EMBA Healthcare Leadership format & schedule

The Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program is designed for working professionals with a “learn it Saturday/Sunday and apply it Monday” approach for immediate impact. You’ll benefit from collaborative assignments, professional development activities, and immediately applicable coursework.

Weekend class schedule

Every term begins with a residential session to kick off the semester’s classes. Then, every other weekend, you’ll join classmates for in-person course instruction. This format allows you to continue to work and apply what you’ve learned on the weekend to your full-time job right away.

Classes are held on alternating weekends, with a full day of classes on Saturdays and a half day of classes on Sundays, at the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell Tech campus in New York City.

During class weekends, you will connect with program faculty and work in student teams through a combination of classroom instruction, group projects, networking events, and more.

Class instruction

Class weekends begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings and break for lunch at noon. The academic day concludes at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, you’ll typically be in class until 12:45 p.m. This half-day format gives you time to regroup with family before work on Monday.

Team-based approach

The program is designed to have a team-based structure, and each EMBA/MS cohort is composed of clinicians and non-clinicians. In order to support your professional development as a leader in the healthcare ecosystem, and as a member of a student team, you’ll work with certified executive and team coaches.

Residential sessions

The Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program includes four week-long residential sessions. These sessions are held at the beginning of each academic term. Fall residential sessions take place at the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York, and spring residential sessions are held in the NYC metro area.

Integrated leadership coaching

While professional development is an integral part of the entire EMBA/MS curriculum, leadership programming during residential sessions will give you specific, guided opportunities to define and progress in your individual career plan. Whether you want to grow within your organization or transition to a different area of the healthcare industry, the EMBA Career Development Office provides leadership and career coaching, which is emphasized during your residential sessions.

Cross-cohort collaboration

During your second EMBA/MS residential session, you’ll have the opportunity to take electives with students who are in their second year of the EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program. This introduction to a new group of students from the healthcare industry will grow your network and bring new perspectives to the classroom.

Residential session requirements

Students in the EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program must attend all four residential sessions, which are held in both Ithaca, New York, on the Cornell University campus and a conference center near New York City. These week-long sessions are held at the start of each academic term. Meals and accommodations are included in your program tuition.

Program timeline

The Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program is 22 months in duration and is divided into four terms with breaks between semesters. Below is a snapshot of the typical program sequence, which includes residential sessions and weekend classes.

In the program’s final term, you’ll complete a capstone project with a dynamic team of classmates — apply everything you’ve learned in the program to a real client project.
YearTimingFormatDescription
First yearJulyOpening residential sessionBegin the program on the Cornell University campus during a week-long residential session; complete orientation activities and start classes
First yearAugust – DecemberClass weekendsClasses are held every other Saturday and Sunday at the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell Tech campus
First yearEarly JanuaryResidential sessionBegin your second term with a one-week residential session at a conference center in the NYC area
First yearJanuary – MayClass weekendsClasses are held every other Saturday and Sunday at the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell Tech campus
Second yearJulyResidential sessionTerm 3 starts with a residential session at Cornell’s campus in Ithaca, New York; begin courses in advanced topics
Second yearAugust – DecemberClass weekendsClasses are held every other Saturday and Sunday at the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell Tech campus
Second yearEarly JanuaryFinal residential sessionTerm 4 begins with your final residential session held in the New York City area; during this time you will officially kick off capstone client projects
Second yearJanuary – MayRemaining class weekendsComplete the EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership at the Tata Innovation Center; coursework focuses on your final capstone project with a client and team; degrees are conferred at Commencement in May

Calendar details

Incoming classes for the Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program begin in July.