Executive MBA/M.S. Healthcare Leadership
The first and only dual-degree Ivy League program taught by esteemed faculty from Cornell business and medical schools. A true weekend program based in New York City, for working executives and clinicians who are ready to advance their careers, lead change and shape the future of healthcare.
- Schedule
- Part-time, 22 months
- Format
- In person
- Location
- New York City
- Start
- July
- Requirements
- Bachelor's degree + professional experience
- Total Cost
- $232,044
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) + Master of Science (M.S.)
- This program is part of
- Johnson Graduate School of Management
Executive MBA/M.S. in Healthcare Leadership
As a healthcare leader, you’ve seen the growing pressure on healthcare organizations financially, operationally and clinically. You’re expected to make decisions that balance patient outcomes, system performance, regulatory demands and long-term strategy. That level of responsibility requires more than clinical or operational expertise. It requires a deeper command of business.
This dual-degree Executive MBA/M.S. in Healthcare Leadership is designed for experienced professionals ready to lead across clinical, operational and financial domains without stepping away from their careers.
Delivered in New York City, this unique program is structured for working professionals, with in-person classes held every other Saturday and Sunday. Jointly taught by Cornell’s Johnson School and Weill Cornell Medicine, it offers an Ivy League pathway to build the business and strategic capabilities needed to lead through complexity and disruption in the healthcare industry.
Why choose Cornell?
Cornell offers a distinct advantage at the intersection of business and medicine. Through a fully integrated dual-degree program, you gain the perspective, tools and an Ivy League network to lead across the clinical, operational and strategic dimensions of healthcare, without having to leave your demanding schedule. This program offers an experience you won’t find elsewhere.
True weekend format
Learn every other Saturday and Sunday while you work
Integrated business and healthcare curriculum
Built for healthcare decision-making
Cross-disciplinary cohort
Clinical and operational peers offer different viewpoints
Two degrees earned
MBA + M.S in Healthcare Leadership, fully integrated
Tailored executive coaching
Personalized leadership guidance
Unrivaled alumni network and mentorship
250k+ global network
World class faculty
From business and medicine at Cornell
State-of-the-art campuses
From Cornell University and Cornell Tech
Mentorship program
Tailored for career progression
Program snapshot
In 22 months, you’ll earn a dual Ivy League degree designed specifically for healthcare leaders. The program brings together world-class faculty from Cornell’s Johnson School and Weill Cornell Medicine with a cohort of experienced professionals who contribute their own expertise from across the healthcare landscape.
Each term begins with an immersive residential week in Ithaca or New York City, designed for focused collaboration and connection. Then, you’ll meet on alternating weekends for in-person sessions at the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island, just minutes from Manhattan, so you can stay in your role while putting new ideas into practice right away.
Through applied coursework and a capstone project focused on real organizational challenges, you’ll strengthen your ability to translate ideas into action, broaden your perspective and build the confidence and credibility to lead across complex healthcare systems.
Explore Melissa’s EMBA/M.S. journey
The EMBA/M.S. in Healthcare Leadership combines advanced business education with healthcare-specific expertise, preparing professionals to lead across clinical, operational and organizational settings. The journey below highlights how one student leveraged the dual-degree experience to strengthen her leadership capabilities, expand her global perspective and increase her impact across healthcare organizations.
“The Executive MBA/M.S. in Healthcare Leadership program was truly transformational. The dual-degree experience strengthened my strategic leadership skills, expanded my global perspective and connected me with an extraordinary community of healthcare innovators. This program accelerated my career and reshaped the way I lead in complex clinical environments.”
Melissa Linares, MSN, MBA, M.S., AGACNP-BC
As Managing Clinical Director of Cancer Services at Private Health Management (PHM), Melissa entered the program seeking to strengthen her executive leadership capabilities and broaden her understanding of healthcare strategy, finance and operations while continuing to lead in complex clinical environments.
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Building business and healthcare expertise
- Developed stronger executive decision-making skills through coursework in healthcare economics, finance, operations, systems thinking and strategy.
- Applied business concepts directly to healthcare leadership challenges.
- Strengthened her ability to lead across clinical, operational and organizational functions.
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Leadership beyond the classroom
- Served as co-chair of the Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets (CCEM) Emerging Markets Fellowship.
- Founded the Executive Nurse Leadership Network (ENLN), a student-led organization focused on advancing nurse leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Organized the inaugural CCEM pre-conference dinner to strengthen engagement across the healthcare leadership community.
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Applying learning in practice
- Completed a capstone project with IBM, culminating in a presentation at IBM headquarters.
- Participated in the Cornell x Siemens Healthineers Design Thinking and T-Club Master Class in Germany, applying human-centered design principles to global healthcare challenges.
- Engaged in global and emerging markets healthcare initiatives through CCEM.
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Expanding a global perspective
- Participated in the Smith Family Business Initiative Global Trek in Italy, exploring multigenerational family enterprises and international business strategy.
- Collaborated with clinicians, executives and industry leaders from diverse professional backgrounds.
- Developed a broader perspective on healthcare leadership through international experiences and cross-functional teamwork.
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Today
Melissa continues to lead cancer services while applying the strategic, financial and leadership capabilities developed through the program to drive impact across healthcare organizations, interdisciplinary teams and patient care environments.
A clinician and a public health professional share their experience
What does it mean to step beyond your discipline and lead at a higher level? A physician and a public health professional share how their Cornell EMBA/M.S. in Healthcare Leadership experience is expanding their perspective and impact.
Admissions deadlines
Admission requirements are selective, personalized, and holistic. For all admissions information, including how to apply or submit a pre-qualification form, visit the EMBA/M.S. in Healthcare Leadership admissions pages.
Monthly
Deadlines occur on the 15th of each month between October and May
October 15, 2026
Next application deadline
Your path forward
The future of healthcare demands leaders who can think across disciplines and act with knowledge and confidence. This program prepares you to do both, without stepping away from your career. Apply today to take that next step.