated September 2024
**Percentage of students enrolled in the second semester who were also enrolled in the first semester.
***Percentage of students of the graduating class graduated in 3 years.
****Defined as those who graduated within the “normal” time period expected for degree completion. Full- time MHA students are expected to complete the program in 2.5 to 3 years. Part-time students complete the program in three to five years. The time limit for completing a master’s degree at GovState is 8 years.
86.1% were employed six months within graduation | Sector Breakdown | ||||
54.8% | 14.3% Long-term care facility | 16.6% | 7.15% | 7.15% | |
TOP FIELDS OF EMPLOYMENT OF GOVSTATE MHA GRADUATES Hospital/Health System Physician Group Governmental Agencies Healthcare Consulting Long-Term Care Facilities | |||||
*Based on AY2022-2023 and AY 2023-3034 Graduates surveys (based on 14 responses)
| Academic Year | Employment with Graduation of | ||
Three Months | Six Months | Total | |
| 2018-2019 | 78.6% | 14.2% | 92.8% |
| 2019-2020 | 76.9% | 14.2% | 91.1% |
| 2020-2021 | 85.7% | 7.6% | 93.3% |
| 2021-2022 | 83.3% |
| 83.3% |
| 2022-2023 | 88.9% |
| 88.9% |
| 2023-2024 | 83.3% |
| 83.3% |
In addition, the findings from the competency assessment analysis revealed that at least 85% of students achieved application-level competencies in 18 out of 22 assessed competencies, as evaluated by field experience preceptors. The post-program assessment, which combines assessments from faculty, capstone projects, and preceptors, showed that at least 85% of students demonstrated application-level attainment in all 22 competencies the Program aims to prepare students for, ranging from 85.5% in project management to 100% in Professional & Social Responsibility.
The MHA program at GovState is accredited by CAHME and dedicated to the education of minority, women, working adults, and under-served populations in health administration for developing larders capable of shaping and impacting the health, business, and the communities they serve. Data can be found at CAHME.
Quote from Molor-od Oyunkhand
I am immensely grateful for the enriching experience provided by the MHA program. The comprehensive curriculum, coupled with hands-on opportunities like the Field Experience, has equipped me with the skills and confidence to excel in the field of healthcare administration. The program's commitment to excellence and innovation continuously inspires me to strive for greatness. I am proud to be associated with such a forward-thinking and supportive program that values both academic rigor and practical application. Thank you for the invaluable opportunities and mentorship that have shaped my professional journey.
Master of Health Administration Mission, Vision, and Values
The MHA program is value-based, competency-driven, and healthcare system-focused.
The mission of the master in health administration program is to prepare, educate, and develop early and mid-career healthcare leaders in the evolving health services arena who will positively impact the well-being of the communities they serve.
The Program focuses on preparing students who traditionally have been under-served by higher education to serve in public, private, community-based, and federal healthcare settings including hospitals, integrated delivery systems, medical groups, and insurance providers.
The vision of the master in health administration program is to be the premier education program for minority, women, and under-served populations in health administration for developing leaders capable of shaping and impacting the health, business, and communities they serve.
Excellence: The Program is committed to educating individuals who will become engaged and cultivated citizens to make a significant and lasting contribution to the healthcare management profession.
Integrity: The Program is committed to educating individuals who will become engaged and cultivated citizens to make a significant and lasting contribution to the healthcare management profession.
Diversity: The Program embraces different backgrounds, values different perspectives, and approaches to enhance education and learning.
Innovation: The Program is open to new ideas and approaches in the creation, transmission and preservation of knowledge.
Lifelong Learning: The Program values lifelong learning for the continuous development of knowledge and skills required by the dynamic and ever-changing healthcare sector.
Accreditation
The Master of Health Administration Program at GovState is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). CAHME works with more than 100 leading academic programs and numerous healthcare practitioners to ensure that graduates entering the healthcare field have undergone an educational process meeting rigorous, measurable standards for effectiveness. CAHME accredited programs are recognized for having withstood the rigors of peer review in which curricula, faculty, and educational outcomes are critically examined. CAHME requires an extensive self-study detailing the program's mission, structure, educational processes, competencies, and assessment mechanisms in response to criteria established by the CAHME Board of Directors.
An external peer panel thoroughly examines the program, culminating in an on-site evaluation of the Program. The panel's report and recommendations serve as the basis for accreditation and driving the program’s improvement. External stakeholders look at CAHME accreditation as a way to distinguish a program from its peers. Prospective students and their families seek out CAHME Accreditation when searching for a program where they will invest in their future.
Admission Requirements and How to Apply
All required application material should be submitted by May 31 for Fall admission consideration and by November 15 for Spring admission consideration. Applicants can expect to hear program decisions between May through early June for Fall admission, and between November through early December for Spring Admission.
The Master of Health Administration degree program at GovState admits students twice a year in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students can apply either via GovState’s application site or via HAMPCAS application site.
Apply to GovState
If you are a GovState student or alumni you can get the application fee waived by using the fee waiver code: GSU_GRAD
Apply via HAMPCAS
The HAMPCAS application site closes every year for updates and maintenance. To check the site open date, please click here and click on the application information tab.
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study is required.
- Official transcripts of undergraduate degrees from each institution attended are required. Transcripts not in English or obtained from institutions outside the U.S. will be evaluated by the Office of Application Processing at the University.
- Reference Letters: Two letters of recommendation indicating that the applicant possesses the aptitude and ambition to complete the MHA degree study. Preferably, letters should be from current or previous professors or employers from the last school attended or job employed.
- Personal Statement: Describe your personal, academic, and professional background. Why did you become interested in the health care industry? Where do you foresee yourself in the future and how will the MHA degree contribute to your career goals? Please limit your personal statement to no more than 1,000 words.
- Interview: The admissions committee will review all completed applications and may require a brief interview via telephone, virtual or in-person.
International Students must meet the university language requirement for admission to the university. Applicants must take one of the tests Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
For the IELTS, applicants must meet the minimum acceptable score of 6.0 academic version. Acceptable scores for TOEFL for master’s level applicants and for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) are listed in the GovState Catalog.
Duolingo English Test may also be accepted. Applicants must meet the minimum score of 90 to demonstrate English proficiency. The interpretation of the Duolingo scores is as follows:
| Score | Score Interpretation |
| 10 to 55 | The candidate can understand basic English words and straightforward information and express themselves in familiar contexts. |
| 60 to 85 | The candidate can understand the key points of the speech or writing on routine matters like school and work, describe ambitions, express opinions, plans, and experiences, although hesitant. |
| 90 to 115 | The candidate can communicate well and soak even on unfamiliar topics, understand the key ideas of concrete and abstract writing, and easily interact with proficient speakers. |
| 120 to 160 | The candidate can understand various demanding written and spoken language, including some specialized language use situations, comprehend implicit, figurative, pragmatic, and idiomatic language, and use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. |
Students who do not meet the language proficiency score may be eligible to be conditionally admitted and required to complete GovState's Intensive ESL program during the first term of study.
International students are required to submit bank statements, and affidavits of support.
GSU students and alumni (within past 5 years) are eligible for guaranteed admission to the Master of Health Administration program with an overall GPA of 3.00 or in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study at GSU. Undergraduate transcript is required. Letters of recommendation, personal statement, and interview are waived.
For students transferring from other graduate programs of GSU or of other institutions, a copy of earned bachelor degree transcript and current graduate study transcript are required. Students transferring from other CAHME accredited programs can transfer a maximum of 12 hours credit for required courses. The request for transfer credit should be made to the MHA Admission Committee for review and approval.
To help estimate your tuition for the upcoming academic year, please utilize our tuition estimator.
The MHA program at GovState requires all entering students to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas of study. These deficiency courses must be satisfied prior to taking MHA core courses:
- Completion of a college-level statistics course or HLAD 3104 Health Care Statistics with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
- Completion of a college-level economics course or HLAD 3102 Principles of Health Care Microeconomics with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
- Completion of a college-level accounting course or HLAD 4106 Health Care Accounting with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
You may also be required to take the following two deficiency courses if your undergraduate study does not involve any coursework in health care:
- College-level health care management course or HLAD 3101 Introduction to Health Care Management Strategies with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
- College-level health care policy course or HLAD 3108 Policy and Politics in Healthcare with a grade of “B” or better, taken within five years of matriculation in the MHA program
Quote from Dr. Ning Lu
Our Master of Health Administration (MHA) is a value-based, competency-driven, and healthcare system-focused education. Students enrolled in the MHA program enjoy the high quality of the program and the attention professors can afford to individual students. Full-time students can complete the coursework and graduation requirements in as little as two years. Most of our students are employed within 6 months of graduation at either an entry or middle-level management position.
Program Competencies
Master of Health Administration has a competency model that contains 6 domains and 22 competencies that students are prepared for.
All MHA students must demonstrate knowledge about general and evolving issues in healthcare and be prepared to apply this knowledge to diverse health care organizations.
1.1 Healthcare Environment. Ability to explain issues and advancements in the healthcare industry. An underlying curiosity and desire to know more about things, people, and issues, including the desire for knowledge and staying current with health, organizational, industry, and professional trends and developments. It includes pressing for more precise information; resolving discrepancies by asking a series of questions; and scanning for potential opportunities or information that may be of future use, as well as staying current and seeking best practices for adoption.
1.2 Legal and Regulatory Application and Assessment. Ability to understand and explain the regulatory and administrative environment in which the organization functions (e.g. antitrust; Stark, ACA). This includes the ability to understand and explain corporate compliance laws and regulations.
1.3 Process & Quality Improvement. The ability to analyze and design or improve an organizational process, including incorporating the principles of high reliability, continuous quality improvement, and user-centered design.
All MHA students must master core business and organizational management skills in a healthcare context.
2.1 Human Resources Management. The ability to implement staff development and other management practices that represent contemporary best practices, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and optimize the performance of the workforce, including performance assessments, alternative compensation and benefit methods, and the alignment of human resource practices and processes to meet the strategic goals of the organization.
2.2 Financial Skills. The ability to understand and explain financial and accounting information, prepare and manage budgets, and make sound long-term investment decisions.
2.3 Strategic Orientation. The ability to consider the business, demographic, ethno-cultural, political, and regulatory implications of decisions and develop strategies that continually improve the long-term success and viability of the organization.
2.4 Project Management. The ability to plan, execute, and oversee a multi-year, large-scale project involving significant resources, scope, and impact.
2.5 Information Technology Management. The ability to see the potential for administrative and clinical technologies to support process and performance improvement. Actively sponsors the continuous seeking of enhanced technological capabilities.
All MHA students must demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information gathered from diverse sources.
3.1 Performance Measurement. The ability to understand and use statistical and financial metrics and methods to set goals and measure clinical as well as organizational performance; commits to and deploys evidence-based techniques.
3.2 Innovation.The ability to approach one’s work and the organization in new and breakthrough ways, including applying complex concepts, developing creative new solutions, or adapting previous solutions in promising new ways.
3.3 Analytical Thinking.Developing a deeper understanding of a situation, issue, or problem by breaking it down or tracing its implications step-by-step. It includes organizing the parts of a situation, issue, or problem systematically; making systematic comparisons of different features or aspects; setting priorities on a rational basis; and identifying time sequences, causal relationships, or if-then relationships.
3.4 Organizational Awareness.The ability to understand and learn the formal and informal decision-making structures and power relationships in an organization or industry (e.g., stakeholders, suppliers). This includes the ability to identify who the real decision makers are and the individuals who can influence them, and to predict how new events will affect individuals and groups within the organization.
All MHA students must demonstrate knowledge of the policy process at various levels of government, as well as the processes and methods required to change and evaluate organizational policy, and strategies to engage the community in multiple types of policy change.
4.1 Policy and Advocacy.Ability to effectively participate in discussions relating to health policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
4.2 Community Collaboration. The ability to align one’s own and the organization’s priorities with the needs and values of the community, including its cultural and ethnocentric values, and to move health forward in line with population-based wellness needs and national health agenda.
All students must apply interpersonal and communication skills in valuable information exchanges with faculty, peers, and preceptors. This includes abilities such as listening and communicating clearly using nonverbal, verbal, and writing skills.
5.1 Communication Skills. Ability to facilitate a group; speak and write in a clear, logical, and grammatical manner in formal and informal situations to prepare cogent business presentations.
5.2 Interpersonal Understanding. The ability to accurately hear and understand the unspoken or partly expressed thoughts, feelings, and concerns of others, especially those who may represent diverse backgrounds and very different worldviews. Levels of proficiency relate to the increasing complexity and depth of understanding, as well as openness to perspectives very different from one’s own.
All MHA students must demonstrate professionalism and leadership indicative of characteristics and abilities to influence others.
6.1 Professional & Social Responsibility. The demonstration of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship. Acting in ways that are consistent with one’s values and what one says is important.
6.2 Collaboration.The ability to work cooperatively and inclusively with other individuals and/or teams they do not formally lead; working together, as opposed to working separately or competitively
6.3 Team Leadership. The ability to lead groups of people toward shared visions and goals, from forming a team that possesses balanced capabilities, to setting its mission, values, and norms, and holding team members accountable individually and as a group for results.
6.4 Change Leadership. The ability to energize stakeholders and sustain their commitment to changes in approaches, processes, and strategies.
6.5 Achievement Orientation. Concern for surpassing standards of excellence. Standards may involve past performance (striving for improvement); objective measures (results orientation); outperforming others (competitiveness); challenging goals, or redefining the nature of the standards themselves (innovation).
6.6 Self-Awareness. The ability to have an accurate view of one’s own strengths and development needs, including the impact that one has on others. A willingness to address development needs through reflective, self-directed learning, and by trying new approaches.
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
Admissions
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State’s mission is to offer accessible and exceptional education, which is why GovState offers the most affordable tuition rates in the Chicagoland area—all while maintaining our top accreditations.
As a student at Governors State University, you have many available ways to cover the cost of your tuition.
Contact Us:
- Dr. Ning Lu
- Chair, Department of Health Administration and Informatics
- 1 University Parkway, University Park,IL, 60484-0975
- 708.534.4916
- nlu@govst.edu
- Dr. Kai-Wen Cheng
- MHA Student Advisor and Professor
- 1 University Parkway, University Park,IL, 60484-0975
- kcheng@govst.edu