Master of Arts in Health Care Administration

Take your place at the cutting edge of this crucial industry by pursuing your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration degree online from Ashford University. Deepen the value of your services with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree. The online courses in this graduate curriculum are taught by advanced-degree faculty with real-world experience in the subjects they teach.

Major Course Requirements

(36 credit hours, all classes are 3 credits. Courses listed in the recommended sequence.)

MHA 601 Principles of Health Care Administration

The focus of this course is on the application of advanced organizational principles in complex health care environments. Organizational issues, administrative processes and applications are explored. The managerial perspectives of a mid-to-senior health care administrator are emphasized.

MHA 610 Introduction to BioStatistics

This course explores the application of fundamental statistical methods to the health care environment. Course content includes both descriptive and inferential methods including: data analysis, statistical estimation, regression analysis, analysis of variance, hypothesis testing and analysis of longitudinal data.

MHA 612 Financial & Managerial Accounting

This course provides the foundation for integrating health care finance and managerial accounting. Opportunities for analyzing current and emerging health care financing trends are provided. Practical cost-benefit strategies used in planning, controlling and preparing internal and external reports are emphasized.

MHA 614 Policy Formation & Leadership in Health Organizations

This course focuses on the administrator's perspective and leadership role in formation of health care personnel policy and program recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation and labor relations. Evaluation of policy compliance with accreditation, regulatory and legal requirements, professional standards and ethical considerations, and medical staff and board communication are stressed.

MHA 616 Health Care Management Information Systems

This course applies health care data in real-world contexts. Factors such as service line identification, program planning, implementation models and outcome monitoring are covered.

MHA 618 Health Economics

This course focuses upon the analysis of health care operations and planning decisions derived from the theoretical concepts of demand, cost production, profit and competition. External and internal forces challenging health care services are analyzed. Organizational effectiveness and efficiency within the complex health care environment are emphasized.

MHA 620 Health Policy Analyses

This course focuses on the analysis and evaluation of health care policy. Policy implications in organizational decision making, strategic planning and market positions are examined.

MHA 622 Health Care Ethics & Law

This course focuses upon the legal and ethical issues arising in the health care environment. Case study analysis is used to illustrate the ethical and legal implications commonly addressed in health care.

MHA 624 Continuous Quality Improvements & Risk Management

This course examines a systemic approach to health care outcomes and risk management practices. Assurance of quality health services and organizational risk control is discussed using industry benchmark and accreditation standards and processes.

MHA 626 Strategic Planning & Marketing in Health Care

This course focuses upon the visioning and modeling of services and programs, both anticipatory and responsive, utilizing market-driven information. Students integrate theories from economics, information management, finance and leadership, culminating in the generation of a comprehensive business plan.

MHA 628 Managed Care & Contractual Services

This course examines the concepts of supply, demand, profits, cost and quality control in a managed care environment. Stakeholder dynamics are explored. Factors such as population, health status, market forces, contractual adjustments, third-party payers, cost allocation, government policies, and legal and ethical implications are explored.

MHA 690 Health Care Capstone

This course offers an opportunity for the integration of knowledge and skills developed within a culminating professional internship experience. The focus is on strategic and organizational issues unique to the health care environment. The student will present a comprehensive project at the end of the Capstone experience.

If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.