As the political capital of the United States, Washington DC is a hub for healthcare administration, policy, and innovation. As such, many are thinking of pursuing an MHA in the district because of the many opportunities it affords. Being the home of many government agencies, distinguished hospitals, global health organizations, and prestigious universities, Washington DC provides the best setting for those who wish to lead these industries effectively.
Whether you want to lead healthcare organizations or play a role in shaping policy, these Washington DC MHA programs can help you achieve your high career aspirations.
MHA Programs in Washington DC
There are seven MHA programs offered by DC-based institutions. Here are two universities that offer both on-campus and online MHAs:
Catholic University of America
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Health Administration
Modality: On-campus and Online
Tuition: $1,165 per credit for 40 credits — $46,600
Program Overview: CUA’s MHA program prepares students for challenging leadership roles in healthcare industries. The 40-credit curriculum does so by providing a strong foundation in problem-solving, budgeting, and policy analysis. It also offers specialized knowledge through courses in public healthcare administration, organizational theory, IT in healthcare administration, and legal aspects in healthcare administration. When taken full-time, the program may be completed in 4 terms.
University of the Potomac
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration
Modality: On-campus and Online
Tuition: $450 per credit for 36 credits — $16,200
Program Overview: Potomac’s MHA program has a two-pronged mission: to prepare students for healthcare leadership positions and to provide them with the competencies needed to address healthcare issues effectively. The university lives up to this mission by delivering a 36-credit curriculum that focuses on healthcare policy, law and ethics, global health systems, public health, and financial management. Full-timers may obtain their degree in 2 years.
CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs in Washington DC
Two MHA programs in DC are accredited by CAHME, a regulating body that ensures the quality of healthcare management programs.
George Washington University
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Health Administration
Accreditation: CAHME
Modality: On-campus and Online
Tuition: $85,050
Program Overview: Ranked 7th in the country by the US News & World Report, GW’s on-campus and online MHA programs are designed to help leaders improve health systems on a national and global scale. The 45-credit coursework covers key topics, including medical informatics, management values, and decision-making. The program may be completed in 24 months.
Georgetown University
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Health Systems Administration
Accreditation: CAHME
Modality: Hybrid
Tuition: $59,246
Program Overview: Georgetown’s MSHSA is a part-time 42-credit program that may be completed in 21 months. Open to aspiring health leaders, it features a Jesuit-framed curriculum that promotes competency-based and experiential learning. According to the official website, graduates of the program are employed within 90 days of graduation by hospitals, health systems, and federal agencies, to name a few.
Online Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in Washington DC
Working students or those who are located far from DC may still obtain their MHA diploma through any of these three online programs:
Howard University
- Online
Program:
Master of Health Administration
Modality: Online
Tuition: $37,334
Program Overview: Designed to groom culturally competent healthcare leaders, the program is meant to help graduates lead organizations using evidence-based practices. The 36-credit curriculum, which is delivered online via 8-week terms, includes courses in healthcare HR management, strategic marketing and communications, change management in healthcare, and healthcare financial management analysis.
Program:
Master of Science in Health Care Management
Modality: Online
Tuition: $1,890 per credit for 36 credits — $68,040
Program Overview: Johns Hopkins’ DC campus offers a part-time MSHCM for busy working students. Delivered online, the program is designed to help students improve their knowledge of health systems through experiential learning and case competitions. The university also has career and leadership coaches who support students throughout their schooling.
Strayer University
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Health Services Administration
Modality: Online
Tuition: $1,680 per course for 12 courses — $20,160
Program Overview: Strayer’s online MSHSA is designed to improve managerial acumen amongst healthcare leaders who wish to become more effective decision-makers. Coursework covers essential concepts in healthcare management, healthcare policy, and health financial management, to name a few. Students may opt to choose a specialization in Clinical Care Management or Public Health Management.
No GRE Required MHA Programs in Washington DC
Six of seven DC universities do not require the GRE for admission. They are:
- Catholic University of America — Master of Health Administration
- George Washington University — Master of Health Administration
- Georgetown University — Master of Science in Health Systems Administration
- Howard University — Master of Health Administration
- Johns Hopkins University — Master of Science in Health Care Management
- Strayer University — Master of Science in Health Services Administration
The University of the Potomac’s Master of Healthcare Administration does not require GRE scores, although they are recommended.
Accelerated MHA Programs in Washington DC
Georgetown’s part-time MHA program is the quickest to finish at 21 months. The rest of the programs usually take around two years to complete.
Affordable Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in Washington DC
The most affordable MHA program in DC is offered by the University of the Potomac. Here, students only need to pay $16,200 plus other fees for the entire 36-credit program.
All MHA Programs in Washington DC
| University Name | Program Name | Degree | State/Location | Delivery Mode | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Healthcare Quality and Safety | EMCQSL | DC | Online Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Quality and Safety |
| George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health | Healthcare Management | MHA | DC | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health | Healthcare Management | MHA | DC | Hybrid Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences | Healthcare Quality and Safety | MSHS | DC | Online Non-Executive Part-Time | Healthcare Quality and Safety |
| Georgetown University School of Health | Healthcare Management | MHSA | DC | Online Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MHA Degree in Washington DC?
Washington DC offers a bevy of career opportunities for MHA graduates, such as:
Hospital Administrator
MHA programs are designed to help train leaders for health organizations. As such, graduates are often the top choices for administrative positions in hospitals, such as the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Children’s National Hospital, and George Washington University Hospital.
Public Administrator
Home to many federal agencies, Washington DC is the perfect location for MHA graduates who wish to make a difference on a national level. Here, they may find employment as administrators for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Policy Analyst
Instructed in courses such as health policy and law, MHA graduates are ideal analysts for agencies such as the HHS and CMS.
Public Health Advisor
MHA graduates are taught to implement strategies that can improve public health incomes, making them ideal public health advisors for agencies such as the CDC or NIH.
Program Director
With an MHA degree in tow, graduates can help manage programs for institutions such as The Red Cross and the World Health Organization.
