Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Health Administration Program

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in an evolving healthcare environment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts a 28% growth in the need for medical and health services managers by 2031, as healthcare organizations increasingly adopt digital technologies to deliver better patient outcomes.

Program Overview

The MHA program includes the successful completion of a faculty-supervised, individual research project. The program is currently only accepting applications for the online format.

Degree Requirements

To earn the M.H.A., students must successfully complete 36 credit hours of the core MHA courses.

Program Options

• Online: Designed for busy professionals, the online program allows students to complete the MHA degree in as little as 24 months, provided they have successfully completed an undergraduate program of study in allied health, healthcare management, business, or a closely related or equivalent field.
• In-Person: Offers a professionally paced, workforce-centered program with the benefit of attending classes in a traditional setting on the award-winning campus.
• MHA/MHI Concurrent Track: Allows students to earn a Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Health Informatics (MHI) concurrently by completing an additional 21 credit hours. This program is designed for anyone seeking a graduate degree in healthcare administration.

Admission Requirements

• A 2.7/4.0 GPA (SIU calculation) from the student's undergraduate program is required for admission to the MHA program.
• Students with a 2.5-2.7/4.0 undergraduate GPA (SIU calculation) may enter as a non-declared student and will be allowed to take up to 9 credit hours of MHA courses. At the end of the 9 credit hours, the student must hold a 3.0/4.0 GPA to be then admitted to the MHA program.
• All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting an approved English Language Competency Test score with their application, with minimum scores as follows:
  • 550 on the paper-based TOEFL
  • 80 on the internet-based TOEFL
  • 6.5 on the IELTS
  • 115 on the Duolingo English Exam

Certificate Programs

• Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (CIPC): Open to post-bachelor healthcare professionals, this certificate program focuses on what is needed to get certification in Infection Control and Prevention through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. The program requires students to complete 18 semester hours of graduate-level study, all at SIU, with a C or above in all required courses.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MHA program may find opportunities in a variety of healthcare organizations and health system settings, including hospitals, long-term care organizations, physician group practices, health insurance agencies, pharmaceutical companies, health programs, state and federal agencies, and private trade and research organizations. The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts higher than average growth in these fields.

Program Costs

The cost for the online Master of Health Administration program is determined by SIU's Off-Campus tuition and fee structure. For Off-Campus tuition, please refer to the Off-Campus Tuition and Fees Calculator for additional information. For the on-campus program format, please refer to the On-Campus Tuition and Fees Calculator. Some courses will require the purchase of additional software or other materials. Financial aid and scholarships may be available.