Healthcare Leadership
The Healthcare Leadership Master of Business Administration program at Cornell University provides a strategic, interdisciplinary, and management focused academic environment for professionals who want to lead organizations in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. The curriculum integrates core business foundations with healthcare systems, policy, operational improvement, data analytics, and organizational leadership, enabling students to understand how clinical, financial, and administrative functions intersect within healthcare institutions. With a strong emphasis on healthcare strategy, learners develop the ability to assess system level challenges, interpret performance data, strengthen patient centered operations, and guide organizational decisions that improve quality, efficiency, and long term sustainability. This structure supports a deep understanding of the unique managerial demands of hospitals, clinics, health networks, and public health systems.
Delivered in a part time format designed for working professionals, the 22 month program allows learners to progress academically while applying new knowledge directly to real workplace contexts. Throughout the program, students engage with faculty and practitioners specializing in healthcare finance, population health, policy analysis, leadership development, and organizational behavior. Through case studies, applied projects, executive seminars, and analytical coursework, learners build strong skills in organizational leadership, system evaluation, and evidence based decision making. This blend of academic rigor and practical relevance prepares graduates to navigate complex healthcare environments and lead teams that support improved patient outcomes and operational excellence.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Healthcare Leadership
- Degree Type: Master of Business Administration
- Duration: 22 months
- Mode of Study: Part-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Health Administration
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Healthcare Management
• Financial Decision Making for Health Organizations
• Healthcare Systems and Delivery Models
• Elective in Leadership, Analytics, or Policy
Semester 2
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
• Data Analytics for Healthcare Leaders
• Healthcare Operations and Resource Management
• Elective in Public Health, Strategy, or Service Design
Semester 3
• Organizational Leadership in Healthcare
• Health Policy, Regulation, and Compliance
• Applied Project in Healthcare Leadership
• Elective in Population Health, Innovation, or Workforce Development
Semester 4
• Executive Capstone Project
• Strategic Planning for Healthcare Systems
• Professional Development for Health Administrators
• Elective in Digital Health, Change Management, or Health Economics
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program advance into leadership roles across hospitals, healthcare networks, consulting firms, government health agencies, and nonprofit health organizations, often joining healthcare management teams, clinical operations groups, health policy organizations, and healthcare consulting units. Their strong preparation in strategy, analytics, organizational behavior, and operational leadership enables them to contribute to system improvement, regulatory planning, patient experience enhancement, financial performance evaluation, and organizational transformation. With interdisciplinary managerial capability, graduates support healthcare institutions in delivering higher quality care, improving efficiency, and guiding sustainable strategic growth.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an ideal choice for professionals seeking to develop leadership skills tailored to the complexities of healthcare, offering opportunities to gain advanced strategic insight and strong leadership capability supported by Cornell’s expertise in business and health administration. Through applied learning, executive seminars, and data driven coursework, students build the tools needed to guide healthcare teams, interpret system challenges, and design strategies that enhance organizational performance. Its structured 22 month format provides both depth and flexibility, preparing graduates for influential roles in healthcare leadership, operations management, health policy, and system level administration.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
