Best Online MHA Programs in Illinois

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

UIC’s online Master of Healthcare Administration is the only MHA in the Chicago area with dual CAHME and CEPH accreditation and has been ranked among the top 10 online MHA programs in the nation. The 40-credit curriculum runs in accelerated eight-week terms and covers healthcare finance, population health, and strategic planning, as well as a hands-on capstone project.

All courses are delivered asynchronously, making this program a great option for students who are working simultaneously. Most full-time students can complete the degree in as little as 16 months.

Due to high student demand, admissions are often competitive, so applicants should invest in making sure their packet is well-rounded before submitting.

Duration: As short as 16 months

Mode: Fully online with asynchronous coursework

Cost: $980 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

• Completed online application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework
• 3+ years of healthcare work experience required
• Graduate-level biostatistics course (or Coursera equivalent)

Rush University

The MS in Health Systems Management — Executive Track program from Rush University is CAHME-accredited and built specifically for professionals with five or more years of healthcare experience. Students complete the program across six traditional semesters spanning two years. Though the majority of coursework is done online, one week of on-site learning is required each semester at the university’s Chicago-based campus.

At the end of the program, students complete a two-part master’s capstone project to demonstrate hands-on experience. Though this program is pricier than some others, it comes with Rush University’s teacher-practitioner model, which pairs students with active hospital executives and administrators from Rush University Medical Center and beyond for networking and mentorship.

Duration: 2 years

Mode: Online coursework with one week of on-site learning per semester

Cost: $1,322 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

• Completed online application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 5+ years of healthcare work experience required (waives GRE requirement)
• Coursework highlighting quantitative ability is highly recommended (e.g. statistics, accounting, or economics)

National Louis University

National Louis University’s MHA in Health Services Administration is the most accessible of these three, with no healthcare work experience needed to apply. The program is accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education rather than CAHME, and NLU itself holds regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

The 30-credit curriculum is delivered one course at a time, giving students a chance to immerse themselves fully in each learning component. Students may be able to complete the program in as little as 12 months by earning credits for prior professional healthcare education or credentials, making it one of the fastest MHA degrees anywhere.

Duration: As little as 12 months with credential credits; 20 months for students with no credentials

Mode: Fully online (on-campus or blended options also available)

Cost: $16,830 total program cost (roughly $561 per credit hour)

Admissions Requirements:

• Completed online application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework
• GPA of 3.0 or higher (applicants with lower GPA must include letters of recommendation)
• Written personal statement of academic goals