Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines core management and health‑science subjects with applied skills and a practical culminating project. Typical topics include healthcare systems and policy, health services administration, health economics, epidemiology and biostatistics, quality improvement and patient safety, health informatics, ethics and law in health care, and strategic financial management for health organisations. Teaching methods mix seminars, case studies, data‑driven assignments and a practicum or capstone project that places students in a service setting or uses real organisational data to solve operational problems.

Students can expect a balance of compulsory core modules to build foundational knowledge and elective options that allow specialisation in areas such as health informatics, population health management, or healthcare finance. The programme emphasises applied competencies: leadership and team management, performance measurement, programme evaluation, and the use of analytics to inform decision‑making.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé, and a personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree. Letters of recommendation are usually required; at least one should be academic or from a current/previous workplace supervisor.

Relevant work experience in healthcare or related sectors is valued and can strengthen an application, though it may not be mandatory. Some background in statistics, research methods or health‑related coursework is helpful—applicants without those prerequisites may be asked to complete preparatory modules. International applicants must meet standard English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of operational and managerial roles across the health sector. Common career destinations include hospital and clinic administration, practice or department management, quality improvement and patient safety coordination, health policy analysis, population health management, and roles in health insurance, consultancy or health IT firms. The degree also prepares graduates to work in public health departments, non‑profit health organisations and pharmaceutical or medical device companies in roles that require an understanding of health systems and the ability to manage programmes and resources effectively.

Skills developed—such as applied data analysis, programme evaluation, financial planning and regulatory awareness—are transferable across settings, and the practicum/capstone gives students employer‑relevant experience for entering or advancing within the sector.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a student‑centred learning environment with experienced faculty who combine academic expertise and professional backgrounds in healthcare. Small class sizes support interactive learning and one‑to‑one mentoring, while the university’s locations in the New York‑New Jersey region provide access to a wide range of hospitals, health systems and public health organisations for practicum placements and employer networking.

The programme is structured with flexibility in mind, often offering evening and alternative delivery options to accommodate working professionals. Career services and local industry links help students identify internships and job opportunities, and the applied capstone ensures graduates leave with a portfolio‑style project that demonstrates readiness for managerial and analytical roles in health services.