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Master in Health Administration - Executive

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Program Overview

 The Master of Health Administration – Executive (MHA) is an online graduate degree designed for experienced health care professionals seeking to advance their leadership careers. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), this flexible, career-focused program combines rigorous academics with applied projects, case studies, and interactive learning tailored to working professionals. Students deepen expertise in health care policy, finance, operations, strategy, and leadership while developing the skills to guide complex health care organizations and having access to expert faculty, professional networks, and career advancement opportunities as a part of MUSC’s academic health sciences system.

Application Timeline

Jul 1, 2024 – Jul 15, 2025

Learning Experience

Experience a student-first, world-class online Executive MHA with health care case studies, interactive projects, and collaboration designed for working professionals.

About the Program

The MUSC Executive Master of Health Administration (MHA) is among the most competitive, innovative, and inclusive programs in the country. Delivered fully online, this program equips students with advanced skills in health care leadership and administration, preparing them to excel in a rapidly changing health care environment. 

More Than a Degree 

Our curriculum goes beyond traditional coursework in finance, policy, economics, management, and marketing. Students also earn industry-recognized credentials that set them apart: 

  • Lean Six Sigma Training 
  • Telehealth Certificate & Digital Badge
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) 

Professional development opportunities, national case competitions, and student mentorship through the Association for Future Healthcare Executives (AFHE) and the SC ACHE Student Mentorship Program provide practical experience and networking that give our graduates a competitive edge. 

Interprofessional & Collaborative 

You’ll learn in an interprofessional environment that mirrors the realities of modern health care. Students and faculty come from varied health care backgrounds, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and more, fostering teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to lead across disciplines. Our small class sizes ensure personalized support and strong faculty mentorship throughout your studies. 

Nationally Ranked & Career-Ready 

The MUSC MHA program is in the top 13% of CAHME-accredited programs nationwide. Graduates see outstanding results: 

  • 90% employed in health care within three months of graduation 
  • Access to a powerful alumni and professional network 
  • Preparation for high-demand leadership roles in hospitals, health systems, consulting firms, and beyond 

Why Choose MUSC’s Online MHA? 

  • 100% online format—built for working professionals nationwide 
  • Prestigious national ranking and accreditation 
  • Industry-aligned certifications integrated into the curriculum 
  • Strong outcomes and career connections 

Earn more than a degree—gain the leadership skills, professional credentials, and collaborative mindset to shape the future of health care.

Curriculum

Full-time

Year 1, Summer A (5/1/25-8/14/25)
HAP726 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I 3
HAP721 Health Care Delivery Systems 3
HAP737 Organization Theory and 3
Semester Total9
Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP725 Statistical Analysis in Health 3
HAP738 Management & Health 3
HAP729 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II 3
Semester Total9
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP744 Decision Analytics 3
HAP735 Health Law & Risk Management 3
HAP704 Health Policy 3
Semester Total9
Year 2, Summer A (5/1/25-8/14/25)
HAP620 Healthcare Reimbursement Systems 3
HAP632 Quality Management of Health Care Services 3
HAP730 Healthcare Project Management 3
Semester Total9
Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP753 Seminar in Ethical Leadership 3
HAP740 Human Resource Management 3
HAP705 Health Economics 3
Semester Total9
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP722 Health Behavior & Epidemiology 3
HAP746 Strategic Management & Marketing 3
ELEC 1 Elective is Required 3
Semester Total9
Curriculum Total54

Part-Time

Year 1, Summer A (5/1/25-8/14/25)
HAP721 Health Care Delivery Systems 3
HAP737 Organization Theory and 3
Semester Total6
Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP725 Statistical Analysis in Health 3
HAP740 Human Resource Management 3
Semester Total6
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP744 Decision Analytics 3
HAP735 Health Law and Risk Management 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Summer A (5/1/25-8/14/25)
HAP726 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I 3
HAP730 Healthcare Project Management 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP705 Health Economics 3
HAP729 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP704 Health Policy 3
ELEC 1 Elective is Required 3
Semester Total6
Year 3, Summer A (5/1/25-8/14/25)
HAP620 Healthcare Reimbursement Systems 3
HAP632 Quality Management of Health Care Services 3
Semester Total6
Year 3, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP753 Seminar in Ethical Leadership 3
HAP738 Management and Health 3
Semester Total6
Year 3, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP722 Health Behavior and Epidemiology 3
HAP746 Strategic Management & Marketing 3
Semester Total6
Curriculum Total54

Flex

Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP740 Human Resource Management 3
HAP725 Statistical Analysis in Health 3
Semester Total6
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP744 Decision Analytics 3
HAP735 Health Law and Risk Management 3
Semester Total6
Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)
HAP726 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I 3
HAP721 Health Care Delivery Systems 3
HAP737 Organization Theory 3
Semester Total9
Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP705 Health Economics 3
HAP729 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP704 Health Policy 3
ELEC 1 Elective is required 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)
HAP620 Healthcare Reimbursement Systems 3
HAP632 Quality Management of Health Care Services 3
HAP730 Healthcare Project Management 3
Semester Total9
Year 3, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP738 Management and Health 3
HAP753 Seminar in Ethical Leadership 3
Semester Total6
Year 3, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP722 Health Behavior and Epidemiology 3
HAP746 Strategic Management & Marketing 3
Semester Total6
Curriculum Total54

Accelerated Pathway

This track is for qualified graduates of the MUSC Bachelor of Healthcare Studies.

Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP735 Health Law and Risk Management 3
HAP738 Management and Health 3
HAP744 Decision Analytics 3
Semester Total9
Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)
HAP726 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I 3
HAP632 Quality Management of Health Care Services 3
HAP620 Healthcare Reimbursement Systems 3
Semester Total9
Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP729 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II 3
HAP705 Health Economics 3
HAP740 Human Resource Management 3
HAP753 Seminar in Ethical Leadership 3
Semester Total12
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP746 Strategic Management & Marketing 3
HAP704 Health Policy 3
HAP730 Healthcare Project Management 3
Semester Total9
Curriculum Total39

Physician/Clinical Advanced Standing

This track allows physicians, or clinicians with doctoral degrees to be admitted to the MHA - Executive program with advanced standing eligible to complete the degree in 45 credit hours.

Full-time
Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP740 Human Resource Management 3
HAP705 Health Economics 3
DHA802 Healthcare Leadership 3
Semester Total9
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP735 Health Law and Risk Management 3
HAP744 Decision Analytics 3
HAP704 Health Policy 3
Semester Total9
Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)
HAP726 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I 3
HAP620 Healthcare Reimbursement Systems 3
HAP632 / HAP730 / HAP721 Quality Management of Health Care Services, or Healthcare Project Management, or Health Care Delivery Systems 3
Semester Total9
Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP729 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II 3
DHA812 Evidence Based Decision Making 3
HAP753 Seminar in Ethical Leadership 3
Semester Total9
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP746 Strategic Management & Marketing 3
HAP738 Management and Health 3
ELEC Elective course 3
Semester Total9
Curriculum Total45
Part-time
Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP740 Human Resource Management 3
DHA802 Healthcare Leadership 3
Semester Total6
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP735 Health Law and Risk Management 3
HAP744 Decision Analytics 3
Semester Total6
Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)
HAP726 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I 3
HAP620 Healthcare Reimbursement Systems 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP729 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II 3
DHA812 Evidence-based Decision Making 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP738 Management and Health 3
ELEC Elective course 3
Semester Total6
Year 2, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)
HAP632HAP730HAP721 Quality Management of Health Care Services, Healthcare Project Management, or Health Care Delivery Systems 3
Semester Total3
Year 3, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)
HAP753 Seminar in Ethical Leadership 3
HAP705 Health Economics 3
Semester Total6
Year 3, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)
HAP704 Health Policy 3
HAP746 Strategic Management & Marketing 3
Semester Total6
Curriculum Total45

Approved Electives

Students are eligible to take these courses as electives in the semesters in which they are available:

  • HAP635, The Language of Medicine, 1 credit hour
  • HAP743, Managing Across Continuum Care, 3 credit hours
  • HIN706, Systems Analysis and Design, 3 credit hours

Engage with Our Community

Participate in online events, virtual forums, alum gatherings, and attend national conferences like ACHE fostering mentorship, networking, and shared growth.

CHP Staff

Doctor of Health Administration Virtual Info Session

  • calendar_today Tuesday, Dec. 2
CHP Staff

Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Virtual Info Session

  • calendar_today Wednesday, Dec. 3
CHP Staff

Hybrid Doctor of Physical (Hybrid DPT) On- Campus Info Session

  • calendar_today Thursday, Dec. 4

Your Path to Admission

Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
  • Have obtained at least one year of health care experience.
  • Demonstrate a strong overall academic record with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in coursework relevant to the proposed area of graduate study. Applicants with a GPA below a 3.0 are still encouraged to apply and may be asked to provide additional materials, such as letters of recommendation, or to participate in admissions interviews, to gauge their potential for success.
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Minimum Abilities

At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. You can view the full list of minimum abilities by visiting the Minimum Abilities page.

Prerequisites

All applicants must have completed an undergraduate accounting course and an undergraduate statistics course prior to entering the program.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it’s essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program’s requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

  • Submit the MUSC application.
  • Submit all supplemental materials, if not included within the application.
  • Once all materials have been received and verified, your application will be reviewed. Applicants are typically notified of their application evaluation and admissions decision within two to four weeks after all application materials have been received.

The MHA Faculty Admissions Committee reviews all student applications. Admissions decisions are holistic and based on the student's grade point average (GPA), personal statement and three references.

Application Requirements

  1. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application, which may be accessed by clicking here.
  2. Supplemental Materials: Applicants will need to submit the following supplemental materials.
    1. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
    2. Letters of recommendation: While references are not required at the time of application, applicants may be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three profess

International Applicants

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants.

Why MUSC was the Right Choice 

Executive MHA students choose MUSC for unmatched academic support, personalized advising, and a collaborative learning community built on health care excellence.

How MUSC MHA Mentorship Propelled Alumni Success
Explore the MUSC College of Health Professions

Funding your Path Forward

Explore tailored support options, including tuition guidance, scholarship opportunities, and financial planning resources, to help you invest in your leadership future.

Tuition

Fee Type Fee
Application Fee (per application) $100
Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) $500

Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.

Full-time

Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual
In-state Tuition $8,525 $8,525 $8,525 -
Out-of-state Tuition $9,682 $9,682 $9,682 -
Program Fee $695 $695 $695 -

Flex

Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual
In-state Tuition $6,302 $6,302 $6,302 -
Out-of-state Tuition $7,160 $7,160 $7,160 -
Program Fee $695 $695 $695 -

Part-time

Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual
In-state Tuition (per credit hour) $865 $865 $865 -
Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) $983 $983 $983 -
Part-time Student Fee $861 $861 $861 -
Program Fee $680 $680 $680 -

Cost of Attendance

Full-time

Item Year 1 Year 2 Est. Total
Direct Costs
Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state $25,575 / $29,046 $25,575 / $29,046 $51,150 / $58,092
Fees $2,085 $2,085 $4,170
Health Insurance $4,591 $3,780 $8,371
Direct Costs Subtotal $32,251 / $35,772 $31,440 / $34,911 $63,691 / $70,633
Indirect Costs
Housing/Food $24,882 $24,882 $49,764
Personal $2,640 $2,640 $5,280
Transportation $2,970 $2,970 $5,940
Books/Required Expenses $6,060 $3,560 $9,620
Indirect Costs Subtotal $36,552 / $36,552 $34,052 / $34,052 $70,604 / $70,604
Total – In-state/Out-of-state $68,803 / $72,274 $65,492 / $68,963 $134,295 / $141,237

Part-time

Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Est. Total
Direct Costs
Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state $15,570 / $17,694 $15,570 / $17,694 $15,570 / $17,694 $46,710 / $53,082
Fees $4,623 $4,623 $4,623 $13,869
Health Insurance $3,780 $3,780 $3,780 $11,340
Direct Costs Subtotal $24,784 / $26,908 $24,882 / $24,882 $24,882 / $24,882 $71,919 / $78,291
Indirect Costs
Housing/Food $24,882 $24,882 $24,882 $74,646
Personal $2,640 $2,640 $2,640 $7,920
Transportation $2,970 $2,970 $2,970 $8,910
Books/Required Expenses $6,060 $3,560 $3,560 $13,180
Indirect Costs Subtotal $36,552 / $36,552 $34,052 / $34,052 $34,052 / $34,052 $104,656 / $104,656
Total – In-state/Out-of-state $61,336 / $63,460 $53,025 / $60,149 $53,025 / $60,149 $176,575 / $182,947

Advanced Standing

Item Year 2 Year 3 Est. Total
Direct Costs
Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state $15,570 / $17,694 $10,380 / $11,796 $25,950 / $29,490
Fees $4,623 $3,082 $7,705
Health Insurance $3,780 $3,780 $7,560
Direct Costs Subtotal $23,973 / $26,097 $17,242 / $18,658 $41,215 / $44,755
Indirect Costs
Housing/Food $24,882 $18,096 $42,978
Personal $2,640 $1,920 $4,560
Transportation $2,970 $2,160 $5,130
Books/Required Expenses $3,060 $2,660 $5,720
Indirect Costs Subtotal $33,552 / $33,552 $24,836 / $24,836 $58,388 / $58,388
Total – In-state/Out-of-state $57,525 / $59,649 $42,078 / $43,394 $99,603 / $103,143

 

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees.

If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

Program Faculty

Cory Robinson, Ph.D., MHA, PMP, FACHE

Chief Administrative Officer, MUSC Health
Assistant Professor, College of Health Professions

Jami Jones, MHA, Ph.D.

Professor, MUSC College of Health Professions
Chair, Department of Healthcare Leadership & Management

Eric Richardson, Ph.D., MBA, MPH, PHR, SHRM-CP, CHHR

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the manner in which the curriculum is delivered and that the Executive MHA students are not required to do an internship since they are already working in health care.

  • Qualified and dedicated faculty and staff: The faculty are excellent teachers, current in their fields and recognized for delivering a high-quality educational experience.
  • Ideal class size: Students get to know the faculty, classmates and practitioners well and benefit from small group discussion and experiential learning in health care facilities.
  • Solid curriculum: The MHA curriculum provides a strong educational background in health care management through its core curriculum and encourages students to work interprofessionally with other students on campus, on case competitions and on service-learning projects.
  • Internet: Online tools are used to facilitate communication between class sessions and provide students with access to up-to-date, relevant material.

MHA students have varied backgrounds. The department believes these varied backgrounds enrich the learning experience and creates an environment in which students can challenge each other with new ideas and approaches.

Students are surrounded by health care professionals and are able to gain exposure to real world issues and situations. They frequently have occasion to work as part of interdisciplinary teams, which is similar to what students will experience in the work environment.

Students are eligible to apply for financial aid through the MUSC Office of Financial Aid. Online financial aid information at financial aid.

The MHA Faculty Admissions Committee reviews all student applications. Admissions decisions are holistic and are based on the student's grade point average (GPA), personal statement and three references.

U.S. News and World Report recently listed health services administration as one of the top growth professions and modern health care featured an entire issue on the critical need for well-prepared leaders in health administration. Our graduate placement rate is very high.

Living in Charleston

Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.

Discover Charleston

Guided by Purpose and Principles

MUSC's values-driven program cultivates leaders who act with integrity, lead with purpose and devise solutions that enhance community health.

Objectives

The following objectives are crucial to ensure quality and alignment with industry-standard best practices and serve as a strong foundation in providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to excel in health care leadership roles while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and quality.

  • Develop impactful and emotionally intelligent leaders to assume a variety of roles in the quickly evolving health care space.
  • Leverage data to apply innovative solutions to real-world complex health care issues needed to achieve tangible and sustainable results related to costs, quality, and access.
  • Prepare health care professionals who can effectively apply classroom learning to real-world industry scenarios.
  • Support students in their professional growth through the provision of internship opportunities, networking events, and other career development occasions.

Vision

To empower leaders who, through rigorous inquiry and ethical stewardship, transform health care systems toward improved population well-being.

Mission

To improve the management of the health care delivery system by educating current and future health care leaders in an interprofessional environment, engaging in excellence in scholarly activities, and providing service to the university, the region, and the professional community.

The program serves the citizens of South Carolina and beyond in meeting health care management needs by preparing students for careers in health care management and leadership positions in health services organizations.

The Executive MHA program develops working health care professionals by providing the needed knowledge and skills for advancement in the health care industry. Classes are offered in a format conducive for the working student, including using weekend offerings and distance education technologies.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

  • Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
  • Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
  • Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
  • Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
  • Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.

Stories Worth Sharing

Stay connected with success stories of students, alumni and faculty driving health care forward through leadership, innovation and service.

Accreditation & Recognition

Earn a nationally recognized CAHME-accredited MHA, giving you the credibility and preparation to lead in health care administration with confidence.

The Master in Health Administration - Residential program at the Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which is the only organization recognized to grant accreditation to individual academic programs offering a professional master’s degree in health care management education by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAHME accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds established standards for a professional program leading to the Master in Health Administration (MHA) degree.

The MHA – Residential program CAHME profile may be viewed by clicking here.