Executive Master’s Program

What You’ll Learn

The Executive Master’s in Clinical Quality, Safety & Leadership (EMCQSL) is an online program representing the real-world environment that healthcare providers and patients encounter daily. Using a unique interprofessional learning format, the program immerses learners in advanced theory and concepts of healthcare quality, safety science, and organizational leadership. Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Most of the coursework is provided asynchronously through an online learning management system (Canvas). You can enroll full-time or part-time and start in Fall or Spring. Regardless of enrollment, courses will not overlap: The program is designed to be taken one course at a time, allowing you to get the most out of each class.

Onsite Residency

The program requires a one-time, three-day onsite in Washington, D.C. This residency provides opportunities to apply the tools and principles you’ve learned in the preceding courses through face-to-face active learning with your cohort.

Quotes from learners about the 3-Day Onsite:

I loved the opportunity to connect with my cohort in person. It was a great blend of us presenting, activities, team building, and speakers. I learned something new in every activity and presentation. It was also the energy of the onsite, not only did I learn so much, but came away inspired and energized!

Summer 2024 learner

Learning in a non-traditional, “safe” space.

Summer 2023 learner

The team building exercises were excellent simulation activities to practice the skills we learned. I will apply the (Not so) Difficult conversations in everyday and professional life. The on-site also boosted my confidence by equipping me with communication skills and tools

Summer 2023 learner

Getting to know each other and sharing common experiences. It really felt like we were a team.

Fall 2022 learner

Capstone

The longitudinal capstone is a project you will design and implement within an organization. You will decide on the topic and structure in discussion with your capstone instructor, develop your project as you progress through the program, and present it during the final course.

Quotes from learners about the Capstone:

The sequential building of the project over time was very valuable. It took a lot of pressure off in the last push to complete the project, which I think allowed for more meaningful project development.

Spring 2024 alum

Capstone felt like the icing on the cake as it brought together all components of the program and opportunities to put to practice what we’ve learned these last 16 months. I also found the peer and professor feedback at our on-site incredibly valuable. I liked having the one-on-one calls with Kristen and found them helpful check-ins and resource sharing.

Fall 2023 alum

The ability to use the process and results to apply to my current position and to enact positive change in my organization.

Spring 2023 alum

I enjoyed the option of picking my own topic for the capstone. I was even more satisfied that I was able to pick a topic that I love and, based on the results, may one day change patients’ outcomes.

Spring 2023 alum

Two Tracks

Our program offers two tracks, allowing you to tailor your studies to the topics and skills of greatest interest to you. The track you choose determines which electives you will take, complementing the five required courses and seven capstone courses.