- Our full-time MHSA on our Cincinnati, Ohio campus is one of only six programs in the nation that provides a third-year administrative residency, ensuring students graduate with both the academic foundation and practical experience to step confidently into leadership roles.
- To deepen early exposure to the field, our MHSA Co-Op program offers full-time students the opportunity to earn paid, hands-on experience at a partner organization beginning in the second semester of the first year.
- Our 10 full-time faculty comprise over 234 years of combined experience in clinical and healthcare operations settings.
Our admissions committee strives to understand applicants holistically and consider each prospective student and their ability to complete our intensive graduate program.
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.
Full-Time MHSA & MHSA/MBA Dual Degree program
- 100% on campus
- Available each Fall
- Maximum of 20 new students per semester
- Fall 2026 Deadlines:
- February 1, 2026: Priority deadline
- July 1, 2026: Final deadline
- 100% online
- Available each Fall
- Maximum of 20 new students per semester
- Fall 2026 Deadline:
- July 1, 2026
Healthcare Administration Certificates: Healthcare Quality & Process Improvement Certificate and Health Services Administration Certificate
- 100% online
- Available each Fall
- Maximum of 10 new students per semester
- Fall 2026 Deadline
- July 1, 2026
We are not currently admitting international applicants for any graduate healthcare administration program or certificate.
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.
Applications
Beginning Fall 2026, applicants for the Full-time MHSA, MHSA/MBA Dual Degree, and Executive MHSA programs may apply either through Xavier’s Free online application or HAMPCAS (fee required).
Healthcare Administration Certificate applicants apply through Xavier’s Free online application.
Required Application 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 all higher education institutions or anywhere a student has taken collegiate-level courses.
Recommended Courses
While not required, previous academic experience with the following courses is highly recommended:
- Accounting course
- Computer literacy course with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Economics course
- Statistics course
Post-Application
- Interviews
- Qualified full-time MHSA, MHSA/MBA Dual Degree, and Executive MHSA applicants are offered interviews with admissions committee members.
- Certificate applicants do not require an interview, but a meeting with faculty may be requested should more information about your goals be needed.
- Decisions are released on a rolling basis, typically within 1-2 weeks of the completion of your interview (full-time & exec applicants) or application materials (certificate applicants).
- Confirmation of your choice to accept our offer is due within two weeks of the release of your decision.
Xavier does not require the GMAT/GRE for admission to our MHSA program.
The admissions committee reviews all MHSA applicants by the following criteria:
Academic Potential
- Preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 minimum verified by transcripts.
- Writing ability as shown in the "Statement of Intent" essay.
Leadership Potential
- 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.
- Desire to become a servant leader in healthcare reflected in personal statement.
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.
We are not currently admitting international applicants for any graduate healthcare administration program or certificate.
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 578 - Health Economics and Policy............ 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.
The sample course sequence above illustrates class offerings for the Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Healthcare Services in the U.S. - Past and Future (HESA 572)
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.
Health Policy & Policy Analysis (HESA 579)
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.
Ethical Issues in Healthcare (HESA 583)
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.
Institution & Community Analysis (HESA 720)
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
- MHSA.............$722
Fees
- Student ID Free..............$12.50
- Graduate Student Association Fee, degree seeking full-time..............$15 (per semester)
- Graduate Student Association Fee, degree seeking part-time..............$10 (per semester)
The amounts listed are for the 2025-2026 academic year, and include classes from Summer 2025 through Spring 2026. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated.
For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs.
Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.
Why Xavier's MHSA Degree?
Backed by a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation for the Class of 2024, Xavier's MHSA program positions you for success with graduates securing fellowships in 22 states with salaries up to $85,000.
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.
Our MSHA program is committed to excellence. Discover our program's top rankings, and the achievements of our talented students and faculty, on our MSHA Distinctions page.
With 25 major healthcare systems in the Cincinnati region, you'll gain unparalleled access to real-world experience, positioning you for an immediate and impactful leadership role.
Three Xavier MHSA students placed first in a national health care case competition, impressing judges with a plan to solve a critical issue afflicting hospital emergency rooms.
Dr. White's research focuses on the human papillomavirus and translating complex information into actionable insights. She teaches a variety of courses, including biostatistics, healthcare systems and epidemiology.
More Graduate Programs
Explore more graduate program options from the Department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University, from dual degrees to online certificates.
MHSA/MBA Dual Degree
Online Executive MHSA
Healthcare Quality & Process Improvement Certificate
Health Services Administration Certificate
FAQ
Created with current and aspiring healthcare professionals in mind, the master’s in health services administration challenges you, so you can elevate your critical thinking, connect coursework to organizational experiences and strengthen executive skills. Learn more.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.
Students with at least a bachelor’s degree in any field from a fully accredited school are eligible for the full-time MHSA program. The following are recommended guidelines:
- Recommended 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Recommended courses: statistics & microeconomics
- Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional)
Xavier University’s full-time Master of Health Services Administration program is an in-person program. Classes will be held at Xavier's campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Xavier also offers a fully online Executive Master of Health Service Administration, which can be taken part-time or full-time.
Xavier University’s full-time, in-person MHSA program is a three year program. It is not possible to attend the in-person MSHA program part-time. If you are looking to enroll part-time, Xavier offers an online Executive MHSA that can be attended part-time.
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."