Master of Health Administration at Illinois
MHA Online or On Campus
There are a lot of reasons to choose Illinois. Hear from some alumni what they will take away from their time here and MHA faculty about one of the programs they teach.
On Campus
Two-year master’s degree designed for graduates looking to start their healthcare careers
Online Program
Fully online, asynchronous master’s degree for working professionals looking for flexibility
Career Advancement
Whether you’re starting your career or seeking promotion, the MHA program meets you where you are
FAQs about the MHA at Illinois
Why choose a Master of Health Administration?
Health care needs leaders who understand both care and business. An MHA gives you the tools to drive meaningful change—managing hospitals, leading public health initiatives, improving patient experiences and shaping the future of health care.
You’ll build expertise in health care finance, policy, operations and leadership—skills that open doors to high-impact, high-growth careers. Whether you’re passionate about making health care more efficient, more equitable or more innovative, an MHA empowers you to lead with confidence and purpose.
In short: An MHA doesn’t just build your career—it positions you to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Which MHA program should I apply for?
If you’re passionate about improving healthcare systems and ready to grow as a leader, a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Illinois can help you get there. But which format is the best fit for your background, goals and lifestyle?
We offer two options—online and on-campus—each designed to meet students where they are in their professional journey.
On-Campus MHA
The on-campus program is ideal for early-career professionals or recent graduates ready to immerse themselves in full-time graduate study. You’ll engage in face-to-face learning, team-based projects, professional development opportunities and real-world healthcare experiences—all on our Urbana-Champaign campus.
Online MHA
The online program is designed for working professionals, with three or more years of healthcare experience, who need the flexibility to balance their education with a full-time job or other responsibilities. You’ll complete your coursework 100% online, gaining advanced skills in health care operations, policy, finance and strategic leadership—while continuing to build experience in your current role.
Both programs offer the same high-quality curriculum, expert faculty and a focus on preparing leaders to shape the future of health care.
What are the admissions requirements for the MHA program?
Minimum requirements for all applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college or university
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 grading scale) in the last 60 hours of instruction
- Official Transcripts
- A complete HAMPCAS or SOPHAS Application
On-Campus Applicants
- Three letters of recommendation, at least one academic and one professional
- Personal statement essays
Online Applicants
- At least three years of professional healthcare work experience
- Personal statements describing work experiences
Application Deadlines
On Campus
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The on-campus MHA program only does intake of new students every fall. Applications will open mid-August for the next fall.
On-Campus App Deadlines:
- Priority deadline for first consideration of scholarships is January 15
- Final deadline is April 1
Online
The online MHA program does an intake every semester.
Online Application Details:
- For a fall start: apps open May 1, and are due November 15
- For a spring start: apps open mid-August, and are due July 15
What courses are required to earn an MHA degree at Illinois?
Hear from MHA faculty about the courses they teach
HK 524: Health Care Quality
“I have enjoyed developing my online course for health care quality. I believe that the videos we created tell the story of what it takes to drive continuous and effective efforts in making care the best it can be for every single patient.”
Lynne Barnes
Retired president of Carle Foundation Hospital
HK537: Revenue Cycle and Revenue Integrity
“I am excited to introduce and share the role revenue cycle has in health care organizations, operations and financial performance.”
Renita Jackson
Retired director of patient financial services at Carle Foundation Hospital
HK522: Health Finance
“This course was developed with a human-centered approach. While finance revolves around money, its true impact is on people—our patients, employees and communities. Our goal is to understand the financial story and the effects on individuals.”
Shelly Johnson
Chief operating officer and interim president,
Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial
Become a leader in health care administration.
Whether online or on campus, you’ll get the same high-quality education you’d expect from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We can’t wait to meet you!
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