4 Best MHA Programs in New York City – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
MHA programs in New York City are a popular graduate education choice for RNs and other clinicians seeking to hone leadership skills, as well as for individuals with no prior connection to the healthcare sector. An MHA program can teach you how to improve clinical and business outcomes in a variety of health-related settings, such as medical centers, hospitals, private doctors’ practices, and government organizations. As a graduate of one of the MHA programs in the Big Apple, you can look forward to earning $172,320 a year, and since healthcare administrators are in high demand, you’ll enjoy job security. Here’s a look at the 4 best MHA programs in New York City for 2025.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 4 BEST MHA PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online MHA programs in New York City.)
1. Columbia University in the City of New York
About the School: If you are keen on enrolling in one of the best MHA programs in New York, then your search may end with Columbia University’s MHA degree paths. The university’s public health school that offers this MHA program has a rich history of more than 100 years. The school has ever since been at forefront of improving health outcomes not only for the state’s diverse population but also for improving health across the globe.
To cater to the individual academic needs of its student population who come from varied professional backgrounds, the college offers three MHA paths, a traditional MHA with part-time and full-time enrollment and an executive track for mid-level professionals.
Program Details: Whether you are launching your career in healthcare or are already a mid-level professional, you can choose between the full-time or part-time MHA or instead enter the executive track. Regardless of the track you enter, you’ll complete your coursework through the on-campus classes.
The full-time track is meant for students who can commit five days per week to classes. On the other hand, to be eligible for the part-time track, you must be currently working as a healthcare professional and have at least one year of experience. Whereas, the executive MHA program is designed for mid-level professionals who want to climb the ladder to top-level leadership positions.
While the full-time coursework requires the completion of a total of 53 credits, the part-time and executive tracks, both comprise around 45 credits. Most students complete the full-time program within two years, whereas the part-time track spans around 28 months of part-time study. If you enroll in the executive track, you’ll be able to graduate within 24 months by attending classes over long weekends each month.
Regardless of the track you enter, the curriculum is made up of three main domains of health management, public health, and health policy. You’ll master concepts in health economics, health innovation & technology, strategic management, health law & ethics, and healthcare accounting and budgeting. In addition to the core competencies, you’ll be able to gain skills in your chosen area of interest by completing an elective course.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for either of these three MHA programs in New York City, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. To qualify for the part-time MHA track, you must have at least one year of experience in the healthcare industry. For admission into the executive track, your healthcare work experience must be less than five years. Other admission requirements that you must fulfill include, the submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal goals statement.
Key Highlights
• Regardless of the degree path you choose, you will culminate your learning experience with a health systems simulation experience. The simulation experience is a unique learning exercise where you will be put through complex situations that may occur in the management of a healthcare organization. The simulation practice sharpens decision-making and analytical skills and better prepares you to overcome challenges that you may face as a healthcare leader.• The college focuses on skill development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to play leadership roles in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment. Your training, therefore, includes the application of knowledge through workshops, and field experiences, besides simulations.
2. New York University (Online)
Program Details: This MHA program in New York City is offered online, so if you are working and prefer the flexibility of the distance learning format, then this program will be perfect for you. The program teaches you various important topics including managing healthcare operations, health policy, analyzing data, health policy, and data visualization. Also, you’ll learn about healthcare law, governance & ethics, and capital financing in healthcare. The highlight of this program is a course in entrepreneurship. This course empowers healthcare innovators with the skills to turn an entrepreneurial idea into reality. On a part-time basis, most students complete this program within 28 months.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have an undergraduate GPA of not less than 3.0. In addition, you must have completed at least one year of full-time experience in the healthcare field. Finally, to complete your online application, you must submit a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Also, you must provide evidence of quantitative skills by either completing quantitative courses or by submitting your GMAT or GRE score, whatever works for you.
Key Highlights
• This MHA in New York City ranks among the top programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.• The college’s distinguished faculty that mentors you in small-sized classes make the online learning experience not only intimate but also quite enriching.
• To enhance practical learning, the program includes an on-site immersion in NYC. The immersions last for 2.5 days, during which you master skills in communication, leadership, and evidence-based management. To attend, the costs you incur for lodging and food will be paid by the college.
• Also, the program provides simulation training as your culminating experience. The experience provides you with practical experience at its state-of-art simulation lab. The event lasts for 5 days, during which you’ll work as a team to solve a particular issue in healthcare management.
3. Fordham University (Hybrid)
Program Details: You can complete this MHA in New York City within as little as 12 months, all this while working full-time. The program comprises a total of 31 credits that require the completion of 14 courses. Here, you’ll progress through the program as part of a small cohort, closely interacting with peers and faculty. The coursework is delivered through a hybrid format, combining online classes with in-person classes at the college Lincoln Center campus.
This 31-credit program covers courses including healthcare ethics, strategy & operations, leadership & change, healthcare finance, and health information technology. You’ll also gain an understanding of data, population health, public health, and patient-centered integrated care. Toward the end of the program, you are required to complete a capstone project by applying your knowledge to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems in healthcare.
Admission Requirements: This master of healthcare administration program in New York City is open to applicants having a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume to fulfill the admission requirements.
Key Highlights
• As an MHA student, you’ll be eligible to become a member of the American College Healthcare Executives and enjoy several benefits, including invites to professional development events and workshops, to name a few.• MHA students can enrich their learning experience by accessing resources of the Global Healthcare Innovation Management Center. Focusing on innovations in healthcare, the center conducts several workshops and seminars that you can participate in to gain a global perspective on healthcare delivery.
4. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Blended)
Program Details: To graduate from this MHA program, you require completing 44 to 48 credits, depending on whether you have any relevant professional experience or not. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program anywhere from 16 months to 24 months. Alternatively, you can also complete this program on a part-time basis. The program is offered in a blended format, meaning, you can either decide to complete it online or via in-person classes, held on weekday evenings.
The program trains you in vital aspects of healthcare administration, including strategic planning for healthcare delivery, population health, comparative health systems, budgeting & healthcare finance, and quantitative & analytical methods for evidence-based decision-making. In addition, the program also includes an optional elective and a capstone project as a culminating experience. The capstone project can be completed at your workplace or a host healthcare site.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this MHA program, you must have an accredited baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you are required to provide a current resume, a personal goals statement, and academic & professional references. Also, although not required, you may submit your GRE or GMAT score to strengthen your application.
Key Highlights
• When you graduate from this MHA program in New York City, you’ll be certified in both, Lean Management and Project Management.• The Mount Sinai Health System, which along with the school of medicine combines eight hospital campuses, offers you a vast network of healthcare professionals. These connections not only widen career avenues but also supports membership in the American Congress of Healthcare Executives.
• As a student of this program, you’ll be eligible for a subsidized membership to the American College of Healthcare Executives.
• To make your education affordable, the college offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities that you may avail of, if you are eligible.
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