Executive Health Administration (MHA)

Brooks School of Public Policy

Program Website

Program Description

The Sloan Executive Master of Health Administration 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 online. Additionally, two week-long sessions are held at Cornell University's campus in Ithaca, NY, providing students with face-to-face learning experiences and networking opportunities. This hybrid approach combines the convenience of online learning with the benefits of in-person interactions, creating a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment for aspiring health administration professionals.

The Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program curriculum encompasses essential health care management competencies and theories, with elective options in leadership, strategy, design, and sectors such as biotech and pharmaceuticals. All courses are designed by Cornell faculty and supported by Executives-in-Residence who also mentor students during 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.

Admissions Requirements:

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
  • Online video interview
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable

Please visit https://publicpolicy.cornell.edu/masters/sloan/emha/apply/ to view application deadlines.

 

Program Policies and Procedures

For details about Brooks School academic policies requirements see the Brooks School policies page.

Please review the university catalog policies regarding academic integrity.

Good Academic Standing Requirements 

  • A student must maintain a semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • Students must receive a grade of C or better in all degree requirements.
  • A student cannot carry more than two (2) incomplete grades simultaneously.
  • Executive students must complete at least 6 credits each term unless they have received an approved petition to take fewer than 6 credits (e.g. for SDS accommodation)
  • A student must be making “satisfactory progress” toward a Brooks School master’s degree.

Good Academic Standing Review Process

At the end of each semester, the Brooks School committee on academic status (CAS) reviews each Bachelor of Science and Professional Master student’s academic record to ensure that the minimum academic standards are met. The committee takes appropriate action for students whose academic achievement is considered unsatisfactory as defined by the criteria above.  To support every student’s success, the committee may take any of the following actions: 

  • Withdraw the student permanently from the Brooks School and Cornell University.
  • Require the student to take a leave of absence for one or more semesters.
  • Issue a warning to the student at one of the following levels (these imply that if the student does not show considerable improvement during the semester, the committee may withdraw the student):
    • Severe warning with danger of being withdrawn
    • Severe warning
    • Warning
    • Add the student’s name to a review list; students with this status are monitored by the committee throughout the semester.
    • Return the student to good standing.

Any of the above actions may be accompanied by a semester credit limit or a requirement for the student to meet with an academic advisor by a date set by the committee. 

Students placed on a required leave must appeal to CAS to return. This appeal occurs at the end of the required leave period. Students who have been withdrawn may appeal the decision before the committee during the pre-semester appeals meeting. 

All students with an academic warning status automatically will be reviewed for specific criteria at the end of the subsequent semester. Students put on warning, severe warning, or severe warning with danger of being withdrawn status will be informed of conditions that they are expected to fulfill to return to good standing.  

Students who have been previously placed on a required leave and wish to return to the Brooks School must submit a plan of study to the committee before being rejoined. The student should contact the Registrar in the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services, and Career Management to discuss the process and due dates (BrooksRegistrar@cornell.edu).  

Students who have been withdrawn from the Brooks School by CAS may request that they be readmitted. Such students have three years from the date they were withdrawn to make this appeal with assistance from an advisor in the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services, and Career Management. After three years, a former student must apply for readmission through the Brooks School admissions process. A student applying for readmission should discuss their situation with an advisor in the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services and Career Management. The student also should talk with others who may be able to help—faculty mentors, instructors, or a member of the university medical staff. Any information given to the committee is held in the strictest confidence.

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.