Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Online MA in Healthcare Administration

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, located in Winona, offers an online MA in healthcare administration. This degree program prepares graduates to manage healthcare organizational services including care delivery, advanced technology and healthcare informatics, organizational finance, and strategic leadership. The healthcare industry needs competent, highly-skilled, ethical leaders, and this program seeks to train such people.

Students develop management skills related to care quality control and sustainability, health policy and how it impacts healthcare settings, and effective management of an organization’s staff and finances.

To promote an effective online learning environment, all students are given the use of an iPad during the duration of the program. Students graduating from the program have gone on to work in hospitals, behavioral health organizations, government health and human service organizations, home health agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions.

What to Expect from the Online MA in Healthcare Administration

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MA in healthcare administration must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Applicants must submit an online or hard copy application and fee, official transcripts sent directly from the institution(s), a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement that addresses background, experience, training, as well as their career goals, reasons for seeking the degree, and strengths and weaknesses. No work experience or GMAT/GRE is required.

International students must provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, ITEP or MELAB test scores). In addition, all transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation by World Education Services or Education Credential Evaluators.

Study Plan: Students may begin courses in the fall, spring, or summer. The program can be completed in less than 24 months. Students should expect to spend 15 hours each week for every three-credit course.

Curriculum: The MA in healthcare administration consists of 33 credits including a capstone course. Required courses include financial practices in healthcare administration; health and human service systems; health informatics and application; advanced research, writing, and communication; human resources in the healthcare sector; healthcare administration; advanced health policy and ethics; health sector quality and performance improvement; health informatics and application; finance for health service administrators; and strategic healthcare leadership.

Students also take a three-credit capstone course in which they integrate theory and practice into a final project that applies all learning outcomes to healthcare administration. The program also offers an optional four-credit practicum to help interested students prepare for licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator in Minnesota (note that this license would be Minnesota-specific).

Online Experience: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota delivers classes in an asynchronous format. Students must submit assignments by the due dates and can work at their own convenience. The university uses an online learning management system called Engage. Tuition in the online MA program includes the use of an iPad, preloaded with the operating system, Saint Mary’s learning platform, and productivity apps. Through the Engage platform, students can see classmates while they work on group projects; post discussions via podcast, videos, and dictation; read textbooks; share notes with classmates; engage in video conferencing with faculty; and stay organized with a variety of productivity apps. Students should have utilities and plug-ins, including virus protection; a Java, Flash, or Shockwave plug-in; and Acrobat Reader.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MA in health and human services as the program is 100 percent online. Students are welcome to visit campus anytime and are encouraged to participate in graduation.

Paying for the Online MA in Healthcare Administration

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota online MA in healthcare administration tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of Saint Mary’s University for exact costs.

Students can seek financial aid through scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and outside resources. Students can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Note that graduate students must be enrolled in at least 4.5 credits per term to qualify for federal loans.

In addition, many employers see the benefit of helping employees earn an advanced degree and offer tuition reimbursement programs. Even if an applicant’s employer does not have such a program, it can be beneficial to discuss the situation with a manager to see if arrangements can be made for partial or full reimbursement. Because this is a fully online program, some employers may be more willing to help with expenses as it is less likely to interfere with the employee work schedule. Finally, there are discounts and financial assistance for veterans, military personnel, and their dependents.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts in Healthcare Administration

  • The program seeks to prepare competent, highly-skilled, ethical leaders
  • Tuition includes an iPad pre-loaded with Saint Mary's learning platform, so coursework can be completed anywhere
  • Prepares you to lead organizations such as hospitals, government healthcare organizations, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring
Credits Needed to Graduate 33
Time to Complete? Complete in as little as 24 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 33
Average Cost Per Credit $730
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,090.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.