BS in Healthcare Administration (BSHA) Degree

Overview

Lead With Purpose in the Business of Healthcare

A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (BSHA) degree from GCU can teach you to strategically manage health-related organizations. This program may be ideal for those looking to enter the non-clinical side of healthcare. You will have the opportunity to learn how to meet the day-to-day needs of various types of healthcare environments by implementing proven strategies.

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration

Offered By

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Position Yourself for Healthcare Operations With a BSHA Degree

This bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration offers a comprehensive look at how to serve as an impactful leader in the field, focusing on ethical principles and Christian values in healthcare, as well as applied techniques for modern healthcare organizations.

Our program is designed to help you build leadership, communication and organizational skills rooted in servant leadership and professional integrity. Whether you choose to study online or on campus, you’ll be supported in developing the knowledge and values needed to positively impact your community and the healthcare system as a whole.

Flexible Online Program

You can complete this healthcare administration program online. The online format offers you an affordable and flexible way to earn your degree, with access to quality education. We focus on providing extensive student support to those in our online learning community. You can take advantage of our online resources, an interactive platform and knowledgeable faculty who are there alongside you in your journey.

Campus Life

This healthcare administration degree is available in a traditional, on-campus format. Students who choose to take classes at GCU’s campus can benefit from in-person connections with peers and instructors. Our campus cultivates an enriching and engaging campus experience, with numerous clubs, organizations, events and other activities students can enjoy. Our faith-based university emphasizes the Christian worldview and encourages students to participate in worship activities.

Coursework

Explore the Business Side of Healthcare Through Engaging Coursework

As a student in this healthcare administration program, you will explore the key systems, strategies and policies that drive effective healthcare organizations. You’ll work to develop practical skills in communication, problem-solving and team coordination that can help prepare you to navigate the complex and evolving healthcare landscape.

While earning your degree at GCU, you will examine:

The structures of various healthcare organizations, as well as organizational dynamics and strategies
The forces that shape healthcare systems, including public, private and social influences
How financial issues play a role in healthcare administration, including how third-party payers factor into the system
Ways to navigate working within and between many healthcare sectors, prioritizing the best interests of patients and employees

Practice Strategies That Drive Ethical, Effective Healthcare Decisions

The skills taught in this degree program include the ability to manage projects, work with teams of employees across the organization, understand the inner workings of healthcare organizations and make decisions related to running healthcare organizations.

During this program, the curriculum will cover these five domains:

Communication and Relationship Management

You can strengthen your capability to communicate as a leader and build relationships among the workforce. Crisis management, information communication and dispute resolution skills are also highlighted.

Leadership and Professionalism

You will be taught how to lead based on organizational dynamics and with the goal of instituting positive change. Ethical challenges, including those related to societal, multicultural and legal issues are covered.

Healthcare Environment and Business Acumen

Business practices and global healthcare trends are a focus of this degree, demonstrating how health-related services are provided.

Financial Management, IT and Risk Management

You will have the opportunity to understand accounting and budgeting principles, as well as technology and risk management within the healthcare realm.

Organizational Dynamics and Human Resources

You will be taught about human resources concepts and employee organizational behavior to effectively manage a healthcare workplace.

Careers

Turn Your BSHA Degree Into a Career Helping Others

Healthcare administration jobs can be as varied as the people who work in them. Earning your BSHA degree can teach you the knowledge and skills required to fill a range of professional and supervisory roles, such as those of a medical and health services manager and facilities manager.

Graduates may find work in a variety of locations, including:^{(See disclaimer 1,2)}

Hospitals

Clinics

Long-term care facilities

Outpatient facilities

Doctor's offices

Mental health organizations

Insurance companies

Government agencies

142,900

Estimated number of new jobs for medical and health services managers from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 3)}

$117,960

Median annual salary for medical and health services managers as of May 2024^{(See disclaimer 4)}

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Read through our FAQs to learn more about job opportunities, salary expectations and other important aspects of a career in healthcare administration.

What is a BSHA degree?

A BSHA is designed to prepare you for the healthcare administration field by exploring healthcare delivery systems and the day-to-day operations of health-related organizations. You will explore a variety of technical skills, including IT and medical records management, as well as soft skills like leadership and communications. Additionally, this degree typically examines topics ranging from human resources to finance to operations.

What can you do with a bachelor's in healthcare administration?

A BS in Healthcare Administration degree teaches foundational concepts in health services delivery and operations, making it an ideal option for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the non-clinical side of the healthcare industry. Graduates with a healthcare administration bachelor’s degree may go on to pursue roles such as medical and health services managers or facilities managers.

Is a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration worth it?

Earning a BSHA may be worthwhile if you’re seeking to build a career in healthcare administration and want to gain the foundational skills needed to manage operations, support patient care and contribute to the efficiency of healthcare organizations. In this program, you will have the opportunity to explore necessary healthcare administrative topics, gain competence in crucial areas and learn how to effectively work within different areas of healthcare operations.Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for medical and health services managers to increase by about 23%, much faster than average, from 2024 to 2034.3 In May 2024, medical and health services managers had a median annual wage of $117,960, according to the BLS.4

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major56 credits

Open Elective Credits24-30 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

HLT-205

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces the student to organizational dynamics and the complex structures of the U.S. health care system. Students consider social, historical, and political influences that have shaped the modern health system and examine the mechanisms that enable access, delivery, and financing of health services. This course also considers the ever-growing global perspective of health care as students explore the health perspectives of varied racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups.

HLT-302

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course explores the concepts of health, wellness, and spirituality from the Christian perspective and as they relate to the holistic needs of patients, providers, and health care communities. Students reflect upon the concepts of healing and the caregiver's role in meeting the spiritual needs of diverse populations while seeking to advance health and wellness within the context of a healing paradigm.

ECN-351

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.

HLT-305

4 Total Credits

HCA-240

4 Total Credits

HCA-360

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides information and skills the health care administrator will require to integrate information technology and systems within the health care environment. Students examine basic components and functions of health care management information systems (HMIS) that work to manage data and resources which influence point-of-care decision-making by providers. Issues surrounding privacy, security, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care operations are also explored.

HCA-450

4 Total Credits

MAT-274

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.

HCA-460

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the roles of local, state, and federal regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies; the enforcement of federal guidelines, standards, and regulations; and the issues and demands of the regulatory environment that affect health care in the United States. Students explore the legal responsibility of providers and agencies to provide a safe environment while delivering health care services.

MGT-420

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.

HLT-364

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing intensive course discusses the principles and processes of research and common communication techniques utilized in health care and science. This course allows students to begin the research and preliminary background process necessary to complete a research-based capstone project. Students conduct a literature review, investigate appropriate research design, explore data collection techniques, apply statistical analysis, and practice professional writing skills. Prerequisite: BIO-365 or MAT-274.

HCA-465

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the management of human resources, with particular focus on resource decision making in health care environments. Students explore job market analysis, talent recruitment, training and development, revenue recovery efforts through retention initiatives, diversity training, and technology readiness. Students demonstrate health care management skills by utilizing tools used to manage staffing and work productivity.

HCA-470

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course introduces students to key business functions that drive strategic planning. Models for developing, implementing, and evaluating effective programs across varied health care settings are explored along with the principles of merger, acquisition, reorganization, and joint venture. Students apply tools utilized in strategic management of health care programs such as balanced score cards, LEAN, and Six Sigma.

HLT-494

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course facilitates a professional capstone project that is the culmination of the learning experiences of students in the health care administration program. In this course, students design a professional digital portfolio that documents career readiness through the integration of knowledge, skills, experience, and creative pursuits that prepare students for work in in health care. In addition, students prepare a written proposal for their evidence-based capstone project focusing on the resolution of issues or problems significant to health care administration. Upon completion, students present capstone projects to a professional at a health care organization. Prerequisite: HCA-470.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Strive To Lead in Healthcare

If you are passionate about healthcare and interested in working toward change, this degree is worth considering for launching your career journey.

Apply Now

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Medical and Health Services Managers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
Healthcare Management Degree Guide. (n.d.). Where Do Healthcare Managers Work? Retrieved October 2025.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, retrieved October 2025.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical and Health Services Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as medical and health services managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

Lead With Purpose in the Business of Healthcare

Position Yourself for Healthcare Operations With a BSHA Degree

Explore the Business Side of Healthcare Through Engaging Coursework

Practice Strategies That Drive Ethical, Effective Healthcare Decisions

Turn Your BSHA Degree Into a Career Helping Others

Earn a BS in Healthcare Administration From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Core Courses