Mason Online

Topic: Health & Human Services

Health Systems Management (MHA)

Program Description

George Mason University’s online CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration (MHA) in Health Systems Management is a premier degree program, dedicated to preparing future executives for leadership positions in health care organizations. Students develop contemporary strategic, business, analytic, and decision-making skills needed to successfully navigate the evolving health care industry in the post-pandemic era.

In recognition of its high academic rigor and success in preparing the next generation of health care administration professionals, George Mason’s MHA was awarded the 2025 CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to one program each year for setting the standard in health administration education.

Built on the Same High Standards as Our CAHME-Accredited On-Campus Program

Our online MHA program combines the flexibility of online learning with the same rigorous standards of our on-campus degree. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which is recognized as the accrediting body for master’s level health care management programs by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2025, George Mason’s MHA received the CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award, which honors a program that sets the standard for academic rigor and preparation of the next generation of health care administration professionals.

Our expert faculty delivers a program driven by a set of professional competencies in each of the following domains:

  • Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  • Communications and Relationship Management
  • Business Knowledge and Skills (And Critical Thinking)
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism (Ethics)

Most courses are offered in convenient online, asynchronous classes. A field-based capstone practicum is completed in the final semester of study, providing students with experience and the opportunity to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills acquired from coursework.

Students must choose one concentration from the following:

Healthcare Quality

Addresses the growth of the health care industry to understand and evaluate the quality of care being delivered. Students will develop skills in quality methodologies, techniques, and patient safety law.

Executive Concentration

Prepares students for leadership positions in a wide variety of health care organizations by focusing on mastery of critical thinking needed for creative revenue cycle, business, and system management strategies.

Capstone Practicum

Spend 6 to 8 weeks with a health care organization, engaged in the analysis of a complex problem assigned by the host organization. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to key health care executives while conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to inform an executive decision regarding an important, real-life issue. Performance in this role can provide the student with a launchpad to pursue opportunities for future professional growth and development.

Health Informatics (MS)

Program Description

George Mason University’s CAHIIM accredited online Master of Science in Health Informatics, with concentrations in Health Data Analytics and Health Informatics Management, prepares students in a highly specialized area of health informatics that bridges technical and health disciplines. Students learn central concepts of health informatics including IT tools, data standards, information systems, and databases.

Health Data Analytics Concentration focuses on the specialized area of health data analytics, data science, and machine learning. Students learn theory and practical skills in the context of analyzing real health data.

Health Informatics Management Concentration provides students with knowledge and skills needed to administratively manage health information systems (ranging from system analysis and design, project management, privacy, security, and various statistical analyses), and support the increased adoption and use of electronic health records.

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Learning takes place at the intersection of healthcare, technology, policy, and data science through a flexible, multidisciplinary, online curriculum designed for working professionals.

The online MS in Health Informatics is 36 credit hours, with the possibility of waiving two introductory courses depending on the student’s educational background and work experience.

Prior work experience in the healthcare or information technology is not required for admission but is considered as part of the admission process.

For students who are new to Health Informatics or who want to brush up on their skills, George Mason offers an MSHI Bridge course. This free course option is meant to create a successful transition for individuals interested in the Health Informatics field who might not have sufficient background in math, computing, and informatics.

Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management in Health Care Systems (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This program prepares working clinicians and administrative support staff to implement quality improvement initiatives and optimize efficiency and effectiveness of care and services. Students learn to work in interdisciplinary health care teams using the tools and techniques of statistical process control and selected methods of operations research and quality improvement. Through information management technology and qualitative decision-making applications, students identify opportunities for clinical and administrative improvement, support decision-making optimization, and improve health service outcomes for identified populations.

What it costs

The cost is $564.00 per credit hour for VA state residents or $1,421.75 per credit hour for out of state students, plus a $35 per credit hour Distance Learning fee. Education Resource, New Student, and other mandatory university and course fees may apply.

Application Deadline

This program has an application deadline of April 1 for Fall and November 1 for Spring.

Nursing Education (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Nurse educators work in a variety of university and health care environments, providing continuing education, professional development, and other critical instruction in new clinical information and technology. This graduate certificate program in Nursing Education is ideal for nurse educators who desire to teach in schools of nursing, hospitals, and community health care agencies. Students explore the principles of teaching and learning, practice developing program curriculum and evaluation, and become confident in their roles as educators.

Nursing (RN to BSN and Co-enrollment Programs)

Program Description

The RN to BSN  program allows registered nurses to progress quickly through the BSN program while meeting the objectives of the undergraduate curriculum.  RNs can complete the BSN program  in as little as two semesters.

The Co-enrollment BSN program allows students to begin taking online classes toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree while enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science nursing degree (AAS-Nursing) program at a partner Virginia community college. Applicants can earn their BSN in as little as one-semester after completing the AAS-Nursing degree and obtaining their RN license.

Both programs are 10 courses (30 credit hours), completely online, and can be taken on a full-  or part-time basis. Course offerings vary by term and are typically offered in a 7-week format, so students are expected to plan accordingly.  Courses include research, leadership and management, and health assessment.

Health, Wellness, and Social Services (BAS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Applied Science is an undergraduate liberal arts degree program for adult learners. Designed to foster critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and an ability to synthesize information, the BAS meets students’ professional and personal goals while developing a depth of knowledge and proficiency of skill that translates well to the workplace. Adult learners who desire to understand the complex nature of managing health care and social service programs will benefit from this program. This concentration is in collaboration with the College of Public Health.

Concentrations

  • Health, Wellness, Social Services