Start dates
Starting in 2026, Fall (late Sept)
Program length
18 months
Program Delivery
On-campus, Online, Hybrid* *based on program availability
Awards and Scholarships
More than 15 million in 2026
Lead the future of health care management in Canada
Canada’s health care system is facing complex challenges, and strong leaders are needed to help find solutions that will work.
With the MHCM program’s emphasis on accessibility and equity in health care policies, practices, and services, coupled with UNF’s digital focus, you develop the skillset needed to drive positive change in health care management in Canada.
If you prefer the energy of campus life or the freedom of online learning, the MHCM program meets you where you are, without compromising excellence or experiential learning.
Hear from our President and Vice-Chancellor
Developed in collaboration with Niagara Health, the program equips students with advanced knowledge in health care systems, policy, economics, financing, equity, and accessibility.
Study options
On-campus
Location
All on-campus programs are delivered at the University of Niagara Falls Canada campus in downtown Niagara Falls. Students attend in-person classes, access labs, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with faculty. Certain programs include specialized equipment and lab components, which are provided by the university.
Schedule
Courses follow a structured weekly schedule. Most classes use a flipped-classroom model, meaning students complete pre-class learning and then apply concepts through active, in-person sessions. Expect approximately two hours of in-person class time per course each week, with additional guided activities, labs (where applicable), and independent study. Exams for on-campus courses are conducted in person.
Timeline
UNF follows a four-term academic year. Terms consist of 10 weeks of instruction, followed by an additional final evaluation period that is typically one to two weeks.
Break term: One scheduled break term is included annually.
Study terms: Students typically complete three study terms each year.
Graduate programs are structured for 18-month completion, while undergraduate programs follow a four-year honours pathway. Students may take longer within the approved maximum duration for their program.
Course content
Each course includes a detailed syllabus outlining learning outcomes, weekly topics, assessments, and required materials. Coursework blends theory with applied learning, supported by case studies, simulations, hands-on activities, and real-world assignments. Some programs also include labs or specialized equipment, all provided by UNF.
Participation
On-campus learning is highly interactive. Students engage through discussions, group projects, presentations, and applied challenges. Collaboration is central, approximately a 60/40 split between individual and group assessments is typical. Students also meet with instructors during scheduled classes and can arrange additional meetings as needed. Faculty integrate real-world tools, AI applications, analytics platforms, and industry-focused technologies into classroom activities.
Assessments
While individual courses vary, depending on the subject matter and instructor, students can expect a mix of quizzes, exams, presentations, case studies, projects, and applied assignments. Undergraduate programs generally include more quizzes and exams, while graduate programs emphasize applied work such as projects, research, and capstones. Assessment weights vary by course, typically ranging from five to 50 percent per component.
Learning environment
Studying on campus provides direct access to faculty, student services, academic advising, and the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Office. Students form networks through peer collaboration, challenge-based learning, and internship or practicum opportunities (where applicable). Capstone projects are completed under faculty supervision as the culminating applied component of each master’s program.
Technology and resources
On-campus students use the same learning technologies as online learners, including D2L Brightspace and industry-relevant digital tools. Additional equipment or lab access is provided for programs that require it. Students benefit from a full suite of on-campus supports, including tutoring, writing assistance, and program hubs.
Online
Location
This is a fully online program. You can complete your coursework from anywhere.
Schedule
There will be no scheduled classes. Asynchronous learning means you can study at your own pace. All course materials will be made available at the start of term, except for exams and quizzes.
Timeline
Weeks 1-10: You will be able to access your course content online and complete tasks throughout this period.
Weeks 11-12: You will need to complete any review activities and final assessments, including exams and final projects.
Course content
Each course will have a syllabus as well as additional course materials that will be made available at the start of the term, except for exams and quizzes.
Participation
While components vary depending on the individual course, you can expect to use discussion forums and group chat platforms, participate in videoconferences, as well as utilize project management tools. There will be group assignments in addition to individual assignments.
Course highlights
Term one courses
Health Care Systems
The Canadian health care system is a complex network of provincial and territorial systems united by federal principles. By comparing it to other systems and examining stakeholder perspectives, students gain insight into its strengths, weaknesses, and the factors influencing its performance.
Finance for Managers
An applied perspective on the role of finance as well as financial analysis tools needed for managers. It focuses on building capacity to read and interpret financial statements, to understand budgets, projections, risks, cost-benefit analysis and broadly how financial principles inform business decision making.
Elective Or Introduction to Health and Health Care Organizations, if required
For elective: choose from a selection of available elective courses outlined in the Academic Calendar.
Introduction course: Students explore health determinants—biological, social, environmental, and behavioural—analyzing their impact on outcomes, policies, disparities, and healthcare delivery through an evidence-based approach at individual and community levels.
Term two courses
Leadership and Human Resource Management in Health Care Organizations
Students explore health care organization dynamics, leadership strategies, and workforce development, gaining expertise in recruitment, retention, performance appraisal, and competency-based planning. Key topics include managing change, team building, collaboration, conflict resolution, and negotiation in interdisciplinary and unionized environments.
Health Economics and Financing
Applying key economic concepts along with economic evaluation methods, students examine various health care financing models and evaluate their impact on access, quality, and the sustainability of service delivery. Students work with real world scenarios to develop practical solutions to financing challenges in health care.
Health Policy and Performance Measurement
Students explore health care policy development, stakeholder influence, and performance evaluation using data analytics and benchmarking. They assess healthcare access, quality, and cost, applying performance measurement to refine policies and enhance system efficiency and effectiveness.
Term three courses
Technology Applications in Health Care Management
This course examines technology’s impact on health care management, focusing on digital health solutions, AI, automation, data analytics, and telemedicine. Students analyze efficiency, patient care, decision-making, privacy, security, and AI-driven insights in health care operations.
Health Care Accessibility and Equity
Issues of accessibility and equity are at the forefront of the Canadian health care system. Students will explore the root causes of inequities in health care and develop strategies to promote fair and equitable access to health care services. They will also examine current policies and initiatives aimed at improving access and equity and evaluate their effectiveness.
Elective
Choose from a selection of available elective courses. See Academic Calendar for full list.
Term five courses
Emerging Topics in Health Care Management
The health care landscape is dynamic. This course allows students to explore the latest and most pressing issues in health care management. Topics that may be explored include workforce management, digital health innovations, integration of artificial intelligence in health care, data privacy and cybersecurity, mental health and wellness, impact of health care policies on Indigenous health, and managing healthcare in the face of pandemics and other global health challenges.
Practicum
The Health Care Management Practicum combines structured learning and experiential learning, providing the student the opportunity to experience the application of healthcare management principles and practices to a real-world situation or setting.
Term six course
Capstone Project
This course involves a major big data consulting project with a client (employer or community partner). Students manage all project phases (initiation to closure) under faculty guidance, following a customized learning contract. Students are responsible for project identification, description, advisor approval, and timely delivery of all deliverables.
These course highlights provide a glimpse into the Master of Health Care Management program, your actual schedule may vary. There is a program break during Term 4. For full course descriptions and schedules, consult the Academic Calendar.
Career highlights
As a professionally oriented master’s degree, it is expected that most graduates of this program will go on to careers in leadership and management roles within a variety of health care-related industries. There are a wide range of career opportunities in health care and related sectors.
Hospitals
Public Health
Long-term care
Consulting
Master of Health Care Management career opportunities
Ottawa has committed to investing more than $200 billion over a 10-year period to improve health care in the country, focusing on key priorities that include expanding access to family health services, reducing backlogs in the system, improving access to mental health and addictions services, as well as modernizing the system and integrating more digital tools.
Innovative leaders are needed to help lead the change required to modernize and improve Canada’s system. Managers will need to be willing to embrace change, adopt new technologies, understand the importance of data-driven decision making, while also recognizing the human element behind delivering quality care.
As a Master of Health Care Management graduate, you will have the digital mindset needed to be a strong, future-focused leader coupled with hands-on experience gained through a practicum and capstone research project. Get ready to make a difference.
Career path and salary
- Health clinic manager - $126,769
- Hospital administrator - $107,250
- Health care consultant - $77,376
- Public health manager - $104,949
- Long-term care administrator - $110,117
*Source, Average 2024 salary in Canada, talent.com
Admission requirements for Master of Health Care Management program
Academic information
Applicants to the health care management degree must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree – Completion of a four-year honours degree standard with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better
- Completion of at least one undergraduate course in statistics or quantitative methods
Applicants without a degree or experience in a health-related field will be required to complete the Introduction to Health and Health Care course as part of their program.
Document checklist
Master’s in health care management applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended
- Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
International information
Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
- A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a master’s degree in health care management is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our MHCM program fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
$20,025
Domestic tuition
$42,750
International tuition
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid options
UNF has partnered with organizations to help newly admitted domestic students finance their education.
Awards and scholarships
The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards and financial support to students in 2026. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.
$15 Million
Scholarship & awards
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of MHCM?
MHCM Is the acronym for the Master of Health Care Management program at UNF. It is a master’s program designed to prepare professionals to take on leadership and management roles within the health care sector.
How long does it take to complete the Master of Health Care Management program?
The master’s in health care management program can be completed in 18 months, with four intakes per year. Students complete three terms in their first year of study, take a one-term break, and then return for two additional terms in their second year.
What are the requirements for the MHCM program?
The minimum conditions for admission to the Master of Health Care Management program include completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to a four-year honours bachelor’s degree, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00, along with completion of at least one undergraduate level course in statistics or quantitative methods. For more information regarding admission requirements, refer to the Graduate Admission Requirements page.
How is the Master of Health Care Management program unique compared to other health care management programs?
The MHCM program distinguishes itself by emphasizing issues of accessibility and equity in healthcare. It delves into topics such as social determinants of health, barriers to access, and disparities in health outcomes among diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, immigrants, and rural residents.
What kind of subjects will I study during MHCM program?
The MHCM program covers a broad range of core topics, including health care systems, policy analysis, finance, and organizational leadership.
Does the Master of Health Care Management program provide opportunities for practical experience?
Yes! This program offers two significant work-integrated learning opportunities:
Capstone Project: Students synthesize their learning and apply their skills to a complex health care problem or issue.
Internship: Students gain practical experience in a health care setting, applying their knowledge to real-world situations.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
It’s expected that graduates of the master’s in health care management program will go on to careers in leadership and management roles within hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, or as independent consultants.
Do I need to take the GRE for the MHCM Degree program?
We do not use standardized testing as part of the admission process for our graduate degrees. We look at your academic record from your undergraduate studies during the application process. See our admissions page for more information about our requirements.
Can students continue working while pursuing the MHCM degree?
Yes, you should be able to balance studies with work while completing the Master of Health Care Management. Consider whether the On-campus or Online delivery mode is better suited for you particular situation and life. You can speak with a Student Advisor for more information.
What are the admission requirements for a Master of Health Care Management?
Applicants to the MHCM program need to have completed a four-year honours degree with a CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.33 or better and have successfully completed at least one undergraduate course in statistics or quantitative methods. Applicants without with a degree or experience in a health-related field will have to complete the Introduction to Health and Health Care course as part of their program.
How is the Master of Health Care Management Online program unique compared to other health care management programs?
The MHCM Online program distinguishes itself by emphasizing issues of accessibility and equity in healthcare. It delves into topics such as social determinants of health, barriers to access, and disparities in health outcomes among diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, immigrants, and rural residents.
Will I have to come to campus?
The MHCM Online program is fully online. You will not have to attend our downtown Niagara Falls campus. Projects will be completed online, and you will be able to connect one-on-one with your professor virtually on a regular basis.
What kind of subjects will I study during the MHCM Online program?
The MHCM Online program covers a broad range of core topics, including health care systems, policy analysis, finance, and organizational leadership.
Will I gain practical experience in the Master of Health Care Management Online program?
Yes! The MHCM Online program offers two significant hand's on learning opportunities:
Capstone Project: Students synthesize their learning and apply their skills to a complex health care problem or issue.
Internship: Students gain practical experience in a health care setting, applying their knowledge to real-world situations.
Will my classes be delivered on a schedule?
The MHCM Online program is delivered asynchronously, allowing you to access your coursework on-demand in a way that best suits your schedule and lifestyle.
How long does it take to complete the Master of Health Care Management Online degree program?
This is a 45-credit degree and it is typically completed in 18 months. Students will complete three terms, take a one-term break, and then complete the final term.
Do I need to take the GRE for the MHCM Online program?
We do not use standardized testing as part of the admission process for our graduate degrees. We look at your academic record from your undergraduate studies during the application process. See our admissions page for more information about our requirements.
Is faculty interaction the same in the online and on-campus programs?
Our online students have plenty of opportunities to interact with faculty, even though they’re not in the same physical environment. This includes regular online office hours.
What is the difference between the on-campus and online MHCM program?
The curriculum for both the on-campus and online Master of Health Care Management program is the same, but the experience for students differs. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning students can study at their own pace, at a time that works for them. On-campus students will follow a schedule of in-person classes.
Talk to a Student Advisor
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting June 12, 2025. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)
