Health care is a rapidly evolving industry, creating careers that extend far beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. Today, it’s driven by professionals in data science, technology, communications and management — people who shape how care is delivered and how health systems operate. Behind every improvement in patient outcomes, cost efficiency and global health response are leaders trained to think strategically and act decisively.
Preparing these leaders is precisely what the Health Administration programmes at Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice (CPHSJ) are designed to do.
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, CPHSJ is part of one of the world’s most respected Jesuit institutions. Here, students develop a mindset centred on equity, community health and real impact.
This blend of public health and social justice runs through everything CPHSJ offers. It’s most obvious in how students apply theory in meaningful ways even before they graduate. They work directly with underserved populations, engage in community-based research to address health inequities and advocate for policy change alongside local organisations.
Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice is among the top 25% of public health schools in the United States (US News & World Report). Source: Saint Louis University
A flexible and career-focused programme
One of CPHSJ’s standout graduate programmes is the Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). Designed for both early-career professionals and seasoned clinicians, the MSHA helps students step into leadership roles within the health care sector. It’s beneficial for those wanting to transition into health care from other industries or who are looking to advance within their current organisations.
The programme’s online format makes it ideal for busy working adults. Students can start in spring, summer or fall and complete the programme in a structure that fits their schedule. Each course is delivered in a six-week format, and students only take one course at a time. This keeps the workload manageable and allows deep focus on each subject.
The curriculum consists of 18 core credits and 21 elective credits. That means students can tailor the degree to match their career goals. Electives can be used to earn graduate certificates in high-demand fields such as Quality and Performance Excellence, Health Care Technology and Data Analytics, and Health Care Strategy and Industry Solutions, among others.
In addition to coursework, students can participate in a field experience, which is worth one or two credit hours. These placements, arranged with guidance from SLU’s professional development team and faculty advisors, provide students with a firsthand look at how health care organisations operate in real-world settings. Thanks to its versatile training, the MSHA equips graduates to lead in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, home health agencies and government bodies.
Affordability is another strength of the programme. With a compact 39-credit structure, the MSHA is often more cost-effective than traditional two-year residential programmes. Plus, 90% of MSHA students receive partial scholarships thanks to the programme’s alumni and benefactors.
Complementing the MSHA is the nationally ranked Master of Health Administration (MHA) programme. With a long-standing reputation for excellence, this programme holds triple accreditation.
At the heart of the MHA is a competency-based curriculum — one of the first of its kind. Instead of focusing only on theory or writing papers, this model emphasises what students can do as professionals. The goal is to ensure that every graduate is equipped with practical skills they can apply immediately on the job.
Saint Louis University’s health administration programmes provide a practice-integrated education, preparing ethical, skilled professionals for diverse careers across the health care sector. Source: Saint Louis University
A learning format that works for you
For many working professionals, returning to school can seem like a daunting task. SLU’s MSHA programme is built with that challenge in mind. The asynchronous online format allows students to study at their own pace, logging in during lunch breaks, evenings or weekends, whenever their schedule permits.
Each course runs for four weeks, with a one-week break between modules. This structure helps students stay focused and avoid burnout. Real-time interaction is still available through optional live sessions, discussion forums and video conferences. This creates space for meaningful engagement with instructors and classmates without compromising flexibility.
Students can also participate in professional development sessions, where they receive the tools to succeed in interviews, negotiations, and leadership environments. Additionally, many students choose to complete a field placement with a local health care or public health organisation, helping them gain on-the-ground experience before graduation.
Learn more about SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice.
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