MHSc FAQs

Health Administration is a broad term to describe leadership roles in the health sector. Health administrators are individuals who can navigate complex health systems, lead health care organizations, departments or units effectively, use data and evidence to shape policy and practice and collaborate with diverse teams to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of care.

Health administration, often referred to as health management, health-care administration, or health services management, encompasses the leadership and organizational functions that support the effective delivery of health care within practices, organizations, regions and systems. In many settings, it is also described as hospital administration, health systems management, or public health administration, depending on the specific sector or role. These terms all share a common focus on overseeing operations, guiding strategic decision-making, and ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency within health organizations. Together, they reflect the broad and interdisciplinary nature of managing contemporary health systems.

The MHSc in Health Administration has a rich history and significant impact as the pre-eminent program training Canada’s health care and system leaders for more than 75 years. First launched as a diploma in 1947 in Hospital Administration and transitioning to a full Master’s degree in the 1970s, there are thousands of program alumni who have shaped the Canadian health care landscape and served in leadership roles.

The MHSc in Health Administration, MPP, and MBA differ primarily in their focus and intended career paths. The MHSc in Health Administration is a sector-specific degree designed for leaders within the health system, emphasizing hospital operations, health policy, quality improvement, and the management of health-care organizations. The MHSc Health Administration draws faculty from the health care field and uses case-based learning and content that is focused on health and health care. In contrast, the MPP is centered on public policy analysis and development across all government sectors; while health can be a specialization, the program prepares graduates to engage with policy broadly. The MBA is a general business and management degree that develops skills in finance, strategy, operations, and leadership for corporate and industry settings, with health care as a possible concentration, and typically with a focus on the business or private sector of health care.

With an MHSc in Health Administration from IHPME, you can expect career progression into increasingly senior leadership roles within the health system, supported by the program’s strong reputation, deep ties and alumni network who serve in leadership roles across Canadian hospitals, government, and health sector organizations. Opportunities depend on career stage and progression.

Program graduates can expect to move into positions like manager, lead, or director in areas such as operations, quality improvement, patient experience, strategy, digital health, or health system planning. With further advancement, alumni often take on senior executive roles, including Director, Executive Director, Vice President, or Chief Executive Officer within hospitals, community care organizations, national and provincial agencies, and beyond. The MHSc Health Administration network and reputation also open pathways into roles in consulting, policy and leadership and facilitate long-term progression toward high-impact leadership roles in a broad range of sectors.

The MHSc Health Administration program is a strategic partner of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL). This partnership allows learners enrolled in the program to participate in an accelerated pathway to earn the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation. The CHE is the only leadership designation in Canada for all health leaders.  

Applicants should have a minimum of three years relevant clinical or professional experience, following an undergraduate degree or clinical training, preferably in health or related sectors in order to be accepted into the program. Strong applicants will have management experience or recognized leadership potential. Recognizing that professional experiences vary, each applicant is carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about the applicability of your experience and/or suitability for the program, we would be happy to speak with you.

Required background includes:

• An appropriate four year undergraduate degree (e.g., Health Sciences or Social Sciences specialty, Regulated Health Professions in Ontario, Computer Science or Information Science Specialty) or its equivalent, from a recognized university.
• B+ average in the last academic year is required.
• Three years of relevant clinical or professional workplace experience.

No, there are not rolling admissions for the programs. Applications are due February 1 and the program begins in September.

There is no part-time option. The program is designed for professional learners and so is delivered in a modular way. The curriculum is cumulative and so courses are taken in sequence, with fundamental courses earlier in the curriculum and specialized topics introduced in later semesters.

We require two references. Letters of reference should speak to your professional experiences and can speak to your leadership potential. Referees can be colleagues, supervisors, and senior leaders. Academic references from past programs and study may be relevant, but referees should be able to speak to an applicants’ suitability for the MHSc Health Administration program and leadership potential.

The MHSc in Health Administration is offered in a modular format, allowing professionals to earn the degree in two years without interrupting their careers. Courses take place in a compressed, modular format with in person and virtual learning taking place every three weeks from Wednesday to Saturday, over the course of five semesters, or 20 months. Virtual only classes take place Wednesday evening and Saturday, with in person learning on Thursday and Friday. This enables a balance of in-person time dedicated to group discussion, networking with classmates, faculty and guest speakers, and case based learning while enabling flexibility for working professionals. View the program’s roadmap for information about scheduling and time commitments.

The practicum is a required course of the MHSc Health Administration program. The practicum provides a valuable opportunity to further leadership competencies within a health service organization under the supervision and mentorship of a senior level executive in the host organization.

Practicums can either be a residency-style placement for 8 or 12 weeks duration, or if learners are not able to take a leave from their employment, they can complete a project at their organization.

Practicum placements are arranged by the program and specifically tailored to individual student needs and interests, taking into consideration past work experience and their specific learning and career objectives. Practicum sites cover a variety of health care sector settings including acute, rehab and mental health hospitals, community organizations, long-term care, government and government-related agencies, research organizations, voluntary organizations; and professional associations.

Preceptor organizations hosting practicum students are not required to pay stipends, however most placements are paid. Paid students are subject to the policies and processes of their host organizations. While every effort is made to secure payment, occasionally placements with high learning value are offered without a stipend. It is important for students to plan finances without depending on practicum payment.

Professional programs are not eligible for most research-based awards, and students in these programs are not included in the funded cohort. MHSc Health Administration is an OSAP eligible program. You may wish to visit the School of Graduate Studies website for financial aid. http://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/currentstudents/Pages/Scholarships-and-Awards.aspx 

We typically only take a small number of international students as the program is designed for working professionals who continue to work throughout the duration of program. The curriculum is focused on the Canadian health care system however there are elective courses which cover global health topics.

For questions related to the application and admissions process, including eligibility, contact Graduate Admissions, Christina Lopez. Ihpme.admissions@utoronto.ca  

For questions related to the MHSc and how the program can help you achieve your professional and career goals, contact Program Director, Karen Born.