Lead the future of healthcare with NDSU's Master of Healthcare Administration
Strong healthcare organizations need strong leaders. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the demand for professionals who can lead teams, improve operations and strengthen patient care has never been greater.
NDSU's fully online Master of Healthcare Administration program prepares you to meet those challenges with the leadership, strategic thinking and practical skills needed to make a lasting impact.
“A Master of Healthcare Administration is invaluable in today's healthcare landscape as it equips professionals with the skills to navigate complex regulatory environments, manage healthcare organizations effectively, provide both leadership and support to multi-faceted teams and implement innovative solutions to improve patient care,” said Douglas Arvin, Vice President of Finance with Essentia Health in Fargo. “The MHA program emphasizes strategic thinking, data analysis and leadership, all of which are critical for addressing the evolving challenges in healthcare.”
NDSU’s MHA program was designed with an emphasis on the needs of regional and rural health systems and communities, preparing future health leaders to think beyond individual organizations and improve health across the broader health ecosystem. Students apply their learning through experiential, real-world projects focused on challenges within their own organizations and communities.
Develop the skills to lead
Healthcare administration focuses on the leadership and management side of healthcare, ensuring organizations operate efficiently while improving patient care, workforce performance, quality, safety and financial sustainability.
The well-rounded competency-based curriculum centers on three key areas: leading self, leading others and leading healthcare organizations. Throughout the program, you’ll build expertise in:
- Leadership and people management
- Communication and relationship management
- Healthcare systems and policy
- Financial and operational management
- Data-informed decision-making
- Quality improvement and patient safety
- Health informatics and artificial intelligence in healthcare systems
- Strategic planning, innovation and change management
For healthcare professionals in the field, that broad perspective is particularly valuable.
"MHA graduates are systems thinkers,” said Harold Pharis, director of the Fargo VA Health Care System. "We're not just thinking of the complex problem that's in front of us. We're thinking of the upstream and downstream effects of everything as those plans are being developed and implemented. That is what healthcare needs in this market."
Courses are delivered fully online in asynchronous, eight-week sessions, allowing you to balance graduate education with professional and personal commitments. Optional live learning opportunities provide additional engagement with faculty and peers.
Beyond the core coursework, you’ll also tailor your experience by choosing certificates and electives that align with your specific interests and career goals. This flexibility lets you specialize in areas that matter most to you while gaining practical, real-world knowledge.
Prepare for a growing field
Healthcare leaders are in high demand across the country, particularly throughout North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Graduates of NDSU's MHA program are prepared for leadership positions in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals and health systems
- Rural and critical access hospitals
- Clinics and physician practices
- Public health organizations
- Long-term care facilities
- Health insurance and managed care organizations
- Healthcare consulting
- Health technology, informatics and analytics
- Quality improvement and patient safety
- Healthcare operations and strategy
- Human resources and workforce development
- Healthcare entrepreneurship
Employment outlooks continue to reflect strong demand for healthcare leadership professionals, with medical and health services manager positions projected to grow by more than 23% through 2034.
“Employers highly value MHA graduates because they bring a unique blend of business acumen and healthcare-specific knowledge,” said Susan Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer of Sanford Health in Fargo. “Candidates with an MHA demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and possess a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within healthcare.”
If you’re looking to advance your career while receiving personalized support along the way, NDSU’s MHA program is the perfect fit.
“Students benefit from faculty, healthcare executives and advisory board members who are invested in their professional growth,” said Todd Schaffer, President/CEO of Sanford Health Bismarck. “For individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in healthcare, whether in North Dakota or beyond, NDSU provides an outstanding foundation. Graduates leave prepared to lead complex organizations, improve patient care, strengthen communities and help shape the future of healthcare.”
Take the next step by applying today.
NDSU Marketing and Communications
Writer: Meghan Arbegast
Photos: Justin Eiler/NDSU