St. Cloud State University and CentraCare are partnering to develop the next generation of healthcare leaders through a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare System Leadership, beginning in January 2027.
The collaboration brings together St. Cloud State’s business and academic expertise with CentraCare’s healthcare expertise to prepare professionals to lead in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing healthcare environment.
The 33-credit graduate program combines business fundamentals with specialized healthcare coursework to prepare professionals to lead complex healthcare organizations, improve operations and make strategic, data-informed decisions that enhance patient care and organizational performance.
Designed for working professionals with healthcare experience or related backgrounds, the program equips students with expertise in healthcare finance, information systems, operations, policy, leadership and strategy.
“Healthcare organizations need leaders who understand both the business and human sides of healthcare,” said SCSU President Dr. Gregory Tomso. “This program bridges those areas by providing students with the strategic, financial and operational expertise required to navigate today’s healthcare environment while leading with integrity and purpose.”
For CentraCare, the program builds on its longstanding collaboration with St. Cloud State University and a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce at every level.
“CentraCare has made significant investments in building the region’s healthcare workforce by helping prepare the next generation of physicians, nurses, and other frontline caregivers,” said Mike Blair, CentraCare CFO and Senior Vice President – Academic Affairs. “But providing care for our region also requires a strong pipeline of healthcare leaders. Our partnership with St. Cloud State University helps develop those leaders, preparing them to navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment and shape the future of care for our communities.”
The MBA in Healthcare System Leadership blends core business principles with healthcare-specific applications, helping students develop skills in leadership, communication, ethical decision-making and organizational management.
The curriculum includes courses in healthcare financial accounting, financial management, information systems, operations management, healthcare policy and ethics, clinical care delivery and hospital management and leadership strategy. Students will culminate the program with a seminar series and capstone project focused on real-world healthcare challenges.
The program will be delivered in a flexible format designed for working professionals, combining asynchronous online learning, hybrid instruction and in-person seminars held approximately twice each semester. Students will also have opportunities to learn directly from CentraCare leaders in CentraCare facilities, gaining real-world insights from their leadership experiences.
The first cohort will begin in the spring semester of 2027, with classes starting in January. A second cohort is planned for fall 2027, based on enrollment demand.
For admission requirements and application information, visit stcloudstate.edu/graduate.