Home Online Schools Healthcare Administration Degrees Master’s MHA Programs Part Time

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA

NursingHealthcare Admin

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

HealthcareOnline Learning

Updated: 04/29/2026

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

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA

NursingHealthcare Admin

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

HealthcareOnline Learning

Updated: 04/29/2026

Part-time online MHA programs offer a way to earn a degree while continuing to work, but each program is unique in what it can offer in terms of flexibility. Differences in scheduling, pacing, and delivery format have an enormous impact on the student’s experience. Understanding how these programs are structured and what is required on a week-to-week basis can help you choose a program that best aligns with your professional and personal responsibilities.

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What to Know Before Choosing a Part-Time MHA Program

Part-time enrollment in an MHA program generally means taking fewer credits per term, often one to two courses at a time. It’s important to remember that this does not necessarily translate to a lighter workload. Students should still expect consistent weekly time commitments, especially in programs with accelerated course formats or shorter terms.

Some programs offer formal part-time tracks with defined cohorts and timelines. While these programs may provide structure and predictability, they may also limit flexibility if schedules change. Others allow students to reduce their course load without following a fixed sequence, offering more control over pacing but requiring more self-direction.

Knowing which structure applies to a program you’re considering can significantly affect how manageable the schedule feels in practice.

Course delivery format is another key consideration.

Fully asynchronous programs allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, which is ideal for those with unpredictable work hours.
Programs with required live sessions or in-person residencies may offer more interaction and structure, but flexibility is limited.

Understanding these differences can help ensure you select a program that realistically fits into your schedule.

Featured Online MHA Programs with Part-Time Learning

Part-time online MHA programs vary widely in how they balance flexibility, structure, and engagement. Some emphasize asynchronous learning, while others incorporate live instruction or in-person components.

The following programs illustrate these differences and what to expect when evaluating your options.

George Washington University (GWU)

The MHA program at George Washington University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and designed for working professionals seeking a structured online learning experience. The curriculum emphasizes healthcare leadership, policy, and operational strategy, along with applied learning opportunities.

Delivery Format: Online with weekly synchronous live sessions

Credits: 45

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree | 2+ years of healthcare experience or 3+ years of full-time experience in any industry | No GRE/GMAT required

Residency Requirement: 3-credit experiential learning residency

New York University (NYU Wagner)

NYU Wagner’s CAHME-accredited MHA program combines online coursework with interactive live instruction. The program focuses on healthcare systems, leadership, and policy, with an emphasis on experiential learning.

Delivery Format: Online with weekly live classes, supplemented with asynchronous coursework

Credits: 45

Admissions Requirements: 1+ years of U.S. healthcare experience | Essay | Resume | Letters of recommendation | GRE/GMAT optional

Residency Requirement: Includes a one-time, intensive in-person immersion in New York City

Pennsylvania State University (World Campus)

Penn State World Campus offers a flexible online CAHME-accredited MHA program designed for working professionals. The curriculum covers healthcare management, systems, and leadership.

Delivery Format: Primarily asynchronous online coursework

Credits: 49

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 3.0 GPA | References | Healthcare experience

Residency Requirement: Two face-to-face management intensives

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a fully online MHA program with a flexible, self-paced structure. The curriculum includes healthcare management, policy, and analytics.

Delivery Format: 100% online and asynchronous

Credits: 42

Admissions Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA | 2+ years of healthcare experience | GMAT required, but may be waived

Residency Requirement: None

Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS)

LSU Shreveport’s online MHA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and offers an accelerated pathway for students seeking a shorter time to completion. The program focuses on core competencies in healthcare administration.

Delivery Format: Fully asynchronous with 7-week accelerated sessions

Credits: 30

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree | Healthcare experience not required

Residency Requirement: None

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from part-time to full-time enrollment mid-program if my schedule changes?

In many programs, students can transition between part-time and full-time enrollment, but this may vary by institution. Programs that allow flexible course loads typically make it easier to adjust enrollment status without disrupting progress.

However, cohort-based programs with fixed timelines may not offer the same level of flexibility.

Prospective students should confirm with admissions before enrolling, especially if anticipating changes to availability.

Do part-time MHA students have access to the same resources as full-time students?

Part-time students typically have access to the same academic resources as full-time students, including:

Faculty advising
Career services
Networking opportunities

The main difference is how those resources are used while balancing work and other responsibilities. Some students prefer in-person networking, while others are more comfortable connecting in virtual settings.

These programs are generally designed with working professionals in mind; however, offering flexible access to support services and numerous opportunities to engage.

If I need to take a leave of absence, will my progress toward the degree be protected?

Most MHA programs allow students to take a leave of absence, but there may be limits on how long a student can pause before needing to reapply or meet updated requirements. Programs may also have a maximum timeframe for completing the degree.

Be sure to review program-specific policies in advance to help plan for unexpected disruptions and avoid delays.

Are there part-time MHA programs with no required synchronous sessions?

Yes, some part-time online MHA programs are fully asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule without attending live sessions. This format can work well for those with variable or unpredictable hours.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that most programs still have weekly deadlines and the workload can be just as demanding as a more structured format.

How does the part-time timeline affect financial aid and loan repayment?

Part-time enrollment can impact financial aid eligibility, as some forms of aid require a minimum number of credits per term. It may also affect the timing of loan repayment, depending on enrollment status.

While spreading coursework over a longer period can make tuition more manageable in the short term, be sure to understand the program’s financial aid policies to fully grasp the long-term implications of loan repayment.

Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA AUTHOR

Abrie Edwards is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience spanning across clinical practice and administrative services. She developed clinical expertise working in various inpatient settings, including ICU, PACU, Medical/Surgical, endocrine/renal, and specialty clinics, before transitioning into leadership roles focused on quality improvement, clinical transformation, and data-driven performance management. Abrie has led enterprise-wide initiatives at major health systems, with a focus on value-based care strategies, and plays a key role in regulatory reporting for programs including MIPS, MA Stars, and MSSP. She earned her BSN from the University of Vermont and MHA from Champlain College. Abrie is also passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes and is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Information Technology. In addition to her clinical and operational work, Abrie has trained providers and care teams, facilitated quality improvement events, and served as faculty for a clinical residency program. Her combined experience in patient care, clinical operations, and health IT brings a grounded, systems-level perspective on healthcare delivery.

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.