Online Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA)
What Is a Master of Science in Health Administration?
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA), offered by the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, provides you with graduate study in the administrative, operational and organizational aspects of healthcare.
The curriculum examines healthcare delivery models, policy and economics, legal and ethical principles, research, organizational effectiveness, leadership, business operations and human resource management. You will also complete an evidence-based project and a 150-hour practicum that provides opportunities to apply health administration concepts in a professional setting.
Online: $610 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
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.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What To Expect in the Online MS in Health Administration
Our Master of Science in Health Administration is offered online(See disclaimer 1) and combines graduate coursework in healthcare administration with research, business analysis and applied learning. You will examine administrative decision-making across healthcare organizations while developing knowledge in areas such as policy, economics, leadership, organizational effectiveness, human resources and healthcare operations.
The MS in Health Administration Program Experience
Online Health Administration Courses
The MSHA is offered online,(See disclaimer 1) with most courses lasting eight weeks.
You can access coursework and interact with instructors and classmates through our intuitive online learning environment.
Applied Learning Through a Health Administration Practicum
The program culminates in a healthcare administration practicum requiring 150 practicum/field experience hours. During the practicum, you will examine connections between health administration theory and professional practice while participating in leadership and administrative activities.
Christian Worldview and Servant Leadership
The MSHA curriculum incorporates a Christian worldview and examines servant leadership, ethical decision-making and professional responsibilities within healthcare organizations.
University Accreditation
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What Will I Study in a Master’s in Health Administration Program?
The MS in Health Administration curriculum examines how healthcare organizations operate, make administrative decisions and respond to legal, economic, organizational and workforce considerations. You will be taught healthcare delivery systems, policy, economics, research, leadership, business analysis and organizational effectiveness. The curriculum also addresses human resource management, communication, project planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Health Administration Course Topics
All courses in the master’s in health administration program are taught by knowledgeable faculty who are there to support you and share their experiences. This master’s program begins with an introductory course for all graduate students studying health professions. Students are also required to complete a 16-week practicum.
We also place emphasis on incorporating a Christian worldview in our course materials, as well as the value of servant leadership. As a Christian university, we aim to inspire students to find their purpose by integrating a religious model of servant leadership into the MSHA curriculum. The MSHA program incorporates a hands-on practicum at the end of the program to emphasize the conceptual, analytical and application skills required to manage in health organizations.
Course topics you will explore while completing this program include:
Contemporary healthcare delivery models
Legal and ethical principles in healthcare
Healthcare policy and economics
Healthcare research methods and analysis
Organizational structure and effectiveness
Leadership styles and development
Healthcare business analysis
Human resource management
Communication strategies
Project and business planning
Evidence-based research
Healthcare Administration Practicum
The program includes a 150-hour healthcare administration practicum. Students work with a mentor and engage in leadership and administrative activities while examining how concepts from the program apply within professional practice.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Health Administration?
A Master of Science in Health Administration provides graduate study in the administrative and organizational functions of healthcare. Depending on prior experience, qualifications and employer requirements, graduates may explore administrative and management opportunities within healthcare organizations.
Potential work settings may include:
Hospitals
Long-term care facilities
Outpatient facilities
Physician offices
Mental health agencies
Insurance companies
Public health agencies
Other healthcare organizations
Median annual wage for medical and health services managers as of May 2025(See disclaimer 2)
Projected job growth for medical and health services managers from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 3)
Tuition and Financial Options for the Master’s in Health Administration
GCU offers tuition and financial resources to help students understand the potential costs associated with earning an online(See disclaimer 1) Master of Science in Health Administration. Review current online tuition information, explore financial aid resources and use GCU’s cost tools to help plan for graduate study.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about GCU’s Master of Science in Health Administration, including online(See disclaimer 1) learning, coursework, the MSHA credential and practicum requirements.
Is a master’s in health administration worth it?
What is an MSHA degree?
Can I earn a master’s in health administration online?
Does the MS in Health Administration require a practicum?
What do you study in a master’s in health administration program?
What Are the Admission Requirements For the Master’s in Health Administration?
Admission requirements for GCU’s Master of Science in Health Administration vary based on prior education, GPA and other qualifying criteria. Prospective students should review current graduate admission requirements and program policies before applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Explore More Healthcare Administration Topics
Explore articles on healthcare administration, leadership and industry trends to gain additional insight into the field and the opportunities available to healthcare professionals.
Explore GCU’s online(See disclaimer 1) Master of Science in Health Administration, including coursework, practicum requirements and admission information.
- Excluding practicum hours.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical and Health Services Managers, as of May 2025, retrieved August 2026. 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.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, retrieved August 2026.