Compare CAHME-accredited Maryland MHA programs by cost, format, admissions, and public-sector career outcomes.
Maryland houses the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: three of the largest federal health agencies in the country, alongside major hospital systems like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical System. That density creates a deep, year-round market for health administration talent.
Online-eligible MHA programs in the state range from CAHME-accredited options to flat-rate tuition models, but this ranking surfaces only programs that meet a blended quality standard. The order reflects a composite of online delivery, graduation outcomes, and institutional strength, not a simple cost comparison. For professionals weighing no-GRE admissions or in-state tuition breaks, the challenge is balancing affordability with the credential’s market value.
Maryland's online and hybrid master's programs in health administration sit on top of a dense network of hospitals, county health departments, and federal health agencies. The programs below are ordered by a blended quality measure that gives extra weight to online delivery, not by price or graduate salary. Graduation rates shown for each institution are campus-wide figures and do not describe any single MHA cohort.
Towson, MD · ~$13,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Maryland community college transfer students
Towson University is a large public institution in Baltimore County with deep transfer pipelines from Maryland community colleges, which makes it a practical starting point for students who began in two-year health programs. Its Health Science M.S. with an Administration concentration blends health care systems coursework with financial management and research methods, and most classes run on weekday evenings for students who are already working. The program is offered in hybrid and online formats and allows a dual concentration when interests span administration and community health.
Owings Mills, MD · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Quality and patient safety specialists
Stevenson University is a private Maryland institution in Owings Mills that serves the Baltimore and Washington corridor, and it markets its graduate health programs squarely to working professionals in the region. The online Master's in Healthcare Management runs in 8-week terms and carries two concentration options, one in quality management and patient safety and one in project management for health care. Employer tuition reimbursement is supported and tuition discounts exist for employer partners, a meaningful draw for students already inside a Maryland health system.
Adelphi, MD · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Military and federal health employees
University of Maryland Global Campus is the state's public online institution, based in Adelphi, and it is built around adult learners, military members, and federal employees working across Maryland and the Washington region. Its Master of Science in Healthcare Administration covers the U.S. health care system, financial management, information technology, and regulatory compliance, and it steers students toward national leadership credentials. Cost controls such as no-cost digital materials for most courses and an interest-free monthly payment plan matter for students paying their own way.
Emmitsburg, MD · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Mount St. Mary's University is a private institution in Emmitsburg whose online M.S. in Health Administration is housed in the IACBE-accredited Bolte School of Business. The program stands out for embedding a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, a credential that maps directly onto the process improvement and quality work common in Maryland health systems. With six start dates a year, 8-week sessions available in synchronous or asynchronous form, and a $0 application fee, it is designed to be easy to enter for students already carrying a full workload.
College Park, MD · ~$18,000/yr (est.)
The University of Maryland at College Park is the state's flagship public campus and its MHA is the most nationally recognized of the Maryland online options. Coursework spans health economics, financial management, strategic planning, law and ethics, and quality improvement, with an internship and capstone that can be placed with Maryland hospitals and health agencies. A dual degree with the Doctor of Medicine makes it a fit for physicians in the state who want management training alongside clinical practice.
Only two Maryland-connected MHA programs currently hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME): Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Uniformed Services University's Master of Health Administration and Policy program.1 Every other master's-level health administration option based in Maryland, including programs at University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Global Campus, Mount St. Mary's University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and University of Baltimore, currently sits outside CAHME's accredited directory.1
CAHME is the sole programmatic accreditor for healthcare management education in the United States and Canada.1 That distinction matters because regional or institutional accreditation, the kind granted to an entire university, confirms that a school meets baseline standards for degree-granting institutions. It says nothing about whether a specific MHA curriculum meets the field's professional benchmarks for competencies like health finance, operations, policy analysis, and leadership. A university can be fully accredited as an institution while its MHA program has never sought or earned CAHME review. Maryland families researching options need to check both boxes separately.
All other Maryland-based programs referenced on this page currently show a status of not accredited in CAHME's directory as of the 2025-2026 cycle.1
Employers hiring for administrative fellowships and residencies, particularly with the Maryland Department of Health, county health districts, public hospital systems, and VA facilities, frequently give preference or set eligibility requirements around CAHME-accredited degrees. The same holds true in states where nursing home administrator licensure boards weigh CAHME status when evaluating whether a candidate's education satisfies coursework requirements. A non-CAHME program isn't disqualifying on its own, many graduates build strong public-sector careers without it, but it can mean extra documentation, narrower fellowship eligibility, or a longer path to certain licensure tracks. Readers weighing the tradeoffs across formats and price points should also review the broader accreditation landscape for public health administration degrees and programs by state before ruling any Maryland option in or out.
Understanding the true cost of an MHA program in Maryland requires looking beyond sticker price. The table below compares estimated graduate tuition for each ranked program, noting which schools charge a flat rate regardless of where you live. Net price figures shown are institution-wide averages after financial aid (based on 2023 U.S. Department of Education data) and should not be treated as MHA-specific quotes. For students seeking the most affordable path, Stevenson University currently posts the lowest estimated graduate tuition at roughly $8,460 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious learners. If you are comparing costs across all nationally available programs, our affordable online MHA guide offers a broader look.
| School | Estimated Graduate Tuition (In-State) | Estimated Graduate Tuition (Out-of-State) | Flat Online Rate? | Format | Approx. Institution-Wide Net Price After Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevenson University | $8,460 | $8,460 | Yes | Online | $26,505 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $9,882 | $12,132 | No (small differential) | Online | $22,063 |
| Towson University | $12,636 | $22,860 | No | Hybrid | $17,413 |
| Mount St. Mary's University | $14,351 | $14,351 | Yes | Online | $22,655 |
| University of Maryland, College Park | $18,276 | $38,207 | No | Online | $15,678 |
Maryland residents considering an MHA have several format options, from fully asynchronous online programs to hybrid models that blend virtual coursework with required in-person components. The differences matter: format choices affect scheduling flexibility, practicum logistics, and whether you need to travel to a campus at all. Below is a side-by-side comparison across the key dimensions that shape day-to-day student experience.
| Dimension | University of Maryland, College Park (Hybrid Online MHA) | Mount St. Mary's University (Online MSHA) | UMGC (Online MS in Healthcare Administration) | Stevenson University (Online MS in Healthcare Management) | Towson University (Hybrid Health Science MS, Administration) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Model | Hybrid: coursework delivered online with required in-person field components | Fully online with synchronous and asynchronous options | Fully online with select hybrid courses available | Fully online, 100% asynchronous 8-week courses | Hybrid: mix of online and on-campus evening courses |
| Synchronous vs. Asynchronous | Online coursework is primarily asynchronous; internship and capstone are scheduled in person | Both synchronous and asynchronous sessions offered, giving students flexibility each term | Asynchronous online format for most courses | Asynchronous throughout the program | On-campus sessions are synchronous; online components are asynchronous |
| Campus Visits or Residency Weekends | No traditional residency weekends, but the semester-long internship (HLSA 778, 4 credits) and capstone project (HLSA 786, 3 credits) require in-person presence at a healthcare organization | No campus visits required; program can be completed entirely at a distance | No campus visits required | No campus visits required; a low-residency option exists for international students on F-1 visas | Periodic on-campus evening meetings in Towson, MD |
| Practicum or Fieldwork Requirement | Yes: a full-semester healthcare internship at an approved site, plus a capstone project | Yes: MHA 511 Healthcare Practicum (3 credits) in the sixth semester at a field-based healthcare setting | Capstone project required; no standalone clinical practicum listed | Capstone required; no separate clinical practicum listed | Capstone or thesis option; no standalone clinical practicum listed |
| Can Practicum Be Completed Near Home? | Yes, students arrange placement at a healthcare organization in their area, subject to program approval | Yes, the field-based practicum can be completed at a healthcare site local to the student | Not applicable (capstone only) | Not applicable (capstone only) | Not applicable (capstone or thesis only) |
| Typical Practicum Hours | Semester-long internship spanning one full academic term | Practicum completed across one 8-week session in the final year | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Best Suited For | Working professionals who can commit to a structured internship semester at a nearby healthcare facility | Students who need maximum geographic flexibility and want to complete all requirements remotely | Students seeking a fully online, military-friendly program with no in-person obligations | Working professionals who prefer short, self-paced course blocks | Maryland-based students who can attend periodic evening classes on the Towson campus |
Most online MHA students in Maryland are working healthcare professionals, so part-time pacing is the norm. However, programs across the state offer a range of timelines depending on credit-hour requirements and whether an accelerated or cohort-based track is available. The comparison below outlines what to expect at three Maryland institutions offering fully online master's-level health administration degrees.
Two of the primary online health administration programs available to Maryland residents, the University of Maryland's Online MHA and Mount St. Mary's Online MS in Health Administration, have moved away from mandatory standardized testing, though they take different approaches.
The University of Maryland's online Master of Health Administration program is fully test-free for the 2025, 2026 admissions cycle. No GRE or GMAT scores are requested, reviewed, or required at any stage. The primary academic benchmark is a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Work experience in healthcare is not a mandatory prerequisite; however, candidates lacking a health-related background are encouraged to demonstrate their motivation and understanding of the field through personal statements and professional references.1
Mount St. Mary's uses an alternative approach. The program does not require GRE or GMAT scores from applicants who meet specific qualifications. The primary waiver is tied directly to professional experience: candidates with at least three years of healthcare management or relevant administrative experience automatically qualify for a test waiver. For applicants without that experience, GRE or GMAT scores become conditional. The program sets competitive score thresholds: a GRE composite of 304 or a GMAT total of 500. The minimum undergraduate GPA for consideration is 2.75, which is lower than many peer programs and reflects a more holistic review process.2
The divergence in testing policies directly answers a frequent applicant question: can I find MHA programs in Maryland online with no GRE? Yes. The University of Maryland's program is completely test-free, making it a strong choice for candidates who want to avoid standardized testing altogether. Mount St. Mary's offers a practical alternative for experienced professionals who can leverage their work history to bypass the exam requirement. Both options keep the door open without a hard testing barrier, but they suit different applicant profiles. For students seeking additional programs across the country with similar flexibility, no-GRE MHA programs cover a wider range of test-optional and test-free degrees.
It is worth noting that Johns Hopkins University's highly ranked MHA program, while often top-of-mind in Maryland, is delivered on-campus and continues to require GRE or GMAT scores with no waiver options, as detailed in the Maryland MHA programs directory. For online learners specifically, the test-free and waiver-based paths described above are the primary mechanisms for avoiding a standardized test requirement.
Maryland MHA graduates enter a job market with two well-defined career tracks: the mission-driven stability of public-sector health agencies and the rapid advancement potential inside the state's prominent private health systems. Both are deeply connected, and the right pathway often depends on whether you value policy impact or organizational scale. What sets Maryland apart is the density of public-sector fellowship and residency opportunities that many out-of-state candidates miss entirely.
Program-level earnings for online MHA graduates in Maryland are not yet individually published, but broader data for medical and health services managers confirms the state's robust compensation. In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area, median annual wages sit between $110,000 and $119,000, while the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region, which includes Maryland suburbs, pushes that range to $120,000 to $124,000.1 These figures reflect the strong demand for qualified administrators across hospitals, government agencies, and outpatient centers. While you wait for program-specific outcome reports, the statewide averages underscore that an MHA from a Maryland institution places you in a market where six-figure roles are common within a few years of graduation.
Maryland's public-sector footprint creates a unique pipeline of administrative residencies and postgraduate fellowships. The VA Maryland Health Care System operates a Graduate Healthcare Administrative Training Program open to MHA, MPH, and MBA graduates, offering hands-on rotations across one of the nation's most complex integrated care networks.2 At the county level, health departments in Montgomery County and Prince George's County regularly host MHA administrative residents, often through direct partnerships with in-state programs. These placements embed students in budget analysis, community health planning, and emergency preparedness operations.
Several community-directed fellowship programs further strengthen the public-service pathway. The Luminis Health administrative fellowship, serving Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties, accepts applications through NAFCAS for graduates from CAHME-accredited programs, with a focus on population health management. The Meritus Health administrative fellowship in Hagerstown places candidates in rural and underserved settings, while the Sheppard Pratt administrative fellowship in Towson offers a 12-month experience for those drawn to behavioral health administration. Even if your career target is a large private system like Johns Hopkins Medicine or MedStar Health, completing a residency within a county or VA setting gives you direct exposure to regulatory and safety-net operations that distinguish you from peers who trained exclusively in corporate environments.
Long-term public-sector employment in Maryland often begins with these fellowships but extends into permanent leadership roles. The Maryland Department of Health and local health departments hire MHA graduates to manage clinics, oversee grant-funded programs, and coordinate with federal partners. For professionals interested in the intersection of government and population health, the state's public health infrastructure and administrative career paths combine well. Exploring resources on public health in Maryland helps you understand how health administration fits into the broader public health workforce, while the online MPA programs for Maryland students page outlines the civil service frameworks that govern hiring and promotion in many of these agency roles.
What licenses or certifications do health administrators need in Maryland, and how can an MHA help you navigate the state's civil service system?
Most health administration roles in Maryland, including those in hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies, do not require a state-issued professional license. The major exception is the nursing home administrator role, which falls under the authority of the Maryland Board of Administrators of Health Care Facilities (BAHA). If your career path includes long-term care administration, you will need to meet BAHA's requirements, which typically involve completing an approved academic program, fulfilling an administrator-in-training (AIT) period, and passing the national and state exams administered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).
Because specific AIT hours, degree prerequisites, and exam eligibility criteria can shift, the most reliable approach is to visit BAHA's official website directly. There you can review the latest application instructions, approved program lists, and fee schedules. Program directors at CAHME-accredited MHA programs often maintain close ties with the board and can help you map your coursework to licensure prerequisites. Do not rely on third-party summaries; always cross-reference against the board's published materials.
Maryland state government employs health administrators across multiple agencies, from the Maryland Department of Health to local county health departments and the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. These positions are classified within the state's personnel system, and each classification carries specific education and experience requirements. An online master of health administration degree frequently satisfies the graduate-level education component for higher-grade public health administrator or health services manager titles, but the exact fit depends on the classification specification.
Before applying, review the official class specifications posted by the Maryland Department of Budget and Management. These documents spell out the minimum qualifications for each job code. An MHA with a concentration in public health policy or health systems management can align especially well with positions in health planning, Medicaid operations, and regulatory oversight. Keep in mind that some classifications also require years of professional experience or supervisory background, so the degree alone may not guarantee qualification at a particular pay grade. Treat the classification website as your primary source, and use job postings to confirm current requirements.
By using these primary sources, you can map your MHA to the exact credentials and job requirements Maryland expects, without relying on outdated or generalized information.
Maryland regulates nursing home administrators through the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators (BAHA), which operates under the Department of Health. The credentialing sequence below is specific to Maryland; timelines may vary depending on your program format, AIT placement availability, and exam scheduling.
Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about pursuing a Master of Health Administration online in Maryland. Each response is grounded in current program data and state requirements. For deeper discussion, refer to the corresponding sections earlier in this guide.
CAHME (the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) is the only programmatic accreditor for health administration recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.2 As of 2026, students should verify each program's CAHME status directly through the CAHME directory, because not all Maryland MHA programs carry this designation. Mount St. Mary's University, for example, holds IACBE programmatic accreditation rather than CAHME accreditation.1 Earlier sections of this guide note the accreditation status for each ranked program.
Completion timelines depend on credit requirements and enrollment pace. Mount St. Mary's University's online MHA requires 36 credits1, which full-time students can often finish in roughly two years. Programs with higher credit totals or required residency components may take longer. Part-time schedules, common among working professionals, typically extend the timeline to three years. See the infographic earlier in this article for a side-by-side comparison of program lengths.
GRE and standardized test policies vary by institution. Mount St. Mary's University requires a GMAT score of 5001 rather than the GRE. Some Maryland programs waive standardized testing entirely for applicants who meet minimum GPA thresholds or demonstrate significant professional experience. If avoiding standardized exams is a priority, review the admissions requirements section above and the dedicated no-GRE MHA resource on this site for a broader list of test-optional programs.
Based on published tuition data, Mount St. Mary's University's online MHA is among the most affordable options at approximately $25,920 in total program cost ($720 per credit for 36 credits, with no application fee)1. Costs at other Maryland institutions vary depending on residency status and fee structures. The tuition comparison table earlier in this guide breaks down in-state, out-of-state, and flat-rate online pricing across programs. For a broader look, see our affordable online MHA programs ranking.
Many MHA curricula include a supervised practicum, administrative residency, or capstone project as a graduation requirement, particularly programs seeking or holding CAHME accreditation. These experiential components can often be completed at Maryland public health departments, county health districts, VA medical centers, or public hospital systems. Prospective students should confirm each program's field experience requirements and whether placements can be arranged near their location.
An MHA opens doors to leadership roles across Maryland's robust health sector. Common career paths include hospital administration, health policy analysis (see also online MPP programs in Maryland), managed care management, and public health program direction. Maryland's concentration of federal agencies, military health facilities, and a large state Medicaid system creates strong demand for public-sector health administrators. The career outcomes section above details specific pathways, including civil service positions and roles with county health departments.
An MHA can fulfill the graduate education requirement for nursing home administrator (NHA) licensure in Maryland, but it is not sufficient on its own. The state also requires completion of a board-approved administrator-in-training program, passage of national and state licensing examinations, and documented supervised practice hours. Candidates should consult the Maryland Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators for the full checklist. The licensure section earlier in this guide maps out each step from MHA enrollment to NHA credential.
