Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA)
Program Details
Why Xavier’s Health Services Administration Degree?
As a CAHME-accredited and nationally ranked program, the Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) on our Cincinnati, Ohio campus equips you with the specialized skill set and strategic knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare industry. Our 10 full-time faculty comprise over 224 years of combined experience in clinical & healthcare operations settings.
Our MHSA students have recently won first prize in case competitions at Ohio State University (2023) and UCLA (2024), and a best presenter award at Ohio State University (2024), outperforming some of the best-known schools in the nation. Read more about our student & faculty accomplishments, as well as our consistent top rankings, on our MHSA Distinctions page.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Created with current and aspiring healthcare professionals in mind, the master’s in health services administration program challenges you, so you can elevate your critical thinking, connect coursework to organizational experiences and strengthen executive skills. Our full-time MHSA is one of only seven programs in the country that requires a third-year administrative residency for full-time students, which equips you to take on leadership roles and make an impact in the health services field. Online Executive MHSA students have the option of applying for an administrative residency.
Additionally, our exclusive MHSA Co-Ops offer our full-time students hands-on experience at one of our partner organizations, enabling them to earn money while studying. Co-ops begin during the second semester of the first year of study. Our partners have assured that they will work with our students’ busy school schedules, helping to ensure students can be financially and academically successful.
Hone Your Business Acumen
If you also want to gain specialized business expertise to pair with your knowledge of the medical field, you can earn a concurrent MBA while pursuing your MHSA, doubling your marketable skills and further advancing your career.
Take the next step toward a future in healthcare and earn your master’s in health services administration at Xavier.
Admission
Beginning August 2025, we are excited to offer a new certificate for experienced healthcare professionals who want to grow their skill set. Students in the four-course, 100% online HQPI Certificate have the option of transitioning into the full Executive MHSA program at the end of the certificate.
Our full-time MHSA program & MHSA/MBA Dual Degree program begins each August and utilizes a cohort structure of no more than 20 students new students to facilitate collaboration and build an immersive learning environment. Our admissions committee strives to understand applicants holistically and consider each prospective student and their ability to complete our intensive graduate program.
Our part-time Executive MHSA begins each August & January each year and gathers experienced healthcare professionals who are interested advancing their careers. We limit each admit term to 20 new students and structure the program with the freedom to choose the path that best suits your life/work needs. Most Executive MHSA students complete the program in about three years, but have the option of completing it in 2-5 years.
A brief outline of deadlines is below. Comprehensive information is available on the MHSA Admissions & Info Session Page. Late applicants may be placed on a waitlist or may opt to be deferred to the next available start term. The full-time MHSA & MHSA/MBA Dual Degree program admits each Fall. The part-time Executive MHSA admits each Fall & Spring.
Program Availability and Deadlines
Learn more about the admissions process for international applicants. It is recommended that international applicants submit all materials by January 1 prior to their intended start term (e.g. Fall 2025 full-time MHSA applicants should apply by December 1, 2024).
- Full-time MHSA & MHSA/MBA Dual Degree program
- Available each Fall
- Maximum of 20 new students per semester
- Deadlines:
- Fall 2025: First round interviews continue through January 2025. Late applicants may receive a seat for Fall 2025, be placed on a wait list, or may defer to Fall 2026. The application will close once all seats are filled and a wait list has been established.
- Fall 2026: Application opens July or August 2025
- Online Executive MHSA:
- Available each Fall & Spring
- Maximum of 20 new students per semester
- Deadlines:
- Spring 2025: Cohort has filled
- Fall 2025: Application currently open and will close once all seats are filled and a wait list has been established.
- Online Healthcare Quality & Process Improvement Certificate
- Available each Fall
- Maximum of 10 new students per semester
- Deadlines:
- Fall 2025: Application currently open and will close once all seats are filled and a wait list has been established.
To be considered for admission, all items outlined below must be submitted by the specified deadline of the year you wish to begin the program. Once your initial application has been accepted for review, additional information may be requested as needed.
Both domestic and international applicants must submit the following materials:
- Preferred undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Two completed recommendation forms (from instructor or employer; family members not accepted).
- Recommendations for MHSA/MBA Dual Degree applicants should also address the applicant's quantitative analytical skills.
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae.
- A statement of intent essay between 500-750 words.
- Official transcripts from an undergraduate institution or anywhere a student has taken collegiate-level courses.
- Qualified applicants are offered interviews with admissions committee members.
Xavier does not require the GMAT/GRE for admission to our MHSA program.
While not required, previous academic experience with the following courses is recommended:
- Accounting course
- Computer literacy course with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Economics course
- Statistics course
In most cases, international applicants are not able to be accepted into the MHSA program. This is due to WORK REQUIREMENTS that are part of the third-year residency. International applicants who will not be able to obtain a work visa while in the program should not apply.
In addition to the core application materials, international students must also submit the following supplemental materials:
- Official TOEFL scores (internet-based score requirements: 80 total, minimum of 20 in each section).
- Official course-by-course credential evaluation by a NACES or AICE member service (Xavier applicants can receive a discount from a few providers by accessing the customized applications here)
- If applicable: Change of School Report.
For students requesting support from Xavier University for an F-1 student visa, students must submit the following documents:
- A copy of the information page of your passport.
- Sponsor Financial Statement Form - An original bank statement showing available funds of at least $34,155.00.
- Tuition and Fees (required for the Form I-20) - Scanned/emailed, faxed or photocopied documents sent in the mail will not be accepted.
If you are currently enrolled as a student in F-1 status at an institution of higher education in the United States, please submit the SEVIS Record Transfer Form.
If you are currently in the United States in a different visa category and would like to change to F-1 status, please contact the Center for International Education for more information.
International applicants who have yet to submit a complete application (see above for required documents) by the deadline will not be granted an I-20.
Please visit Xavier's International Student & Scholar Services for more detailed information about applying as an international graduate student.
The admissions committee reviews all MHSA applicants by the following criteria:
- Academic Potential ("knowledgeable and highly skilled" from the Mission statement).
- Preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 minimum verified by transcripts.
- Writing ability as shown in the "Statement of Intent" essay.
- Leadership Potential ("values-oriented future leaders" from the Mission statement).
- Truthful answers to all application questions, including disciplinary and criminal history.
- Supportive written references from at least two sources (employer and/or faculty member).
- Examples of leadership service are reflected on the résumé.
- Commitment-to-the-Profession Potential ("future leaders who will contribute to the health of society by continuously improving the management of health-related organizations" from the Mission statement).
- Reflective and complete content in the "Statement of Intent" essay.
- Honest and authentic exchange during the personal interviews with Admissions Committee members, especially with respect to the candidate articulating why they want to earn an MHSA degree.
Curriculum
The Master of Health Services Administration curriculum supports your development as a skilled, values-oriented leader by instilling strong strategic instincts, honing managerial practices and helping you continuously improve the management of health-related organizations.
With an interdisciplinary approach, our coursework covers the broad spectrum of health services administration skills. You learn about the health services industry's economics and finances, advanced healthcare management concepts, strategic decision-making, and healthcare policy and ethics. Additionally, you undergo essential professional development courses to fine-tune your ability to navigate the competitive and ever-changing healthcare industry.
Once you’ve completed your coursework, you embark on a third-year residency program, empowering you to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical application. Your year-long residency plays an integral role in advancing your expertise and is a distinguishing component of your graduate education.
First Semester
- HESA 511 - Managerial Concepts in Healthcare Organizations............ 3cr.
- HESA 521 - Quantitative Methods for Healthcare Administration............ 3cr.
- HESA 551 - Fundamentals of Healthcare Finance............ 3cr.
- HESA 561 - Clinical Medicine for Healthcare Administration............ 3cr.
- HESA 572 - Healthcare Systems............ 3cr.
- HESA 601 - Professional Development I............ 1cr.
Second Semester
- HESA 519 - Strategic Management & Marketing in Healthcare Organizations............ 3cr.
- HESA 523 - Quality and Process Improvement............ 3cr.
- HESA 555 - Applications in Healthcare Finance............ 3cr.
- HESA 567 - Applied Epidemiology............ 3cr.
- HESA 575 - Economics for Healthcare Administration............ 3cr.
- HESA 602 - Professional Development II............ 1cr.
First Semester
- HESA 603 - Professional Development III............ 1cr.
- HESA 534 - Health Analytics and Decision Support............ 3cr.
- HESA 559 - Healthcare Project Administration............ 3cr.
- HESA 581 - Healthcare Legal Aspects............ 3cr.
Second Semester
- HESA 604 - Professional Development IV............ 1cr.
- HESA 599 - MHSA Integrative Capstone Project............ 3cr.
- HESA 516 - Human Resources Management in Healthcare............ 3cr.
- HESA 583 - Ethical Issues in Healthcare............ 3cr.
- HESA 552 - Revenue Cycle Management & Health Insurance............ 3cr.
Third Semester
- HESA 720 - Residency I............ 3cr.
First Semester
- HESA 730 - Residency II............ 3cr.
Second Semester
- HESA 750 - Residency III............ 3cr.
Sample Courses
- HESA 572 - Healthcare Services in the U.S. - Past and Future: This course provides a historical perspective on the development of healthcare services in the United States, including the key factors and issues that influence the development of the current healthcare delivery systems and how these delivery systems function.
- HESA 579 - Health Policy & Policy Analysis: Receive a comprehensive overview of health policy in the United States. Additionally, learn both qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing health policy with attention given to the political and economic perspectives on health policy questions.
- HESA 583 - Ethical Issues in Healthcare: In this course, you study the dominant ethical theories and principles, as well as current ethical issues in healthcare. These issues include professional, clinical, social, business and organizational challenges. It also provides you with the opportunity to formulate an ethical position related to these issues.
- HESA 720 - Institution & Community Analysis: Gain firsthand, in-depth skills in analyzing the internal operations of a healthcare institution, including governance, departmental structure, planning and financial management, and human resources development, as well as the external environments impacting the organization.
Tuition and Fees
At Xavier University, we strive to make graduate education accessible to all by offering competitive tuition rates and providing access to a wide variety of financial aid resources.
When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationMaster of Health Services Administration Program Options
To accommodate a variety of student schedules, Xavier offers the full-time, in-person MHSA and the Executive MHSA, which are offered online and suited for the needs of working healthcare professionals. Both MHSA degrees provide comprehensive training and an advanced graduate education grounded in the Jesuit tradition.
Grow Your Skills Through Valuable Field Experience
All full-time MHSA students participate in an administrative residency or fellowship for eight to 12 months. As they work in settings like hospitals, health systems, supply chains, healthcare consulting or other fields, they gain practical experience and hands-on skills that help them excel in their current or future careers.
Earn Your MHSA/MBA Dual Degree
Ambitious graduate students can earn both their master’s degrees in Health Services Administration and Business Administration through Xavier’s dual degree program. Candidates should declare their intentions when applying and submit one application to the graduate program in health services administration and one application to the Williams College of Business.
Healthcare Administration Career Outlook
As the healthcare industry evolves and community needs change, medical organizations and facilities rely heavily upon competent leaders. With their strong strategic skills, industry knowledge and innovation, health services managers help healthcare facilities stay organized and ensure patients receive lifesaving care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment of medical and health services managers to increase by 28% over the next 10 years, trending almost four times faster than the average employment growth rate of all jobs.
Along with a steady rate of employment, medical and health services management careers offer stable incomes and the opportunity to increase earning potential. While the national median salary for all occupations is $45,760, the health services manager’s median salary is $101,340 per year. Depending on the place of employment and the level of experience and education, health services managers can earn up to $209,990.
Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) Program at Xavier University
Xavier’s Health Services Administration (MHSA) strives to educate knowledgeable, highly skilled leaders and equip them to impact their communities by improving the management of health-related organizations. Our program challenges students in the classroom and applied field experiences to develop their critical thinking, communication skills and leadership competencies. Take the next step to becoming a healthcare leader by enrolling in Xavier’s MHSA degree program.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."