The CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration - Residential (MHA) program at MUSC prepares early-career students for leadership in health care management. This graduate degree combines rigorous academics with applied learning through internships, case competitions and real-world projects. Students build expertise in health policy, finance, operations, strategy and leadership while gaining the skills to manage complex health care systems. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, MUSC offers unique opportunities to learn within an academic health sciences system, positioning graduates for fellowships and health care leadership roles nationwide.
Jul 1, 2025 – Jul 15, 2026
These numbers showcase what sets MUSC’s MHA program apart: national reputation, measurable results and career impact in health care management.
As reported by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the year 2023-24.
As reported by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the year 2023-24.
As reported by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the year 2023-24.
Advance with nationally recognized faculty through hands-on coursework, internships and certifications that prepare you for leadership in health care.
The MUSC Residential Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is one of the most competitive, innovative and inclusive models in the country. Designed for aspiring leaders, the program equips students with advanced competencies in health care administration, preparing graduates to excel in today’s complex and collaborative health care landscape.
Beginning Fall 2026, students in the Residential MHA program will be required on campus only one day per week. This format blends the benefits of in-person learning — networking, mentorship and hands-on engagement — with the flexibility today’s graduate students need.
Our comprehensive curriculum builds expertise in finance, health policy, economics, management and marketing. Students also gain industry-recognized credentials, including:
Outside the classroom, students sharpen their skills through case competitions, leadership development and professional organizations such as the Association for Future Healthcare Executives (AFHE®) and the SC ACHE® Student Mentorship Program.
Through the Residential MHA, students earn far more than a degree. They build a professional portfolio that sets them apart in a competitive job market.
You’ll join a learning community representing multiple health care disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy and dentistry. Our small class sizes foster mentorship and collaboration, mirroring the teamwork essential in modern health care.
Residential students also gain practical experience through the MUSC CARES Therapy Clinic — a pro bono, student-run clinic that provides care for underinsured and uninsured members of the Charleston community.
Ranked 19th nationally by U.S. News & World Report, MUSC’s MHA program is in the top 13% of CAHME-accredited programs nationwide. Graduates consistently achieve strong outcomes:
| Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| HAP721 | Healthcare Delivery Systems | 3 |
| HAP725 | Statistical Analysis in Health | 3 |
| HAP726 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations I | 3 |
| HAP737 | Organization Theory & Behavior | 3 |
| HAP756 | Executive Skills I | 1 |
| Semester Total | 13 | |
| Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26) | ||
| HAP632 | Quality Management of Healthcare Services | 3 |
| HAP729 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations II | 3 |
| HAP730 | Healthcare Project Management | 3 |
| HAP738 | Management & Health | 3 |
| HAP744 | Decision Analytics | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26) | ||
| HAP735 | Health Law & Risk Management | 3 |
| HAP754 | Summer Internship | 10 |
| Semester Total | 13 | |
| Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25) | ||
| HAP620 | Healthcare Reimbursement Systems | 3 |
| HAP705 | Health Economics | 3 |
| HAP740 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| HAP753 | Seminar in Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| IP711 | IP Foundations & TeamSTEPPS | 1 |
| IP### | IP Concentration Course of Choice | 1 |
| Semester Total | 14 | |
| Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26) | ||
| HAP704 | Health Policy | 3 |
| HAP722 | Health Behavior & Epidemiology | 3 |
| HAP746 | Strategic Management & Marketing | 3 |
| ELEC | 1 Elective is Required | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
| Curriculum Total | 67 | |
Students are eligible to take these courses as electives in the semesters in which they are available:
Hands-on experience is a hallmark of the Residential MHA program. Every student completes a concentrated 10-week internship that bridges classroom learning with real-world health care challenges.
During the internship, students work alongside experienced health care managers in clinical or administrative settings. The scope is intentionally broad. Students gain exposure to management-level activities across operations, strategy, finance and patient services.
Each student contributes to at least two significant projects, applying theories and tools learned in the program to address real issues in health care organizations. This immersive experience not only builds confidence and leadership skills but also provides a competitive edge in the job market.
Participate in campus and online events, virtual forums, alum gatherings and attend national conferences like ACHE, fostering mentorship, networking and shared growth.
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
All applicants must:
Prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed prior to matriculation.
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.
All applicants must have completed an undergraduate accounting course and an undergraduate statistics course prior to entering the program.
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.
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
All information above must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of their application to ensure that all application materials have been submitted.
MUSC’s MHA degree program is unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.
Please contact the MHA Student Services Coordinator, Mia Bradley, at bradlmia@musc.edu should you need clarification or have any questions about your eligibility.
Explore scholarships, financial aid options and institutional resources designed to support your educational investment with confidence.
| 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.
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $8,525 | $8,525 | $8,525 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $12,828 | $12,828 | $12,828 | - |
| Program Fee | $745 | $745 | $745 | - |
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $970 | $970 | $970 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $1,694 | $1,694 | $1,694 | - |
| Part-time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - |
| Program Fee | $618 | $618 | $618 | - |
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $25,575 / $38,484 | $17,050 / $25,656 | $42,625 / $64,140 |
| Fees | $2,535 | $1,790 | $4,325 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $7,560 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $31,890 / $44,799 | $22,620 / $31,226 | $54,510 / $76,025 |
| 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 | $6,510 | $3,560 | $10,070 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $37,002 / $37,002 | $25,736 / $25,736 | $62,738 / $62,738 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $68,892 / $81,801 | $48,356 / $56,962 | $117,248 / $138,763 |
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.
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.
Our graduates consistently achieve high employment and board exam success, backed by a strong foundation in health administration principles.
Visit our CAHME program profile to learn more about the graduation rate, median time to graduation and more for our program.
Visit our CAHME program profile to learn more about post-graduation employment for our program.
Associate Professor
Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management
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.
U.S. News and World Report recently listed health services administration as one of the top growth professions and Modern Healthcare featured an entire issue on the critical need for well-prepared leaders in health administration. Our graduate placement rate is very high.
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.
MUSC's values-driven program cultivates leaders who act with integrity, lead with purpose and devise solutions that enhance community health.
The MHA - Residential program aims to prepare graduates to:
Upon completion of the MHA - Residential program, graduates will be able to:
To empower leaders who, through rigorous inquiry and ethical stewardship, transform health care systems toward improved population well-being.
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.
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
Stay connected with success stories of students, alumni and faculty driving health care forward through leadership, innovation and service.
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 for 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.
View the MHA – Residential program CAHME profile. may be viewed by clicking here.