Home Online Schools Healthcare Administration Degrees Master’s MHA Programs Alabama

Why Trust EduMed?

250+ expert nursing & allied health contributors

500+ college & university connections

2,000+ users matched to programs monthly

Meet Our Team Editorial Values

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Black and white close-up photo of a woman smiling softly at the camera, with long dark hair and geometric earrings. Leafy patterned background partially visible on the right.
Author: Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN
Black and white close-up photo of a woman smiling softly at the camera, with long dark hair and geometric earrings. Leafy patterned background partially visible on the right.
Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN Arrow up right
Charmaine Robinson has been a nurse for over 10 years. She has a background in medical-surgical nursing and nursing instruction. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino. Her combined years of nursing experience, education, and writing skills guided her into the field of nurse writing. Charmaine has authored dozens of articles, career guides, courses, and clinical training material for nurses, nursing students, and allied health professionals.
Areas of Expertise
Check Nursing Nursing Ed.
NursingNursing Ed.
Editor: Jordan Cosselman
A person with curly dark hair, glasses, and a green corduroy jacket stands with arms crossed in front of a textured reddish-brown stone wall.
Jordan Cosselman Arrow up right
Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Online Learning
Healthcare EducationOnline Learning

Keep Learning

Best Online Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in Alabama

Alabama's online BHA programs are largely housed...

Part-Time Online MHA Programs: Find Flexible, Convenient Learning Options

Part-time online MHA programs let you keep...

Low-Cost Online MHA Programs to Help You Save

Compare affordable online MHA programs, review...

Best Online MHA Programs in Alabama

A master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) can prepare you for advanced leadership opportunities, such as chief operating officer or senior executive, at some of Alabama’s top healthcare organizations. And you can complete your education in the comfort of your own home in as little as 18 months. To get started, read our guide to the best online MHA programs in Alabama.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Black and white close-up photo of a woman smiling softly at the camera, with long dark hair and geometric earrings. Leafy patterned background partially visible on the right.
Author: Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN
Black and white close-up photo of a woman smiling softly at the camera, with long dark hair and geometric earrings. Leafy patterned background partially visible on the right.
Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN Arrow up right
Charmaine Robinson has been a nurse for over 10 years. She has a background in medical-surgical nursing and nursing instruction. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino. Her combined years of nursing experience, education, and writing skills guided her into the field of nurse writing. Charmaine has authored dozens of articles, career guides, courses, and clinical training material for nurses, nursing students, and allied health professionals.
Areas of Expertise
Check Nursing Nursing Ed.
NursingNursing Ed.
Editor: Jordan Cosselman
A person with curly dark hair, glasses, and a green corduroy jacket stands with arms crossed in front of a textured reddish-brown stone wall.
Jordan Cosselman Arrow up right
Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Online Learning
Healthcare EducationOnline Learning

Jump To Section

Jump ToSection:

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

  1. Choose your degree
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites

Use our 4-step matching tool to find top schools in your field. Review options and connect with your favorites.

I want my
In

Though a graduate degree isn’t required to become a healthcare administrator, an MHA keeps you competitive in the Alabama job market and increases your earning potential. This is possible thanks to the advanced coursework in business and healthcare provided by MHA programs.

Curriculum, though, is just one of many factors to consider when selecting a school. Program length, course formats, and tuition are equally important.

Start your search with these popular MHA programs in Alabama.

Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University Montgomery’s MHA program is 100% online, suited for working students, and boasts small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This program is the most affordable online program on our list and has the lightest course load. You only need to complete 36 credits to graduate.

In this program, you’ll learn how to lead teams, conduct data analyses, formulate goals, and develop programs. Some courses include:

  • Planning and Marketing in Healthcare
  • Essentials of Healthcare Accounting
  • Policy in Healthcare
  • Healthcare Law and Ethics
  • Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

Auburn’s MHA program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Duration: 18 – 24 months

Mode: Online

Cost: $8,694 ($483 per credit) for Alabama residents; $9,558 ($531 per credit) for non-residents

Admissions Requirements:

  • 3.0 GPA in undergraduate program or satisfactory GMAT scores
  • Official transcripts

Purdue University Global

Purdue Global is a nationally-operated, online university designed with working students in mind. Enrollment is open to residents of Alabama. Purdue’s Master’s in Health Care Administration (MHCA) program is 100% online, and you can anticipate 15 hours of weekly study.

In this 56-credit program, you’ll learn all about health information systems, healthcare law and ethics, financial management, and healthcare operations and quality assessments. A capstone project is required near the end of the program in which you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to a real-life healthcare problem.

Purdue’s MHCA program is accredited by the CAHME.

Duration: 18 months

Mode: Online

Cost: $13,580 per year ($485 per credit)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 2.5 GPA or higher in bachelor’s degree studies (exceptions may be considered)
  • Satisfactory Peregrine Exam score (may be waived in some cases)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama, Birmingham’s MHA – Executive program is designed for health professionals seeking senior management positions in health leadership. This 57-credit program builds on existing healthcare knowledge while also covering advanced concepts in health policy, economics, quality improvement, and strategic planning.

Most classes are offered online, but one on-campus meeting is required each semester. A four-day capstone experience (an international trip) is also offered, exposing you to healthcare organizations around the world.

In this program, you also have the option to complete a dual master’s degree in Healthcare Quality and Safety.

UA Birmingham’s MHA program is CAHME-accredited.

Duration: 24 months

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $29,800 per year

Admissions Requirements:

  • Current full-time employment in health care
  • Five years of prior health-related experience
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  • Resume
  • Statement of objectives
  • Two recommendations

FAQs About Online/Hybrid MHA Programs in Alabama

Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Alabama?

There are only two CAHME-accredited MHA programs in Alabama offering online coursework:

  1. UA Birmingham
  2. Auburn University Montgomery

But you do have the option to attend CAHME-accredited, nationally-operated online universities serving Alabama residents, such as Purdue Global.

If a program is not accredited by the CAHME, be sure the school itself has national or regional institutional accreditation. All schools in this guide, however, have both CAHME and institutional accreditation.

What are the general admissions requirements for Alabama MHA programs?

Generally, you’ll need to have at least a 2.5 GPA and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be considered for an MHA program in Alabama. Some schools may also require healthcare experience.

For example, to apply to UA Birmingham’s MHA program, you need at least five years of health-related experience, preferably clinical or managerial.

Is financial aid available for MHA programs in Alabama?

Yes, financial aid is available to fund your MHA program in Alabama. Though securing federal aid outside of student loans may be challenging as a graduate student, individual schools often offer various forms of financial assistance.

For example, you may qualify for scholarships and grants at Purdue Global if you work at certain organizations in alliance with the school. Also, over 80 scholarships are offered to health professions students at UA Birmingham from various sponsors.

How long do MHA programs in Alabama take to complete?

MHA programs in Alabama take about 18 to 24 months to complete if you already have a bachelor’s degree. Generally, the fewer the credits needed, the shorter the program.

For example, Auburn University Montgomery’s MHA program can be completed in as few as three semesters if enrolled full-time because the program is only 36 credits in total. However, you do have the option to move at a slower pace if desired.

Is it worth pursuing an MHA in Alabama?

Yes, earning an MHA in Alabama can be worth it if you want to make top-level decisions that impact the health of Alabama residents all while earning solid pay. With an MHA in Alabama, you can reach executive level positions at hospitals and other healthcare organizations.

Furthermore, healthcare administrators in Alabama earn a competitive salary, especially those in certain cities. As of August 2026, the top-earning healthcare administrators in Huntsville, Madison, and Birmingham make between $96,700 and $100,800 per year.

How Much Will I Earn with an MHA in Alabama?

Show entries

Medical and Health Services Managers

Area ↕︎ 10th Percentile ↕︎ Median ↕︎ 90th Percentile ↕︎
Alabama $64,640 $97,790 $159,450
Anniston-Oxford, AL $65,630 $83,860 $127,180
Auburn-Opelika, AL $68,540 $100,850 $163,220
Birmingham, AL $67,060 $100,500 $172,440
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL $60,300 $95,990 $153,270
Decatur, AL $62,100 $91,450 $134,990
Dothan, AL $61,690 $86,450 $139,630
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $61,070 $84,610 $129,860
Gadsden, AL $68,380 $85,100 $128,130
Huntsville, AL $66,410 $99,170 $141,200
Mobile, AL $63,880 $99,270 $166,100
Montgomery, AL $64,650 $96,820 $159,450
Tuscaloosa, AL $62,990 $96,110 $166,350

Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025

Showing 1 – 10 of 13 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.

Keep Learning

Best Online Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in Alabama

Alabama's online BHA programs are largely housed...

Part-Time Online MHA Programs: Find Flexible, Convenient Learning Options

Part-time online MHA programs let you keep...

Low-Cost Online MHA Programs to Help You Save

Compare affordable online MHA programs, review...

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN AUTHOR

Charmaine Robinson has been a nurse for over 10 years. She has a background in medical-surgical nursing and nursing instruction. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino. Her combined years of nursing experience, education, and writing skills guided her into the field of nurse writing. Charmaine has authored dozens of articles, career guides, courses, and clinical training material for nurses, nursing students, and allied health professionals.

Read More About Charmaine Robinson

Jordan Cosselman EDITOR

Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.

Read More About Jordan Cosselman
Logo of EDUMED, featuring a stylized graduation cap forming the letter 'M' in a monochromatic orange, with the rest of the letters in purple on a green background.
Privacy Settings

When you visit the EduMed website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. This information may pertain to you, your preferences, or your device and is primarily used to ensure the site functions as expected and to deliver a more personalized experience. You can choose to disable certain types of cookies; however, this may affect your experience on the site and limit the services we can provide. Click on the different category headings to learn more and customize your settings. Please note that you cannot opt out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies, as these are essential for the proper functioning of the website (e.g., displaying the cookie banner, remembering your preferences, logging into your account, redirecting upon logout, etc.).