Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program

Areas of Specialization

Executive Leadership

If you want to expand your leadership role within your healthcare organization, choose the MHA’s Executive Leadership specialization. With courses on organizational leadership and policy, human resources management, project management, and more, this specialization will prepare you to make strategic decisions that benefit patient care and the organization’s bottom line. You’ll prepare for roles such as:

• Health services manager
• Business operations strategist
• Revenue cycle manager
• Director of compliance

Business Intelligence

Health administrators translate data into intelligence to make decisions about business operations and patient care. In the Business Intelligence specialization, you will study data analytics, health informatics, information management, and more—so that you can oversee strategic technology investments and help bridge the gap between the IT, clinical, and business aspects of your healthcare organization. You’ll prepare for roles such as:

• Business intelligence analyst
• Healthcare data analyst
• Clinical systems support manager
• Telemedicine services coordinator

Interprofessional Education

Facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers is an important competency for health administrators. In the Interprofessional Education specialization, you will gain the leadership, project management, and communication skills you need to guide your teams. All of your courses involve problem-solving in groups of your peers, ranging from nurses to rehabilitative professionals to other managers. You’ll learn to:

• Collaborate with clinicians to optimize aspects of health informatics
• Demonstrate cultural competence when managing diverse teams
• Communicate well with a variety of stakeholders

Professional Certifications

USAHS has partnered with the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and Neehr Perfect to bring professional certification opportunities to our students.

Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Certification

Available to all MHA students, the CRCR is a national-level certification that demonstrates your knowledge of the contemporary patient-centered revenue cycle. In the MHA’s core courses, you will study processes around patient access, registration, billing, and claims management, as well as best-practices recommendations to positively impact the revenue cycle and enhance the patient experience.

Certified Specialist in Business Intelligence (CSBI) Certification

Available to students in the Business Intelligence specialization, the CSBI is a national-level certification that demonstrates your understanding of data governance, data analytics, the use of business intelligence to make strategic decisions in a healthcare environment, and much more.

Neehr Perfect® Certificate of Completion

Neehr Perfect is the electronic health record (EHR) simulation tool used throughout the courses in the Business Intelligence specialization. It gives you the chance to work with an EHR system in real-world clinical scenarios involving your peers and diverse patients. Students in this specialization receive a Neehr Perfect certificate of completion as part of the program.

Follow the General Program or Choose a Specialization

General Electives

IPE 7121/B is a foundation course within the General program; students choose four additional general electives from the list below or from within any of the specializations: Business Intelligence, Executive Leadership, or Interprofessional Education.

Business Intelligence Specialization

Students specializing in Business Intelligence are required to take all courses listed.

Executive Leadership Specialization

IPE 7121/B is a foundation course within the Executive Leadership specialization; students choose four additional courses within this specialization.

Interprofessional Education Specialization

IPE 7121/B is a foundation course in the Interprofessional Education specialization; students choose four additional courses within this specialization.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.

For more information, visit our Accreditation page.

State Approvals

MHA Program

USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment to the Master of Health Administration program from the following states:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

USAHS is not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for clinical field experiences or conduct on-the-ground activities. It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.

Post-Graduation Licensure

USAHS’ program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.

The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MHA program (indicated in blue).

Application to the program is open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

To be considered for admission, a candidate must submit the following:

• Online application for admission
• Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. An official transcript is one sent directly to the Admissions Office office by the Registrar of the issuing institution or one forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
• TOEFL scores are sent directly to the University, if an applicant completed his/her education in a country where English is not the primary language or if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country, or is deemed necessary by the Director of Admissions. Please refer to the “Additional Requirements for Domestic, International, and/or Foreign-Educated Students” section of the University Catalog/Handbook for further information.
• One recommendation from a professional colleague.
• Statement of Purpose – Essay of approximately 500 words describing the applicant’s short and long-term career goals and plans to achieve those goals.
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Prospective students who already hold a valid, non-F-1 student visa may be eligible for admission to the MHA program, provided a copy of an unexpired visa and passport reflecting non-F1 student visa status is provided prior to admission and that the individual meets all other admission requirements. Students must keep their non-F-1 student visa in good standing throughout the duration of their studies with USAHS, as the University cannot sponsor those students for study now or at any point in the future for the MHA program. Students holding a visa that is renewed during their course of study must provide a copy of the updated visa reflecting current eligibility to the Admissions office. Further, all programs that require an in-person clinical component require the student to reside in the United States while completing the program. Students are also required to provide proof of residency (e.g., current lease agreement in the student’s name). There may be additional requirements for students seeking federal financial aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid prior to enrolling and provide any required documents.

International students and those applying for admission, as well as current students planning international travel, should monitor travel advisories frequently by visiting https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html. Conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time, including implementation of no-fly zones, so it is important to monitor any developments prior to travelling to the United States for educational purposes.

The 37-credit-hour, online Masters of Health Administration (MHA) online program may be completed in two (2) years. Total program tuition and fees for the Summer 2026 academic term are as follows.

Financial Aid

Student loans may be available to assist with funding your program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.

Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus.  Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.

Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.

Meet Our MHA Faculty Industry Leaders

Rachelle Agatha

Dr. Rachelle Agatha currently teaches finance courses in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program where she developed the Finance and Economics and Revenue Cycle Management courses.

Christine Sibley

Christine Sibley has been a Contributing Faculty member since January 2018.  She is currently the Assistant Vice-President, Reimbursement for Atrium Health (Carolinas HealthCare System) in Charlotte, NC.

MHA Advisory Board

Thomas E. Beeman, PhD, Rear Admiral, USN, (ret)

Thomas E. Beeman, PhD, Rear Admiral, USN, (ret), is currently Executive in Residence at The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS).  He previously served as Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations. Tom has more than 44 years of experience in the healthcare field.  Prior to his roles at UPHS, Tom served as President and CEO of Lancaster General Health for 10 years.  Prior to LG Health, he served at Saint Thomas Health Services (Nashville, TN) as its President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Senior Vice President for Hospital Operations and Executive Director of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) in the late 1990’s. Tom recently retired as Assistant Deputy Surgeon General for Reserve Affairs, U.S. Navy, where he has served as deputy commander for the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He is a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and a member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States.  He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University where he has taught System Theory. He holds a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Widener University, a master’s degree in Health Education and a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Studies from St. Joseph’s University. He is the co-author of “Leading from Within” and “Developing Philanthropic Champions” and has published a number of academic articles on health care leadership.

Michele Crissman, Esq., J.D., M.S., R.N., C.N.S.

My name is Michele Crissman and I live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I received a BS in Nursing from Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN and received a MS in Nursing from South Dakota State University. I continue to be licensed as a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist. My clinical areas of practice focused on neurological, neurosurgical and rehabilitation nursing. I have been a staff nurse, clinical nurse educator, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Director of Organizational Improvement, and Director of Credentialing.  After twenty years in healthcare, I decided to attend law school and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota. I worked as a law clerk and magistrate judge. I have been blessed with a rewarding career in healthcare and combining the legal experience with my healthcare background has made my career even more rewarding and challenging. I am currently an attorney at a health plan with oversight for legal and compliance matters.

I have nearly fifteen years of experience in the academic field as a University Dean and professor. I have taught in the criminal justice, nursing, healthcare management and legal fields.

In my free time, I spend time with my family – husband, son, daughter and son-in-law – and my one-year old adorable puppy. I love watching sports especially the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes.

James M. Lineberger, Ph.D., MHA, FACMPE, FACHE

James Lineberger is the Executive Director of Anesthesia Associates of Boise, in Idaho. He has over 30 years of experience in health care administration, including 6 years as a practice management consultant and interim medical practice administrator, 3 years as a health system director, 6 years as a cardiology group practice administrator, 6 years as an orthopedic group practice administrator, and 10 years as an active duty U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer.

Lineberger’s academic preparation includes a PhD in Adult and Organizational Learning from the University of Idaho, a Master of Health Administration degree from Baylor University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management) from the University of Central Florida.

He is a Fellow and past national board member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE), a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and a member of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). He is board-certified in medical practice management, healthcare administration, and health information systems. He is a graduate of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CIO) Boot Camp, and successfully passed CHIME’s Certified Health Care Chief Information Officer (CHCIO) examination. A member of the Idaho Medical Group Management Association (IMGMA) since 1995, he served as IMGMA’s President in 1998-1999, and was named its Member of the Year in 2004. In 2016, IMGMA honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award at the association’s annual conference.

He has published numerous articles and lectured nationally regarding medical practice management and health information technology issues. In 2000 the Idaho Business Review identified him as one of Idaho’s “40 Under 40 Young Achievers.” An 8-time “Top Walker,” Lineberger has raised over $30,000 for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk since 2003. While on active duty, he earned Airborne and Air Assault wings, earned the Expert Field Medic distinction, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on 3 occasions.

Todd Nelson, MBA

Todd is the Vice President of Education and Organizational Solutions at HFMA. In this role Todd is a member of the HFMA Executive team and is responsible for developing and overseeing the Educational development and delivery, as well as development and implementation of Organizational Solutions for industry partners. In his role, he develops collaborative relationships within the healthcare industry, for both HFMA members and non-members.

Prior to his current role he was the Director, Healthcare Finance Policy, Operational Initiatives in the Healthcare Financial Practices Group at HFMA. In that role Todd was responsible for creating content in the areas of Leadership, Senior Financial Executives and Accounting and served as staff to the Principles and Practices Board of the HFMA. Todd championed the collaboration, communication, and translation of financial information among financial, revenue cycle, and clinical staff.

Todd was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of a rural Midwest hospital for over 15 years, focused on finance and operations related areas before joining HFMA as an employee. He also served in a volunteer role on the HFMA Senior Financial Executive National Advisory Committee, as well as Chapter President, and Regional Executive.

Mr. Nelson received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration, as well as his MBA from the University of Iowa. Todd makes his home in a window seat on United Airlines.

Craig Maxey

Craig Maxey joined IllumiCare in 2017, bringing with him more than 15 years of progressive experience in health care and analytic leadership.

At IllumiCare, Craig serves as the VP of Customer Success where he utilizes his background as a data scientist and healthcare executive to identify and illuminate clinical improvement opportunities that reduce both the financial and clinical impact of healthcare decisions.

Craig left the Navy in 2014 after serving at the MTF, BUMED and DHA where he was able to work in roles such as the Department Head – Healthcare Operations as well as an Operations Research Analyst within M-81 and DHA.

After his Naval career, Craig worked as an executive with Tenet Healthcare Company serving in operational and strategic roles with two different Hospitals.  During that time he developed, oversaw and opened multiple ambulatory access points and worked with the state to procure a CON for a Cath Lab thus starting a heart program in an underserved community.  In addition, he pioneered new e-marketing campaigns that utilized data to maximize brand and content exposure while minimizing cost.

Craig earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Citadel in Charleston, SC, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Masters in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School where his thesis research focused on statistical machine learning algorithms and their application to healthcare disease classification.

Dr. Paul A. Markham, DBA, MBA, BBA

A global strategist and transformational business leader and marketing change agent, committed to revenue and EBITDA growth in Fortune 100 (GE), mid-size and start-ups. A chief strategist and operating officer with a deep background in change management. A trusted advisor in influencing and shaping the future of healthcare, Cryptocurrency, Value Based Medicine, AI/Deep Learning, Genomics, Pharmacogenomics, Stem Cell Therapy & IT for payers, providers & vendors. Always at the cutting edge of singularity driven market trends. Proven experience in; developing and positioning for SaaS, niche EMR, advanced visualization, enterprise imaging, analytics, compliance, corporate turnaround, brand creation, corporate positioning, B2B and OEM channel development. A snapshot of areas covered includes; EMR, cardiology, oncology, radiology, ACO, MU, CMS, Population Health Management, HIE, HIX, Wellness marketplaces, genomics. Deep experience consulting; reinvigorating turnaround strategies for start-ups and growth companies. Creator of entire healthcare market segments CVIS (2001) VNA and Universal Viewer (2004).

Christian Wallis

CDR Christian Wallis received his commission in1993 and was first assigned to the surface warfare community.  He completed two tours as a surface warfare officer, earned a Masters in Business Administration, and was subsequently approved for a lateral transfer into the Navy Medical Service Corps in April of 2000.  Over the next 14 years, he served in various healthcare administration positions including Patient Administration Department Head at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton; Department Head of TRICARE Business Services at the National Naval Medical Center; Director of Remote Site Healthcare for TRICARE Europe; Officer in Charge of Branch Health Clinic Bangor; and retired as the Director for Administration at the Federal Health Care Center in Great Lakes, Illinois.  During his time as a Medical Service Corps Officer, CDR Wallis became certified as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, served as a Malcolm Baldrige Examiner and earned his Doctorate in Healthcare Administration.

Upon retiring from active duty in June of 2014, Christian started the next chapter of his professional career in the private sector as the Director of Pediatric Subspecialties for Advocate Children’s Hospital in Chicago.  In 2018, he was promoted to the position of Vice President of Operations at Advocate Condell Medical Center.  In addition, he has been an adjunct professor over the last nine years and currently teaches for Northwestern University’s Masters in Health Informatics program.

Dr. Susan Chim, DHA, MAT, BA

Dr. Susan Chim hails from Houston, Texas and currently resides in San Francisco, California. Her experience in healthcare began in 2005, when she provided social work services to elderly participants in an adult day healthcare center in Los Angeles. Since then, she has had the honor of serving in numerous roles at UCSF Health and UCLA Health, two of the top hospitals in the nation as ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. Susan also has a background in teaching and training. She has had the privilege of serving as an adjunct instructor for UCLA, an EHR trainer at UCLA Health, a Lean coach at UCSF Health, and an educator and intervention specialist for hundreds of students in grades K-8.

Dr. Chim enjoys collaborating with leaders, frontline providers and staff, and patients and their family members on continuous process improvement efforts aimed at improving health, healthcare delivery, and education. At UCLA Health, she supported the launch of the patient and family advisory council for the department of psychiatry and co-facilitated improvement efforts using a patient- and family- centered approach. In 2017, her unit-based healthcare leadership team’s efforts to eliminate CAUTIs for patients in the neurointensive care units earned them UCSF Health’s prestigious Patient Safety Award.

Jeff Plummer – FACHE

Senior healthcare executive with 31 years of diverse experience and extensive success as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Corporate Executive for the Military Health System (MHS). A visionary healthcare leader recognized for strategic planning, development of high performing teams, financial stewardship and problem solving through innovation. Proven ability to deliver exceptional performance in complex environments through building strong relationships and a disciplined approach to execution.

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Master of Health Administration

Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. Please note that many countries have their own accrediting and licensing bodies, and degree recognition and licensure differ from country to country. Additionally, a number of countries do not recognize online degrees for employment or promotion purposes, particularly government agency employment or promotion. University programs are designed to meet accreditation, licensure and other requirements in the United States. If you reside outside of the United States, it is important that you review and understand the requirements of your country of residence to confirm licensure requirements, as well as recognition of your program for employment or promotion purposes in those countries.