Master's in Healthcare Administration

Preserving the health of healthcare organizations, staff, and patients

Those who lead healthcare operations at the administration level have an opportunity to guide overall quality of patient care, and have an impact on the healthcare of patients and entire communities. With a focus on the business side of the healthcare industry, medical and health services leaders do more than keep the lights on, these healthcare leaders ensure the efficient and effective delivery of patient care services. Our executive Master of Science in Healthcare Administration online degree program offers a practice-enabled online learning model to emphasize an understanding of the conceptual, analytical, and real-world experiences needed to manage contemporary healthcare organizations. If you have been looking for a relevant executive format MHA degree to help build the healthcare management and leadership skills for the healthcare industry, this executive master’s in healthcare administration program is right for you.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

100%

Student-Focused

Anchor: Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Executive Master's in Healthcare Administration

This executive master of healthcare administration will prepare you to achieve and sustain exceptional healthcare delivery at the organizational level. You will explore relevant healthcare theories and practices. You will work on developing application-based skills for efficiently running companies in the healthcare industry. You will develop professional skills for teamwork, communication, and collaboration with a focus in health service environments.

Curriculum for your executive Master of Science in Healthcare Administration also addresses conducting research and applying research-based strategies across functional business units in healthcare. In short, you will gain the skills, credential, and confidence you need as a healthcare leader to steer your organization toward better outcomes for your patients and your career.

Course Requirements

Core Courses (30 hours)

Capstone Course (1 hour)

Choose from two courses (1 credit hour) to round out the required credit hours needed for your Master of Science program.

BADM 699 - Capstone
INTR 599 – Applied Learning Practicum

*All online students who are seeking to earn this degree must take this course in lieu of INTR 599, in addition to meeting all program degree requirements. Executive format students can substitute the required INTR 599 course in lieu of BADM 699 as part of their program degree requirements.

** Executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship or practicum) that is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.

Anchor: Executive Student Resources

Executive students walking toward graduation ceremony

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

View Executive Student Resources

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

What are the residency weekend dates?

Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.

Will I attend residency sessions for the same amount of time?

Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.

How do I know which residency to go to?

You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.

You can find information on the residency site locations on our website.

Are all three days mandatory?

Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!

What is UC's residency attendance policy?

Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.

A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.

Make-up residency sessions – where are they?

Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.

What if I can't be there all three days?

If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.

When can I register for the next semester?

The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.

Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.

Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.

When will facilities be available to me on residency weekends?

*Please note all times are in local time zone*

Friday

Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday

Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

Sunday

Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.

When will residency sessions be in the future?

*These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.

Fall 2024 (August 26th – December 13th)

Spring 2025 (January 6th – April 30th)

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

Develop advanced knowledge of present-day healthcare theories and practices

Gain application-based skills to advance opportunities in healthcare leadership

Effectively communicate, interact, and collaborate in a changing healthcare environment

Resolve ethical and business healthcare issues

Apply research-based strategies across business functional administrative areas

Anchor: Career Outcomes

Healthcare Administration Careers & Outcomes

Medical & Health Services Managers: $104,830

Health services leaders plan, direct, and coordinate business activities of healthcare providers.

Administrative Services & Facilities Managers: $101,870

These leaders plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help organizations run efficiently.

Medical Records Specialist: $47,180

This entry-level administrative professional compile, process, and maintain patient files.

Medical Transcriptionists: $34,730

Medical Transcriptionists convert voice recordings from physicians and medical teams into formal reports.

Health Information Technologists & Medical Registrars: $58,250

These healthcare professionals offer computer and analytical skills to use clinical data on behalf of their organizations.

C-Suite Executives: $100,090

These industry leaders are responsible for planning the strategies and policies that help organizations achieve their goals.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions in Healthcare Administration

What is an executive master's in healthcare administration?

An executive master's in healthcare administration (Executive MHA) is a specialized graduate program designed for professionals who want to advance their careers in healthcare management and leadership. This program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to efficiently and effectively manage healthcare organizations and improve patient care delivery.

How long does an executive master's in healthcare administration take?

The program typically requires 31 credit hours and can be completed in about 12-18 months, depending on whether the student is studying full-time or part-time.

Can I get an executive master's in healthcare administration online?

Yes, many programs offer a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person sessions. This format provides flexibility for professionals to balance their studies with their work and personal commitments.

Is an executive master's in healthcare administration worth it?

Earning an executive master's in healthcare administration can be highly beneficial for career advancement. It prepares professionals for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, offering opportunities for higher salaries and career growth in a rapidly expanding industry.

What can I do with an executive master's in healthcare administration?

Graduates can pursue various roles, including medical and health services manager, administrative services manager, medical records specialist, medical transcriptionist, health information technologist, and C-suite executive. These positions involve overseeing healthcare operations, managing healthcare facilities, and ensuring the efficient delivery of healthcare services.

How to get an executive master's in healthcare administration?

To enroll, you need to meet the standard graduate admission requirements, which typically include relevant work experience, an undergraduate degree in healthcare, business, or a related field. The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes a resume or CV.

What is the difference between an executive MHA and MHA?

The main difference lies in the target audience and format: An executive MHA is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals with significant work experience. It often offers a hybrid or flexible format to accommodate working professionals. While a MHA is typically geared towards early-career professionals or those new to the field of healthcare administration. It may have a more traditional format with less emphasis on accommodating full-time work schedules.