10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace
Miami, Texas, LA, Orange County, & Ontario
An educational foundation in the core areas of management with a focus on the healthcare industry
Multiple specialty tracks to choose from, allowing you to refine your education to meet your specific goals
Flexible online format with three program paces available (Accelerated Plus, Accelerated, and Working Professional)
Extensive resources available, including no-cost tutoring, a Student Success advisor, a faculty mentor, complimentary LinkedIn Learning, and more
Health administrators help pave the pathway to efficient healthcare, overseeing its operations and infrastructure and supporting healthcare workers so they can perform at their best.
Our online MHA program at WCU has been designed to provide the fundamental knowledge required of supervisors and managers in the healthcare industry, including planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising the delivery of healthcare services and products.
To create an environment that encourages student success, we offer a community of learning combined with professional development experiences, leveraging our relationships with local organizations, international internship partners, and our alumni network.
WCU now offers the Accelerated Plus program pace for the online MHA program, which means you can complete your MHA degree in as little as 8 months! Also, with no set class times, you have the benefit of a flexible study schedule, which is ideal for working professionals.
At WCU, you can choose a program pace that works for your schedule. Whether you want to go full-speed in your studies or complete your program at a slower pace to balance school with your other responsibilities, we have an option for you.
Here are the available paces for the BSN program:
Accelerated Pace
Evening & Weekend Pace*
Working Professional Pace*
*Only available at the Miami campus
We know every student faces different circumstances and challenges in their educational journey, and that’s why we offer multiple program paces. Whether you want to get to graduation day as quickly as possible or you prefer a slower pace with a more flexibility schedule, we have options for you.
Here are the MHA program paces available:
Accelerated Plus
(8 Months)
The Accelerated Plus program pace is for students who want to streamline the path to their degree. At this pace, you can complete your MHA degree in as little as 8 months, or just 2 trimesters.
Accelerated
(12 Months)
On the Accelerated program pace, you’ll be considered a full-time student, and you will be able to complete your degree in as little as 12 months, which is 3 trimesters.
Working Professional
(20 Months)
Are you a working professional, parent, or at-home caregiver? Then you might need to take fewer courses per term. At the Working Professional pace, you can finish your degree in 20 months, or 5 trimesters.
You can always change your program pace if needed. Just speak with your advisor about making the switch.
One of the benefits of completing your MHA degree online is that you can access everything you need remotely (lectures, assignments, WCU library, mobile-friendly learning tools), which means you can study from anywhere. You also have the freedom to complete your schoolwork morning, afternoon, or night, or even on the weekends. You will get reminders about your weekly deadlines, but how you complete your coursework day-to-day is up to you!
Catalog content could not be found. Please check url
New academic terms begin, on average, every eight weeks. Please speak with your advisor for further information about your expected length of study. Review our Academic Calendar for term start and completion dates.
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MHA - Master of Health Administration tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MHA - Master of Health Administration program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several MHA - Master of Health Administration financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.
For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
| Degree Type | Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) | Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 2 trimesters | 2 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $772 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $23,160 |
| STRF1 | $0 | $0 |
| Technology Fee2 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $23,550 | $24,210 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $23,550 | $24,210 |
| Degree Type | Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) | Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 3 trimesters | 3 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $772 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $23,160 |
| STRF1 | $0 | $0 |
| Technology Fee2 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $24,050 | $24,710 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $24,050 | $24,710 |
| Degree Type | Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) | Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters | 5 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $772 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $23,160 |
| STRF2 | $0 | $0 |
| Technology Fee3 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $25,050 | $25,710 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $25,050 | $25,710 |
Indirect Costs
| 8 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
| Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
| with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
| Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,328 |
| Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
| Total | $9,644 | $15,196 | $10,100 | $15,932 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
Catalog content could not be found. Please check url
Upon graduation students will be able to:
At WCU, we believe in giving you the tools you need to succeed. That’s why our Career Services department offers a wealth of ongoing support for students and graduates, including professional development workshops, one-on-one guidance, help scheduling meetings with recruiters, assistance with finding job leads, and more.1
Whether you want to brush up your resume, conduct a mock interview, or just speak to an advisor about the next steps for landing the right job, we can help. As a WCU graduate, you will be able use our career services for as long as you want.
WCU’s Master of Health Administration online program helps provide the education you need to take the next step in your career, opening the door to a range of entry-level managerial opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers can work in a variety of settings, including:
Alongside our comprehensive health administration curriculum, we give our MHA students no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning, which is a valuable tool for building new professional skills. In each of your core MHA courses, you will have time dedicated to completing a LinkedIn Learning module, which will be on a topic that aligns with your main MHA coursework. You will get to choose from an extensive library of educational video content on LinkedIn.
Once you’re done with your module, you will earn a certificate of completion, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile for prospective employers to see. Over time, you will have the chance to build a robust ePorfolio, which can be a valuable asset for future job searches.
Dean, Health Administration (MHA/BSHA, MBA/BSBA Programs)
Dr. Justin Ako is the Dean of Health Administration at West Coast University. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i and received his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a double major in marketing and strategic management. Dr. Ako then went on to receive his doctorate from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and most recently completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program at Harvard University.
Dr. Ako has been in private practice for more than 25 years and has been a dean of multiple programs at higher education institutions. He has served as Dean of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Bachelor of Health Services Administration (BHSA) programs at West Coast University for the past 10 years. He also serves as the interim dean for WCU’s MBA and BSBA programs.
Dr. Ako has sat on community boards such as the board for Northridge Hospital/Dignity Health, and he works collaboratively with NGOs such as the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent while serving his local community.
At WCU, our goal is to build both the skills and confidence required in the nursing field. Practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.
Our BSN students experience a range of patient care situations from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student independently practices the functions of a registered nurse. The simulation labs at West Coast University use a full range of scenarios at all levels of the core nursing program:
WCU is dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships and hospital affiliations that offer students a world of options and meaningful clinical experiences.
We have coordinators of clinical relations who support students by facilitating clinical site and preceptor selection, helping streamline approvals, and assisting with compliance tracking. Our Clinical Placements team also provides coaching calls for students who need guidance on how to make their clinicals a success.
Helping BSN Students Prepare for Licensure
Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical milestone for all nurses. That’s why WCU helps prepare you every step of the way.
As a BSN student, you have access to:
“WCU helped prepare us for the NCLEX by providing an adequate test environment, providing us with opportunities to take proctored tests that simulate the NCLEX and to test our nursing knowledge in those tests.”
– Stephanie P., BSN ’21*
“West Coast prepares you unlike any other school I have seen for the NCLEX.”
– Leslie G., BSN ’18*
WCU graduates get to enjoy support from our Career Services team.2 Starting when you’re a student, through graduation, and beyond, you’ll have access to individualized career advice, professional development workshops on topics like resume writing and interview preparation, help finding job leads, assistance connecting with industry recruiters, and more.
Once you receive your licensure as a registered nurse, you will have various options to choose from for your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse usually works with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Additionally, they may be charged with overseeing licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.
The largest employers of registered nurses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are:
The Career Services team can help you find job opportunities that meet your goals!
Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.
She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.
Our MHA program is designed specifically with working adults in mind. Because your coursework and WCU resources (such as our online library) are available to you virtually, and because there are no set class times, you have greater flexibility. You can study anytime and anywhere to meet your weekly assignment deadlines. You can also choose the Working Professional program pace if you need to take fewer courses per term to accommodate your work schedule.
All three of these programs help prepare students for administrative roles within the healthcare industry, but they have their key differences.
In the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, students are fully focused on learning how to apply business concepts and managerial skills within healthcare settings. In a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a focus on Health Administration & Leadership, students primarily get a general business education with some courses being dedicated to health administration-related topics.
Meanwhile, in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program, students learn about the social context of health—such as social determinants and inequities in healthcare—and how to apply that scholarly knowledge to the improvement of care for entire communities.
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree helps graduates develop the skills for overseeing healthcare organization operations while helping healthcare workers optimize the delivery of healthcare services.
The Master of Health Administration program gives students foundational knowledge of management best practices with a specific focus on the healthcare industry. The program helps equip graduates with the multidisciplinary skills they need for entry-level managerial positions. The program also helps prepare them for the challenges facing the healthcare industry today, as well as the significant social and economic impacts of those challenges.
Yes, at WCU, you can earn your MHA degree 100% online.
WCU's online MHA programs offers three program paces. You can earn your degree in as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus pace, 12 months at the Accelerated pace, or 20 months at the Working Professional pace. You may also be able to shorten your time at any pace if you completed the BSHA bridge program at West Coast University. This is because you will have already completed some of your required MHA credits beforehand.
We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. WCU accepts up to a total of up to 9 credits for graduate programs.
WCU may accept credit for courses completed at other academic institutions, but only when the course meets the criteria of the academic program for which it is being considered. To qualify for transfer credit for a graduate course, you must have received a grade of B- or better, and the grade must be documented on official transcripts. Each WCU program has its own requirements for transfer credit.
Yes. Our online MHA program includes highly qualified faculty members who have extensive experience working within the healthcare field and who actively engage in scholarship and research, professional development, and service.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Some of the grants and scholarships available to online students include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition).
You can visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page to learn about additional aid options, such as student loans, employer tuition reimbursement, and military tuition reductions.
WCU will evaluate your previous professional experience and certifications to see if you qualify for prior learning assessment (PLA) credits or for experiential credits. PLA credits can be given for professional licenses, or trainings, and experience credits can be given for skills earned through previous work experience. More information is available in our catalog.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The West Coast University Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program (System) holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.
1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2022
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “What Registered Nurses Do,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Additional Resources:
2a Military Training or Experience