HEALTHCARE WITH A HEART LOOKS LIKE

Executive MBA in Health Administration

AT A GLANCE

Credit hours: 45

16-month program

Start term: August

Hybrid format

YOU are the next executive leader in healthcare.

Designed for practicing health care professionals with extensive experience, the Executive MBA in Healthcare offers a hybrid format that provides flexibility and the best of both MBA and MHA programs. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, clinical professional, health administrator, or financial leader, this program can spur your trajectory into directorship, C-suite roles, senior positions, or help you excel in your current leadership roles.

Request Information

Schedule A Time To Meet

Apply to CU Denver

#2 Ranked Executive Health MBA program
(#27 in all health care management programs), U.S. News and World Report, 2024

CAHME

Proven excellence in graduate health care education

Hybrid format
A program that fits into your life

BAHM

Among top-ranked institutions

You've built your career in healthcare and know firsthand where the system can improve. This healthcare master's program gives you the business and leadership skills to turn those insights into meaningful change. As a member of the Business School Alliance for Health Management (BAHM), we are among a select group of top-ranked institutions, including Harvard, Northwestern, and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School.

Our small, collaborative cohort brings together experienced healthcare professionals from across the industry—including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, occupational and physical therapists, healthcare administrators, educators, and other clinical and business leaders—creating a rich learning experience built on diverse perspectives and real-world expertise.

Designed specifically for healthcare professionals, this degree teaches you the business side of healthcare, equipping you with the financial, operational, and strategic skills to excel in your current role or confidently pursue senior leadership and C-suite executive positions.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the gold standard for healthcare management education, making us the oldest CAHME-accredited program in the Rocky Mountain region.

Program benefits:

Why Choose CU Denver’s Executive MBA in Health Administration program?

100% health-focused curriculum

You’ll receive an MBA applied directly to healthcare systems and policy. Faculty are healthcare industry leaders from across the country, selected for their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Diverse Cohort

Learn alongside experienced professionals with an average of 10-14 years in healthcare, representing a wide variety of clinical specialties. About 40% of each cohort are physicians, 30% are nurses, pharmacists, and other clinicians, and 30% work in healthcare administration, finance, operations, and other leadership roles.

Flexible, Hybrid format

Designed for busy healthcare professionals, the Executive MBA in Health Administration features asynchronous online coursework that allows you to continue working full-time while earning your degree, complemented by three in-person residencies in Denver that bring your cohort together for immersive classroom learning.

International Healthcare Trip

As part of the Global Business of Healthcare course, you'll travel abroad to examine how healthcare is delivered around the world, explore innovative models of care, and gain insight into the business of global healthcare. Your tuition includes the international residency.

Executive-level support to accommodate busy professionals

We handle all administrative responsibilities, including registration and enrollment, and provide books, software, and other materials, so you can focus on your work and education.

2027-2028 In-Person Residency

Fall 2027

Orientation: August 9, 2027

In-Person Classes: August 10-13, 2027

Spring 2028

In-Person Classes: January 10-13, 2028

Summer 2028

International Trip: Last week of May or the first week of June

Fall 2028:

In-Person Classes: August 14-17, 2028

_{While we make every effort to maintain this published schedule, program and course dates and times may be subject to change at the program's discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.}

Course List (45 hours)

The Executive Health Administration MBA consists of 45 credit hours and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). All courses are entirely health-focused and targeted toward executives.

XHAD 6361- Healthcare Leadership
XHAD 6110- Management Accounting in Healthcare Organizations
XHAD 6245- Managing Clinical Outcomes
XHAD 6485- Healthcare Data Analytics
XHAD 6141- Healthcare Information Systems
XHAD 6360- Human Resource Management
XHAD 6250- Healthcare Marketing
XHAD 6320- Healthcare Corporate Finance
XHAD 6880- Global Healthcare Business
XHAD 6377- Population Health
XHAD 6230- Healthcare Economics
XHAD 6470- Healthcare Law and Ethics
XHAD 6481- Healthcare Operations Management
XHAD 6463- Management of Health Care Organizations
XHAD 6462- Healthcare Strategy

The Executive MBA in Health Administration prepares experienced healthcare professionals to advance into senior leadership positions across healthcare organizations. Whether your goal is to lead a hospital, grow a private practice, shape academic medicine, or launch your own venture, you'll gain the business, financial, operational, and strategic expertise to make a broader impact.

Potential Career Paths & Estimated Salaries

Hospital & Health Systems

Role Estimated U.S. Base Salary

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) $250,000–$700,000+

Chief Operating Officer (COO) $250,000–$500,000+

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) $225,000–$475,000+

Vice President of Operations $175,000–$300,000+

Executive Director of Healthcare Services $140,000–$220,000+

Director of Operations $130,000–$220,000+

Academic Medicine & Research

Role Estimated U.S. Base Salary

Medical Director $225,000–$400,000+

Clinical Chair / Department Chair $300,000–$600,000+

Vice Chair for Clinical Operations $250,000–$450,000+

Director of Regulatory Affairs $150,000–$250,000+

Research Program Director / Executive Director $150,000–$250,000+

Healthcare Consulting

Role Estimated U.S. Base Salary

Principal Healthcare Consultant $175,000–$300,000+

Healthcare Strategy Consultant $150,000–$250,000+

Healthcare Management Consultant $140,000–$220,000+

Operations Improvement Consultant $140,000–$220,000+

Private Practice & Entrepreneurship

Graduates also use the Executive MBA in Health Administration to expand or launch private clinical practices, ambulatory surgery centers, health technology ventures, assisted living facilities, consulting firms, and other healthcare ventures. Because compensation depends on business ownership, practice size, specialty, and profitability, earnings vary widely and may exceed those of traditional executive roles.

Estimated salary ranges reflect U.S. base salary estimates and vary based on organization, geographic location, specialty, years of experience, and total compensation. Entrepreneurial income varies significantly based on business performance.

Designed for experienced healthcare professionals, the Executive MBA in Health Administration combines flexible online learning with collaborative, real-world experiences that mirror today's healthcare environment.

Individual and Group Work: Coursework is approximately 50% individual assignments and 50% group projects, giving you opportunities to develop independently while building essential leadership and teamwork skills.

Small Study Groups: At the start of the program, you'll be placed in a study group of three to four classmates that functions as a mock C-suite. You'll work with this team throughout the full 16-month program, building lasting relationships while solving complex healthcare challenges together. Every student enters the program with professional healthcare experience, bringing diverse clinical, operational, financial, and leadership perspectives that enrich discussions and create valuable peer-to-peer learning.

Asynchronous Coursework: Complete lectures, readings, and course materials on your own schedule while continuing to work full-time. Coursework includes discussion boards, individual assignments, group projects, presentations, and case studies. Many courses also offer optional live office hours with faculty.

Each course is designed for healthcare professionals, so you can apply what you learn directly to your current role while preparing for future leadership opportunities.

Healthcare is an industry with high growth potential that will continue to grow. Health administration professionals work to administer, lead, and manage healthcare systems, such as hospitals, hospital networks, or large healthcare systems. Careers can be found in both private and public sectors.

Health Administration Job Titles

Account Executive
Admissions Director
Business Analyst
Case Manager
Claims Specialist
Director of Nursing
Director of Operations
Health Facilities Surveyor
Healthcare Administrator
Hospital Administrator
Medical Associate
Medical Records Director
Patient Access Supervisor
Program Director

Visit our Careers page for more detailed information on the resources available.

Competency Model

By the end of your work in this program, you will be expected to master the following competencies to a high degree of ability in that competency domain and be able to demonstrate advanced skill in this area through successful completion of the assignments aimed at those competencies and an overall competency assessment exam.

Health Administration

1: Relate Efficaciously

1a: Work effectively in teams and understand the importance and diversity of members in all group settings

1b: Manage working relationships including self-management and interactions with others.

2: Communicate Effectively

2a: Speaks and writes in a clear, logical, and grammatical manner in formal and informal situations

2b: Uses communication skills effectively to prepare cogent business presentations and facilitates group synergy

2c: Comprehends basic healthcare and medical terminology

3: Think Critically

3a: Demonstrates knowledge and use of basics business practices including

Financial and managerial accounting practices, including preparation of budgets
Economic analysis of firm performance and operating environments.
Principles and processes of highly efficient and effective organization

3b: Analyzes, creates, and implements plans to improve the quality of patient care.

4: Lead Purposefully

4a: Collaborate effectively within diverse business teams, leveraging teamwork and leadership skills to make strategic decisions including

Identifying marketing opportunities in a business situation and applies sound theory and principles to capitalize on the opportunity
Developing and implementing a competitive business strategy, which includes considering the business, demographic, ethno-cultural, political, and regulatory implications of decisions
Analyzing information technology alternatives to support healthcare initiatives

5: Evaluate components of the U.S. Healthcare System

5a: Explain the basic characteristics and functions of the U.S. healthcare system and how they compare with other healthcare systems around the world.

6: Behave Ethically

6a: Evaluate ethical dilemmas of healthcare management by applying appropriate theories and principles to the assessment of divergent perspectives in the decision-making process.

7: Advance Professionally

7a: Promote and manage their own career progression (identifies career paths, strengths, and skill gaps, and creates plans for self-development)

The Executive MBA in Health Administration admits one cohort each year, with classes beginning each August. Students progress through the 16-month program together, combining asynchronous online coursework with three in-person residencies in Denver and an international residency.

As an executive program, the Executive MBA in Health Administration follows its own program schedule and may not align with the standard CU Denver academic calendar. Please refer only to Executive MBA in Health Administration program materials or contact program staff for official course schedules, residency dates, and other program-specific deadlines.

Fall 2027

Orientation: August 9, 2027

In-Person Classes: August 10-13, 2027

Spring 2028

In-Person Classes: January 10-13, 2028

Summer 2028

International Trip: Last week of May or the first week of June

Fall 2028:

In-Person Classes: August 14-17, 2028

The program schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Executive MBA in Health Administration program. Students will be notified of any updates as they become available.

Tuition & Program Costs

The Executive MBA in Health Administration tuition is $67,500 and is guaranteed for the full 16-month program. Tuition covers all tuition and fees for the program's 45 graduate credit hours and includes:

Textbooks and instructional materials

Course-related software (students are responsible for providing their own personal computer)

Breakfast and lunch during Denver-based on-campus residency sessions

The Global Business of Healthcare international residency, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and select meals during the program-related travel

A $1,000 nonrefundable deposit is due upon acceptance and is applied to your first semester's tuition. The remaining tuition is billed in four installments at the beginning of each semester.

As an executive program, tuition and fee structures differ from traditional on-campus graduate programs. Executive MBA in Health Administration students are not assessed campus-based student fees.

Lodging & Additional Expenses

Denver-based residencies: Transportation to and from the CU Denver Business School, lodging accommodations, and personal expenses during on-campus residency sessions are the responsibility of the student.

International residency: Tuition includes airfare, hotel accommodations, and select meals during program-related international travel. Students are responsible for some meals and any personal expenses incurred during the trip.

There are a variety of resources available to help finance your Executive MBA in Health Administration, including student loans, military education benefits, employer tuition reductions, and scholarships.

Student Loans

Federal and private educational loans are available to eligible students. Funding options include need-based programs, such as the Federal Direct Loan Program and the Colorado PLUS Loan Program, as well as private educational loans based on creditworthiness. The CU Denver Financial Aid Office can help you explore available financing options. (Link to Financial Aid Office page.)

Military & Veteran Benefits

CU Denver proudly participates in the GI Bill® and other education benefits available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and military-affiliated students. Learn more through the CU Denver Veterans & Military Student Services Office.

Employer Tuition Benefits

Employment-affiliated tuition reductions are available for eligible full-time employees of select partner organizations, including:

CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Children's Hospital Colorado
UCHealth
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Participating safety net hospitals

Please contact the program office to determine your eligibility.

Early Application Tuition Reduction

Tuition reduction opportunities are available for students who apply by the program's Priority Application and Early Action deadlines. See the Application section for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Health Administration Scholarships

The Health Administration program offers up to 10 scholarships each year exclusively for Health Administration MBA students. Most awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. Examples include the CommonSpirit Mountain Region Scholarship, Delta Dental Scholarship, Kaiser Scholarship, Health Administration Alumni Scholarship, and other donor-supported awards. Students may apply through Scholarship Universe after admission.

The program also awards one COPIC Scholarship each year, covering 50% of tuition for one incoming student. The scholarship is available only to incoming students beginning in the fall cohort and must be applied for during the spring semester prior to enrollment. Because only one award is available each year, students are encouraged to complete the admission process as early as possible to maximize their chances of applying.

Application Checklist

Online application
Three letters of recommendation
Official transcripts from each college or university attended
Personal Statement
Resume

No application fee

No GRE/GMAT required

Apply Now

The Executive MBA in Health Administration admits one cohort each year, beginning in August.

Application Deadlines

Early Action Deadline: February 1

Admission decisions communicated by March 1

$5,000 tuition reduction

Priority Deadline: March 15

Admission decisions communicated by April 15

$2,500 tuition reduction

Final Deadline: May 1

Admission decisions communicated by June 1

The program begins during the second week of August.

Minimum Application Requirements

Applicants must have:

A minimum of five years of healthcare experience
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

How Applications Are Reviewed

The admissions committee evaluates each applicant holistically, considering:

Healthcare experience
Career goals and professional trajectory
Overall fit with the Executive MBA in Health Administration program

Application Process

Submit your completed application.

Selected applicants will be invited to interview with program leadership.

Admission decisions are communicated according to the application deadline schedule above.

Questions? Contact the Executive MBA in Health Administration team at emba-health@ucdenver.edu.

Take the next step in your career.

A well-connected alumni network
Almost 1,000 alumni representing most major healthcare markets in the United States serving as CEOs, COOs, and CMOs around the country

“The CU Denver Business School HEMBA program provided an exceptional learning experience that I could put into practice right away. The knowledge and confidence I gained helped me achieve a promotion after graduation. I highly recommend this program to professionals committed to growth and career advancement.”
– Jeff Stieb ’24

“The Executive MBA in Health Administration at CU Denver strengthened my leadership and operations foundational skills and gave me practical tools to lead with confidence and influence national conversations about how care is designed.”

– Dr. Marisha Burden MBA '23

Start the conversation.

Request Executive Health MBA Information

A conversation on healthcare with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company

Tools

Resources

Schools and Colleges

Campus Affiliates

HEALTHCARE WITH A HEART LOOKS LIKE