Chatham University

What you'll study

This master’s programme focuses on the administrative, financial and operational aspects of health care delivery. Core topics typically include health care management and leadership, health policy and regulation, health finance and budgeting, quality improvement and patient safety, health care law and ethics, and organisational behaviour.

Students also study applied areas such as health information systems and informatics, data analytics for decision-making, strategic planning, human resources in health care, and revenue cycle management. The curriculum emphasises practical skills—project management, process improvement methodologies (for example Lean or Six Sigma concepts adapted for health settings), and communication for interdisciplinary teams.

Most students complete a capstone project or practicum in a clinical or administrative setting where they apply classroom learning to real organisational challenges. The programme is designed to be relevant to both those entering health administration from outside the sector and clinicians or allied health professionals seeking formal administrative training.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (usually a bachelor’s degree in any discipline).
• A competitive academic record; some programmes ask for transcripts demonstrating readiness for graduate study.
• Relevant professional experience is recommended and can strengthen an application—applicants with experience in clinical, administrative or health-related roles are often preferred, though it is not always mandatory.
• A personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
• Letters of recommendation (often one to three) from academic or professional referees.
• Current résumé or CV detailing education and work history.
• International applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency through standard tests unless exempt; immigration documentation where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of administrative and leadership roles across the health sector. Typical positions include practice manager, clinic or department administrator, operations manager, health services manager, quality improvement coordinator, and patient safety officer. With experience, graduates may progress to senior leadership roles such as director of operations, chief operating officer in smaller organisations, or division head in larger health systems.

Other career paths include roles in health insurance, government health agencies, non-profit health organisations, and consulting firms that focus on health care operations, compliance and strategy. The programme also provides a foundation for those wishing to pursue further graduate study or certification in specialised areas such as health informatics, population health, or health policy.

Why study at Chatham University

• Chatham’s health science and professional programmes are known for combining applied learning with a liberal-arts perspective, supporting development of both technical skills and critical thinking.
• Small class sizes and faculty who bring practitioner experience provide personalised mentorship and real-world insight into healthcare management challenges.
• The university’s location provides strong connections to regional hospitals, health systems and clinics, facilitating practicum placements, internships and local networking opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged across campus, allowing students to work alongside peers in nursing, public health, nutrition and other allied health areas.
• Flexible delivery options are often available, accommodating working professionals through evening, part-time or hybrid formats where possible.