Gain the leadership skills needed to drive change with an SMU degree
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)
Make a substantial impact with a master’s degree from SMU.
SMU’s suite of online graduate programs allow you to choose the program that is right for you based on your interests, your schedule and your goals. The online public service master’s degrees are a perfect fit for individuals who are passionate about making positive global change through public policy and administration.
SMU’s location in the heart of Dallas connects students with key opportunities and advantages. M.P.A. and M.P.P. students benefit from a close proximity to Texas’ government offices and public policy figures, as well as the George W. Bush Institute and other institutions. M.H.A. students can connect with key healthcare stakeholders, hospitals and healthcare centers in Dallas, one of the largest hubs for healthcare innovation and services in the country.
Our programs emphasize engagement through virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and real-world capstone projects. The two on-campus immersions at the beginning and end of each program encourage students to form career-long relationships with fellow industry professionals.
Gain the skills you need to succeed with a master’s degree from SMU. Learn more about our master’s programs below or download a program brochure.
#1
University in the Dallas–Fort Worth area
U.S. News & World Report (2026)
#2
Private University in Texas
U.S. News & World Report (2026)
Top 20
National University
U.S. News & World Report (2026)
#1
University in North Texas
U.S. News & World Report (2026)
M.H.A., M.P.A. or M.P.P.:
Which degree is the best fit for you?
While all three master’s degrees provide graduates with opportunities to lead effectively, there are some distinct differences between the programs. The Master of Public Administration focuses on the everyday operations of a public organization, while Master of Public Policy students will focus more on researching and analyzing public policy. The Master of Healthcare Administration is targeted directly to professionals in the healthcare industry.
| M.H.A. | M.P.A. | M.P.P. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Focus on leadership, data analytics, strategy, innovation and health policy. | Focus on implementation of policies and the day-to-day operations of public organizations. | Focus on research, data analysis and evaluation skills. |
| Skill Development | Develop a broad knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system; written and verbal communication abilities; and skills in data collection, analysis and implementation. | Develop skills in management and administration of public sector organizations. | Develop technical skills in policy analysis, creation, evaluation and implementation. |
| Coursework | Coursework in biostatistics and epidemiology, health economics and leadership in healthcare. | Coursework in leadership, organizational development and public finance. | Coursework in public policy, research methods and statistics. |
Master of Healthcare Administration
Format: Online, part-time
SMU’s online M.H.A. focuses on leadership, data analytics and policy. Program graduates can pursue roles as healthcare executives, department managers, compliance officers and operations directors.
Master of Public Administration
Format: Online, part-time
SMU’s online M.P.A. focuses on management and leadership skills. Program graduates can pursue public administration and policy roles as general operations managers, public relations managers and park specialists.
Master of Public Policy
Format: Online, part-time
SMU’s online M.P.P. focuses on public policy analysis and research skills. Program graduates can pursue public policy and administration roles as political scientists, statisticians and economists.
Frequently asked questions
SMU’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies supports graduate-level education across the university, offering doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields across four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These programs help students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions in both academia and industry.
Yes! Students enrolled in SMU’s online master’s programs are encouraged to request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA. Scholarships may be awarded by academic departments during the admission process. Any scholarships awarded will be submitted to the Graduate Financial Aid Office to be included in your total financial aid offer.
Active military service members, veterans and their spouses and dependents have access to additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows military service members and their families to utilize funds to cover tuition expenses and other costs, including books and fees. Learn more about our funding opportunities on our tuition and financial aid page.
An online master’s degree will allow you the flexibility to take classes while working or attending to other priorities. That said, online degrees are still a commitment. In the SMU M.H.A., M.P.A. and M.P.P. programs, half of your work is asynchronous, meaning you can complete it at your convenience so long as you meet the deadlines. The asynchronous portion includes videos and both independent and group work. The ideal student is self-motivated and organized enough to create a schedule that allows them to meet deadlines.
The remaining 50% of the work is synchronous via Zoom. Your instructors create engaging lessons that encourage participation, and students will benefit from arriving to class ready to engage. Each class meets weekly in the evening, typically between 6:30-9:30 p.m. CT. In addition, a key feature of these programs is the network that you can create with your classmates, instructors and guest speakers.
Yes, Career Services offers opportunities for online graduate students to meet with career advisors, build their portfolios and prepare themselves for the world of public administration. Our immersion opportunities, guest speakers and faculty also work with students to connect them with agencies and think tanks that match their interests.
Yes! Online students have access to campus resources, such as:
Once you are enrolled, your online orientation will discuss these resources.
View our FAQ page to get more of your questions answered.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.
