Health Administration Degrees in California

Click to search for online health administration programs that are currently taking applications for 2025.

The most populous state in the nation, California is also home to the most extensive healthcare system of any state. The Golden State's health system comprises more than 82,600 hospitals and clinics, and employs roughly one and a half million health professionals. Since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, it is estimated that approximately ninety-three percent of the nearly forty million Californians have become insured, with this number expected to rise in the future.

Finding a MHA degree in California

A number of prestigious universities in California offer accredited Master's in Healthcare Administration degrees. If you want to live in the state of California, you work in healthcare, and you are interested in pursuing a Master's degree, there are plenty of options for you to explore.

Are There Online MHA Programs in California?

California is unique among the western states in that it has a rich history and network of prestigious, public universities. And the degree of Healthcare Administration is unique in that some schools offer it as a MSN (Master's of Science in Nursing) while others offer the program as an MBA (Master's of Business Administration). Still others offer dual programs, allowing students to pursue their MSN and MBA simultaneously.

In addition, many universities within the California system offer complete or partial online programs, though most universities require occasional campus visits and may request that you complete your practicum requirement in university hospitals.

Below, we have listed some examples of schools in California that have a health administration degree.

California State University, Long Beach Department of Health Care Administration

This 323-acre campus is the third largest in the California State University system, and it has been ranked fifth among public colleges on the West Coast by U.S. News and World Report.

It has a long history in the fields of health, business, and public policy, and is one of only fourteen universities within the United States that offer both graduate and undergraduate programs in health administration.

CSULB's Department of Health Care Administration has consistently been ranked among the top such programs in the country by Modern Healthcare magazine, and they maintain relationships both with scholars around the nation as well as with leading health executives in California.

Depending on your previous experience, the coursework of this program may vary from 36 to 48 credit hours. In order to accommodate those who may already be working in the field, classes are offered during the evenings on campus. There is also an Accelerated Program which combines online coursework with on-campus classes during the weekend.

As with any public university, tuition will vary depending on whether or not you qualify for in-state tuition. Whether or not you are a part-time or full-time student will also influence the cost. Full-time, in-state students can expect to pay around $4,110 per semester. But be sure to investigate the many financial aid options to see if you qualify for reduced tuition.

This program requires prospective students to have a GPA of at least 3.0, and/or a GMAT score of at least 500 to be considered.

University of Southern California Masters in Healthcare Administration Degree

Located in the heart of sprawling Los Angeles, USC is one of the most prestigious private universities in the nation. USC offers an online Master's in Healthcare Administration, intended for those with an educational background in health as well as extensive experience in the field.

Students of the program learn skills necessary to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare, and can make use of the extensive USC network in order to meet, study under, and work with pioneer healthcare professionals from around the globe.

The degree plan comprises 36 credit hours, in addition to a 1000-hour administrative residency meant to provide students with the practical skills and experience necessary to succeed in the field.

The total cost of tuition will vary depending on factors such as housing and transportation. However, average base tuition for 12 to 18 credit hours over two semesters costs approximately $55,320. Being a private university, out-of-state students are not charged an extra fee.

Be sure to investigate the many merit and need-based scholarships the university offers prospective students.

Click to search for online health administration programs that are currently taking applications.

List of Programs

CAHME Accredited California Health Administration Degrees

CAHME (Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) is the top accrediting board for health admin and management programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CAHME accredited healthcare programs in California. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs.

California State University at Long Beach

MSHA

CAHME Accredited

California State University at Long Beach

MSHA

CAHME Accredited

California State University, Northridge

MSHA

CAHME Accredited

San Diego State University

MPH

CAHME Accredited

University of Southern California

MHA

CAHME Accredited

List of California Healthcare Administration Programs

Common Master’s in Health Care Administration Degree Concepts

The U.S. healthcare system is one of the most complex, changing, and quickly growing public systems in the world. Healthcare professionals must be suited to the task of assuring access to and quality of care within this ever-changing industry.

Health finance, Health IT, Management Operations, and Health Policy Analysis are just some of the core concepts students of this profession will study throughout their degree path. Below, we have listed two examples of the typical coursework you might see during your studies.

Health Administrators in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the state with the highest employment level of medical and health service managers. Additionally, Californian healthcare management professionals enjoy a mean salary of $122,500 as of 2017, substantially higher than the national average.

For those wishing to pursue a career in this field, California, with its many prestigious options for education, its high standard of living, and its large and progressive healthcare system, may be a good place to achieve a specialization and continue working in the field. If you’re interested in studying in California, you might consider any of the options listed below.