Health Care Leadership (Executive)

The Master of Health Care Leadership (Executive) program at the American University of Beirut is a rigorous and comprehensive advanced degree designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and strategic management expertise within complex health systems. This program is tailored to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry in Lebanon, the Middle East, and globally, preparing graduates to assume pivotal roles in hospitals, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and consultancy firms. The curriculum combines core courses in health policy, healthcare finance, organizational behavior, and strategic planning with specialized electives in areas such as digital health, quality improvement, and healthcare innovation. Throughout the program, students develop a deep understanding of healthcare governance, ethical considerations, and the social determinants of health, empowering them to lead organizational change effectively. The program emphasizes practical application through case studies, capstone projects, and internships that connect academic concepts to real-world challenges. Experienced faculty members with extensive backgrounds in healthcare management, policy, and leadership guide students using a learner-centered approach that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. The program also offers a flexible schedule tailored for working professionals, including evening classes and executive format sessions. Graduates of the Master of Health Care Leadership (Executive) will be equipped with the strategic insight and leadership competency necessary to improve healthcare delivery, optimize operational efficiency, and shape health policy. As a flagship program run by the American University of Beirut’s Faculty of Health Sciences, it reflects the university's commitment to advancing healthcare excellence and fostering innovative leadership in the region.

The EMHCL Program is delivered in a highly interactive modular blended learning format which takes approximately 18 months to complete. This flexible program is delivered through 15 intensive sessions, each of which is offered every five weeks. Each intensive session requires on-campus or residential attendance of 5 days, for a total of 75 residential days over the 18 months period.

The program totals 45 credit hours. Each credit hour consists of 12.5 hours of class instruction corresponding to 1.5 on-campus days. Each on-campus day consists of eight class hours of instruction.

Students are required to submit a graduate application online, and to have a GPA of at least 80 or 3.0 and good recommendations to be considered for admission in a process that is competitive. Applicants to any graduate program other than AUB graduates and graduates of recognized colleges or universities in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

The University provides fellowships covering partial or full tuition and a small stipend for students at the graduate level in return for a specified number of work hours per week in an academic department. Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic record and departmental needs.

The Health Care Leadership (Executive) program at the American University of Beirut is designed to prepare experienced healthcare professionals for leadership roles within the healthcare sector. This program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for managing complex healthcare organizations, developing innovative solutions to health-related challenges, and leading change in diverse healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational behavior, healthcare policy, financial management, quality improvement, and ethical considerations in healthcare. It often includes a combination of theoretical coursework, practical case studies, and project-based learning, enabling students to apply concepts directly to real-world settings. The program is tailored for executive-level practitioners seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities, foster effective teamwork, and implement evidence-based practices. Additionally, students may have opportunities for networking with healthcare leaders, participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences that focus on contemporary issues in health care management. The program typically caters to mid- or senior-level professionals aiming to advance their careers or transition into executive roles such as hospital administrators, health system managers, or policy makers. Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate strong competencies in organizational leadership, strategic planning, healthcare technology, and policy analysis. The multidisciplinary approach of the program encourages collaboration across various healthcare disciplines, which is essential for addressing the complex challenges faced by healthcare organizations today. As with other graduate programs at the American University of Beirut, the Health Care Leadership (Executive) program emphasizes academic rigor, ethical practice, and professional development, preparing students not only for leadership roles but also for active contributions to the advancement of healthcare systems regionally and globally. The program may be delivered through a combination of on-campus sessions, online learning, and blended formats, providing flexibility for working professionals. Overall, the program plays a vital role in developing the next generation of leaders dedicated to improving healthcare quality, efficiency, and equity within the region and beyond.