Best Online MHA Programs in Michigan: Exploring Schools
Michigan has the most CAHME-accredited programs of any state in the Great Lakes region, meaning residents have plenty of options for pursuing a master’s of healthcare administration (MHA). Choosing an online MHA program gives you the flexibility to advance your career without having to give up your full-time job or income. Below, we’ll break down what you can expect from some of Michigan’s top online MHA programs, including cost, accreditation, and what their curriculums cover.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
School Spotlights: Inside Popular Michigan MHA Programs
Online MHA programs in Michigan vary in ways worth paying close attention to before applying. For one, accreditation status isn’t always straightforward. Some programs carry the coveted CAHME accreditation cleanly, while others hold it under a probationary term. Others rely on general institutional accreditation or business-related recognitions instead.
Format also varies, with some programs offering truly online coursework and others with hybrid-only offerings. A few schools in Michigan are also on a temporary hold from accepting new cohorts due to high demand, so you may have to wait before applying.
Before you commit to an application anywhere, it’s a good idea to fully review these details to ensure you’re making the right decision for your education and career goals.
Ferris State University
Ferris State’s online Master’s of Healthcare Administration is CAHME-accredited and highly accessible, making it a good option for prospective students without a background in healthcare. The program is designed to enable close working relationships with faculty and to let students put their education into practice with a capstone project in the setting of their choice.
Most students complete the program in about two years. Depending on your career goals and whether you have supervisory experience already under your belt, you can choose to pursue the degree on the Executive Track or the Traditional Track. The former moves quickly through core competencies, allowing more time for high-level concepts and real-world application.
Duration: Roughly 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $817 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Personal statement, resume, and three professional references
- Prerequisite completion requirements in math, statistics, and sciences with “C” grade or higher
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan’s Master of Health Administration is a fully online, 39-credit program built around nationally recognized healthcare leadership competencies. Students also complete a flexible capstone project. Those newer to the field will participate in a mandatory internship, while those already working in healthcare can complete an applied project in their workplace.
Coursework can be done asynchronously, with options for live learning also available. There are both spring and fall start dates available, giving students flexibility to enroll when it’s most convenient.
The program is currently CAHME-accredited under probationary status through the end of 2026. This means certain areas need to be addressed by the program to keep it accredited beyond the probationary window, which is worth monitoring if you plan to apply after this date.
Duration: Roughly 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $862 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Personal statement, resume, and professional references
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University’s online Master of Health Administration is another strong candidate for students looking for a well-respected program with options for specialization. Coursework can be completed entirely online, though an occasional in-person weekend may be required at the school’s Ypsilanti campus.
Unlike the other two programs, this one isn’t CAHME-accredited, so it relies on EMU’s general institutional accreditation rather than a healthcare-specific stamp of approval.
EMU’s 40- to 45-credit curriculum covers healthcare law, finance, and leadership, with electives in areas like human resource management and public budgeting. However, students will need at least two years of professional experience to gain entry.
Duration: 12-24 months, depending on transfer credits and enrollment status
Mode: Fully online (occasional in-person requirements)
Cost: $1,047 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Personal essay and resume
- Completed undergraduate-level courses in descriptive statistics and principles of accounting
- Minimum two years of professional work experience
FAQs About Online/Hybrid MHA Programs in Michigan
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Michigan?
Yes! Michigan has five CAHME-accredited healthcare management programs, though not all of them are offered online. Some are offered in a hybrid format or have plans for fully online offerings in the coming years.
It’s worth double-checking both a program’s current CAHME status and whether it is a true online program or if you’ll need to be in-person for some classes throughout the year.
What are the general admissions requirements for Michigan MHA programs?
As with most states, Michigan’s MHA programs have varying requirements. You can expect to need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA at a minimum. Some schools take this a step further and require two to three years of professional work experience in healthcare before you can apply.
A few programs also require specific prerequisite coursework, like statistics or accounting, completed before enrollment.
Is financial aid available for MHA programs in Michigan?
Yes. Federal aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, can be used for online MHA programs in Michigan regardless of which school you choose.
Aside from this, many MHA students benefit from employer reimbursement programs from the hospital system they already work for. This may come in the form of a repayment check or in direct tuition assistance paid to the school of your choice.
Some schools also offer their own scholarships to help ease the burden of paying for your MHA degree. You’ll also find some programs with flat per-course pricing, which makes budgeting a bit more predictable.
How long do MHA programs in Michigan take to complete?
Timelines run anywhere from about a year to two years for full-time students, depending on the program’s structure and who it’s designed for. Those open to applicants without prior healthcare experience are often offered in an accelerated format since there are fewer students with jobs to worry about.
Those designed for working professionals may move at a slightly slower pace to accommodate this. Regardless, part-time students should expect any of these estimates to extend further.
Is it worth pursuing an MHA in Michigan?
Yes, it is worth pursuing an MHA for most students in Michigan. 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.
In Michigan, students can find work in healthcare administration with a variety of health systems throughout the state. Urban hubs like Detroit offer a dense concentration of hospitals and ample opportunities. Those hoping for a more scenic locale in the state’s Upper Peninsula may find the job hunt to be more competitive, with fewer positions available.
How Much Will I Earn with an MHA in Michigan?
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $66,140 | $107,570 | $192,440 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $78,500 | $127,940 | $212,600 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $67,480 | $105,710 | $166,520 |
| Bay City, MI | $71,910 | $101,050 | $139,360 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $67,590 | $114,340 | $206,630 |
| Flint, MI | $63,010 | $104,390 | $174,400 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $65,140 | $105,900 | $211,140 |
| Jackson, MI | $66,780 | $108,940 | $174,470 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $64,260 | $102,260 | $176,030 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $60,760 | $104,990 | $176,090 |
| Midland, MI | $77,060 | $112,320 | $180,340 |
| Monroe, MI | $60,310 | $101,310 | $152,150 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $59,990 | $104,970 | $178,790 |
| Niles, MI | $69,130 | $106,660 | $169,780 |
| Saginaw, MI | $67,810 | $112,740 | $184,080 |
| Traverse City, MI | $64,270 | $104,610 | $177,770 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 16 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Keep Learning
Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Michigan: Find Top Schools
Best Online Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in Michigan
Reviewing Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Michigan