Global Executive Master of Business Administration for Healthcare and the Life Sciences (GEMBA-HLS)

Program Overview

The Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences (GEMBA-HLS) is an intensive 15-month program designed for working professionals in the healthcare and life sciences industries. The program immerses students in key healthcare and life sciences clusters around the world. By learning from leading faculty and experienced sector leaders, students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success. While exploring current and future best practices globally, students are guided through an in-depth assessment of their own capabilities with a view to becoming more impactful leaders.

The program leverages the strengths of the Rotman School of Management, as well as relationships with the University of Toronto and the global healthcare and life sciences communities. Located on the edge of Toronto’s medical discovery district, Rotman is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the management innovations taking place in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, medical technology, medical informatics, telemedicine, insurance, patient engagement, long-term care, and health system design.

Quick Facts

Field: Global Executive Master of Business Administration for Healthcare and the Life Sciences

Program Description

The intensive 18-month Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences (GEMBA-HLS) is designed for working professionals in the healthcare and life sciences industries. This field of study immerses students in key healthcare and life sciences clusters around the world. By learning from leading faculty and experienced sector leaders, students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success. While exploring current and future best practices globally, students are guided through an in-depth assessment of their own capabilities with a view to becoming more impactful leaders.

Over the 18 months of the program, students will partake in six international modules in some of the world's key healthcare and life sciences markets (currently three in Toronto, and one each in the San Francisco Bay area; London, U.K.; and Singapore). The program is delivered in a blended model, primarily face-to-face, supplemented with online learning. It leverages the strengths of the Rotman School, as well as relationships with the University of Toronto and the global healthcare and life sciences communities. Located on the edge of Toronto's medical discovery district, Rotman is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the management innovations taking place in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, medical technology, medical informatics, telemedicine, insurance, patient engagement, long-term care, and health system design.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rotman School's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Admission is restricted to applicants with significant professional work and managerial experience in healthcare or the life sciences:

  • 8+ years of full-time work experience.

  • 3+ years in a mid-to-senior leadership, management, or administrative role (or equivalent).

  • Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills.

• A base of knowledge of healthcare or life sciences organizations.

• Evidence of academic achievement.

• Applicants must obtain either a satisfactory score for the Rotman Executive MBA Diagnostic Tool (EDT), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test). Test results are valid for five years. See further details or contact the admissions office.

• If required, completion of the following English proficiency tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based format: overall score of 100 with a minimum of 22 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: score of 7.0 with minimum 6.5 required for each component.

• Applicants who meet all the minimum admission requirements will be assessed by the admissions committee on the basis of grades, standardized test scores, references, essays, professional experience, and a personal interview.

• Please note that special program fees apply for this program.

Program Requirements

• Within this 18-month program, students must successfully complete a structured sequence of 23 courses with an accumulated credit weighting of 11.50. No advanced standing will be granted for previous academic work completed or professional designations earned. Students who are unable to follow courses in their prescribed order must attain special approval from the Academic Director in order to continue in the program.

• One to four courses may be substituted with course(s) offered in the regular MBA program, at the discretion of the Academic Director and the Vice-Dean, MBA Programs.

• The Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences follows a blended model of delivery; i.e., a mix of face-to-face and online. It is offered during six residential modules (of between 7 and 11 days each) and study periods, held in various cities. Supplemental curriculum hours are delivered online.

Program Length

5 sessions (18 months) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years