10 One-Year Accelerated Online MHA Programs 2025

If you're interested in pursuing or advancing a non-clinical career in the healthcare industry, earning a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree can help you get there. Maybe you'd like to learn more about these programs and are wondering if there are any that you can complete online in an accelerated timeframe.

Keep reading as we explore one-year online MHA programs and some top schools offering them. We'll also discuss these types of programs in greater detail and answer some common questions you may have.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Master of Healthcare Administration Program?

Traditional MHA programs typically take about two years to complete. They may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis and are typically designed for working professionals. Those who study part-time may take three years or longer to graduate.

Accelerated MHA programs feature more intensive study schedules or offer highly flexible coursework that students can complete on their own schedules. These online master's degrees can sometimes be completed in as little as one year.

Are There One-Year Online MHA Programs?

Yes, many schools throughout the U.S. offer one-year MHA programs that can be completed online. These programs are often flexible enough to meet the needs of those already working in the healthcare system or maintaining other careers while they study.

One-year online MHA programs require hard work and dedication, especially if they offer flexible courses. Students will need to be able to motivate themselves to stay on track with their studies to graduate in an accelerated timeframe.

Top 10 Accelerated Online MHA Programs

If you're ready to get started in healthcare management, health policy, public health, or other top industries, you'll need to find a top school. Keep reading as we explore some high-quality colleges offering one-year master's programs, specifically for students majoring in healthcare administration.

1. Texas State University

Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos, TX. It offers an affordable, flexible online executive master's in healthcare administration that students can complete in as little as one year.

The program offers multiple start dates each year so students can study continuously and graduate sooner. GRE scores are not required for admission, and students can apply as long as they have a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Estimated tuition cost: $19,660 total

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Louisiana State University Shreveport

Louisiana State University, Shreveport, is a public school belonging to the Louisiana State University System. Its online MHA program is typically completed within 12 to 18 months.

Students complete courses in accelerated seven-week sessions and can choose how many courses to complete at a time. All courses are available online in an asynchronous format, and course deadlines help students stay on track.

Estimated tuition cost: $6,196 per year

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana is a public school located in Evansville, IN. Students at this school can pursue online MHA degrees with concentrations in leadership, post-acute care, and health informatics.

The programs consist of 36 credit hours, which are completed 100% online. There are six yearly start dates, making it easy for students to study on whatever schedule works for them and to earn their degrees in as little as a year.

Estimated tuition cost: $10,787 per year

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of California, San Francisco

The University of California, San Francisco is a public school in the University of California System. It provides an online Master of Science in healthcare administration and interprofessional leadership.

Students benefit from interactive online instruction and opportunities to collaborate with classmates. Students must complete three on-campus sessions as part of the program; capstone experiences can be completed at their workplace. Students typically graduate within a year.

Estimated tuition cost: $12,762 per year

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private, for-profit school headquartered in California but associated with the University of Massachusetts System. It offers a 100% online MHA program featuring flexible eight-week course sessions and multiple start dates.

Full-time learners in this program can take two courses per term and, with six terms per year, can graduate within 12 months. Students can expect to take courses in healthcare quality and safety, healthcare law and ethics, healthcare financial management, and more.

Estimated tuition cost: $27,000 total

Accreditation: WSCUC

6. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University is a public school in Highland Heights, KY. Students can complete a 100% online Master of Science in health administration through this school in just 12 months.

Students can choose from six yearly start dates and study year-round to complete their degree quickly. This is a great program for existing healthcare professionals looking to transition to non-clinical careers.

Estimated tuition cost: $20,081 total

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private, nonprofit school located in Riverside, CA. Students can expand their critical thinking and leadership skills in the school's 30-credit online MHA program.

All courses are taught online and in accelerated sessions that help students finish quickly and flexibly. Courses cover topics like strategic management, risk management, and managing human capital.

Estimated tuition cost: $20,640 total

Accreditation: WSCUC

8. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online college headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It offers an array of flexible online master's degrees, including a Master of Healthcare Administration.

The school uses a competency-based format to help students progress quickly through their studies. Courses are self-paced, allowing highly motivated students to earn their degrees within a year or less.

Estimated tuition cost: $8,842 per year

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public school in the University of North Carolina System. It offers in-state learners one of the most affordable online MHA programs in the U.S.

The flexible program can be completed within a year and offers a variety of start dates. Courses in the MHA curriculum help students improve their management skills, preparing them for leadership roles in various healthcare settings.

Estimated tuition cost: $16,585 per year

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. MGH Institute of Health Professions

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is a private health sciences school located in Boston, MA. This CAHME-accredited institution offers an online MHA that students can complete in as little as 12 months.

Students can apply to this graduate program without GMAT or GRE scores and with no application fee. Courses are taught by leaders in the industry, giving students the opportunity to make valuable connections as they work their way through the program.

Estimated tuition cost: $26,000 per year

Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only the best programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the master's in health administration programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited, and the MHA programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
• Affordability: Many of the programs offer affordable tuition rates and/or generous financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
• Program length: All of the programs can be completed within one year of full-time study.

What Can I Expect From an Online MHA Degree Program?

Online MHA degrees can typically be completed 100% online, though some may require students to complete hands-on learning experiences in their local communities. Courses typically include lectures, written assignments, virtual group projects, and capstone experiences.

MHA programs are designed to help students develop leadership, business, and decision-making skills and apply them to the specific needs of healthcare organizations. Courses in MHA programs cover topics such as healthcare policy, health information systems, budgeting, strategic planning, human resources, and more.

FAQs About the Fastest One-Year MHA Programs

If you still have questions about transitioning to leadership roles in health systems, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions.

What Is the Easiest MHA Program To Get Into?

There is no one school that offers the ''easiest'' MHA program. ''Easy'' is a subjective term, as different MHA students have different strengths and weaknesses and may thrive or struggle in different programs. All reputable and accredited MHA programs have the same minimum standards and feature many of the same challenging courses to prepare students for real-world applications of healthcare leadership.

Are Online MHA Programs Worth It?

Yes, earning a graduate degree in healthcare administration can be well worth the time and money students put in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services managers earn an average salary of $117,960 per year.

What's more, these professionals are in extremely high demand, with a projected job growth rate of 29% by 2033. This means students can expect great job security over the next several years, at least.

Why Get an Online MHA Degree?

An online Master of Health Administration provides a great way for students to accelerate their studies without sacrificing work or other commitments. Many online courses feature flexible, asynchronous options that allow learners to study whenever it's convenient for them. What's more, online programs are often more affordable than in-person programs, and they often make it possible for learners to graduate more quickly than if they were enrolled in on-campus programs.

How Much Do Online MHA Programs Cost?

Those enrolled in Master of Health Administration programs online generally pay less than those enrolled in on-campus programs, but exact costs can vary widely. Among the schools discussed in this article, average tuition costs range from around $6,000 to $26,000 per year. Many schools offer financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and assistantships to help reduce students' out-of-pocket expenses.

Discover Online MHA Degrees

If you're ready to enroll in an online MHA program, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges for more information about programs and admission requirements and choose the right option for you.