[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores the best MSN/MHA online degrees, including program admissions requirements, coursework, and accreditation status.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs and Schools[/hen-ui-heading]
#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
[hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Materials[/hen-ui-heading]Health assessment and statistics prerequisites; bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited institution; copy of undergraduate transcripts; resume or CV[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]GPA Requirement[/hen-ui-heading]Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Other Requirement[/hen-ui-heading]Professional references; a career statement ; unencumbered RN license[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] lends credibility to a school or a specific degree program and happens when a third-party accrediting body thoroughly reviews a college or university.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation ensures a quality education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of accredited institutions gain the skills and knowledge to practice nursing at master’s-level standards.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many institutions do not accept transfer credits from a non-accredited college or university.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unaccredited schools do not qualify for some types of student financial aid, such as federal loan programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All of the schools in our rankings list are accredited institutions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it hard to get a dual degree in nursing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What double major is best for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The double major that is best depends on your personal and career goals. If you are interested in healthcare management or leadership roles in the healthcare field, an MSN/MHA dual degree will likely be a good fit for you.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to earn an MSN/MHA dual degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The time it takes to finish the program depends on several factors, such as whether you are a full- or part-time student. Many programs take 2.5-3 years to finish on a full-time schedule.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What career options are available with an MSN/MHA dual degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career options for MSN/MHA dual degree graduates include a hospital or nurse administrator, director of nursing, nurse educator, or nurse manager (i.e., managing a specific department in a healthcare facility or the entire organization). Specific roles include nursing home administrators, medical practice managers, and health insurance underwriting managers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Explore Other Dual Degree Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34286,34285,33960″][/hen-ui-article-row]