Balancing graduate school with work, family, and daily responsibilities can be a real challenge, even for highly organized professionals. Boston College’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at the Woods College of Advancing Studies is designed with that reality in mind; it provides a strong support system to help students stay on track, both academically and professionally. With guidance from seasoned faculty and access to tailored academic and career resources, students are set up to navigate the program with confidence. This article outlines the key support services available to online MHA students at Woods.
Enrollment and Student Experience Support
From the outset, prospective students are matched with an enrollment advisor who helps them navigate the application process. These advisors are available to answer questions, guide applicants through the admissions process, and ensure that all required materials are submitted on time. Their goal is to keep the process manageable and clear.
After admission, students are introduced to a Student Experience Specialist, who helps them orient to the program and prepare for their first courses. This intentional handoff from enrollment advisor to student specialist reflects Boston College’s commitment to personalized support and sets the foundation for a confident and well-prepared start in the program. Whether it’s registering for classes or learning how to access online resources, students have someone they can reach out to for guidance as they settle into the program.
Earn Your MHA Online in One to Two Years
Explore the BC Woods MHA Curriculum and Electives
Faculty Guidance and Mentorship
Students in Boston College’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program benefit from the guidance of faculty who bring deep leadership experience from across the healthcare landscape. Many have held senior roles at institutions that include Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and many other leading organizations. Their experience provides students with unique insight into the operations of some of the nation’s most respected health systems.
“The professors bring care and passion to their instruction, providing ongoing feedback and a real-time presence throughout the course,” says Kristen Pilkington, an MHA alumna who is the senior advancement officer at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. “A weekly open discussion hour allows students to explore current issues with faculty and peers.”
Andrew Scaplan, a current student who works as a director of customer onboarding at Athenahealth, adds: “The faculty are welcoming and open to connecting anytime. They often share their real-world expertise and are willing to provide connections to professional organizations and their network.”
This blend of academic rigor, professional insight, and mentorship creates a learning environment that supports students as both learners and emerging leaders in healthcare.
Academic and Career Resources
Online MHA students benefit from a range of academic and career resources throughout the program and beyond. Through the university’s online library system, students can access a vast collection of journals, databases, and e-books, as well as research assistance from professional librarians. Additional academic support includes virtual tutoring and writing assistance. Olivia Sierra, an MHA graduate who is a senior administrative manager of primary care at Massachusetts General Hospital observes: “There were numerous opportunities to interact with students and professors in an online program. The program did not feel online with all of the resources I had available.”
Career development is also a key part of the student experience. The Boston College Career Center offers one-on-one advising, résumé and cover letter reviews, and guidance on job search strategies.
Students can also take advantage of networking opportunities with professionals in the field. Eagle Exchange, an online platform exclusive to the BC community, connects students with alumni working across healthcare and related industries. This resource provides valuable opportunities for mentoring, career insight, and expanding professional networks.
To further customize their educational experience, students can choose from elective courses that align with their interests and career goals. Options include topics such as health ethics and law, workforce development, and project management, allowing students to deepen their expertise in areas relevant to their current roles or future aspirations. A capstone project further supports this customization by allowing students to apply their accumulated knowledge to a real-world healthcare challenge of their choice, enabling them to tailor their final project to their specific professional interests and goals.
Flexible Program Structure
The MHA program at Boston College is designed with the needs of working professionals in mind. Courses are delivered in a fully online, asynchronous format and run on a seven-week schedule, allowing students to focus on one subject area at a time. This structure enables students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.
Students typically complete the program in one to two years, depending on their course load and scheduling preferences. The program allows for flexibility, enabling students to progress at a pace that suits their individual needs and circumstances. While the learning experience is online, the connection to the Boston College community is tangible. Online graduates are invited to participate in commencement on campus and are welcomed into BC’s global alumni network, reinforcing their place within the broader university community.
Your Next Step
From the moment you express interest to the day you graduate, the Boston College MHA program surrounds you with guidance, mentorship, and resources tailored to support your goals. Experienced faculty, personalized academic and career support, and a flexible structure designed for working professionals foster an environment that promotes success on your terms.
To learn more about how the MHA program can fit into your career path, consider scheduling a conversation with an enrollment advisor or starting your application today.