Two Management Intensives
Build leadership skills and connect with colleagues.
Application deadline
Credits and costs
CAHME Accredited
Enhance Your Leadership Capacity with Health Care Leadership Skills
Use critical thought to develop solutions to the health care problems we face, both now and in the future.
Implement change in your organization to make a difference in the lives of others.
Lead ethically with a thorough understanding of the financing, organization, and delivery of health services.
Communicate arguments and ideas effectively in oral presentations and written works.
Online Courses from a Nationally Recognized Program
Online Courses from a Nationally Recognized Program
Become part of a tradition of excellence. Our online program builds on the experience of our nationally ranked residential MHA program and, just like our residential program, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
The MHA curriculum can provide you with a fundamental understanding of management and health services. The courses have been designed to prepare you for the requirements of increased accountability, organization, and management.
Inspired by the fields of health care and business management, Penn State's 49-credit online MHA program can help you gain a solid foundation of knowledge that combines both of these disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes competencies in ethical leadership, critical thought, and oral and written communication, as well as a broad understanding of the U.S. health care system. Areas of study include:
- financing health care
- clinical issues for health services management
- quality improvement in health care
- health care marketing
- health economics
- health law
- information systems in health services administration
Penn State's online MHA program spans seven continuous semesters and is composed of 17 total courses, including an integrative online independent study and two face-to-face management intensives, totaling 49 credits — designed to be completed within 28 months. An online orientation precedes the first semester of courses.
Semester 1
- 3credits
Analysis of financial flows, third-party payment programs, and reimbursement practices in the health services sector.
- 3credits
Introduction to health systems, health services organization, and health care delivery focused on trends, problems, and issues.
- 3credits
Examination of building blocks that support the ethical framework that drives decision making. Face-to face intensive scheduled in August. Begins during intensive scheduled first week of classes.
Semester 2
- 3credits
A systematic application of the principles of organizational behavior to understanding professional roles in health services organizations.
- 3credits
The financial environment of health institutions; financial aspects of management decision-making; emphasis on revenue sources, budgeting, and cost control.
Semester 3
- 3credits
This course is focused on understanding and overcoming the challenges associated with nurturing and managing effective health care operations.
- 3credits
A systematic study of the roles of health services managers and the organizational and environmental context within which they work.
Semester 4
- 3credits
Exploration of diagnostic and intervention strategies employed in planned change in health services organizations and programs.
- 3credits
This course is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge and skills for leading quality improvement, population health management, and patient safety efforts to create high reliability health services organizations that improve the overall health of the communities they serve.
- 1credit
Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. This is the first of a four-semester (1 credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
Semester 5
- 3credits
Survey of the application of economics to the roles of markets and government in health care.
- 1credit
Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. (The 2nd of a four-semester (one credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor.)
- 3credits
Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. (Introduction into project management; The course structure will give each student an opportunity to reflect on choices, assess progress to goals, and evaluate successes and failures in a supportive environment while striving for continual performance improvement. Organizing deliverables into a leadership portfolio will provide a vehicle to display growth and competency attainment.)
Semester 6
- 3credits
Foundations of human resource management applied to health care organizations, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
- 3credits
Introduction to the theory, concepts, skills, and principles of marketing applied to health related organizations and networks.
- 1credit
Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. This is the 3rd of a four-semester (1 credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
Semester 7
- 3credits
The legal process as it applies to the health administrator, health organization, medical provider, and patient.
- 3credits
Foundations of information systems for supporting clinical services, quality improvement, and administrative functions in health services management.
- 1credit
Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. This is the 4th of a four-semester (1 credit per semester) project developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor. The final project presentation is delivered in person at University Park during the last semester of the program.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Advance Your Career
Advance Your Career
An online MHA from Penn State can provide opportunities for career advancement for working professionals. As a graduate of the program, you could obtain an administrative, management, or executive position in a health care–related organization.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
As a graduate of the program, you could pursue an administrative, management, or executive position in a health care–related organization, such as:
- Clinical Director
- Health Care Facility Administrator
- Health Services Administrator
- Health Services Director
- Medicine and Health Service Manager
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,037 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,448 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
Management Intensives to Develop Leadership Skills
Two in-person management intensives provide opportunities to engage with classmates, faculty, and health care administrators and leaders and enhance your knowledge in key areas such as:
- change leadership
- strategic management
- performance improvement
- organizational design
- collaboration
The August Onboarding Intensive is a week-long immersive experience. It follows an online orientation in July and sets the foundation for the program.
You will meet other members of the cohort, program faculty, and staff through engaging onboarding activities. You'll have the chance to network with peers who are early in their careers as well, thanks to the inclusion of the incoming residential MHA students.
The goal is to give you the opportunity to begin the program with a common understanding of program and academic expectations. You can also gain an appreciation for the diversity of experience and life perspective of your peers.
You'll also complete a three-credit course during this first Management Intensive. The course, Leadership Ethics in Health Services Organizations, reinforces the program philosophy. It will help ground you in the unique ethical challenges and obligations inherent in the design and delivery of health care.
The Capstone Management Intensive is the culminating experience of the MHA program. Students prepare and deliver a formal presentation of their capstone project.
The capstone is an integrative project that requires you to apply the skills, techniques, and competencies developed throughout the MHA program to a topic of your choosing. For those who have completed all the requirements of the MHA program and are in good academic standing, participation in graduation and commencement ceremonies complete the intensive activities.
Study and Network with a Cohort of Peers
Study and Network with a Cohort of Peers
You’ll complete the online MHA program over the course of seven semesters along with a group of peers from diverse health care settings. The continuous cohort experience allows students to stay engaged and network, connect, and collaborate with peers and faculty as they advance through the program.
Penn State's online MHA program spans seven continuous semesters and is composed of 17 total courses. You will complete an integrative, online independent study and two face-to-face management intensives. The 49 credits are designed to be completed within 28 months. An online orientation precedes the first semester of courses.
An MHA Program That Works for You
The online MHA’s convenient online format allows students to earn a degree from an accredited program, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate professional and family responsibilities.
Who Should Apply?
Who Should Apply?
Penn State's online MHA program is designed for early to mid-level career professionals seeking to change positions in the health care industry or advance within their own organizations. If you have three or more years of full-time professional experience and want to enhance your applied business management skills, this program is for you.
Our cohorts are composed of individuals who are working in a wide variety of health settings in entry-level to high-level leadership roles. We offer priority consideration to students with three or more years of full-time professional work experience (preferably in health care) but encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by April 1 to start August 25
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
We follow a cohort model, with admissions occurring once each year, in the fall. Your application portfolio, including receipt of all transcripts and references, must be received by the following deadline to be considered complete. Applicants are encouraged to submit all portfolio items as early as possible.
Fall Deadline
Apply by April 1 to start August 25
Steps to Apply
For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
GPA and Test Scores — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) grade-point average is required. The program prefers an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.
Test Scores — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for admission to this program.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete. References should come from professional peers and/or managers and supervisors.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé (one to two pages) to the online application.
Personal Statement (PDF Required) —Please make sure to answer all questions and limit your answer to no more than 1,000 words.
1. Describe your personal, academic, and professional background.
2. Why did you become interested in the health care industry?
3. What are your career goals?
4. How will the MHA degree contribute to your career goals?Please feel free to share any unique or distinctive details about your life story. You may include events or individuals who have influenced you.
Essay 1 (PDF required) — Please limit your answer to no more than 500 words.
1. Describe two specific goals that you have set for yourself.
2. Explain the factors that led to your pursuit of each of these goals.
3. Tell us what you learned, how you faced challenges, and how you defined success.Essay 2 (PDF required) — Please limit your answer to no more than 500 words.
1. Describe a time when you set aside your own priorities to help someone else.
2. What were the circumstances?
3. What was the impact of your decision?Interview — The admissions committee will review all completed application materials and determine if an applicant will be asked to participate in a brief interview, via Zoom, to assess the potential for success in an online program and the profession.
Interview Selection Process — All applications will be reviewed in their entirety by the MHA Admissions Committee. Candidates who score above an established threshold on the written application will be invited to interview via Zoom. This hourlong discussion forms the basis for offers of admission to be extended.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Master of Health Administration, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Online MHA Program
Department of Health Policy and Administration
The Pennsylvania State University
118 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802-1300
Phone: 814-865-0631
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
The program is a collaboration between Penn State World Campus and the Department of Health Policy and Administration in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development.
This partnership connects you with faculty from a highly ranked program with 25 years of experience guiding student learning. Experienced faculty, the residential MHA program's 4,000+ alumni, and professional contacts help maintain the focus on emerging and complex health care leadership challenges.
Faculty
Chris Calkins
- DegreePh.D., Health Policy and Administration, Penn State
- DegreeMPA, California State University, East Bay
- DegreeB.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State
Dr. Chris Calkins leads the MHA programs and teaches the leadership ethics course that sets the foundation for all new students. He serves as faculty associate to the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and is a board member of the Quell Foundation. Research interests include mental health access and treatment, decision-making and informed consent, and palliative and end-of-life care. Dr. Calkins has broad experience in health care organizations and leverages that experience on behalf of all MHA students and alumni.
Christopher S. Hollenbeak
- DegreePh.D., Economics, Washington University in St. Louis
- DegreeM.A., Economics, Washington University in St. Louis
- DegreeB.A., Economics, Brigham University
Dr. Christopher S. Hollenbeak is a professor and department head of Health Policy and Administration. Prior to HPA, he was professor of surgery and public health sciences, chief of the division of outcomes research and quality, and associate director of the Center for Applied Studies in Health Economics at Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Hollenbeak has extensive research expertise in health services and outcomes research with an emphasis on economic evaluation in surgery. His research is directed at public health and clinical audiences to inform clinical decision-making and public policy.
Ronald J. McConnell
- DegreeFellow (FACHE), American College of Healthcare Executives
- DegreeGraduate Certificate, Financial Management, Gannon University
- DegreeMBA, Finance, Gannon University
- DegreeB.S., Resort Management/Business, Penn State
Ronald J. McConnell is an assistant teaching professor for the Master of Healthcare Administration program. Ron has broad, industry-based health care experience, having served in numerous roles over his nearly 25-year health care professional career — including as the chief operating officer for a major tertiary care hospital/health care system for more than a decade. Ron’s practical industry knowledge and passion for student learning greatly enrich the classroom learning experience.
Carol Mills
- DegreePh.D., Health Policy and Management, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
- DegreeM.S., Management, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- DegreeB.S., Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Dr. Carol Mills has an extensive background in health care administration, assuming leadership positions in multiple settings in both provider and payor environments. She maintains credentials as a registered nurse. Her research interests include health care operations, rural health, health care delivery systems, and the health care workforce.
Troy A. Phillips
- DegreeMHA, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Accounting, Elizabethtown College
Troy A. Phillips is an adjunct instructor for the online health care finance courses. He has spent more than 25 years in health care, currently working as an executive at a health care IT company. Previously, he served in executive roles in hospital finance, revenue cycle and managed care, and he has clinical experience as a paramedic. He’s previously taught health law, health care information technology, health care marketing, and strategic management at other institutions. Troy is a Ph.D. student at Penn State researching how structured on-the-job training improves the development of the patient-teaching competency in clinicians.
Kristi Pintar
- DegreeEd.D., Work-Based Learning Leadership, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
- DegreeMBA, Human Resource Administration, Temple University
- DegreeB.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State
Kristi Pintar, Ed.D., MBA, is an adjunct instructor for the Master of Health Administration program. Kristi brings more than 30 years of executive leadership as an organization development professional with expertise in large-scale change, leadership development, and operational improvement. She has led learning and development, management engineering, organizational development, and physician office practice operations in three large academic health systems, driving organizational performance improvement across the domains of employee engagement, patient satisfaction, clinical quality, and finance.
Yunfeng Shi
- DegreePh.D., Public Policy and Information Systems, Carnegie Mellon University
- DegreeM.S., Economics, Carnegie Mellon University
Dr. Yunfeng Shi has been an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Administration since 2015. His research focuses on how consumers (patients) react to important changes in health care markets, such as information, insurance, technological advancement, and government policies. His studies have been published by many journals in the field, including Health Affairs, Health Care Management Review, Health Services Research, Medical Care, Journal of Health Organization and Management, and American Journal of Managed Care.
Richard E. Smith Jr.
- DegreeMSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore City
- DegreeB.S., Psychology, Morgan State University
Richard E. Smith Jr. is an instructor for the Master of Health Administration program and teaches a course on change management in health care organizations. For more than 28 years, he has been instrumental in helping health care organizations enhance their quality of care with an emphasis on increasing overall satisfaction for patients, staff, and physicians alike. He has been particularly interested in ensuring care is delivered with great passion and sensitivity to the needs of patients and family members as they journey through the care continuum.
Vicki L. Wertz
- DegreeJ.D., University of Maryland School of Law
- DegreeMHA, Duke University
- DegreeB.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State
Vicki L. Wertz teaches HPA 836: Health Law for World Campus as part of the Master of Health Administration program. Vicki worked in-house in a hospital setting for 20 years and has served as compliance officer, privacy officer, and patient safety officer during her health care career.
News
