The healthcare system in California is going through major shifts as it keeps trying to become the first state to adopt a universal healthcare system, where all medically necessary treatments are covered with taxpayer dollars.
California’s health insurance marketplace is called Covered California, and their state Medicaid program is Medi-Cal. Overall, rural communities have restricted access to healthcare and worse health outcomes throughout the state. Furthermore, the state’s healthcare costs are high, making it difficult for low-income families to afford care.
In addition to high costs, the mental healthcare sector is struggling, there is an ongoing provider shortage, and the wait times for care are long.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects a whopping 18,300 job openings in California over the next ten years. This data highlights the growing demand for healthcare administrators in the state. Whether you’re in the healthcare sector, itching to move higher in your career ladder, or want to transition into a different path, earning a master’s degree in healthcare management is the right choice to help you achieve that career goal.
Continue below to learn more about Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs in California.
MHA Programs in California
There are 14 MHA programs offered in California, both on campus and online. Each MHA program in California varies in terms of admission requirements, tuition, curriculum, duration, and accreditation. So, while some programs require a compulsory completion of a degree in a health-related discipline, others may not even request your GMAT or GRE scores. Look out for these minute differences before considering an application to any university.
CAHME-accredited MHA Programs in California
CAHME is the only institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit graduate programs in healthcare management education in the US and Canada.
There are six CAHME-accredited MHA programs in the state of California.
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- Hybrid
Program:
Executive Master of Health Administration
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Modality: Hybrid
Tuition: $2602 per credit
Program Overview:
The University of Southern California (USC) offers an incredible remote master’s program in Healthcare Administration, accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Some of its core courses cover topics like innovative leadership, patient care improvement strategy, and health information technology. Although MHA students can complete their degree online, they must participate in two in-person residencies at USC’s Los Angeles campus: one at the program’s start and one at the conclusion. The schedule is flexible as students can learn independently, but th enrollment option is full-time. Also, students must pay the default application fee of $90 and meet the 36-degree credit requirement.
California State University – Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Traditional)
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Modality: On-campus
Tuition: $17050 (in-state per year) for the program
Program Overview:
The college’s traditional MHA tracks combine excellent didactic instruction with substantial fieldwork, making it one of the best in California. The conventional track is for students without any work experience. No matter which track you choose, you must earn 45 credits. The healthcare system, financial and human resource management, legal and ethical aspects of healthcare management, research methodologies, population health management, and quality improvement in healthcare are some subjects you study.
California State University, Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Modality: Hybrid
Tuition: $8598 per year (for in-state students), $17,862 annually (for out-of-state students)
Program Overview:
This program is made for working professionals with over three years of working experience. The on-campus experience involves evening classes with a graduate degree credit requirement of 38 units in the core courses, 6 elective units, and 3 extra culminating units. To gain admission into CSUN, potential students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university within the region, a minimum of 3.0 GPA, at least a year of working experience in healthcare, and a few letters of recommendation and statements.
Concordia University Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- Online
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Modality: 100% Online
Tuition: $615/credit, totaling $24600 for 40 units.
Program Overview:
Students enrolled in the MHA program are prepared for leadership roles in various healthcare environments, such as private practice offices, nonprofit organizations, corporate medical systems, hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, etc.
The health services industry employs our graduates in a wide range of sectors. Examples include data analytics marketing, operations, insurance, human resources, medical equipment and supplies, and information technology.
Concordia University offers a fully remote MHA program with a 40-unit degree credit requirement and a 24-month completion time.
Online Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in California
There are several online master’s programs in the state of California. Some of these programs are CAHME-accredited, like the 100% online program offered by Concordia University in Irvine or the hybrid program of the University of Southern California.
Other online master programs include:
California State University – East Bay, Hayward
- Hayward, CA
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Health Care Administration
Modality: 100% Online
Tuition: $527 per credit and $17918 for the total number of 34 units.
Program Overview:
Completing eight courses with a minimum grade of C is required for this 34-credit program. With two classes each semester, most students can finish the program in four semesters thanks to its 100% online format. The curriculum prepares you for crucial roles in healthcare administration, such as financial management, healthcare quality improvement, leadership & strategic planning, the US healthcare system, healthcare quality improvement, and healthcare legal & ethical issues. You finish a capstone project near the end of this MHA program in California, where you use your newly acquired professional skills to resolve a problem in healthcare management.
Ashford State University, San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- Online
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Modality: 100% Online
Program Overview:
The 36-credit master’s program in healthcare administration in California requires the completion of 12 courses, each worth three credits. Health care informatics, business intelligence, financial management, health economics, health policy, and health care ethics and law are among the subjects covered in the coursework. Additionally, you will study global and population health, strategic planning, healthcare marketing, and quality improvement. You will finish a project in a healthcare facility as a capstone experience, putting your theoretical understanding of MHA to use.
University of California – San Francisco
- San Francisco , CA
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership
Modality: 100% Online
Tuition: $59720 for the complete 12-course program ($4976 per course)
Program Overview:
One of the few online MHA programs in California that allows you to complete the final capstone project at your current place of employment is this one, which offers fall and spring start times. Furthermore, the college offers three on-campus sessions and online courses, one of which is an orientation session before the program starts. You will learn about healthcare systems research, leadership, healthcare finance and economics, healthcare policy, healthcare economics, policy and decision-making, healthcare quality, and healthcare systems management from the curriculum. Along with learning about the concepts and principles of leadership and management, you also study the various facets of interprofessional healthcare administration. After completing the 36-credit program, students can work on an evidence-based interprofessional capstone project at a healthcare facility.
National University, La Jolla
- La Jolla, CA
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Modality: 100% Online or On-campus
Program Overview:
Healthcare management, healthcare informatics, quality assessment, healthcare law & ethics, health economics, public health research methodologies, healthcare leadership, and the US healthcare system are just a few topics covered in the curriculum. You will leave this program with excellent professional skills. Still, you will also have a deeper understanding of people’s abilities and the different social determinants that affect healthcare provision.
Accelerated MHA Programs in California
Students who wish to finish their graduate degree in healthcare administration more quickly than with traditional programs can enroll in accelerated MHA programs. Accelerated MHA programs could have a faster pace, a heavier course load, or a more focused and condensed curriculum.
Some of the accelerated MHA programs in California are the University of Southern California: Master of Health Administration (MHA). Full-time students can complete this program in 16 months, while part-time students will do the same in 28 months. It consists of 48 units of coursework, including 36 units of core courses and 12 units of electives. It also requires a 1,000-hour administrative residency and a capstone project.
Another accelerated program is California State University, Long Beach: Master of Science (MS) in Health Care Administration Experienced healthcare workers who want to progress into management and administrative roles are the target audience for this program. Students can complete the accelerated program in two years by combining online and in-person weekend courses offered in a predetermined course sequence.
The California State University, East Bay: Online Master of Science (MS) in Health Care Administration program equips students with the abilities and information required for career success. Students learn about new healthcare delivery models and organizational design principles. Students who want to work in leadership or management roles and who have at least a few years of work experience in the healthcare industry are the best candidates for this program. The program costs $527/unit and has a 34-degree credit requirement.
Affordable Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in California
Affordable MHA programs remove or lower the barrier of cost that prevents many people from pursuing graduate-level education. Programs with reasonable tuition rates of Some of the most affordable MHA programs in California are the California State University, Northridge: Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Health Administration: This program has a tuition rate of $8,598 per year for in-state students and $17,862 per year for out-of-state students. It also offers various scholarships, such as the Health Administration Alumni Chapter Scholarship, the Health Administration Faculty Scholarship, and the Health Administration Student Association Scholarship.
Another affordable program is the San Diego State University: Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Management and Policy: This program has a tuition rate of $9,286 per year for in-state students and $18,550 per year for out-of-state students. It also offers various financial aid options, such as the Graduate Equity Fellowship, the Graduate Student Travel Fund, and the Graduate Student Research Fund.
The third affordable program is the National University: Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): This program has a tuition rate of $15,480 annually for all students. It also offers various discounts, such as the Military Tuition Reduction, the Fast Track Scholarship, and the Alumni Tuition Reduction.
All MHA Programs in California
| University Name | Program Name | Degree | State/Location | Delivery Mode | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University at Long Beach College of Health and Human Services | Healthcare Management | MSHCA | CA | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| California State University, Long Beach College of Health and Human Services | Healthcare Management | MSHCA | CA | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| Concordia University-Irvine School of Health and Human Sciences | Healthcare Management | MHA | CA | Online Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy | Healthcare Management | MHA | CA | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Polic | Healthcare Management | MHA | CA | Hybrid Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) | Master's Degree | CA | Online | Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus and Online | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
| California State University, Northridge (CSUN) | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
| National University | Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) | Master's Degree | CA | Online | Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) |
| Loma Linda University | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
| University of San Francisco (USF) | Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) | Master's Degree | CA | Online | Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) |
| Saint Mary's College of California | Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus | Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus | Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) |
| Chapman University | Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus and Online | Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) |
| San Diego State University | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's Degree | CA | On-campus | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MHA Degree in California?
An MHA degree can open up many career opportunities for graduates who want to work in the healthcare sector in California. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 32% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $104,280 in 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $195,630. California had the highest employment level and the second-highest annual mean wage for this occupation, with 40,340 jobs and $147,830, respectively.
Some of the types of careers that graduates with an MHA degree can pursue in California are:
Hospital Administrator
Hospital administrators are in charge of managing a hospital’s staff, finances, policies, and operations. To guarantee the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of hospital services, they collaborate with medical personnel, board members, authorities, and community stakeholders. They must also deal with staff retention, patient satisfaction, budgetary restrictions, and regulatory compliance. Academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, and public or private hospitals are all possible places for hospital administrators to work.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants advise organizations on business-related topics, including strategy, performance, innovation, technology, and regulatory matters. To assist their clients in enhancing their results, operations, and profitability, they conduct data analysis, pinpoint issues, make recommendations for fixes, and implement changes. Healthcare consultants can work as independent contractors, for consulting firms, or as independent contractors.
Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare policy analysts are experts who conduct studies, assess, and impact the creation and execution of healthcare policies and initiatives at the municipal, state, or federal levels. They look at the demands, concerns, and emerging trends facing the healthcare industry and its various stakeholders, including payers, providers, patients, and regulators. In addition, they create proposals, draft laws, and push for policy modifications that can raise the standard, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services. Healthcare policy analysts may work for governmental organizations, advocacy organizations, think tanks, or educational establishments.
Health Information Manager
Health information managers are responsible for managing and protecting the data and information systems of a healthcare organization. They ensure the accuracy, security, and accessibility of health records, databases, and reports. They also comply with the laws and regulations regarding health information privacy and confidentiality. They also oversee the staff, budget, and operations of the health information department. Health information managers may work in hospitals, clinics, health departments, or insurance companies.
Healthcare Marketing Manager
The development and execution of a healthcare organization’s marketing plans and initiatives fall within the purview of healthcare marketing managers. They study consumer behaviour, conduct market research, and determine the requirements and preferences of the intended audience. Additionally, they design, produce, and distribute marketing materials like ads, websites, social media accounts, flyers, newsletters, and brochures. Additionally, they assess the impact and efficacy of the marketing initiatives and make necessary adjustments. Managers of healthcare marketing may work for pharmaceutical firms, manufacturers of medical equipment, healthcare providers, or media organizations covering health-related issues.
Healthcare Quality Manager
The job of healthcare quality managers is to guarantee and enhance the safety and quality of an organization’s healthcare procedures and services. They monitor, gauge, and assess the effectiveness, results, and contentment of patients, healthcare professionals, and employees. Additionally, they recognize, avoid, and address any problems, mistakes, or dangers that might compromise the standard and security of care. They also oversee the standards, guidelines, and practices for accreditation and quality enhancement. Any healthcare facility, including clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies, can employ healthcare quality managers.
