Application Timeline

• Application Opens: Sept. 2, 2025
• Early Action Deadline: Nov. 1, 2025 (Applications submitted by the Early Action Deadline will receive priority consideration when scholarships are awarded.)
• Rolling Admission: For applications submitted after Nov. 1, 2026, decisions are released approximately two weeks after all application materials have been received.
• Application Closes: June 1, 2026 (Applications submitted after June 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis if space is available in the program. Please contact the School of Public Health recruiter at publichealth@samford.edu if this applies to you.)
• Entry Month: August 2026

Admission Requirements

• Possess a baccalaureate degree in a health or business-related field from a college or university with institutional accreditation or possess any baccalaureate degree and currently work in or have three years prior healthcare experience.
• Submit official transcripts. View Transcript Requirements
• Have a C or better in an accounting course from a college or university with institutional accreditation.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale overall or in the last 60 hours of course work.
• The GRE is only required for an applicant who does not meet the minimum GPA requirement. The GRE must be within the last five years, with a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 300 and Analytical 4.0.
• Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one must be from a work supervisor or manager and one from a current or previous professor. The references should provide a knowledgeable testament regarding character, ethics, responsibility, potential for success, and other attributes that predict an applicant's favorable performance in the program.
• Submit a resume highlighting work experience, strengths and other accomplishments.
• Submit an essay on reason for seeking the MHA and a career goal statement.
• Submit a video interview.

Students who do not meet one or more admission requirement(s) may be admitted on a conditional status, based upon evaluation by the program faculty. To be considered for a joint degree, students must apply and be accepted to both programs based on their admission criteria. Students admitted conditionally must address the unmet admission requirements to progress in the program. All conditions are clearly spelled out in the admission letter.

We use a portfolio approach to evaluate applicants and the portfolio consists of reference letters, previous professional experience, essay, interview, grade point average and academic performance in undergraduate and previous graduate work (if applicable), and standardized test scores (if applicable). The portfolio approach allows us to take a holistic review when there is a lower GPA and evidence of experience in or motivation for a healthcare career, and strong letters of recommendation.

Exceptions to any admission requirements will be handled on an individual basis.

If accepted, a non-refundable fee of $500 is required to secure admission into the program. The fee is applied to the first semester’s tuition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Healthcare Administration, as part of a Christian university, is to nurture and prepare early career healthcare management professionals to serve across diverse healthcare settings.

An interprofessional experience is a hallmark of our program. This experience is grounded in our interprofessional curriculum and interdisciplinary faculty. Practical experiences alongside healthcare leaders and executives are tailored to a student’s interests and professional goals. Educational experiences inside and outside the classroom provide the knowledge and skills students need to be successful healthcare managers, administrators, and leaders.

We strive to prepare professionals that are committed to promoting health and well-being for those they serve as part of an interprofessional and collaborative healthcare team. Program experiences focus on core competencies and lifelong learning so that graduates are positioned to advance their career and answer their calling. Our program is provided by highly qualified faculty engaged in scholarship, practice, and service to the healthcare management profession and community.

Vision Statement

We aspire to prepare influential and visionary healthcare professionals who make a positive impact on their communities.

Core Values

• Christian-Based Education: We are committed to integrating our Christian faith and beliefs in our delivery of healthcare administration education.
• Excellence: We pursue excellence within the department through opportunities for achievement in scholarship, service and research.
• Practice-Ready: We are committed to preparing students who are ready to practice upon graduation.
• Respect for Diversity: We are committed to respecting the differences in others by learning to appreciate the different cultures of the populations that we serve.
• Integrity: We are committed to operating in an environment that values honesty, fairness and the highest ethical standards to sustain a community of trust.
• Empowerment: We encourage personal accountability for success through shared governance in academic pursuits.

The Master of Healthcare Administration is a degree offered by the School of Public Health's Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics. Read our mission statement.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Through an interdisciplinary approach, we use a variety of teaching and learning methods designed to provide an active learning experience. Our curriculum is designed using lectures, reading, reflection, individual and group projects, case studies, focused essay questions, interactive discussions focused on real-world experiences, presentations, external field experiences, professional development opportunities through conferences, and external content experts.

Assessment Methods

We use a variety of assessment methods to include experiential field assessments by preceptors, self-assessments, peer and team effectiveness assessments, project review and feedback, and case review and feedback, comprehensive exam, and data from teaching effectiveness and alumni surveys, and Advisory Board input.

University's Formal Academic Complaint Process

Students should follow the complaint process as outlined in the current Samford University Student Handbook. To file a formal complaint, proceed to Student Support, then go to the “Student Complaint Process” section.