10 Best Online MBA/MHA Dual Degree Programs 2027

Healthcare organizations need leaders who understand patient care, regulations, and the financial side of running a hospital or health system. An online MBA/MHA dual degree gives you training in both business administration and healthcare management, often in less time than earning each degree separately. It's one of the most popular pairings among online dual MBA programs, especially for working professionals already in healthcare.

The programs below come from accessible public and private universities that offer flexible online or mostly online formats. You'll also find details on coursework, program length, costs, financial aid, and the leadership roles this combination can prepare you for.

What Is an Online MBA/MHA Degree?

An MBA/MHA dual degree combines a Master of Business Administration with a Master of Health Administration (or a closely related healthcare administration master's). You complete both programs through a coordinated plan of study, with some courses counting toward both degrees, and graduate with two separate diplomas. If you want a deeper look at how the two degrees fit together, a breakdown of the dual MHA/MBA degree explains the curriculum overlap in more detail.

Most programs require roughly 50 to 72 credits, compared with around 80 or more if you earned both degrees on their own. The MBA side covers accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, while the MHA side focuses on health policy, healthcare finance, quality improvement, and health law. Some schools also let you add a concentration or complete an internship or field experience in a healthcare setting.

Best Online MBA/MHA Dual Degree Programs

These schools offer MBA/MHA dual degrees that you can complete fully or largely online. Each one pairs a recognized business program with healthcare administration coursework designed for current and aspiring healthcare leaders.

1. University of Scranton

The University of Scranton's online MBA/MHA lets you complete both degrees in about 2.5 years, with total requirements ranging from 65 to 72 credits depending on your specialization. That's roughly 13 to 18 fewer credits than earning each degree separately. The MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the MHA holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Coursework covers healthcare financial management, organizational behavior, and healthcare law, and the program wraps up with either a 150-hour internship or a 1,000-hour fieldwork experience. Admission typically calls for a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and at least three years of supervisory or professional experience, while GMAT and GRE scores aren't required.

2. Texas Woman's University

At Texas Woman's University (TWU), the MHA/MBA dual degree requires 57 credit hours and can be finished in as few as 24 months. Most courses are online, though you'll take at least three in-person courses on the Dallas or Houston campus. The MHA is CAHME-accredited, and the MBA carries AACSB accreditation.

You'll need to apply and be admitted to both programs separately, but neither one requires the GRE or GMAT. TWU's graduate programs are open to all students, and flexible enrollment lets you study full time, part time, or take a semester off when work or family obligations come up.

3. AdventHealth University and Stetson University

This partnership program pairs a Master of Health Care Administration from AdventHealth University with an MBA from Stetson University, an AACSB-accredited business school. Each half of the program is 27 credit hours, for 54 total, and you can finish in as few as two years. Both schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Classes are 100% online, combining live sessions with recorded lectures, and students often alternate between MHA and MBA courses each term. You'll get advisors from both universities, along with tutors and faith-based support from chaplains, which reflects AdventHealth's Christian mission. No GRE or GMAT scores are required.

4. Weber State University

If affordability is a priority, Weber State University in Utah is worth a close look. Its Executive MHA is taught entirely online and is CAHME-accredited, and its AACSB-accredited MBA can be completed in person or 100% online, with evening classes available live via Zoom.

In the dual program, you take MBA and MHA courses at the same time and choose one as your primary degree. Dual-degree students skip the MHA elective requirement, which helps trim total credits. Healthcare or supervisory experience is preferred for the Executive MHA but isn't required.

5. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers a 66-credit MHA/MBA dual degree that full-time students can complete in about 24 months. MBA courses through the AACSB-accredited Fogelman College of Business and Economics are offered online, and experienced professionals can take the MHA portion entirely online through the Executive MHA track.

The Executive MHA requires at least five years of healthcare management or clinical experience, so this route works best for mid-career professionals. You'll apply to each program separately. The MHA is CAHME-accredited, and the program also belongs to the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

6. University of Houston-Clear Lake

With just 51 credit hours, the joint MHA/MBA at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is one of the most streamlined options on this list. Both the MBA and MHA programs are 100% online, so you can complete the full dual degree from anywhere.

UHCL's College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, and its MHA program falls under that business accreditation. The Houston area's large medical sector, including the Texas Medical Center, makes this program a natural fit if you plan to work in Texas healthcare.

7. Samford University

Samford University's joint MHA/MBA spans 71 credits over three years of full-time study. The MHA courses are fully online, while MBA courses can be taken online or in person at the Birmingham, Alabama, campus. Samford's Brock School of Business is AACSB-accredited, and the MHA program has been approved for CAHME candidacy eligibility.

Your first semester focuses only on MHA coursework, and MBA classes are integrated afterward. Four MBA courses can substitute for three MHA courses, and the GRE or GMAT isn't required if you meet the minimum GPA. Faculty mentoring from both schools and shared career resources round out the experience.

8. Pfeiffer University

Designed for clinicians, administrative healthcare staff, and career changers, Pfeiffer University's joint MHA/MBA requires 60 semester hours. The MHA portion makes up 36 hours and the MBA portion 24, and most students finish in 30 to 36 months. Pfeiffer's business programs, including the MBA, are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The program is offered online, with new cohorts starting in January, May, and August and rolling admission throughout the year. Coursework spans health economics, health information management, managerial accounting, and leadership. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and the application is free.

9. Mary Baldwin University

Delivered entirely online and asynchronously, the MHA/MBA dual degree at Mary Baldwin University in Virginia lets you complete coursework around a full work schedule. The MBA follows the school's "Business With a Heart" approach, built around four pillars: people, planet, profit, and purpose.

Healthcare courses cover quality improvement and patient safety, healthcare information management, and community and population health, while business courses include marketing, business statistics, and transformational change. Mary Baldwin holds SACSCOC accreditation, and faculty bring real-world experience into case studies and course projects.

10. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix, a for-profit institution, offers a 58-credit MHA/MBA that's fully online with year-round start dates. You take one five- to six-week course at a time, and most students finish in about 2.5 years. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Admission is open, with no GMAT, GRE, or application fee required, which makes this a practical option if you're returning to school after time away. Prior learning can waive up to nine credits, and a capstone course ties together healthcare and business concepts. A tuition guarantee locks in one rate from enrollment through graduation.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. For dual degree rankings, special attention goes to how each school structures and delivers both halves of the program. Several factors shaped the final list:

• Accreditation: Every school holds regional institutional accreditation, and preference went to programs with AACSB, ACBSP, or CAHME accreditation.
• Online availability: Programs that can be completed fully or mostly online were prioritized, with any in-person requirements noted in each entry.
• Credit efficiency: Dual programs with meaningful shared credits and reasonable total credit counts ranked more favorably.
• Career alignment: Curricula covering healthcare finance, policy, and leadership, along with internships or capstones, earned extra weight.
• Student outcomes: Graduation rates and other outcomes data were considered where publicly available.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an MBA/MHA Degree Program?

On the business side, you'll study core MBA subjects like financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, marketing, operations management, and organizational leadership. Many programs also include business statistics and data-driven decision-making, which are increasingly important in healthcare analytics.

The healthcare administration courses focus on the unique challenges of running healthcare organizations. Expect classes in health policy and law, healthcare finance, quality improvement and patient safety, health information systems, and population health. Many programs also include a capstone, internship, or field experience where you apply both skill sets to real healthcare problems.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an MBA/MHA Degree Online?

Most online MBA/MHA dual degrees take about two to three years to complete. Full-time students in programs with around 50 to 60 credits can often finish in 24 months, while programs with 65 to 72 credits usually take closer to 2.5 or 3 years.

Part-time students should plan for three years or more, depending on course load. Programs with one-course-at-a-time formats, internships, or fieldwork requirements may also extend your timeline, while transfer credits or waived prerequisites can shorten it.

How Much Does an Online MBA/MHA Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online MBA/MHA dual degree generally ranges from about $25,000 to more than $70,000. Public universities, particularly for in-state students, tend to fall on the lower end, while private universities typically cost more per credit hour.

Your total credit count has a big impact on cost, so a 51-credit program can be considerably cheaper than a 72-credit one even at similar per-credit rates. Factor in technology fees, textbooks, and any travel for in-person sessions when comparing programs. If budget is your main concern, comparing affordable online MBA in healthcare management programs can also help you weigh a single-degree alternative.

Financial Aid for Online MBA/MHA Degrees

Several funding sources can help reduce the cost of a dual degree. Combining more than one option is often the most effective way to limit borrowing.

• Federal student loans: Graduate students can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans, though annual and aggregate limits apply. Filing the FAFSA for an MBA is the first step toward federal aid and many school-based awards.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many health systems help pay for graduate degrees, especially management-focused programs. Several hospitals offer tuition reimbursement that can cover thousands of dollars per year for eligible employees.
• Scholarships: Professional groups like the American College of Healthcare Executives and many universities offer scholarships for healthcare management students. Some business schools also award merit scholarships to dual degree candidates.
• Graduate assistantships: Some programs offer tuition waivers or stipends in exchange for research or administrative work. These are less common in fully online programs but worth asking about.
• Military benefits: Service members and veterans may be able to apply education benefits toward a dual degree. Checking whether the GI Bill covers an MBA can help you plan your funding.

How To Choose the Right MBA/MHA Degree

Dual degree programs can look similar on the surface, but small differences in structure and requirements can have a big impact on your experience. These factors are worth comparing closely before you apply.

Accreditation for Both Degrees

Look for AACSB or ACBSP accreditation on the MBA side and CAHME accreditation on the MHA side. CAHME accreditation is especially valued by hospital and health system employers, and some leadership fellowships and residencies prefer graduates of accredited programs.

Online Format and In-Person Requirements

Some programs are 100% online, while others require a few campus courses or offer certain classes only in person. If you can't travel, confirm the delivery format for every course in both programs, not just the MBA or MHA alone.

Total Credits and Shared Courses

The number of credits that count toward both degrees directly affects your cost and timeline. Compare total credit requirements rather than per-credit tuition alone, and ask how many courses can be shared or waived based on prior coursework.

Admission Requirements

Many programs require separate applications for the MBA and MHA, while others use a single application. Some tracks also expect several years of professional or healthcare experience, so make sure you meet both programs' requirements before applying. Many schools have also dropped testing requirements, and exploring MBA programs with no GMAT or GRE requirement can widen your options.

Experiential Learning

Internships, fieldwork, and capstone projects give you hands-on experience in healthcare settings. If you're new to the industry, a program with a required internship can help you build connections and practical skills before you graduate.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA/MHA Degree

An MBA/MHA dual degree prepares you for management roles across hospitals, physician practices, nursing care facilities, and health insurance organizations. One of the most common career paths is medical and health services manager, a role that oversees operations, budgets, staff, and compliance for a healthcare facility or department.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earn a median annual wage of $123,860. Employment in this field is projected to grow 24% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 62,300 openings expected each year. Your dual degree can help you compete for senior roles like department director, chief operating officer, or hospital administrator as you gain experience.

FAQs About the Best Online MBA/MHA Degree Programs

Prospective students often have specific questions about how MBA/MHA programs compare with other options. These answers cover some of the most common ones.

Is an MBA/MHA Better Than an MBA in Healthcare Management?

An MBA/MHA gives you two full degrees, including dedicated coursework in health policy, law, and healthcare operations that an MBA concentration usually can't match. An MBA with a healthcare concentration is faster and cheaper but typically includes only a few healthcare-focused electives. If you're aiming for senior hospital leadership or want the CAHME-accredited credential many employers prefer, the dual degree is usually the stronger choice.

Do You Need Healthcare Experience To Enroll in an MBA/MHA Program?

Many programs accept students without healthcare experience, especially those with an internship or fieldwork component. Executive-style tracks, however, often require several years of professional or clinical experience. If you're new to healthcare, look for programs that include hands-on experience and welcome career changers.

Can Nurses and Clinicians Earn an MBA/MHA Online?

Nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians frequently pursue MBA/MHA degrees to move into management. Your clinical background can be a major advantage in healthcare leadership, since you already understand patient care and day-to-day operations. Nurses who want to stay closer to clinical leadership might also compare options in MBA programs for nurses before deciding.

What Certifications Pair Well With an MBA/MHA?

Many graduates pursue board certification through the American College of Healthcare Executives, which earns the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential. Others add certifications in healthcare quality, project management, or healthcare financial management. These credentials can strengthen your resume and signal ongoing commitment to professional development.

Can You Work Full Time While Earning an Online MBA/MHA?

Most online MBA/MHA programs are designed for working professionals, with asynchronous courses, evening sessions, or one-course-at-a-time formats. Balancing a full-time job usually means taking one or two courses per term, which may extend your timeline slightly. Programs with internships or fieldwork may require some schedule flexibility, so plan ahead for those components.

Explore Online MBA/MHA Dual Degrees

An online MBA/MHA dual degree can prepare you to lead healthcare organizations with both business expertise and a deep understanding of the healthcare system. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admission requirements, costs, and course formats.