Master of Science in Healthcare Administration Degree Program

Build Your Career in Health Care Operations and Management

The MS in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) at Oregon Health & Science University prepares you to lead health care operations, strengthen systems, and improve organizational performance.

This fully online graduate program develops practical leadership, financial, and operational expertise for today’s complex health care environment.

Advance your future in Healthcare Administration, Zeb Russo
Advance your future in Healthcare Administration with photo of student.

Is the MSHA the Right Program for You?

The OHSU MSHA is designed for individuals building or advancing careers in health care operations and management.

You may be a strong fit for the program if you want to:

  • move into leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, or health systems
  • transition from a clinical or technical role into health care administration
  • strengthen your skills in health care operations, finance, and strategy
  • build expertise in improving health system performance
  • earn a graduate degree while continuing to work full time

Because the program does not require prior work experience, the MSHA is also well suited for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking to enter the field of health care administration.

Who the MSHA Is Designed For

The MSHA program is designed for individuals building or advancing careers in health care operations and management.

Students in the program often include:

  • early-career health care professionals
  • clinicians transitioning into administrative leadership
  • recent graduates pursuing health care management careers
  • professionals seeking operational leadership roles

Unlike many graduate business programs, professional work experience is not required for admission.

OHSU MSHA Program Snapshot
Format 100% online
Time to complete 21 months (6 terms)
Credits 54 graduate credits
Experience Required No

Not sure if the MSHA is the right fit for your goals?

Talk with our admissions team to explore your goals and next steps.

Core Skills Developed in the MSHA

Health Care Operations & Systems

Understand how hospitals and health systems function and how to improve operational performance.

Leadership & Organizational Management

Develop the skills needed to lead teams, manage change, and guide organizational strategy.

Financial & Strategic Decision Making

Apply financial analysis and strategic planning tools to support organizational growth.

Flexible Online Learning for Working Professionals

The MSHA program is delivered fully online, combining flexible coursework with live sessions that support collaboration and discussion.

Program structure includes:

  • ~80% asynchronous coursework
  • ~20% live online sessions
  • Collaborative team projects
  • Applied case studies and analysis

Students typically spend 20–25 hours per week on coursework.

Live Session Schedule

Three sessions per term:

Friday: 4–7 PM PST
Saturday: 9 AM–12 PM PST

The full schedule is released 9 months in advance.

Capstone Consulting Experience

Students conclude the MSHA program with a team-based Capstone consulting project where they partner with a health care organization to analyze a real operational challenge and develop strategic recommendations.

Capstone projects allow students to apply skills developed throughout the program while gaining practical consulting experience prior to graduation.

Projects often address:

  • service line development
  • operational improvement
  • patient safety initiatives
  • strategic growth planning

Careers in Health Care Administration and Operations

Graduates of the MSHA program move into leadership roles across hospitals, health systems, clinics, and public health organizations.

Common roles include:

  • Hospital Administrator
  • Operations Director
  • Health System Program Manager
  • Quality Improvement Leader

Application Deadlines

Fall 2026 Applications Now Open

Applying early is encouraged to maximize advising and financial planning opportunities.

  • Early Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: June 1, 2026
  • Final Deadline: August 1, 2026

Interested in the MSHA Program?

Schedule an advising appointment or request information to learn how the MS in Healthcare Administration can help you build leadership skills in health care operations.

Already working in health care leadership?

Explore the Healthcare MBA