Top Business Schools for Healthcare / Pharma / Biotech 2024

Located in what is known as "The Healthcare City" - Rutgers is close to big pharma companies like Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb, as well as several large hospitals. Rutgers' Pharmaceutical Management MBA concentration and the Lerner Center—which publishes relevant research and puts on events—further strengthen the school's links to the biopharmaceutical industry. In recent years, over half of the school's MBA classes have gone into the healthcare or pharma industries.

BU offers a two-year, specialized Health Sector MBA (HSM) that leads to internships and jobs in the Boston area and beyond. But beyond that specialized program, even the school’s general MBA is a solid route into healthcare: Twenty-seven percent of the most recent class landed jobs in the healthcare industry or related fields, the largest industry destination across the class. BU's is one of a handful of MBA and dual-degree MBA programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Northeastern’s Boston location puts it right in the middle of a healthcare hub. To cater to demand in this field, the school offers an MBA concentration in Business Management for Healthcare, which addresses specific topics in the American healthcare system and the strategic management of healthcare organizations, among other topics. Although the statistics fluctuate from year to year, up almost 30 percent of some recent MBA classes have landed jobs in healthcare and related organizations, such as Boston Children’s Hospital and CVS Health.

Students who are interested in healthcare can pursue the school’s MBA specialization in Medical Industry Leadership Institute, which allows participants to drill down into a functional part of the medical industry, like finance marketing, or consulting. Recruiters generally include the Mayo Clinic, Medtronic, and GE Healthcare, among others. Up to 23 percent of the school’s recent MBA classes have gone into the healthcare sector.

The percentage of IMD MBAs going into pharmaceuticals has reached double digits in recent years, with many alum going to work for Swiss pharma giants like Novartis and Roche. Although the school’s placement into this field fluctuates from year to year, upwards of fifteen percent of MBA class has landed jobs in this sector in recent years. 

Located in Vienna, a significant hub for healthcare and life sciences in Europe, WU Executive Academy offers an Executive MBA in Health Care Management. This program provides a comprehensive education in health care systems, business know-how, and legal proficiency. Graduates benefit from the school's strong connections with leading pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and research institutions in the region. The program's modular design allows professionals to continue working while pursuing their MBA, making it a solid choice for career advancement in the healthcare sector.

Duke's Fuqua School of Business offers an MBA with a Health Sector Management (HSM) certificate, enhancing strategic thinking and functional skills in the healthcare industry. This interdisciplinary program includes coursework and a variety of extra- and co-curricular events. Five percent of the most recent MBA class pursued careers in healthcare, with graduates finding roles in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare providers, payers, and consulting. Fuqua's graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in health systems, medical devices, health policy, venture capital, and more. Duke is located in Durham, which is part of the Research Triangle, a major hub for healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.

Although CEIBS does not offer an MBA specialization in Healthcare, it does offer some relevant electives, including one called “Health Care: Economics and Industry.” In recent years, over 13 percent of school's MBA class has gone into the healthcare industry. The school hosts the CEIBS Healthcare Sector Research Centre, which produces research; and it runs a dual-degree MBA/MPH through a partnership with Johns Hopkins. Healthcare-minded students can join the MBA Healthcare Club to make connections in the industry. 

In past years, up to 15 to 20 percent of St. Gallen MBAs have gone into the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries after graduation. Novartis recruits heavily from the school. The school hosts a “Center for Healthcare,” which produces relevant research and puts on healthcare-related executive education programs.

Music isn't Nashville's biggest industry; health care is. Vanderbilt offers an MBA specialization in Healthcare that leverages close ties to Vanderbilt's Medical Center and proximity to hundreds of local healthcare companies, including HCA Healthcare. The school also offers various other management programs in healthcare, including a joint MD/MBA and the one-year Master of Management in Health Care. Twelve percent of Owen’s most recent MBA class went into the healthcare sector.