Online MHA Programs with No GRE Required
Many hospitals and healthcare providers are struggling to fill leadership positions in administration and management roles. Online master of healthcare administration (MHA) degrees provide accessible paths to entry, with many schools eliminating the requirement to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This EduMed guide examines top-rated online MHA programs with no GRE required, and answers frequently asked questions from prospective students just like you.
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Nursing Healthcare AdminHow They Work: Online MHAs with No GRE
Many accredited online MHA programs no longer require a GRE; this makes them accessible to a wider range of students. These programs often attract working professionals, career changers, and students with strong academic or professional experience who prefer to bypass standardized testing. Students might seek a no-GRE program to streamline the admissions process or because they believe their work history better reflects their qualifications.
Expert Insight
Some programs might advertise that you don’t need to complete the GRE to apply, but there may be exceptions for those applying with a lower GPA.
Many programs are fully online, but some require in-person components such as residencies, networking events, and/or practicum experiences in healthcare settings. Prospective students should carefully review each program’s format, accreditation, tuition, and available support services. Flexibility, faculty expertise, and career resources also play a key role in choosing the right school. Check out five of today’s most popular online MHA programs with no GRE requirement.
Indiana University
Indiana University’s online Master of Health Administration degree program is designed for mid-career healthcare professionals who want to move into leadership roles. The program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME) since 1983.
It is offered completely online, so students can complete the required 42 credits on their own schedule. The program begins each fall and offers the option to pursue joint degrees such as MHA/Master of Public Health or MHA/Juris Doctor.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, have three to five years of healthcare-related work experience, and be employed full-time in the healthcare field. Applicants must submit a resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation, including one from an immediate supervisor or a senior leader.
Duration: 15 months to two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $582 per credit (in-state tuition)/$627 per credit (out-of-state tuition)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Competent written and oral communication skills
Programs that might interest you:
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Science in Health Care Administration degree program is ranked among the top five programs in the United States. This 32-hour program prepares graduates for executive roles in healthcare by covering topics such as leadership methods, research and evaluation techniques, and legal issues.
Courses are delivered through OSU’s online learning platform. They are taught asynchronously so students can fit studying into their schedules. The university offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the country for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it an accessible option for aspiring healthcare leaders.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. They must submit an essay describing their current job, healthcare experience (if applicable), strengths, challenges, and career goals. Prior healthcare experience is not required, but it is considered in the admissions process.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $372.62 per credit hour (total cost for Oklahoma residents)/$488.48 per credit hour (total cost for non-residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Graduate College application
- Two-page goal statement
Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University’s Health Sciences Center offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) degree program. It is designed for working professionals who seek leadership roles in the healthcare field. Campus visits are not required. The program offers maximum flexibility through asynchronous coursework; this allows students to study at their own pace.
The MSHA program follows an accelerated structure; students take one or two courses per eight-week term. In the final semester, students complete a capstone project that applies their knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges. This hands-on experience helps prepare graduates for executive and management positions within healthcare organizations.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.7 GPA. The overall GPA includes all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed at all institutions attended. While healthcare experience is considered during the admissions process, it is not required.
Duration: 36 credit hours
Mode: Online
Cost: $984.19 per credit hour (tuition and fees for Texas residents)/$1,394.19 per credit hour (tuition and fees for non-residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.7 GPA
- Resume
The University of Utah
The University of Utah offers a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program. It is designed for mid-career professionals who strive for leadership roles in healthcare. This part-time program spans two years (five semesters, including one summer). It allows students to maintain full-time employment while advancing their education.
Coursework is delivered online in an asynchronous format, following a structured semester schedule with weekly deliverables. Students can opt to join a weekly live session for real-time engagement.
The university offers generous financial aid and admissions scholarships. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,250 per credit hour (tuition for Utah residents and non-residents)
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts (official or unofficial)
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Interview
- Two years of post-undergraduate professional work experience is recommended.
- Letters of recommendation
Weber State University
Weber State University offers an Executive Master of Health Administration (eMHA) degree program. It is designed for experienced healthcare professionals who desire advancement in a leadership role.
GRE scores are not required from applicants; this removes unnecessary barriers to admission while maintaining a rigorous, industry-focused curriculum. The eMHA program offers an accelerated format that allows students to complete a degree in as few as 16 months. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, so students can study at their own pace without mandatory live sessions.
The program focuses on strategic leadership, healthcare finance, policy, and operational management. It equips graduates with skills needed for executive roles. Students can start the program in either fall or spring semesters, which offers more convenience.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $35,000 (total tuition for the program)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school with a minimum 3.0 GPA (must be completed by program start date)
- U.S. healthcare or supervisory experience is preferred but not required.
- GRE/GMAT scores are not required.
Admissions Requirements for No GRE Online MHAs
While admissions criteria vary, most online MHA programs that don’t require a GRE share several necessary elements:
- Bachelor’s Degree – All programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Some programs require a minimum GPA, such as Texas Tech University (2.7) and Indiana University (3.0 for the last 60 credit hours). While most programs accept students with any major, some prefer a background in healthcare, business, or a related field.
- Work Experience – Many programs specify a preference for previous work experience. The University of Utah and Weber State University recommend that students who apply for their online MHA programs should have work experience. But, they don’t require it.
- Application Materials – Most programs request a current resume, a personal statement or an essay that describes career goals, letters of recommendation, and an admissions interview.
Expert Insight
This part of the application should not be underestimated or rushed. Be careful in selecting your colleagues to submit letters of recommendation and if you don’t have healthcare specific experience, be sure to highlight attributes that could be transferable to the field, e.g. leadership and management.
Student FAQs for No GRE Programs
Should I provide my GRE scores if an MHA program doesn’t require them?
If an MHA program does not require GRE scores, submitting them is optional – but, it can be beneficial in certain cases. Some schools, like Purdue University, allow applicants to submit GRE scores voluntarily and consider them part of the admissions process.
If your GPA is below the program’s minimum requirement, strong GRE scores might help offset this weakness. For example, Boston College and Stony Brook University recommend that applicants with a GPA below 3.0 or limited quantitative coursework should submit GRE scores.
If you’ve taken the GRE and would like to submit your scores, you should contact the school you’re applying to and ask if your score will help you in the admissions process. However, you should submit your GRE scores only if they are good. Submitting bad or average scores might hurt your chances for admission more than it helps.
Are online MHA programs that don’t require GRE scores reputable?
Online MHA programs that don’t require GRE scores can be highly reputable, assuming they are properly accredited. Recognition from organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) ensures academic rigor and industry acknowledgment.
Many respected universities, including Indiana University and The University of Utah, offer MHA programs that are designed for experienced professionals but do not require GRE scores. These programs focus on work experience and academic performance rather than standardized test scores.
Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Science in Health Care Administration degree program is ranked among the top five programs in the United States. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores. This is a sign that the school values other indicators of success, such as prior healthcare experience and leadership potential. It does not rely on a test to assess applicants’ qualifications.
Is financial aid available for online MHA programs that don’t require GRE scores?
Yes; financial aid is available for online MHA programs that don’t require GRE scores. The key factor is accreditation – if the university is accredited, students typically can access federal financial aid, including student loans and grants. Additionally, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships might be available through a school or external organizations.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for healthcare professionals who desire leadership roles. Veterans and active-duty military personnel might qualify for VA benefits. Check with your school’s financial aid office to explore options. You should review scholarship opportunities that are specifically designed for healthcare administration and graduate education funding.
