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The Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs

Ann Feeney
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Updated November 4, 2024
Edited by
Learn about the advantages of an MSN/MHA dual degree online program. Explore program and admission requirements.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Earning an online master of science in nursing/master of health association (MSN/MHA) dual degree enables registered nurses (RNs) to increase their earning potential and advance their nursing career. The MSN/MHA dual degree is a popular track for nurse administration and leadership career paths, allowing students to pursue two master’s degrees simultaneously, saving both time and money. A dual MSN/MHA degree prepares students for careers, such as nurse administrator, chief nursing officer, and chief operating officer.

This guide explores the best MSN/MHA online degrees, including program admissions requirements, coursework, and accreditation status.

Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs and Schools

#1 The Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs

University of Pennsylvania

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$53,166
  • Out-of-state$53,166
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate9%
  • Students Enrolled26,552
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment85%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs

Liberty University

  • Location-markerLynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$14,791
  • Out-of-state$14,791
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate50%
  • Students Enrolled93,349
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs

Clarkson College

  • Location-markerOmaha, NE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$13,392
  • Out-of-state$13,392
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled1,169
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment94%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

How Do Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs Work?

RNs with a bachelor’s degree qualify for the MSN/MHA dual degree program. An MSN/MHA dual degree provides a deep comprehension of healthcare strategy, with coursework overlapping to cover both degrees.

Students gain the skills and knowledge required to deal with healthcare challenges, such as patient accessibility, quality, and costs of services. Learners deepen their understanding of nursing policy, quality, health assessment, and leadership. The program’s healthcare administrative component focuses on healthcare financial operations and quality management. Required clinicals include a nurse administration practicum.

Applying to an Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Program

The MSN/MHA dual degree program requires 60 hours of coursework, which usually takes learners three years to complete. The curriculum focuses on nursing leadership and management skills, strategic marketing techniques, legal and ethical issues, and collaboration among other team members to employ healthcare best practices.

To determine if you qualify for MSN/MHA program entry, check out the school’s admission requirements. Many schools include similar application materials, including the following:

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    Admission Materials

    Health assessment and statistics prerequisites; bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited institution; copy of undergraduate transcripts; resume or CV
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    GPA Requirement

    Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
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    Other Requirement

    Professional references; a career statement ; unencumbered RN license

Why Is Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation lends credibility to a school or a specific degree program and happens when a third-party accrediting body thoroughly reviews a college or university.

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) often accredits graduate nursing programs. The AACN evaluates everything from the curriculum to study materials to faculty credentials. It is essential to select an accredited program for many reasons, including:

  • Accreditation ensures a quality education.
  • Graduates of accredited institutions gain the skills and knowledge to practice nursing at master’s-level standards.
  • Many institutions do not accept transfer credits from a non-accredited college or university.
  • Unaccredited schools do not qualify for some types of student financial aid, such as federal loan programs.

All of the schools in our rankings list are accredited institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs

While earning a dual degree can be challenging, there are some major advantages to gaining both degrees at once. Much of the MSN/MHA curriculum is related, and the program combines a student’s nurse management knowledge with general skills that healthcare leaders must learn. This results in a shorter program duration and lower costs.

Explore Other Dual Degree Nursing Programs