Master of Healthcare Administration & Certificates {2026-27}

Program Coordinator: Dr. Brandi Sillerud, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
213 Hagen Hall, (218) 477-2693
brandi.sillerud@mnstate.edu

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program provides students with the skills and experience to be competitive in a variety of professional settings. Building on students' existing leadership skills, management styles and current understanding of healthcare policy in the highly regulated healthcare industry, students will be able to dynamically contribute to the improvement of the delivery of services throughout the healthcare continuum.

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission
The mission of the Minnesota State University Moorhead Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is to provide early to mid-careerists an exceptional, online, graduate-level educational experience focused on preparing a generalist leader with a solid administrative foundation encompassing organization, financing, delivery and improvement of healthcare services. Students receive academic and experiential experiences to prepare them to assume progressive healthcare leadership/administrative positions in a variety of settings, such as: long term care, public healthcare, acute care, outpatient care and community healthcare organizations.

Students will achieve these skills through:

  • Incorporating evidence throughout coursework; working on collaborative, interprofessional projects as well as completing individual assignments within the online environment leading to a solid, general foundation and preparation for future healthcare leadership/administrative roles.
  • Participate in a capstone experience in which students are exposed to real-world projects and relationships within healthcare organizations. This experience connects coursework/theory to organizational experiences to allow students to witness the confluence of theory and practice.
  • Receive rigorous education from faculty that are actively engaged in scholarly work, practice and bring industry experience to life in the online classroom.

Students in the program are representative of the changing healthcare world with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our students bring grit, humility and heart to the MHA program as they prepare to transform the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Vision

The vision of the MHA program is to prepare innovative and transformative leaders that will enrich and advance the communities in which they serve with their knowledge and passion for quality, safe, just, and efficient healthcare that can help improve the health of a population.

Values

  • Excellence - the program establishes the highest standards for qualifications, experience and professionalism. This is expected of faculty, staff and students to assure optimal learning experiences.
  • Academic Excellence - the curriculum and program are founded on academic integrity and rigor that lead to a strong educational base. Faculty focus on competency-based learning experiences to allow students to emerge prepared to lead in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
  • Professionalism and Ethics - professional behavior is expected of faculty and students. Honesty, integrity and ethical behavior are the cornerstones of the MHA program. Faculty and students practice professional and ethical behavior at all times.
  • Diversity - faculty and students understand each person comes to the program with unique perspectives and backgrounds leading to enhanced learning experiences. The program encourages diversity of thought to bring new ideas and foresight into healthcare delivery.
  • Lifelong Learning - students are given opportunities to engage in healthcare community activities, professional organizations, and ongoing educational opportunities creating lifelong learning practices.
  • Transformation/Innovation - students are prepared to utilize innovative thinking to transform healthcare organizations and their communities. Students are encouraged to envision new methods to lead and deliver healthcare.
  • Collaboration - students are exposed to interprofessional experiences by working with others from different professional and academic backgrounds. Students emerge from the program prepared to collaborate to find solutions to current and future healthcare challenges and opportunities.

Master of Healthcare Administration

Description
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) - 40 credits The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) with Long Term Care Emphasis - 49 credits

Admission Requirements

Information on admission requirements can be found on the Graduate Studies webpage.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Domains and Competencies:
The Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) is focused on a creating a board-based knowledge platform from which to launch future healthcare leaders. Students will focus on gaining a greater understanding of elements related to healthcare leadership and administration. The program is guided by five domains with accompanying competencies. The major domains include: (a) leadership, (b) professionalism, (c) communication and relationship building, (d) knowledge of the healthcare environment and (e) business skills. The curriculum and courses are built to reflect these key domains and associated competencies.

Current Student Learning Outcomes

  • Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality patient care outcomes.
  • Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • Analyze, incorporate, promote, and evaluate current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • Evaluate, advocate for, and support organizational/governmental policy to improve health care delivery and population health outcomes.
  • Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.
  • Develop clear and concise communication methods as an emerging healthcare leader.
  • Demonstrate strategic thinking through project management methods with the implementation of a scholarly capstone project.

Domain #1: Leadership – the ability to inspire individual and organizational excellent, create and attain a shared vision and successfully manage change to attain the organization’s strategic ends and successful performance.

Competencies:

  • Leadership skills and behavior
  • Organizational climate and culture
  • Communicating Vision
  • Managing change

Domain #2: Professionalism – the ability to align personal and organizational conduct with ethical and professional standards that include a responsibility to the patient and community, a service orientation, and a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement.

Competencies:

  • Personal and Professional Accountability
  • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning
  • Contributions to the Community and Profession
  • Ethics and Compliance

Domain #3: Communication and Relationship Building – the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with internal and external customers, establish and maintain relationships, and facilitate constructive interactions with individuals and groups.

Competencies:

  • Relationship Management
  • Communication Skills
  • Interprofessional Collaboration and Negotiation

Domain #4: Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment – the understanding of the health care system and the environment in which health care managers and providers function.

Competencies:

  • Healthcare Systems and Organizations
  • Healthcare Personnel
  • The Patient’s Perspective
  • The Community and the Environment
  • Legal Environment

Domain #5: Business Skills- the ability to apply business principles, including systems thinking, to the healthcare environment.

Competencies:

  • Operation’s Management
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Organizational Dynamics and Governance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Marketing
  • Information Management
  • Risk Management
  • Quality Improvement
  • Patient Safety

Program Delivery Mode
Online Plus: offered entirely online with face-to-face options available for some/all sections

Core Requirements ( 40 credits )

ECON 610 Healthcare Economics (3)
MHA 514 Healthcare Strategic Planning and Marketing (3) OR MBA 611 Marketing Management (3)
MHA 540 Talent Management in Healthcare (3) OR MBA 641 Human Resource Management (3)
MHA 605 Healthcare Quality and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 615 Research and Evidence Based Practice (3)
MHA 618 Healthcare Law and Ethical Decision Making (3)
MHA 619 Applied Healthcare Financial Management (3)
MHA 625 Health Program Planning and Evaluation (3)
MHA 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy and Reimbursement (3)
MHA 638 Health Information Systems (3)
MHA 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (3)
MHA 651 Healthcare Operations Management (3)
MHA 692A Capstone I (1)
MHA 692B Capstone II (3) OR MHA 692B Capstone II (1) and MHA 691 Field Experience/Global Healthcare Experience for Leaders and Nursing (2)

Emphasis in Long Term Care Emphasis

Program Requirements ( 9 credits )

MHA 500 Aging in US: Introduction to Gerontology and Senior Support Care (3)
MHA 501 Health Aspects of Aging (3)
MHA 521 Long Term Care Administration (3)



Finance and Quality Management in Healthcare Graduate Certificate

Description
The graduate certificate in Finance and Quality Management in Healthcare is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their ability to lead in today’s complex and value-driven healthcare environment. This interdisciplinary program integrates financial acumen with quality improvement strategies to prepare learners to make data-informed decisions that enhance both fiscal performance and patient outcomes. Students will explore key topics such as healthcare budgeting, cost analysis, reimbursement models, financial reporting, and strategic resource allocation. Simultaneously, the curriculum emphasizes quality management frameworks, performance metrics, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma. Ideal for clinicians, administrators, and healthcare leaders, this certificate equips graduates with the tools to align financial stewardship with quality care delivery—ensuring operational excellence, accountability, and sustainable impact across healthcare systems.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates are expected to:

  • FQM C1 Analyze current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • FQM C2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • FQM C3: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • FQM C4: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.

Program Delivery Mode
Online Plus: offered entirely online with face-to-face options available for some/all sections

Core Requirements ( 9 credits )

MHA 605 or NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 638 or NURS 638 Health Information Systems (3)
MHA 619 Applied Healthcare Financial Management (3)



Innovation & Leadership in Aging Studies Graduate Certificate

Description
The Innovation & Leadership in Aging Studies Graduate Certificate builds a foundation for students interested in aging/senior support healthcare services. Students will learn how to advocate for care, analyze quality indicators, and utilize data to drive decisions in supporting aging/senior healthcare services. Credits earned can be applied toward the Master of Healthcare Administration – Long-Term Care Emphasis for students who would like to earn a master’s degree and potentially leading to senior support licensure.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate program, graduates are expected to:

  • ILAS C1 Analyze current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • ILAS C2 Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • ILAS C3 Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • ILAS C4: Evaluate, advocate for, and support organizational/governmental policy to improve health care delivery and population health outcomes.
  • ILAS C5: Long term care students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for leading aging services/senior support.

Program Delivery Mode
Online Exclusive: must be completed entirely online; no face-to-face options available

Core Requirements ( 18 credits )

MHA 500 Aging in US: Introduction to Gerontology and Senior Support Care (3)
MHA 501 Health Aspects of Aging (3)
MHA 521 Long Term Care Administration (3)
MHA 605/NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety & Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 628/NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (3)
MHA 638/NURS 638 Health Information Systems (3)



Innovation & Leadership in Healthcare Graduate Certificate

Description
The Innovation & Leadership in Healthcare Graduate Certificate builds a foundation for students to analyze, implement, and lead innovative healthcare in a strategic manner. Students will learn how to advocate for care, analyze quality indicators, utilize data to drive decisions, and apply financial management as emerging healthcare leaders. Credits earned can be applied toward the Master of Healthcare Administration for students who would like to earn a master’s degree.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates are expected to:

  • ILHC C1 Analyze current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • ILHC C2 Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • ILHC C3 Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • ILHC C4: Evaluate, advocate for, and support organizational/governmental policy to improve health care delivery and population health outcomes.
  • ILHC C5: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.

Program Delivery Mode
Online Exclusive: must be completed entirely online; no face-to-face options available

Core Requirements ( 15 credits )

MHA 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety & Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 619 Applied Healthcare Financial Management (3)
MHA 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (3)
MHA 638 Health Information Systems (3)
MHA 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (3)



Leadership and Quality Management in Healthcare Graduate Certificate

Description
The graduate certificate in Leadership and Quality Management in Healthcare prepares current and aspiring healthcare professionals to lead transformative initiatives that enhance care quality, patient safety, and organizational performance. This interdisciplinary program blends foundational leadership theory with practical tools for quality improvement, equipping learners to navigate the evolving demands of healthcare systems. Through a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices, students will explore topics such as strategic leadership, change management, performance measurement, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement methodologies. Emphasis is placed on developing the competencies needed to lead cross-functional teams, foster a culture of excellence, and implement sustainable improvements in diverse healthcare settings. Ideal for clinicians, administrators, and healthcare managers, this certificate empowers graduates to become effective change agents who align leadership strategies with quality outcomes to drive meaningful impact across the continuum of care.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates are expected to:

  • FQM C1 Analyze current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • FQM C2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • FQM C3: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • FQM C4: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.

Program Delivery Mode
Online Plus: offered entirely online with face-to-face options available for some/all sections

Core Requirements ( 9 credits )

MHA 650 or NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (3)
MHA 605 or NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 638 or NURS 638 Health Information Systems (3)



Leadership and Talent Management in Healthcare Graduate Certificate

Description
The graduate certificate in Leadership and Talent Management in Healthcare is designed for emerging and established healthcare professionals. This graduate certificate equips learners with the strategic, operational, talent management, and leadership competencies essential for managing and transforming care environments. Through a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices and contemporary healthcare management principles, participants will develop the skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, interact with the most important resources in their organizations (people), optimize patient workflows, and drive innovation in patient-centered care delivery. This certificate is ideal for nurses, physicians, administrators, and other healthcare leaders. Whether you are seeking to enhance your leadership capacity or transition into a management role, this program offers a flexible and impactful pathway to professional growth and organizational excellence. Graduates will leave with the skills to drive innovation, lead change, and improve outcomes across care systems.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates are expected to:

  • LIH C2 Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • LIH C3 Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • LIH C5: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.

Program Delivery Mode
Online Plus: offered entirely online with face-to-face options available for some/all sections

Core Requirements ( 12 credits )

MHA 650 or NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (3)
MHA 540 Talent Management in Healthcare (3)
MHA 605 or NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 619 Applied Healthcare Financial Management (3)



Leadership for Healthcare Operations Graduate Certificate

Description
Designed for emerging and established healthcare professionals, this graduate certificate equips learners with the strategic, operational, and leadership competencies essential for managing and transforming patient care environments. As healthcare continues to shift toward value-based, patient-centered models, the need for skilled leaders in healthcare operations has never been greater. Through a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices and contemporary healthcare management principles, participants will develop the skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, optimize patient workflows, and drive innovation in patient-centered care delivery. This certificate is ideal for nurses, physicians, administrators, and other healthcare leaders. Whether you are seeking to enhance your leadership capacity or transition into a management role, this program offers a flexible and impactful pathway to professional growth and organizational excellence. Graduates will leave with the skills to drive innovation, lead change, and improve outcomes across care systems.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates are expected to:

  • LAHO C1: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • LAHO C2: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • LAHO C3: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.

Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required

Core Requirements ( 12 credits )

MHA 651 Healthcare Operations Management (3)
MHA 650 or NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (3)
MHA 514 Healthcare Strategic Planning and Marketing (3)
MHA 619 Applied Healthcare Financial Management (3)

 



Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare Graduate Certificate

Description
The graduate certificate in Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in optimizing healthcare delivery systems. This program provides a focused curriculum that integrates principles of operations management, quality improvement, and data-driven decision-making to address the complexities of modern healthcare environments. Students will gain knowledge in areas such as process improvement, performance measurement, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and lean healthcare methodologies. Emphasis is placed on applying evidence-based strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate the quality of care across diverse healthcare settings. Ideal for clinicians, administrators, and emerging healthcare leaders, this certificate equips graduates with the tools to lead quality initiatives, manage operational challenges, and drive sustainable improvements in patient outcomes and organizational performance.

Admission Requirements

For Health Administration and Related Disciplines Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Baccalaureate, masters, and/or doctorate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major or emphasis is required.
  • Have a total cumulative local GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework at the institution where the BS or BA degree was awarded. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate certificate, graduates are expected to:

  • OQM C1 Analyze current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • OQM C2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently improve healthcare outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • OQM C3: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality healthcare outcomes.
  • OQM C4: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.

Program Delivery Mode
Online Plus: offered entirely online with face-to-face options available for some/all sections

Core Requirements

MHA 651 Healthcare Operations Management (3)
MHA 605 or NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (3)
MHA 638 or NURS 638 Health Information Systems (3)