For Purpose-Driven Leaders
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. healthcare system faces obstacles ranging from staffing shortages and supply chain crunches to changing reimbursement models. Become part of the solution with a healthcare-focused MBA from Ashland.
Whether you’re a healthcare administrator looking to move up the ranks, a clinician considering a shift into leadership or a career changer preparing to transition into the field, this specialization will equip you with the management theory and practical skills you’ll need to lead complex organizations.
Broaden your perspective through dynamic discussions of current events in healthcare and learn to create and implement solutions using real-world scenarios. With foundational MBA coursework and industry-specific classes, you’ll graduate prepared and empowered to drive meaningful improvement.
Develop Breadth and Depth of Knowledge
The specialization’s three required classes build on core MBA coursework to deliver a unified learning experience tailored to the healthcare industry.
Understand the Healthcare Organization
First, you’ll dive deep into the United States healthcare landscape to understand how the complex interplay between government regulations, insurance companies, hospital systems and care providers shapes the industry.
Manage and Improve the Healthcare Organization
Additional courses apply strategic business principles to the healthcare environment. Learn how to apply managerial finance techniques to address operational problems and use business analytics, informatics, strategic planning and more to improve outcomes for organizations and patients.
NEW Scholarships for Graduate Students
AU Alumni Scholarship
Ashland University is your destination for lifelong learning. If you have already earned a bachelor's or graduate degree from AU, you'll receive a tuition discount to continue your education in one of our graduate or certificate programs:
- Part-time students receive a 10% discount.
- Full-time students receive a 15% discount.
That makes 2025 a great time to start your next degree!
Dean's Scholarship: NEW GRADUATE STUDENT
This scholarship is available to new students pursuing a graduate degree from Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics. Students can receive $2,500 per academic year for two years. Only available to domestic students.
Dean’s Scholarship: EMERGING GRADUATE LEADER
This scholarship is available to new students pursuing a graduate degree from Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics. Students can receive $2,000 per academic year for two years. Only available to domestic students.
Empower an Eagle Referral Scholarship
Before applying to AU, graduate students referred to AU who apply for admission will receive a $500 scholarship. The referral must be mentioned during the admissions application process. Students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible. This scholarship is renewable for four years.
Choose the Timeline That Works for You
To earn an MBA from Ashland, you’ll need to complete ten courses for a total of 30 credit hours — but the pace of your degree is entirely up to you. Ashland’s courses are offered across three terms — fall, spring and summer. Each term is split into two eight-week sessions. Depending on the pathway you choose, you might take one or two courses per session or take certain sessions off to accommodate personal and professional commitments.
Not sure what your life will look like in six months? You can always adjust your course load if your needs change.
Accelerated
12 months
You will take four courses per semester in this one-year program. Your schedule can be customized with your personal MBA Advisor.
The accelerated program is offered online and in person in Columbus.
Flexible
18 months
You will take two courses per semester in this program, making it easier to manage other demands on your time. Your personal MBA Advisor will work with you to create a schedule that fits into your busy life.
Complete your MBA from anywhere with our online courses, or take some or all of your courses in person in Columbus.
MBA Specializations
Have a specific career goal in mind? Choose from 12+ MBA specialization options that pair core MBA coursework with industry-specific classes, or design your own focus area with help from our faculty.
The Ashland Difference
45+
Years Educating Working Adults
70%
Full-Time Faculty with Doctorates
6,500+
Ashland MBA Alumni
Careers for Healthcare MBA Graduates
A healthcare MBA opens up a wide range of opportunities across the industry.
Healthcare Executive
Healthcare executives may manage a clinic, a hospital department or an entire healthcare system. Their responsibilities can include developing and implementing strategic plans, ensuring regulatory compliance and setting budgets.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants contract with hospitals or other organizations to address challenges, streamline processes and promote quality improvement.
Pharmaceutical Brand Manager
Pharmaceutical brand managers help identify patient needs, develop products and launch and run marketing plans for new drugs or medical devices.
“My MBA gave me the education I needed to fill in the gaps of the work I was already doing, but it also helped other leaders recognize my value – not only as a social worker, but a seasoned business leader bringing a unique skill set to a public-health setting. My MBA gives me a competitive advantage. The curriculum is challenging and I valued that in my program. Ashland made everything else as easy as possible, but they make sure you leave with the best education. When you finish, you’ll know you’re prepared to go far.”
Ambur Banner
Acting Director, Unified Government Public Health Department, Kansas City