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Master in Health Administration - Residential

book_2 Learning Mode: Residential

Program Overview

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.

Application Timeline

Jul 1, 2025 – Jul 15, 2026

Success you can measure

These numbers showcase what sets MUSC’s MHA program apart: national reputation, measurable results and career impact in health care management.

Ranked #16 Health Care Management Program – U.S. News & World Report
100% post-graduation employment rate

As reported by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the year 2023-24.

100% retention rate

As reported by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the year 2023-24.

100% of graduates would choose MUSC's MHA program again

As reported by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) for the year 2023-24.

Learning Experience

Advance with nationally recognized faculty through hands-on coursework, internships and certifications that prepare you for leadership in health care.

About the Program

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.

A Flexible In-Person Experience

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.

More Than a Degree

Our comprehensive curriculum builds expertise in finance, health policy, economics, management and marketing. Students also gain industry-recognized credentials, including:

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

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.

Interprofessional & Hands-On

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.

Nationally Ranked & Career Ready

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:

  • 90% employed in health care within three months of graduation.
  • Prepared for leadership roles in health systems, consulting firms and beyond.
  • Competitive salaries and advancement opportunities from day one.

Curriculum

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

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

Experiential Learning

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.

Engage with our community

Participate in campus and 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.
  • 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

Prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed prior to matriculation.

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.

  1. Submit the MUSC application.
  2. Submit all supplemental materials, if not included within the application.
  3. 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 applications materials have been received.

Application Requirements

  1. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application
  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 professional references who can comment on the applicant’s professional background, academic capabilities and motivation. Personal references will not be accepted, and recommendation forms will be sent electronically for completion.

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.

International Applicants

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.

Funding your path forward

Explore scholarships, financial aid options and institutional resources designed to support your educational investment with confidence.

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 $12,828 $12,828 $12,828 -
Program Fee $745 $745 $745 -

Part-time

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 -

Cost of Attendance

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.

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 Outcomes

Our graduates consistently achieve high employment and board exam success, backed by a strong foundation in health administration principles.

Graduation Rates

Visit our CAHME program profile to learn more about the graduation rate, median time to graduation and more for our program.

Employment Rates

Visit our CAHME program profile to learn more about post-graduation employment for our program.

Program Faculty

Jami Jones, MHA, Ph.D.

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

Elinor Cecile Gray Borgert, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Dunc Williams, MHA, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
MUSC College of Health Professions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

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.

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 & Principles

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

Objectives

The MHA - Residential program aims to prepare graduates to:

  • Demonstrate advanced leadership capacity to guide complex health organizations while integrating evidence-based decision-making to promote organizational effectiveness.
  • Apply scholarly inquiry and analytical reasoning to evaluate, design and implement strategies that address evolving challenges in health administration.
  • Foster collaboration across disciplines and sectors to strengthen organizational performance and contribute to the advancement of the health administration profession.
  • Commit to ongoing professional development and civic engagement to balance career advancement with contributing to the health needs of various communities.

Competencies

Upon completion of the MHA - Residential program, graduates will be able to:

  • Build collaborative relationships
  • Prepare business communications and write effectively
  • Demonstrate effective oral communication and presentation skills
  • Create, participate in and lead teams
  • Hold self and others accountable for organizational goal attainment
  • Promote and manage change effectively
  • Conduct self-assessments
  • Understand broad system connections, including identifying potential impacts and consequences of decisions in a wide variety of situations
  • Adhere to ethical business principles; exhibit ethical behaviors
  • Participate in community service; balance professional and personal pursuits
  • Participate in professional association meetings; engage in career planning; engage in independent learning; seek expert consultation when needed; search literature to identify innovations

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.

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

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.