Executive Master of Health Administration
July 17, 2026
August 25, 2026
Advance Your Impact in Health Care Leadership
In today’s rapidly evolving health care environment, strong leadership grounded in strategic insight, operational expertise, and policy fluency is more vital than ever. The online Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program at The Ohio State University is designed for mid-career professionals seeking to advance into high-impact executive roles and lead transformational change in health services delivery, management, and policy. By mastering leadership skills in strategic management, health care finance, and policy transformation, you will gain the knowledge to lead organizational change and drive innovation in an ever-evolving industry.
Why earn your EMHA degree from Ohio State?
Built on the foundation of the College of Public Health’s nationally ranked residential Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, this 100% online EMHA program delivers the same academic rigor and comprehensive curriculum in a structure purpose-built for mid-career working professionals. You will be taught by the same experienced professors who teach on our campus, but with the freedom and flexibility of being 100% online. We know you are busy, so all classes are offered asynchronously, which means you don’t have to rearrange your schedule, and you can be flexible with when you complete your coursework. Whether you are a clinician transitioning into administration or a manager eyeing a director-level position, the Executive Master of Health Administration empowers you to apply new insights immediately to your daily work, allowing your professional growth to translate directly into improved health care outcomes and a more successful career trajectory. Plus, you will gain access to optional in-person and virtual professional development and networking opportunities.
Is the Executive Master of Health Administration right for me?
The Executive MHA online program is designed for students who:
- Are mid-career professionals with five or more years of health care management and/or clinical experience.
- Seek to advance into higher leadership or management roles in health care administration or a related field.
- Want to deepen their skills in management, leadership, business analytics, and health system policy.
With a focus on experienced professionals, this program blends theory with real-world application to prepare you for advanced leadership roles in hospitals, health systems, and health policy organizations. The Executive Master of Health Administration online program consists of 45 credit hours, which you will complete in just 5 streamlined semesters.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will learn from both academic scholars and practitioner-scholars on our Executive Master of Health Administration faculty. This combination creates a stronger, more relevant learning experience by blending theory with real-world application. Academic faculty contribute research expertise, evidence-based frameworks, and strong grounding in leadership, finance, policy, and systems thinking, while practitioner-scholars bring current industry experience, practical insights, and examples from active leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Together, they will help you connect what you learn in class to how healthcare actually operates—translating concepts into decision-making, strategy, and operations. This balance also expands your professional network, introduces you to current challenges and innovations in the field, and better prepares you to lead in complex healthcare environments immediately after completing the program.
Our online college provides a variety of resources to support your academic success. These include virtual tutoring services, online writing centers, and academic advising through video calls or chat. Additionally, we offer webinars and workshops on study skills, time management, and exam preparation. You can access a wealth of digital resources, such as research databases, e-books, and academic journals, through our online library portal. For personalized assistance, faculty members are available during virtual office hours.
The Ohio State University is a top 5 public research institution in the US with over 665,000 living alumni. Becoming a Buckeye means you’ll have access to the resources and support you need to be successful. The awesome alumni network is helpful for networking as you look to switch or advance careers. Learning online offers the flexibility to get your degree while working and balancing life’s priorities.
Yes! You will have a dedicated Student Support Specialist and Academic Advisor to help guide your through your educational journey. The Student Support Specialist will ensure that you always have someone you can reach out to with questions, frustrations or just general support. Your Academic Advisor will help ensure you are enrolling in all the right courses and have a clear path to graduation.
Once you submit your contact information, a dedicated Enrollment Advisor will connect with you shortly to provide more details about this online program, provide one-on-one guidance, and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the application process. Learn more about the support an Enrollment Advisor offers.
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Academic Calendar
Students may apply to enroll in the Ohio State Executive Master of Health Administration degree in either Autumn, Spring, or Summer semesters.
Academic Calendar
Students may apply to enroll in the Ohio State Executive Master of Health Administration degree in either Autumn, Spring, or Summer semesters.
Admission Criteria
The Executive MHA online program is designed for students who:
- Are mid-career professionals with five or more years of health care management and/or clinical experience.
- Seek executive leadership or management roles in healthcare or a related field.
- Want to expand their knowledge in project management, strategic leadership, health care law, and health system policy.
All applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Application
You must apply through the Schools of Public Health Application Service, and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. (Please note that the application is not yet available, but will be opening soon. Please request more information or contact your Enrollment Advisor for additional details.) - Current CV
Include an updated copy of your resume listing work experience. Applicants should have at least one year of professional work experience. The resume can be uploaded in the online application system. - Academic credentials and transcripts
To complete your application and verify your degree and undergraduate GPA, you must submit transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended.- When applying:
- You may upload scanned copies of official transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates to the online application system. Note: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
- These scans help form a complete application packet, but they do not replace the need for official documents.
- What is not accepted. These types of documents will not be used for degree verification or GPA calculation:
- Advising reports
- Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
- Documents with a URL across the top
- Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
- When applying:
- Letters of recommendation
Please arrange to have two (2) recommendations prepared. These can come from academic or professional connections who are familiar with your qualifications and potential for graduate study. Please contact your Enrollment Advisor with any questions about potential recommenders. You will have the option of allowing your recommendations to be submitted electronically or in paper form. Instructions are provided for either method within the online application. - Statement of Purpose
Include a short essay about why you wish to enroll in the EMHA degree. - Nonrefundable application processing fee
A non-refundable $60 fee is required at the time of submission of the application. - Test Scores
A GRE score is not required. - Ohio State University Supplemental Application
For current or former Ohio State students. This will be emailed to you from Ohio State within one week after your centralized SOPHAS application reaches “verified” status.
Career Outlook
The Ohio State University’s Executive Master of Health Administration program prepares you to lead the future of health care. You’ll be equipped to take on high-impact leadership roles across the health care ecosystem with the skills, perspective, and network you’ll gain from the online EMHA program. Advance your career in roles health care management such as executive medical leadership, administrative management, human resource management, clinical data management, or in clinical leadership positions such as medical director, nursing director, pharmacy director, and medical services management.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Work Activities
Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency. Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems. Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $73,710
- Mid Level: $206,420
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.5%
Related Careers
- Compliance Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Public Relations Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Work Activities
Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols. Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms. Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $79,830
- Mid Level: $161,180
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.5%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- Social Science Research Assistants
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems. Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes. Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,790
- Mid Level: $140,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.5%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
What They Do
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
Work Activities
Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and to evaluate their suitability. Assess the identity, strength, or purity of medications. Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $86,930
- Mid Level: $137,480
- Senior Level: $172,040
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5.4%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Chemistry
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Work Activities
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel. Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports. Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,680
- Mid Level: $117,960
- Senior Level: $219,080
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
28.5%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
What They Do
Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
Work Activities
Design and validate clinical databases, including designing or testing logic checks. Process clinical data, including receipt, entry, verification, or filing of information. Generate data queries, based on validation checks or errors and omissions identified during data entry, to resolve identified problems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,650
- Mid Level: $112,590
- Senior Level: $194,410
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
36%
Related Careers
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Data Scientists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social Science Research Assistants
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Work Activities
Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Set goals and deadlines for the department. Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $64,740
- Mid Level: $108,390
- Senior Level: $200,010
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.2%
Related Careers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- General and Operations Managers
- Project Management Specialists
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.
Work Activities
Assign duties or responsibilities to project personnel. Communicate with key stakeholders to determine project requirements and objectives. Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $59,830
- Mid Level: $100,750
- Senior Level: $165,790
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.2%
Related Careers
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Construction Managers
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Logisticians
- Management Analysts
What They Do
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Work Activities
Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities. Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology. Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,930
- Mid Level:
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.5%
Related Careers
- Cardiologists
- Histotechnologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Radiologists
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
This Executive Master of Health Administration program is built to match the pace of your busy life. All classes are 100% online, with no on-campus requirements, and are delivered asynchronously. That means you can complete your coursework whenever and wherever you need to.
We know you aren’t just a student and your time is valuable, so this program offers you a streamlined path to complete the program in just 5 semesters, so you will be done in less than 2 years. Each semester, you will focus on one 14-week course and two 7-week courses. This lets you complete three courses, or 9 credit hours per term, while focusing on only two courses at a time. This allows you to immediately apply newfound insights to your daily work without sacrificing your personal life.
Your 45-credit-hour curriculum will ensure you are well-equipped in four core competencies:
- Management functions
- Health system and policy
- Leadership professionalism
- Business and analytic skills
As an Ohio State student in the online Executive Master of Health Administration, you will dive deeper into concepts of executive leadership, health-system policy, business finances and analysis, and strategic management. Ohio State’s Executive MHA is more than just a degree; it’s the executive toolkit you need to drive innovation, maximize your impact, and secure your seat at the table.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history and philosophy of public health, and the core principles, concepts, and tools used in promoting the health of populations. The course focuses on the breadth of the field and the cross-specialization perspectives on major issues in public health.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the U.S. health care system. Topics covered include health and health care disparities, social determinants of health, health care access and utilization, financing of care through public and private health insurance, provider reimbursement, assessment of quality, quality improvement, and new forms of health care delivery and payment.
This course examines the major theories and concepts of organizational behavior and leadership and applies these to challenges facing public health and healthcare organizations. Topics include leadership styles and competencies, motivation and team dynamics, organizational culture, change management, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication.
This course will prepare students to develop questions and utilize results from healthcare database research. Strengths and limitations of healthcare databases commonly used for research will be considered, and special attention will be devoted to nationally representative databases and local electronic medical record data.
This course examines the role of project management in executing successful projects. The course focuses on concepts and tools of basic project management, with special emphasis on managing projects in health care and public health settings. Students will learn fundamental techniques for project planning and scheduling & monitoring through case studies and various types of project management exercises.
This course examines public policy concepts and processes as they apply to the organization, financing, and delivery of health services. Students will analyze the political, economic, and social forces that shape health policy and explore the roles of federal, state, and local governments, as well as private and nonprofit stakeholders influencing health outcomes and system performance.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. legal system as it applies to the U.S. health care field. Topics covered include professional relationships, medical malpractice, privacy, end-of-life issues, healthcare fraud and abuse, and the regulation of clinical research.
This course examines finance and accounting principles as they are applied to health service organizations. Topics include financial statement analysis, budgeting and forecasting, cost behavior and cost allocation, capital financing, reimbursement methodologies, revenue cycle management, and working capital management. Prereq: An introductory course in financial accounting, or permission of instructor.
This course provides an in-depth examination of financial decision-making in health service organizations, with emphasis on applications of decision support systems. Emphasis is placed on application of the financial principles, tools, and decision-making processes essential to managing and leading healthcare organizations. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how financial management supports strategic and operational objectives in hospitals, physician groups, and other health service entities.
The course focuses on the use of economic analysis and economic evaluation for healthcare decision making. Students will examine how economic forces influence the behavior of patients, providers, payers, and policymakers, and how these interactions shape health outcomes, costs, and access to care. Core topics include demand and supply of healthcare services, health insurance markets, provider incentives, market competition and regulation, externalities, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, and the role of government in healthcare.
This capstone course serves as the culminating experience for graduate students in health administration, integrating knowledge and skills from across the curriculum into the practical application of strategic management and program development. Students will implement and evaluate a comprehensive strategic initiative or program plan addressing a real-world healthcare challenge using techniques and methods for strategic management and project planning in health care organizations and settings.
*Courses are listed in numerical order, rather than placement in the curriculum, as the sequence varies by cohort due to a rolling admissions process. PUBHHMP 7631 serves as the culminating capstone course and must be taken in the last semester prior to graduation.
This course explores the theories, concepts, and methods of strategic planning and the management of organizational change as it applies to public health and population health management endeavors. Key topics include population health frameworks, data-driven decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, value-based care models, organizational transformation, and change leadership. The course emphasizes systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and the alignment of financial and operational strategies to achieve measurable improvements in community and population health.
This course examines the fundamental theories, principles and practices for designing and managing operations. The course is structured to emphasize the unique aspects of process and system design within health care organizations and community health systems, including processes that cross organizational boundaries and include diverse stakeholders. Key topics covered include capacity and process flow, introduction to lean operations, quality improvement frameworks and tools, and patient safety.
This course introduces students to the foundational aspects of professional identity and career development within the field of health administration. Through self-assessment, reflective journaling, and professional portfolio development, students will explore their strengths, values, and career aspirations. Key topics include goal setting, personal branding, business communication, and networking strategies.
Building on the foundations of Executive Skills I, this course focuses on developing advanced professional competencies essential for leadership and career advancement in health administration. Students will refine their professional portfolios, deepen their understanding of collaboration and team leadership, and enhance their executive presence. Key topics include strategic communication, inclusive leadership, giving and receiving feedback, and managing relationships.
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Program Faculty
Featured Faculty
Debra R. Zevallos, DBH, MHA, FACHE
Clinical Associate Professor
Debra Zevallos is an experienced and accomplished leader in both health administration and higher education. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, College of Public Health, and serves as Director of the Executive Master of Health Administration program. Zevallos is board-certified in health care management and a credentialed fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). With over 20 years of operational experience as a practitioner in the field, her areas of expertise include military medicine, hospital and ambulatory operations, service line management, strategic planning, quality improvement and performance excellence, health policy, and legislative affairs.
Zevallos’ professional experience in higher education includes over 10 years of teaching experience and serving in leadership roles as the Associate Dean of Health Sciences and Program Director for the health care administration undergraduate program at The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cincinnati, and as Associate Professor and Director of the Executive MHA Program at the University of Cincinnati.
Zevallos was the recipient of the 2025 Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) Teaching Excellence Award in Healthcare Management and Leadership; 2025 Senior Leader Regent’s Award from ACHE of Greater Ohio; 2024 Ohio State University Health Services Management & Policy Distinguished Alumni Award; and the 2021 Summo Commisso Missi Award for Teaching Excellence from The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Faculty
Andrew Wapner, DO, MPH
Clinical Associate Professor
Kelly Scheiderer, RHIA, MHA
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Simon F. Haeder, PhD, MPA
Associate Professor
Hillary M. Kummer, MHA, FACHE
Lecturer
Paul Hogan
Lecturer
Zeb Purdin
LecturerTuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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