Compared to other states, the current healthcare standing in Georgia is troubling. On national rankings, it has been touted as one of the worst states for healthcare.
One of the reasons for this could be that the state has a high poverty level of 13.3%, and because people are struggling to afford insurance, they have the third highest number of uninsured people in the nation.
Primary care physicians and mental health professionals are in especially short supply, leaving people with fewer options for preventative healthcare and behavioral health.
Infant and maternal death is also an issue, with more occurrences than in other states. Obstetrics and neonatal/infant care are areas of improvement the state should focus on.
Georgia has its sights set on improving these and other aspects of its healthcare, and there is no better way to assist their efforts than by earning a Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree.
Continue below to learn more about Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs in Georgia.
MHA Programs in Georgia
There are 14+ Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs currently available in Georgia. There are options for both regular MHA degrees and MHA/MBA dual degrees, as well as Master in Public Health Programs among others.
More of Georgia’s degree programs are conducted on-campus than online. Furthermore, many schools offer different health administration-focused programs, so you can choose the one that best fits your goals.
Let’s take a look at some of the on-campus offerings.
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Credit Hours: 45
Modality: On campus in Athens, GA
Tuition: $26,280 for Georgia residents living on campus
Program Overview:
The Master of Healthcare Administration program at the University of Georgia is designed to help those early into their healthcare management career develop the skills for a prosperous role in various healthcare settings. Courses include Healthcare Economics and Strategic Management in Healthcare Organizations. The program requires an internship in the summer and culminates in a capstone project.
Clayton State University
- Morrow, GA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Health Administration
Credit Hours: 45
Modality: On campus
Tuition: $3,252 per 12 credits
Program Overview:
The Master of Health Administration program at Clayton Stae University is structured for those new to healthcare administration and those in their careers who desire more knowledge and experience. With courses like Human Resources Management and Healthcare Policy, students will be prepared for multiple leadership positions in healthcare. The program requires an internship and students can choose between a thesis or a project to complete their studies.
Augusta University
- Augusta, GA
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Public Health (concentration in Health Management)
Credit Hours: 45
Modality: Hybrid (90% online, 10% on campus in Augusta, GA)
Tuition: $5,160 for 12 or more credit hours per semester in-state
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Health program with a concentration in Health Management at Augusta University has courses like Health Information Systems Analytics and Project Management, and Health Decision Support Systems to set up healthcare professionals for success in navigating an increasingly complex healthcare industry. It culminates with an internship and thesis project. There is also a concentration in Health Informatics.
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- Campus
Program:
MPH in Healthcare Management
Credit Hours: 42
Modality: On-campus
Tuition: $20,000 per semester
Program Overview:
In the MPH in Healthcare Management program at Emory University, students gain skills in areas like human resources and operations management to prepare them to be healthcare leaders. They must complete 200-400 hours of applied practice experience and an integrative learning experience to graduate. There is both a non-accelerated 4-semester track and an accelerated track for this program.
Emory University offers other courses as well to suit the needs of different students.
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- Campus
Program:
MPH in Health Policy
Credit Hours: 42
Modality: On-campus
Tuition: $20,000 per semester
Program Overview:
The MPH in Health Policy program helps students understand how legal matters such as federal and state regulations impact the delivery of care as the industry as a whole. Students choose a specific area of policy to concentrate on such as vulnerable populations while taking general health courses. An applied practice and integrative learning experience are both required for the program.
CAHME Accredited MHA Programs In Georgia
Georgia has three CAHME-accredited MHA programs and one other currently a CAHME candidate.
CAHME or the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education vetting is sought after by schools because it proves that their program creates competent healthcare leaders.
Accreditation is a lengthy process for schools involved and they must undergo a yearly review to keep their status. Here is more information on the CAHME-accredited/ candidate programs in Georgia.
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Health Administration
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Credit Hours: 52
Modality: On-campus at Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Tuition: $10.510 for 12 credits a semester on campus for residents
Program Overview:
The Master of Healthcare Administration program at Georgia Southern University is built to prepare students at any stage in their career to excel in healthcare management across facilities. Coursework includes Quality Management and Healthcare Politics and Policy. To complete their studies, students must do an internship, a capstone or residency, and a practicum.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- Campus
Program:
Health Administration, M.S.
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Credit Hours: 30
Modality: On campus in Atlanta, GA
Tuition: $41, 100 for Georgia residents
Program Overview:
The Health Administration, MS program at Georgia State University prepares students to have the proper foundation in health administration while combining it with specialized knowledge in areas like health informatics. Students can do hands-on work that showcases what they learned, network and interact with industry professionals, and more. If desired, there is a dual MHA/MBA option available.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- Campus
Program:
MBA/Master of Health Administration
Accreditation: CAHME-accredited
Credit Hours: 52
Modality: On campus in Atlanta, GA
Tuition: $15, 519 per year for residents
Program Overview:
The MBA. Master of Health Administration program at Georgia State University teaches students both business and healthcare industry knowledge while preparing them to lead. The program takes 24-36 months and includes courses like Innovation and Change Management and Organizational Performance and Quality. Hands-on projects and meetings with industry executives are also included in the curriculum.
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Accreditation: CAHME candidate
Credit Hours: 54
Modality: On campus in Athens, GA
Tuition: $26,280 for a Georgia resident on campus
Program Overview:
The Master of Healthcare Administration program at the University of Georgia prepares students to become healthcare leaders by teaching practical knowledge, and technical skills, and providing hands-on learning opportunities. Coursework includes Healthcare Emergency Management and Fundamentals in Healthcare Accounting. The program is a CAHME candidate meaning they are going through the process of becoming accredited.
Online MHA Programs in Georgia
Most of Georgia’s MHA programs take place on campus, but some schools offer an online option for the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an internet-connected device.
Online programs give working professionals the flexibility to continue their education. It also gives those without access to reliable transportation a way to learn.
South University offers both online and on-campus programs. Here is the information about the online options.
South University
- Savannah, GA
- Online
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Credit Hours: 48
Modality: Online
Tuition: $669 per quarter credit hour
Program Overview:
The Master of Healthcare Administration program at South University prepares students for careers in healthcare management by teaching them about competencies in the fields of both healthcare and business management. Throughout the program, students will understand how the law has impacted healthcare and the challenges managers face as the industry continuously evolves.
South University
- Savannah, GA
- Online
Program:
Master of Business Administration in Healthcare
Credit Hours: 48
Modality: Online
Tuition: $669 per quarter credit hour
Program Overview:
The Master of Business Administration in Healthcare program at South University strives to develop students into well-rounded future leaders in the healthcare industry. With courses like Healthcare Structure, Organization, and Governance and Regulation and Policy in Healthcare, graduates will know how to navigate their roles with expertise and awareness.
Online programs offered at different schools include the following
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- Online
Program:
Master of Public Health
Credit Hours: 42
Modality: Online
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Health Program at Georgia Southern University trains students to become leaders in public health, focusing on education and advocacy. They can choose a concentration in Applied Public Health or Public Health Informatics depending on what best aligns with their goals following graduation. A practicum or hands-on experience is required in the last semester.
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- Online
Program:
MPH, Public Health
Credit Hours: 44
Modality: Online
Tuition: $29.920
Program Overview:
The online MPH In Public Health Program at the Unversity of Georgia gives students the training they need to be able to respond to issues affecting state, national, and global public health. Coursework includes subjects like epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy and management. Students must also complete an internship.
University of North Georgia
- Dahlonega, GA
- Online
Program:
Human Services Delivery and Administration (M.S)
Credit Hours: 33
Modality: Fully Online
Tuition: $6,438 for 33 credits in state
Program Overview:
The Human Services Delivery and Administration Program (M.S) at the University of North Georgia prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings or settings where healthcare services are provided, These include group homes for the developmentally disabled and mental health facilities. This degree takes 2 years to complete and can be done on campus.
No GRE Required MHA Programs in Georgia
The GRE or Graduate Record Exam is the college-level equivalent of the SAT/ACT and many colleges ask for scores as part of their admissions requirement for incoming students.
However, seven programs in Georgia waive this requirement for students. They are the University of Georgia, South University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, Emory University, and Augusta University.
Removing the GRE as an admissions requirement makes college accessible to more people. The test costs over $200, and students must pay for the retake.
Accelerated MHA Programs in Georgia
Accelerated programs are, as the name implies, faster than the average graduate program. They allow students to earn their desired degree in less time so that they can start applying their knowledge more readily.
There is currently only one accelerated MHA program in Georgia, which is the 12-month accelerated track for the MPH in Healthcare Management at Emory University.
Technically, any program can be adjusted so you can graduate faster if you opt to take more courses per semester.
However, when a program is designed in an accelerated format you can graduate early without incurring extra costs.
Affordable MHA Programs in Georgia
There are 3 affordable MHA programs in Georgia. When a program is affordable it offers lower tuition rates than other schools across the state.
The Master of Health Administration Program at Georgia Southern University is one of the most affordable in the state at $10,510 for a 12-credit semester on campus.
South University’s programs are also considered affordable because the total tuition for both MHA programs is only a little over $34,000 for the entire program.
Most master’s level programs have tuition rates of $50,000 or more.
All MHA Programs in Georgia
| University Name | Program Name | Degree | State/Location | Delivery Mode | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southern University Don and Cindy Waters College of Health Professions | Healthcare Management | MHA | GA | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| Georgia State University Robinson College of Business | Healthcare Management | MHA, MBA, MBA/MHA | GA | Residential Non-Executive Part-Time | Healthcare Management |
| University of Georgia College of Public Health | Candidate | MHA | GA | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Candidate |
| Augusta University | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's | GA | Hybrid | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
| Georgia State University | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's | GA | Hybrid | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
| Kennesaw State University | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's | GA | Hybrid | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
| University of Georgia | Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Master's | GA | Hybrid | Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MHA Degree in Georgia?
The state of Georgia is struggling with many different specialties in the healthcare field. Those with an MHA degree are needed to help rebuild the workforce and make sure that employees are retained to provide the best possible care. A state can only function as well as its leaders in any capacity including healthcare.
If you live in Georgia, there is no better time to pursue an MHA. Here are some of the career paths that it can take you along based on current industry needs in the state. Note that some of these careers may require additional training depending on responsibilities or the needs of a specific facility.
Behavioral Health Program Manager
Behavioral health program managers are responsible for overseeing the entire operation of behavioral or mental health programs in hospitals, clinics, and community health facilities. They also keep track of how well their program is performing against federal and state standards and make changes accordingly. The hiring and firing of staff for the program is placed in their hands along with contracting with other behavioral health businesses to provide new services.
Primary Care Clinic Manager
These professionals oversee the daily operations of primary care clinics, where patients go for their annual checkups and to get referrals for specialist care. They must make sure they are conducting business within the proposed budget for the year, hold staff meetings to discuss performance and policy changes, and use feedback from patients to improve services. Without primary care clinic managers, facilities could not operate to provide the necessary care which is the gateway to receiving assistance or more complicated health issues.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Manager
Managers of hospital wards like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit have both an MHA and an RN degree because many of them provide patient care while handling the business side. The right manager will ensure that problem areas of the unit like frequent neonatal death are dealt with and improved through increased staff training. Unit managers must also maintain rigorously updated medical record systems, and provide support to the families of sick patients.
Obstetrics and Gynecology office manager
The manager of an Obstetrics and Gynecology office is responsible for making sure that expectant mothers receive the best care through the hiring of competent staff providing proper Staffing for the office, keeping care up to date with the latest standards in the field, and frequently checking in with patients to see how their care is going throughout their pregnancy. The manager of an Obstetrics and Gynecology office plays just as much of a part in reducing maternal death as the medical staff does. Without a caring and educated manager, the staff would not perform to the best of their ability and the quality of care would be decreased.
Community Health Educators
Health educators provide education to public communities regarding various topics relating to personal health. They are responsible for planning their presentations, reaching out to local organizations to schedule them, and presenting information to their audience in a digestible way. proper health education can prevent a wide variety of health problems, and can ultimately decrease issues such as poor infant health or lack of participation in primary care. Community Health educators can also provide courses relating to Mental Health problems and strategies to improve them.
Maternal Health Specialists
Maternal health specialists s are in charge of making sure mothers have everything they need to welcome a new baby. They perform home visits or conduct intake surveys in the office to make sure new moms are enrolled in programs that can provide them benefits such as the Healthy Start program. They also educate mothers as needed to make sure they stay healthy throughout pregnancy and postpartum. This includes making them aware of the risks associated with their pregnancy and what they can do to lessen them.
