Healthcare is constantly evolving. To lead it well, professionals need more than passion—they need the right skills and support. That’s exactly what Indiana University’s Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) delivers.
Through a unique collaboration between two top-ranked schools: the Kelley School of Business and the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the program equips students with business knowledge, public service leadership, and real-world application—offered in-person and also in a flexible online format.
For Online MSHM student Erin Mullin, who works in human resources at a rural critical access hospital, it was the direct connection between the coursework and her day-to-day responsibilities that made the program stand out.
“I was looking for courses and a curriculum that really tied into what I was doing,” Mullin said. “As I looked through what the program offered, I saw classes I could apply in real time.”
A curriculum designed for real impact
The MSHM curriculum is built to address the challenges of today’s healthcare systems, blending leadership, finance, operations, and policy. Courses are designed to help students build the tools they need to guide teams, make data-driven decisions, and improve patient-centered care.
“If you have that heart for healthcare, this is the place to build leadership skills and learn how to lead the people who are serving our patients directly,” Mullin said.
Mullin found that the content often connected directly to what her organization was facing.
“We did a project on mobilizing a vaccination clinic, which completely tied to what I do right now. I was able to take the feedback and findings back to my hospital team and use them to help make decisions on big projects. It was really helpful.”
Flexibility that doesn’t feel distant
One of the program’s greatest strengths is its online delivery—ideal for working professionals who need flexibility but still want connection. Students collaborate with peers and faculty in a format designed to feel personal, even from a distance.
“My biggest fear was feeling disconnected, but I haven’t felt that at all,” Mullin said. “You meet your cohort right away, and the professors are incredibly supportive. They really want you to succeed, and they’re flexible if life things come up.”
Professors offer consistent office hours, and many courses blend live sessions with recorded content, letting students manage their learning around busy schedules.
“It’s built for people who have a lot going on. I found myself really liking the content, so it didn’t just feel like school. I felt like I was doing something that mattered for me and for my organization.”
A community that invests in you
Beyond the coursework, the MSHM program supports students through personal mentorship, career coaching, and a capstone experience that’s deeply tied to real-world healthcare challenges. For Mullin, this meant getting guidance not only from professors, but also from a preceptor who became a long-term mentor.
“We spent so much time together during the capstone, and I really learned a lot and was able to bounce ideas off her—even outside the project. She’s someone I know I’ll keep reaching out to beyond the program, and that relationship has been incredibly valuable.”
Built for where you are in life—and where you want to go
Whether you’re already in healthcare or looking to move into a leadership role within the field, the MSHM program is designed to meet you where you are. The online format allows you to study from anywhere, at your own pace, with structured support every step of the way.
“If you’re considering the program and you’re waiting for the right time, or you think you’re not ready or don’t have time, don’t let that stop you. Life is always happening, so pick a date, jump in, and get started. You won’t regret it, and you’ll love every minute of it.”
Learn more about the Online MSHM program and how it can fit into your career journey here.