MASTER’S IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ONLINE

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the online Master's in Health and Human Services Administration(MAHHSA) from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. You're encouraged to ask many more by calling 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor. Or, you canRequest More Information, and we'll reach out to you.

I want to become an administrator or senior manager at my organization. Is this the right degree program for me?
The online MAHHSA gives you the leadership and managerial skills to pursue top-level positions in healthcare and human services settings, including: home health agencies, behavioral health institutions, single and multi-centered hospitals, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, governmental health and human service agencies, non-profit agencies and clinics. This program is not intended or designed to meet educational requirements for long term care or nursing home administrator licensure in any jurisdiction.

Is this program accredited?
Effective August 31, 2024 the MA in Health and Human Services Administration program will no longer be accredited by the MN Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) accreditation as meeting state educational requirements for Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensure in Minnesota. Due to this, we will no longer be accepting new students into the licensure pathway track of the MA HHSA program after the Fall 2022 semester. Contact Dr. Amy Heinz, at aheinz@smumn.edu, with any questions. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Will my degree say that it is from an online program?
No. The degree you earn online from Saint Mary's University is identical to the degree offered on campus.

Are there set times when I can start the program?
You may apply for admission to Saint Mary’s online Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration program at any time. After you are admitted, you may begin taking online classes at the start of any semester: spring, summer or fall.

How long does the program take?
To earn your online master's degree, you will complete 36 credit hours of program work. If you stay on the recommended course schedule of two online classes per consecutive semester, you can complete your Health and Human Services coursework in about two years. The program also offers an optional additional four credits of practicum to complete hours for the Minnesota Nursing Home Administrator licensure.

Can I transfer credits from another university and graduate program?
You may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with the approval of the dean. Your transfer credits are subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.

Is there a campus residency requirement, or is the program entirely online?
The program is fully online. You do not need to attend Saint Mary’s ground campuses.

Will I be required to attend online classes during set times?
No. As long as you submit your assignments by the time they are due, you can work and study when it is most convenient to you.

Is this a self-paced program?
No, these are instructor-led courses. While there are no set class times, there are assignments with set due dates.

What are the admissions requirements?
All the information about eligibility and admissions requirements can be found on the Admissions Page.

What type of support is available to me? What if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?
All of the support systems available to on-campus students at Saint Mary's University are available for online learners as well. If you need academic support, a team of advisers is ready to assist. Professors are just a phone call or email away, and every online Saint Mary's University student is paired with a dedicated student services coordinator who will make sure your educational and professional goals stay on track. Technical support is also available to online students 24/7 at 877-308-9954 ext. 3.

Is financial aid available?
Absolutely. Many different types of financial aid are available to those who qualify. To discuss tuition rates and a number of different financial aid options, call 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor.

How do I get started?
It’s easy! Your journey to a more rewarding career starts by calling 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor. Or, you canRequest More Information, and we’ll reach out to you. If you already know Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is the right place to earn your online Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration degree, go ahead and begin the Online Application Process.