Study content and requirements
for the Health Management Degree Program
The master’s degree program combines management, health sciences, and research methods into a practice-oriented education that prepares students for future leadership and management roles. You will examine the economic, organizational, and societal challenges facing the healthcare sector and develop the skills needed to professionally guide change processes and foster the sustainable development of organizations.
Here's what to expect during your studies
During the core curriculum, you will explore the central topics of modern health management. These include, among others, health economics, management and law, health and healthcare systems, quality and risk management, leadership, human resource management, and digital transformation. These topics are complemented by project and research management, academic work, and international and interprofessional perspectives.
In addition to subject-specific expertise, you’ll develop the skills to analyze complex interrelationships, make informed decisions, and strategically shape change in healthcare organizations. Scientific methods will help you plan, implement, and evaluate projects based on evidence.
Choose your specialization
Starting with the elective courses, you can tailor your studies to your career goals. There are three specializations to choose from:
- Nursing Management (§ 65a GuKG) – for licensed health care and nursing professionals with a focus on leadership roles in the nursing field.
- Advanced Management – with a focus on organizational development, human resources management, and ethical issues in healthcare.
- Business Start-ups and Entrepreneurship – for anyone who wants to develop innovative healthcare services or take on entrepreneurial responsibilities.
Practical and research projects complement your studies
Practical work is an integral part of the program. Together with internal or external partners, you will plan, develop, and evaluate projects—from the initial needs assessment through implementation to the presentation of results. Through this process, you will learn to apply scientific methods directly to issues in the health and social services sectors and to develop sustainable solutions for real-world practice.
You should meet these requirements
To be admitted, you must have completed a relevant bachelor’s or diploma degree. This includes, for example, fields of study in health sciences, health and nursing management, health and nursing care, nursing science, occupational therapy, midwifery, management, or business. The final assessment of academic suitability takes place as part of the admissions process.
General Information About the Program
For more information on admission requirements, training contracts, nostrification and recognition, the admissions process, examination regulations and grading, ECTS credits, and the academic calendar, please refer to the General Study Information.
Current Courses
Current course - Health Management · Organisation form: berufsbegleitend
Take on responsibility. Make an impact.
Deepen your management skills and qualify for leadership roles in the healthcare sector. Drive meaningful change.
Double Degree Programs in
Health Management and Social Work
In cooperation with the Finnish University of Applied Sciences in Jyväskylä (JAMK), the master’s programs in Health Management and Social Work: Development and Design offer an international dual-degree program (DDP).
The DDP is an initiative of the degree programs aimed at strengthening the European dimension of the curriculum and thereby opening up international career opportunities for students. In addition, it enables students to establish international contacts and gain a broader perspective on the healthcare sector.
The program comprises 30 ECTS credits. These credits are integrated into the curricula of the master’s programs and include two international study weeks (Summer School in Jyväskylä and Spring School at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences), a specific selection of online courses, the master’s thesis, and, optionally, one to two weeks of practical training. All components of the program are conducted in English.
Details on the Double Degree Programs
at the School of Health and Social Sciences
DEGREES
Upon successful completion of the DDP, students earn the following degrees
Healthcare Management
- Master of Arts in Business – CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
- Master of Health Care – JAMK
Social Work: Development and Design
- Master of Arts in Social Sciences – CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
- Master of Social Services – JAMK
PREREQUISITES
- Bachelor's degree
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- At least 2 years of professional experience in the healthcare and/or social services sector following completion of a bachelor’s degree or basic training
APPLICATION
- at the start of the first semester of the master's program
- in writing, with a statement of purpose and a resume in English
PROCEDURE
1st Semester
- Application period: Beginning of the semester (following an information session)
- Admission decision and procedure (CUAS & JAMK): By early December
- Online kick-off meeting and introduction to DDP students and the DDP team
2nd Semester
- Info session: Summer School
- Summer School at JAMK, in Jyväskylä, Finland (5 ECTS)
- Finalization of the master’s thesis proposal (exposé)
- Assignment of a master’s thesis advisor at JAMK
- Students nominate a second advisor at CUAS (self-organized)
3rd Semester
- Online course: Ethical Expertise, Leadership & Organizational Culture (JAMK)
- Master’s Thesis
4th Semester
- Optional – Information session: Spring School (CUAS)
- Optional – Spring School at CUAS, in Klagenfurt, Austria (CUAS)
- Master’s Examination
Contact
Magdalena Collins, BA, MA, MCI
Health & Social
Services +435905004135
m.collins(at)cuas.at
Jobs & Careers
The Master’s degree program in Health Management prepares you for leadership, development, and management roles in the health care, nursing, and social services sectors. You’ll learn how to strategically develop organizations, professionally facilitate change processes, and develop sustainable solutions to complex challenges in the health care sector.
Here are the tasks you can expect in your day-to-day work
In your day-to-day work, you’ll contribute to the further development of organizations and healthcare systems. You’ll plan and oversee projects, optimize processes, further develop quality standards, and support change initiatives in healthcare facilities. Depending on your position, you’ll also take on leadership responsibilities, coordinate teams, or contribute to the development of new healthcare and medical services. The skills you’ll acquire during your studies also include planning, implementing, and evaluating projects, as well as applying scientific findings to make well-informed management decisions.
You can work in these industries
Healthcare managers are needed wherever organizations plan, manage, and develop healthcare services. This includes hospitals, nursing and care facilities, as well as social service organizations, rehabilitation centers, and health promotion organizations. Health insurance companies, public institutions, advocacy groups, and consulting and research organizations also offer a wide range of career opportunities for graduates of the Master’s program in Health Management.
Potential Employers
After completing your degree, you’ll have numerous career paths open to you in both the public and private healthcare sectors. For example, you can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or social service organizations; take on management roles at social insurance agencies or government agencies; or serve as a consultant to organizations on strategic and organizational issues. Opportunities also exist in research and educational institutions, as well as in the development of your own health services and entrepreneurial projects.