Strengthen essential healthcare administration skills with SMU’s online M.H.A.
Master of Healthcare Administration
Program quick facts
- Become an effective leader or manager in diverse healthcare settings
- Connect with other driven professionals, faculty and industry leaders during two on-campus immersions and live virtual classes
- Choose from three start times each year: fall, spring and summer
- Earn your degree in two years, part time
- Apply for our program without submitting GRE scores
Upcoming term
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | October 1, 2025 | December 1, 2025 |
The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, workforce shortages, regulatory changes and an increased need for efficient care delivery that prioritizes quality. This complex landscape means that skilled healthcare leadership is more critical than ever. An online Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) program can help aspiring healthcare leaders rise to the occasion by providing the vision, diverse skills and competencies that align with the industry’s current and future needs.
SMU offers an online M.H.A. degree designed for working professionals, featuring the flexibility of part-time, online study backed by the strong academic reputation of SMU. SMU’s connections to hospitals, clinics, nonprofits and private healthcare companies in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth area provide students with resources for in-class assignments, including the capstone project, as well as internship and job placement opportunities.
Amanda Taffy, M.H.A. faculty lead
Texas healthcare connections
SMU M.H.A. students are uniquely positioned to take advantage of expanding opportunities. The region is now home to the Texas Stock Exchange as well as the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), symbolizing the state’s status as both an economic and healthcare leader. This business-friendly environment offers SMU M.H.A. students unparalleled opportunities in top-tier healthcare organizations, driving improved outcomes and value for patients and the public.
Texas is experiencing rapid economic growth, and the demand for skilled healthcare administrators is rising. A recent market analysis by SMU and industry partners shows that top employers in the state include leading hospital systems and the State of Texas.
Collaborate and connect through interactive courses and immersions
The online Master of Healthcare Administration combines asynchronous coursework with engaging live sessions so that working individuals can connect with their peers and build a valuable network of healthcare professionals. Through a mix of virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and individual and group work, students gain hands-on experience with collaborative problem-solving, planning and management. Some examples of course activities include:
- Research analytics projects
- Op-eds and policy memos
- Class debates
Master of Healthcare Administration students also have the chance to network with peers and faculty during the two on-campus immersion experiences that begin and end the program. The first allows students to network with faculty, peers and professionals in the healthcare industry, while the second provides an opportunity for students to present their capstone projects to their cohort and Texas-based healthcare administration leaders. Visit the curriculum page to learn more.
Master of Healthcare Administration learning outcomes
The online M.H.A. program at SMU is designed to equip students with the leadership, policy, analytical and innovation skills essential for success in today’s healthcare landscape. Through a comprehensive and practical curriculum, students gain expertise in:
- Healthcare Systems & Operations
Lead and manage effectively within complex healthcare organizations. - Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Apply data-driven approaches to identify, mitigate and manage public health challenges. - Leadership & Management
Develop the skills needed for strategic governance that advances organizational mission, values and social responsibility. - Legal & Ethical Frameworks
Use ethical and legal principles to drive compliance, equity and accountability in decision-making. - Data Analytics
Evaluate and apply quantitative data to guide organizational strategy and performance. - Innovation & Resource Development
Identify and implement innovative solutions, services and funding strategies to enhance healthcare delivery and efficiency.
Student learning and program outcomes in the M.H.A. program are measured through applied course projects and a culminating capstone experience, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead with confidence in real-world healthcare settings.
M.H.A. career outcomes
The healthcare administration job market is characterized by strong salary potential, steady growth and a broad range of opportunities. The career outlook for healthcare leaders in Texas is especially good. As one of the fastest growing healthcare markets in the U.S., Texas offers unique career opportunities at institutions such as:
Texas healthcare opportunities
- Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
- Methodist Hospital
- Baylor Scott & White
- UT Southwestern
- Texas Health Resources
Many M.H.A. graduates with over two years of experience in a healthcare position pursue roles in hospital administration, health policy and healthcare consulting, with titles such as healthcare executive, department manager, compliance officer and operations director.
SMU’s M.H.A. program also offers advanced skills that can open doors to executive leadership roles.
Other popular health administration careers include:
- Biotechnology researcher
- Clinician
- Department manager
- Director of business office/revenue cycle
- Health policy analyst
- Infrastructure/community support
- Medical and health services manager
- Practice manager
- Program director of a non-profit organization
- Project manager
- Senior operations manager
Ready to learn more? Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission and FAQ pages.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration 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.
Comparing the M.H.A. to other degrees
The M.H.A. is specifically a healthcare leadership degree, and it provides targeted education for leadership roles in healthcare settings or health-related industries. An M.B.A. can lead to careers in multiple sectors but may not provide the industry-specific knowledge necessary to lead healthcare organizations.
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
A Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) focuses on the business, management and leadership of healthcare organizations, emphasizing healthcare policy, regulations and data analytics in patient care systems.
- Business, management and leadership in healthcare organizations
- Healthcare policy, regulations and compliance
- Data analytics in patient care and health systems
- Strategies tailored to the evolving healthcare landscape
Who is the ideal M.H.A. candidate? Professionals aiming to lead in hospitals, health systems, public health agencies and other healthcare-focused organizations.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
A Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) provides a broad education in business principles with applications across various industries:
- Finance, marketing, operations and general management
- Business strategy and leadership across sectors
- Not healthcare-specific, but offers transferable skills
Who is the ideal M.B.A. candidate? Professionals seeking leadership roles across various industries, including healthcare.
While both degrees are healthcare-centered, they have two distinct focuses. An M.H.A. is centered on managing or leading healthcare facilities and services, while an M.P.H. addresses broader public health challenges, such as epidemiology, environmental health and health education.
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
M.H.A. students gain foundational knowledge in public health, but the program emphasizes the business, legal and operational aspects of healthcare delivery. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles within healthcare organizations such as hospitals, health systems and private healthcare firms.
Who is the ideal M.H.A. candidate? Aspiring healthcare executives, administrators and operational leaders focused on improving organizational performance and patient care systems.
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
An M.P.H. focuses on population health and disease prevention, preparing professionals to design and implement public health programs. Graduates are equipped to work in public health agencies, nonprofits, research institutions and government organizations.
Who is the ideal M.P.H. candidate? Professionals committed to advancing community health, policy and preventative care at the population level.
At SMU, you can balance your career and education while building the network that will support you for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
A Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) is a specialized graduate degree designed for individuals seeking leadership roles in healthcare organizations. This professional degree program provides comprehensive, healthcare-focused training in policy, management principles, financial administration, organizational behavior and strategic planning.
Students will learn to expertly navigate complex regulatory environments, improve operational efficiency, manage healthcare professionals, implement technological innovations and address ethical concerns within healthcare environments. SMU’s M.H.A. degree supports healthcare professionals seeking to transition from clinical roles to administrative positions, as well as business professionals interested in applying their valuable expertise to the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. In addition, SMU’s M.H.A. teaches the soft skills necessary to be successful in leadership roles, including negotiation skills.
Earning a Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) is a strategic investment for professionals pursuing leadership roles in healthcare. Graduates often see expanded career opportunities and increased earning potential within a dynamic and growing industry.
Unlike general business programs, the M.H.A. provides specialized knowledge in healthcare policy, finance, operations and leadership — giving graduates a competitive edge for executive and management roles in hospitals, health systems, consulting firms and beyond.
In addition to preparing students for leadership roles, SMU’s online M.H.A. program is designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind. With fully online coursework, students can advance their education without pausing their careers.
The program also includes engaging live virtual sessions and two on-campus immersions. These offer valuable opportunities to build lasting professional connections with peers, faculty and industry leaders.
Visit our FAQ page for more answers.