Best Online MHA Programs in Maryland
As the healthcare system in Maryland continues to grow, more administrators are needed to keep things running smoothly. An online Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree prepares you for higher-paying roles in leadership at top institutions. Below, we’ll explore some of Maryland’s best online MHA programs and answer questions many prospective students have about the process of enrolling and paying for school.
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School Spotlights: Inside Popular Maryland MHA Programs
Given Maryland’s mix of large public health systems, government servicers, and private networks, it’s important to consider your career goals before choosing a program. Some offer unique specialization paths or opportunities to build your professional network before graduation that better prepare you for certain leadership roles.
Online MHA programs in Maryland also lean on a mix of institutional and business-focused accreditation since none hold the sought-after CAHME accreditation. Though this doesn’t discount the quality of a program, it’s important to understand what each accreditation means for your future career goals.
University of Maryland College Park
The University of Maryland’s Master of Health Administration is delivered through its School of Public Health’s Department of Health Policy and Management. This multidisciplinary program covers topics including healthcare law and ethics, financial management, health economics, and human resources.
Its 46-credit hour curriculum is delivered primarily online, though in-person attendance is required for a handful of weekend intensive days during the fall semester. Students taking a full-time courseload often complete the degree in two years, while part-time students should plan for three.
Over the past few years, the program has consistently ranked among the nation’s top online healthcare administration degrees across several independent rankings.
Duration: Two years full-time or three years part-time
Mode: Online coursework with minimal on-campus intensives
Cost: $1,120 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Demonstrated English proficiency
- Statement of purpose, personal essay questions, resume, and three letters of recommendation
Stevenson University
Built for both career changers and current healthcare professionals, Stevenson University’s Master’s in Healthcare Management is a fully online, 36-credit program with two concentration options. Students choose to specialize in either Quality Management and Patient Safety or Project Management in Healthcare. The program is accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Courses are delivered online in an accelerated eight-week format, allowing most students to complete the program in two years or less. It’s also possible to apply up to 15 transfer or prior-learning credits toward the degree, significantly shortening the timeline for those with past academic experience in healthcare.
Duration: Typically two years or less
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $699 per credit hour and no fees
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Personal statement, resume, and one letter of recommendation
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus caters to working and mid-career professionals with a tailored collection of online learning options. Its Master’s in Healthcare Administration is a fully online, 42-credit program for those looking to move into leadership positions across department management, health systems analysis, and healthcare policy.
Aside from general readiness, coursework prepares graduates for the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) certification exam. Moreover, students can stack credit from several UMGC graduate certificates into their degree path for concurrent completion.
At a typical pace of six credits per semester across fall, spring, and summer terms, most students finish in a little over two years.
Duration: Roughly two years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $555 per credit hour (MD resident); $659 per credit hour (non-MD resident); $336 per credit hour (military members)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Additional supplemental materials may be required for some applicants
FAQs About Online/Hybrid MHA Programs in Maryland
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Maryland?
Maryland has two CAHME-accredited MHA programs, but neither offers an online path for the general public right now. However, if you are a military member, the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, based in Bethesda, may be worth considering.
The state’s top online MHA programs instead carry general institutional accreditation or accreditation specific to business education through IACBE.
Before applying to any program, be sure to speak to an admissions counselor to confirm its current status since accreditation can change over time.
What are the general admissions requirements for Maryland MHA programs?
A GPA around 3.0 and a bachelor’s degree are the most common requirements. However, some MHA programs in Oklahoma also require applicants to have a few years of professional experience in healthcare under their belt. Others are more flexible, welcoming applicants straight from undergraduate school or non-healthcare backgrounds.
In addition, expect to complete a packet containing some form of personal statement or essay, official transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Is financial aid available for MHA programs in Maryland?
Yes. Starting at the federal level with Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans is the smartest plan, since these can be used to pay for almost any MHA program.
Maryland residents have access to financial aid through the state chapter of HIMSS, which awards $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing careers in Health Information and Management Systems.
Employer tuition assistance also shouldn’t be overlooked. Most MHA students come to the degree having already been employed in the healthcare sector for some time. Large healthcare systems and private-sector companies often offer direct tuition payments or reimbursement as a benefit, which can be put toward the cost of your MHA program.
How long do MHA programs in Maryland take to complete?
In line with national averages, most full-time students in Maryland can complete their MHA in about two years. Some programs offer flexibility to stretch that timeline to three years or more with part-time coursework, while others make it possible to finish in as little as one year with transfer credits or accelerated semesters.
Be aware that programs with required on-campus days often schedule those only once per year.
Is it worth pursuing an MHA in Maryland?
Yes, for most students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers is nearly $118,000 and employment is projected to grow by 23% by 2034.
Maryland’s healthcare administrator demand comes from a mix of both major hospital systems and academic institutions as well as a substantial federal health presence. This means MHA graduates have plenty of options when it comes to searching for a future employer. It’s possible to find jobs in traditional hospital administration, federal health agency leadership, and everything in between.
How Much Will I Earn with an MHA in Maryland?
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $77,560 | $131,810 | $242,610 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $69,720 | $124,990 | $224,520 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $75,670 | $117,750 | $200,710 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $79,910 | $123,670 | $228,250 |
| Salisbury, MD | $73,490 | $120,890 | $228,740 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
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