Program Description
The Sloan Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program at the Cornell Brooks School is designed for working professionals and follows a cohort model. The program emphasizes online learning, with students engaging in most of their coursework remotely. Students also participate in two week-long residencies at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, along with a weekend residency in Boston, MA.
These in-person experiences provide valuable opportunities for face-to-face learning and networking. Together, this hybrid format blends the flexibility of online study with the benefits of in-person engagement, creating a well-rounded and dynamic learning environment for aspiring health administration professionals.
The EMHA curriculum covers core health care management competencies and foundational theories, with electives in leadership, strategy, design, and sectors such as biotech and pharmaceuticals. All courses are developed by faculty at Cornell University and are supported by Executives-in-Residence, who also mentor students throughout their capstone projects.
Accreditation
The program’s accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation for Health Management Education (CAHME) ensures adherence to high standards of education and prepares graduates for leadership roles in the health care industry.
Academic Standards
Program Policies
Please review Brooks School Policies and Procedures for detailed information on academic policies and requirements, as well as Cornell University Academic Integrity policies.
Academic Standing
Executive master's students are expected to meet the following academic standards:
- Maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Receive a grade of C or better in all courses applied toward degree requirements.
- Carry no more than two incomplete grades at any time.
- Complete at least 6 credits each term, unless an approved petition for a reduced course load has been granted.
- Make satisfactory progress toward completion of a Brooks School master’s degree.
For additional information regarding the academic standing review process, refer to the Brooks School Policies and Procedures.
Career Management and Practical Training
Students receive robust support for their professional development throughout the program. This support includes guidance from career advisors in the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services and Career Management; hosted sessions with Executives-In-Residence; and access to a dynamic Sloan alumni network. A capstone project, guided by executive mentors, allows students to apply their coursework to a strategic project within their organization, culminating in the program’s academic requirements.
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: Distance Education
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 36.5
- Length of Program: Part-time, 18 months
Program Requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Students must complete requirements with a letter grade whenever possible and receive a C or higher. If a course is offered exclusively S/U, a grade of SX must be
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
Course List (Per Attribute) | Code | Title | Hours |
| PUBPOL 5000 | Special Studies | 1-5 |
| PUBPOL 5113 | Key Management Issues in the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industries | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5533 | Human Resource Strategy for Executives | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5740 | Health Facilities Planning Fundamentals for Managers/Entrepreneurs/Pre-Clinicians | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5783 | Comparative Health Care Systems for Managers | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5823 | Disruptive Innovation in Health Care II | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5853 | AI and Digital Transformations for Executives | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5900 | Special Topics in Health Administration and Finance | 0.5-3 |
| PUBPOL 5901 | Health Policy DC Trek | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5913 | VUCA Leadership for Executives | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5923 | Service Excellence | 1.5 |
| PUBPOL 5943 | Negotiation Essentials | 1 |
| PUBPOL 5963 | Process Thinking and Quality Improvement in Health Care | 1 |
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Learning Outcomes
All Sloan program MHA graduates are expected to meet the following competencies:
- Communication
-Business writing skills
-Presentation skills
- Leadership Skills and Relationship Management
-Leading, communication with, and managing others
-Change management
-Ability for honest self-assessment
-Problem solving and decision making
-Working in teams - Professionalism
-Personal and professional ethics
-Emotional intelligence and critical thinking - Knowledge of the Health Care Environment
-Health care issues and trends
-Health care legal principles
-Health policy
-Population health and the social determinants of health
-Cultural competence - Business and Analytical Skills
-Financial management and accounting
-Organizational behavior and managing human resources
-Strategic planning and analysis
-Marketing
-Information management
-Operations management and quality and performance improvement
-Quantitative skills
-Planning and managing projects
-Economic analysis and application
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Please visit the Brooks School website to view application deadlines.
Requirements Summary
Each application is reviewed holistically and in the context of the overall applicant pool for that admission cycle. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a complete application package as outlined below.
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable
Visit the Graduate School Admissions site for details on the English language proficiency requirement, including standing exemptions.
