FAQs

The CSUN MHA is a flexible, CAHME-accredited program designed for working professionals from diverse backgrounds. You’ll take evening courses with a cohort of peers who are also advancing their healthcare careers. Our emphasis on leadership, equity, and real-world application makes this a program where you can grow and be seen.

An MHA prepares you for leadership roles in nearly every corner of the healthcare industry. Our graduates work in:

• Hospitals and multi-hospital systems
• Medical group management
• Health insurance and managed care
• Consulting firms and health tech companies
• Long-term care, home health, and public health organizations
• Biotech and biomedical industries

We'll help you connect your career goals with the opportunities that fit best.

Most students complete the program in 3 years, taking 3 courses per semester in the evening. However, we offer 2-, 3-, and 4-year sequences so you can choose the pace that fits your life and career.

All core classes meet from 7:00–9:45 p.m. to accommodate working professionals.

Yes! In fact, our program is designed for it. Most students work full-time and take classes in the evening.

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format:

• You’ll meet in person every other week,
• With online instruction during alternating weeks.

This flexible structure lets you engage with faculty and peers while maintaining your work schedule.

Yes! The CSUN MHA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the national gold standard in graduate healthcare management education.

We sometimes offer summer electives to help students lighten their regular semester course load. Winter session courses are not currently offered.

No, thesis is required. Instead, all students complete a field experience in their final year, applying their skills to a real-world healthcare setting.

We admit roughly 25 applicants each year. Each cohort is designed to be small enough to support personal attention and strong peer connection.

No, the MHA is not classified as a STEM program.

We recommend that applicants complete college-level courses in accounting and statistics before starting the program.

There is no required internship. Many of our students are already working in healthcare, and the field experience allows you to apply your learning in a real organizational setting.

You’ll have access to dedicated advising, peer support, and faculty who understand the demands of working professionals. Additionally, CSUN provides many support services that will be available to you.

We may accept up to 9 units of graduate coursework from another institution, pending review and approval of transcript and course syllabi. Contact us, if you have specific questions.

No. All students must be formally admitted before enrolling in MHA courses. Once admitted, you may be able to take an elective course over the summer prior to the beginning of the academic year. 

Tuition is based on CSU graduate tuition rates. Visit our Cost & Financial Aid page for details and a tuition calculator.

CSUN offers a wide range of financial aid, including:

• Federal and state grants
• Student loans
• Scholarships
• Employer tuition reimbursement (check with your workplace)

You can explore options through the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

• Application opens: October 1
• Priority deadline: February 1
• Final deadline: May 10

Applications are reviewed monthly from February to May. We recommend applying early.

Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Most accepted students have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and professional experience in healthcare.

We welcome students with a range of healthcare backgrounds, including clinical, administrative, public health, and allied health roles. Internships or volunteer work in healthcare can also strengthen your application.

Nope! The CSUN MHA does not require GRE or GMAT scores.

No. Applications are reviewed monthly during the spring semester, and admissions decisions are sent on a rolling basis between April and June.

No. We only admit new students for the Fall semester each year.

Fee waivers for the CSU application are available for eligible students through Cal State Apply.