Academic Programs
OHSU Graduate Programs in Healthcare Leadership
The Division of Management in the OHSU School of Medicine delivers specialized graduate education for advanced careers in healthcare leadership and administration. We offer two distinct, high-impact online graduate degree programs: the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) and The Healthcare MBA. Both programs are designed for working professionals and delivered online for maximum flexibility.
As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled leaders is stronger than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. There will be roughly 142,900 new jobs in that decade. That strong outlook makes a graduate degree an even more powerful way to stand out and qualify for competitive leadership roles in healthcare. Our programs equip rising leaders and experienced professionals with practical knowledge, operational expertise, and strategic business skills they need to thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment.
If you’re exploring a graduate degree in healthcare leadership, it’s important to understand how each program prepares you to make a different kind of impact. Whether your goals center on improving hospital operations, shaping business strategy, or advancing community health, OHSU offers three distinct pathways: the online MSHA, The Healthcare MBA, and the Master of Public Health (MPH) through the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Use the comparison below to find which program best aligns with your leadership ambitions, career goals, and natural strengths.
Which Graduate Healthcare Degree Is Right for You?
Choosing the right graduate healthcare program begins with understanding your career goals and strengths. Most healthcare management careers align with one of three master’s degree paths with a distinct focus and leadership orientation:
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Operational Leadership: Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) or Master of Health Administration (MHA) are degrees that prepare professionals to lead and manage healthcare operations.
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Executive Business Strategy: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Population and Public Health: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Choosing a degree that matches your goals helps you close knowledge gaps, build domain expertise, and move forward in your career with confidence.
Find your best fit:
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Online MSHA / MHA – Perfect if you’re already in healthcare and want to lead operations, manage teams, or improve system performance.
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Online MBA – Best if you want broad business leadership skills that apply across industries—including healthcare—and aspire to executive or strategic roles.
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MPH – Ideal if you’re passionate about addressing population health, public policy, or community-level health challenges.
Comparing MSHA, MBA, and MPH Degrees
Below is a detailed comparison of each degree’s core focus and career pathways, with emphasis on how your choice today shapes your future impact.
Online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)
Primary Focus:
The online MSHA program is crafted to develop practical leadership and management skills. Coursework emphasizes operational excellence, financial stewardship, process improvement, and team leadership—all tailored to healthcare settings. The fully online format provides working professionals the flexibility to apply what they learn immediately in their jobs.
Typical Career Trajectory:
Designed for individuals already in healthcare, the MSHA helps you transition into senior administrative and operational roles. Graduates commonly become Chief Operating Officers (COO), Hospital Administrators, Clinical Operations Directors, Quality & Performance Managers, or Health System Executives within healthcare delivery and financing organizations.
Online Healthcare MBA
Primary Focus:
The Healthcare MBA is an online program that blends robust business fundamentals with healthcare specialization. Students gain skills in strategy, finance, innovation, and leadership, preparing them to navigate both healthcare and other sectors.
Typical Career Trajectory:
Graduates are ready for high-impact strategic and executive roles like Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Healthcare Strategist, or Consultant. The program also supports paths into investment banking, healthcare entrepreneurship, and management consulting.
Master of Public Health (MPH) – OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Primary Focus:
The MPH program centers on population and preventive health. Students learn to design, evaluate, and lead public health initiatives, conduct surveillance and data analysis, and influence policy and systems to improve community health. Contact the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health to explore specialization tracks and find which MPH path aligns best with your goals.
Typical Career Trajectory:
MPH graduates often pursue roles such as Epidemiologists, Public Health Analysts, Policy Advisors, or Program Managers in government agencies, nonprofits, and global health organizations—making impact at the population level.
Take the Next Step
Choosing one of these programs is your first move toward a more influential role in healthcare.
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For information about the online MSHA or online Healthcare MBA, request details or connect with an admissions advisor through the OHSU Division of Management.
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For information about the MPH, visit the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health site or contact their admissions team directly.