Online MHA Degrees in Texas: Choosing a Program
If you’ve ever considered a career in healthcare leadership, now is the time to make your move. An MHA is one of the most popular and highly-regarded paths to qualify for advanced managerial roles in the medical field, and many colleges and universities in Texas offer this graduate degree online. This EduMed guide spotlights today’s best online MHA programs in Texas. Also, get an inside look at what you’ll learn during your studies, how long it will take to earn your degree, what your program will cost, and much more.
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Online MHA Programs in Texas: A Comparison
Distance learning offers students a great way to integrate their MHA programs into their busy work and life schedules — it eliminates the time and hassle of traveling to and from campus. The good news is that schools across Texas offer online MHA programs. Some deliver coursework entirely online, while others give students the option to take some courses online or in person.
The following profiles give you an inside scoop on how these programs work, what they entail, and how much they cost. See if one of these MHAs in Texas have what you’re looking for.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University offers an online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Program. Students can choose between two specializations under the MHA umbrella or choose the dual degree program that awards the MHA along with the Master of Business Administration.
The program is CAHME accredited and includes both online and hybrid classes, with in-person courses offered in Dallas and Houston. Students must take three immersive in-person courses, but the rest are fully online. The program focuses on experiential learning and real-world application, covering healthcare management, policy, finance, and ethics. Flexible enrollment options are available, and no GRE/GMAT is required.
Duration: 18 months (45 credit hours)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $14,535 ($323 per credit hour)
Admissions Requirements: A bachelor’s degree earned with a minimum 2.5 GPA, all official transcripts, a resume, and proof of foundational coursework. Students must attend an orientation as well.
Curriculum: Healthcare policy, legal and ethical considerations, healthcare management, patient care strategies, human resources management, and interpersonal communications are all core parts of this program.
Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University offers a fully online Master of Health Administration (MHA). The program focuses on healthcare financial management, operational and strategic management, research, marketing, and informatics. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a more personal experience with small class sizes and faculty support. Academic advising is robust, and career placement services after graduation are available.
An 18-hour graduate certificate in Health Services Administration is also available, which can be applied towards the MHA degree. No matter the choice, no GRE or other placement test is required. Healthcare administration scholarships and assistantships are available for those who qualify for financial aid.
Duration: 2 years (33 credit hours)
Mode: Online
Cost: $12,480
Admissions Requirements: Students must complete an application and provide official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree awarded. An application fee applies.
Curriculum: Financial management in healthcare, research and marketing, operational strategies, informatics, and integrated delivery systems are among the coursework.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a 100% online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA). This 36-hour accelerated program is for working healthcare professionals. The program’s 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio means students in this program get the utmost attention from professors, all of whom have extensive experience in the field and come from diverse healthcare backgrounds, bringing real-world situations to bear on the lessons taught in the classroom and providing practical and real-world insights.
The curriculum covers healthcare management, finance, ethics, law, and strategic planning, preparing graduates for advanced leadership roles in various healthcare settings.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $20,844 ($579 per credit hour)
Admissions Requirements: An online application, application fee, official transcripts for all schools attended, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA, and a resume are required.
Curriculum: Expect classes in management and leadership, health informatics, data analytics, health law and ethics, operations, supply management, and marketing.
FAQs about Texas MHAs Online
When considering an online MHA in Texas, there’s a lot to think about. Cost, quality, curriculum, program selection, and more. To help you find a program or make a financial decision, we’ve answered some of the most popular questions from prospective MHA students in Texas.
What financial Aid is available for MHA programs in Texas?
In Texas, a wide range of financial aid is available for qualifying MHA students. The most popular type — and the one almost all students will qualify for — is the student loan, usually offered through the federal government. Other popular options include:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Benefits for veterans
MHA programs in Texas sometimes offer funding opportunities specifically for their students. For example, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has scholarship opportunities specifically for its MHA applicants.
How long do MHA programs in Texas take to complete?
Completion times for MHA programs in Texas vary. Most full-time students should expect to commit two to two-and-a-half years for completion of all degree requirements. Part-time students typically require three years or more depending on the student’s per-semester course load.
There are a few exceptions, however. For example, the MHA program at the University of Houston Clearlake can be completed in as few as 14 months full-time or 28 months part-time. Though this isn’t necessarily considered an accelerated program, the speed in which a student can complete it puts it on a par with accelerated 1-year MHA options.
What are the admissions requirements for MHA programs in Texas?
Specific admissions requirements for MHA programs in Texas vary from program to program. Nevertheless, most programs have admissions requirements similar to the following:
- Bachelor’s degree: All programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or equivalent for international students).
- Minimum GPA: Specific minimums vary by program, but 2.75 is not uncommon.
- GRE/GMAT scores: These entrance exams are required by some programs; in most cases they’re necessary only if the applicant fails to meet the stated GPA for undergraduate coursework.
- Work experience: Most programs don’t require work experience in the healthcare field. Exceptions include executive track MHA programs at Texas State University and Trinity University.
Other common application requirements include a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a current CV or resume.
What knowledge and skills do you learn at MHA programs in Texas?
The goal of any MHA program in Texas is to prepare students to become healthcare administrators ready for the full range of practice settings in the industry. This means providing coursework and practical experiences that delve into the four domains that make up Texas A&M’s MHA Program Competency Model:
- Health Community and Environment: Public and population health assessment; health services and systems delivery, financing, and organizations; policy analysis; and legal and ethical bases for health services and systems.
- Leadership: Ethics, accountability, and self-assessment; organizational dynamics; critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving; and team building and collaboration.
- Management: Business planning; communication; financial management; performance improvement; project management; and strategic planning.
- Analytic and Technical Skills: Data analysis and information management; quantitative methods for delivery of health services; and systems thinking.
How much do Texas MHA programs cost?
Tuition rates for MHA programs in Texas vary substantially, with major factors impacting these costs including total number of credits, whether the college or university is public or private (private school programs tend to be more expensive), program length, and even the school’s academic reputation.
Also, some Texas public colleges and universities charge a higher tuition rate to students who live out of state. Finally, bear in mind that your program’s total price tag will include additional costs for program fees, books and supplies, transportation, etc.
But don’t let the bottom line frighten you from pursing an MHA program in Texas. Stated tuition and fees don’t account for financial aid, which can lower your expected costs. Before enrolling, talk to the financial aid or admissions office to determine what your final costs will be.
Texas MHA Pay and Opportunities
Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
---|---|---|---|
U.S. | $69,680 | $117,960 | $219,080 |
Texas | $62,130 | $106,590 | $197,790 |
Abilene, TX | $61,980 | $101,590 | $159,450 |
Amarillo, TX | $56,880 | $100,750 | $161,530 |
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $53,670 | $106,270 | $216,130 |
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $60,460 | $100,620 | $157,270 |
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $51,460 | $95,500 | $165,980 |
College Station-Bryan, TX | $62,150 | $101,840 | $162,000 |
Corpus Christi, TX | $62,450 | $101,860 | $167,860 |
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $61,760 | $111,610 | $206,650 |
Eagle Pass, TX | $57,480 | $98,490 | $149,700 |
El Paso, TX | $60,110 | $101,140 | $173,740 |
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $72,990 | $119,990 | $205,390 |
Killeen-Temple, TX | $70,220 | $117,400 | $179,400 |
Laredo, TX | $51,520 | $95,490 | $153,090 |
Longview, TX | $62,610 | $99,930 | $187,980 |
Lubbock, TX | $62,000 | $105,070 | $162,760 |
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $52,470 | $94,550 | $157,860 |
Midland, TX | $67,620 | $106,040 | $168,810 |
Odessa, TX | $61,720 | $102,440 | $166,870 |
San Angelo, TX | $70,790 | $101,400 | $187,860 |
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $65,160 | $107,760 | $185,270 |
Sherman-Denison, TX | $65,740 | $101,880 | $137,060 |
Texarkana, TX-AR | $58,440 | $96,420 | $152,500 |
Tyler, TX | $61,790 | $100,920 | $184,960 |
Victoria, TX | $60,970 | $100,270 | $151,980 |
Waco, TX | $66,530 | $106,650 | $192,670 |
Wichita Falls, TX | $57,550 | $101,560 | $213,590 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | 509,500 | 654,200 | 144,700 | 28.40% | 54,700 |
Texas | 49,430 | 69,180 | 19,750 | 40.00% | 6,080 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MHA Programs in Texas
To make your search for the right school program easier, we’ve compiled the best MHA programs in Texas for prospective students like you. These rankings were established using self-reported data from schools, and we’ve combined ideal factors such as online components, proper accreditation, and availability of student resources to determine the top options (you can find out more about our methodology by clicking “About the Rankings”). Find out which schools made their way onto our list below.
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
- The program offers an optional administrative internship for practical experience.
- The curriculum is based on the National Center for Healthcare Leadership competency model.
- Students can choose an optional emphasis area or dual degree option for specialized career paths.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,112
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course82%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
Why We Selected Midwestern State University:
- The program offers flexible online and hybrid delivery options, allowing students to work full-time.
- The Master of Health Administration program provides specialized career tracks in areas like rural and urban hospital management.
- Faculty expertise and ongoing research ensure students receive current and relevant education in health services administration.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,246
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:
- The program offers a fully online format, providing flexibility for working professionals.
- Faculty members are experienced healthcare leaders, offering mentorship and real-world insights.
- The curriculum is tailored to meet current industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,360
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course58%
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Why We Selected University of North Texas Health Science Center:
- The program offers small class sizes, enhancing personalized learning and interaction.
- The MHA program includes real-world field experiences, providing practical skills in healthcare management.
- UNTHSC's MHA program is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals and early to mid-career students.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,524
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio0/1
Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas
Why We Selected Trinity University:
- The program offers a hybrid educational format for flexibility and convenience.
- The CAHME accreditation ensures a reputable degree recognized across the healthcare industry.
- Networking opportunities are enhanced through a strong alumni network and limited cohort sizes.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$23,597
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course11%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
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