Online MHA Programs in California: Compare Top Schools
California’s healthcare sector is among the largest in the nation, creating steady demand for administrators who can manage hospitals, clinics, and health systems across the state. An online MHA lets you build toward those leadership roles while staying put — no relocating, and no stepping back from a job you may already hold in the field. Below, we compare top MHA programs available to California students, breaking down format, cost, and curriculum so you can find the right match.
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Nursing Healthcare AdminExploring Online MHA Programs in California
Online MHA programs in California offer working professionals flexibility and convenience. Several feature fully online coursework, while others have a mix of online and on-campus components.
There are also accelerated MHAs that combine online coursework with weekend classes to accommodate students who would like to advance their careers as soon as possible. Many online MHA programs also allow students to specialize in areas such as clinical care management or primary care management.
Let’s review some of California’s top hybrid and online MHA programs.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) offers an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program for mid- to senior-level healthcare professionals looking to advance to executive roles in a flexible setting. The program combines online coursework with face-to-face seminars, focusing on leadership, healthcare policy, ethics, finance, and strategic management.
The curriculum empowers professionals to immediately apply their lessons in the real world, offering instantaneous value for both students and their healthcare organization. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the EMHA can be completed in as few as six semesters. Students benefit from networking within the USC community and access to industry leaders.
Duration: Six semesters
Mode: Online with in-person seminars
Cost: $84,744
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0
- Minimum of three years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility in health care
Curriculum:
- Develop leaders who anticipate and leverage healthcare system changes
- Understand and adapt to the drivers of cost-effective care
- Improve operational efficiency to enhance patient outcomes
- Prioritize and implement strategies to improve patient safety and quality
- Utilize health IT systems to drive organizational growth and effectiveness
Programs that might interest you:
California State University-East Bay
California State University, East Bay offers a Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MS-HCA) fully online, with both synchronous and asynchronous options. The program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in healthcare, covering topics like healthcare policy, ethics, and strategic management.
The MS-HCA program aligns with the Health Care Leadership Alliance’s five core competencies: communication, leadership, professionalism, healthcare environment knowledge, and business skills. These competencies translate into six program learning outcomes, equipping graduates with the ability to analyze healthcare issues, communicate effectively, build collaborative relationships, foster teamwork, uphold ethical standards, and apply business principles within the healthcare context.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $9,107 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA, preferred 2.75. Explain low GPA in Statement of Purpose
- One to two page statement that explains career goals and suitability for the program
- Two letters from academic/professional sources on official letterhead
- Resume including all healthcare employment
- Official transcripts to University Admissions
Curriculum:
- Analyze healthcare system issues and policy
- Communicate effectively in writing and orally
- Build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Foster teamwork and align priorities
- Adhere to ethical and professional standards
- Apply business principles to the healthcare environment
Expert Insight
Don’t be discouraged to apply to programs if you have a low GPA. Many undergraduates with low GPAs are able to go on to grad school, especially if they can explain their strengths and ways they have improved over the years. You can also take advantage of taking one or two courses online or locally to show you have the ability to handle graduate-level courses.
University of California Los Angeles
The UCLA online MHA program provides a convenient way to advance your healthcare career. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leadership skills, and real-world application through hands-on learning. Two on-campus immersions provide invaluable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of real-world healthcare challenges.
Additionally, a capstone project allows students to apply their knowledge by working directly with a healthcare organization to address pressing issues and implement innovative solutions.
Taught by renowned faculty from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, the program equips graduates with the expertise to excel in leadership roles and contribute to a more effective and compassionate healthcare system.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online with in-person components
Cost: $61,050
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Three years of professional work experience in any industry
Curriculum:
- Develop analytical skills for informed healthcare management
- Build essential leadership qualities for effective team management and organizational success
- Provide practical experience through on-campus immersions and a capstone project
FAQs: Earning Your MHA in CA
Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career with an online MHA? This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding online MHA programs in California. From program requirements and career prospects to accreditation and program costs, you’ll find valuable insights to guide your decision-making process as you explore your educational options.
What knowledge and skills do you learn in MHA programs in California?
In an MHA program in California, students acquire the skills and competencies necessary to lead healthcare teams and oversee administration efforts in hospitals, private practices, and other healthcare settings. Specific ways students grow in these programs include:
- Professionalism and ethical standards
- Knowledge of the history and current environment of the healthcare industry, particularly in California
- Knowledge and skills in budgeting, finances, and business management
- Human resource management skills
- Written and oral communications skills
- Analytical skills leading to effective decision-making, greater operations efficiency, and better health outcomes
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in California?
As mentioned above, there are three MHA programs in California accredited by the CAHME that feature online study: Cal State Long Beach’s partially-online Accelerated MS in Healthcare Administration, USC’s partially-online Executive MHA, and Concordia University’s fully-online MHA.
When looking for the right program for you, one of the first things you should check is whether that program is accredited. If the accreditation is not stated anywhere on the programs webpage, then you can check the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
What are the admissions requirements for MHA programs in California?
Specific admissions requirements for MHA programs in California vary from program to program. However, you can expect most programs to include requirements similar to the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a stated cumulative minimum GPA, commonly 3.0 with exceptions like Cal State East Bay’s 2.5 minimum requirement.
- Work experience in the healthcare field. Anywhere from two to five years is not uncommon. Some programs, like Cal State Long Beach’s Traditional MHA, have no work experience requirement.
- GRE/GMAT scores are sometimes required, though there is a trend away from this requirement for MHA programs.
Additional application requirements typically include a current resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and personal statements and/or statements of purpose, but vary by institution.
How long do MHA programs in California take to complete?
The biggest variable affecting how long it takes to graduate is if you take classes part-time or full-time. Many programs follow the cohort-learning model where students proceed at the same pace and finish in about two years. Some programs allow students to complete classes more quickly with an accelerated time frame of only 16 months. Generally expect any MHA program to last between two to three years.
Expert Insight
Some executive or accelerated tracks allow students to transfer prior graduate credits or waive certain prerequisites, reducing the amount of time it takes to complete a program.
How much do California MHA programs cost?
Price tags for MHA programs in California vary substantially. The schools below provide an idea of the full range of program costs for California MHA programs. Usually, the lowest cost programs are those houses in public universities, such as the universities in the California State University system. Several primary factors impact cost, including whether the program is offered by a public or private institution, the prestige of the program or school, and whether it’s full-time or part-time.
To help offset tuition costs and make them more affordable, there are several types of financial aid available for MHA programs in California. These include scholarships, grants, veteran’s benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Regardless of your financial situation, it is always worth contacting your school’s financial aid office to ask about available funding opportunities.
Career Outlook for California MHA Earners
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $72,800 | $141,480 | $274,660 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $66,700 | $132,670 | $220,480 |
| Chico, CA | $69,130 | $131,520 | $207,650 |
| El Centro, CA | $56,560 | $132,620 | $209,070 |
| Fresno, CA | $72,730 | $136,130 | $246,820 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $61,270 | $127,010 | $214,800 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $68,630 | $134,230 | $228,400 |
| Merced, CA | $57,200 | $114,510 | $260,000 |
| Modesto, CA | $65,580 | $138,950 | $223,830 |
| Napa, CA | $84,930 | $167,530 | $277,270 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $65,430 | $126,540 | $212,440 |
| Redding, CA | $67,270 | $124,210 | $219,900 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $73,380 | $135,010 | $214,740 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $74,070 | $159,350 | $243,260 |
| Salinas, CA | $78,640 | $140,610 | $222,350 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $78,210 | $138,080 | $290,480 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $67,320 | $166,310 | $315,430 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $88,450 | $171,210 | $288,910 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $76,840 | $126,700 | $258,630 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $76,570 | $138,640 | $237,750 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $61,670 | $130,290 | $284,860 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $73,590 | $143,150 | $230,710 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $71,240 | $137,010 | $228,300 |
| Vallejo, CA | $79,460 | $170,730 | $231,840 |
| Visalia, CA | $75,920 | $125,770 | $219,090 |
| Yuba City, CA | $73,980 | $129,680 | $229,370 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 26 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 509,500 | 654,200 | 144,700 | 28.40% | 54,700 |
| California | 58,300 | 81,400 | 23,100 | 39.60% | 7,140 |
Source: Projections Central
