Curriculum

Program Overview

The MHDS program consists of 13 required courses and one elective course over five consecutive trimesters. Students complete didactic coursework within the first 16 months of the program while also pursuing an independent capstone project under the guidance of an assigned faculty mentor. All required courses are taught in the evenings to accommodate students with daytime commitments. The MHDS program features a diverse combination of pedagogical approaches, including traditional classroom didactics, interactive didactics, hands-on laboratory sessions, journal clubs, project sessions work and immersed experiential learning within embedded research and operational teams.

In this hybrid program, courses are primarily taught online through a remote-learning platform and interactive videoconferences in the evenings. Online learning is supplemented by one 2-day (Thursday-Friday) in-person session during each term. In this session, students are introduced to the program and coursework, meet with faculty mentors, attend networking events and learn how to use various software programs. In addition, during the final term, students give an in-person presentation to Cedars-Sinai leadership about the results of their capstone project.

The MHDS faculty believes it is vital to expose students to a wide range of learning experiences. Success in health delivery science requires a strong theoretical basis and pragmatic experiential learning to solidify classroom theory. In addition, students learn specific software programs, including statistical, data visualization, decision analysis and spreadsheet software that is taught in laboratory sessions. We accept a limited number of students per year into this highly competitive program.

Program Objectives

After completing the MHDS program, students will be able to: 

  • Explain key operational functions of the U.S. health system.
  • Identify healthcare delivery models and digital health innovations that can improve the quality, safety and value of care.
  • Use quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate the effectiveness and economic impact of healthcare innovations.
  • Demonstrate the leadership skills to successfully manage a project that involves people from diverse disciplines. 
  • Communicate effectively about healthcare delivery interventions to diverse stakeholders.

Unique Qualities of the MHDS Program

Academic Calendar

2023-2024

  • Fall Trimester: Aug. 28–Dec. 15, 2023
  • Winter Trimester: Jan. 2–Apr. 19, 2024
  • Summer Trimester: Apr. 29–Aug. 16, 2024

2024-2025

  • Fall Trimester: Aug. 26–Dec. 13, 2024
  • Winter Trimester: Dec. 30–Apr. 18, 2025
  • Summer Trimester: Apr. 28–Aug. 15, 2025

Holidays and Breaks

  • Spring break: Apr. 24–28, 2023
  • Memorial Day: May 29, 2023
  • Independence Day: July 04, 2023
  • Labor Day: Sept. 04, 2023
  • Thanksgiving holiday: Nov. 23–24, 2023
  • Winter break: Dec. 18, 2023–Dec. 29, 2023
  • Spring break: Apr. 22–26, 2024
  • Memorial Day: May 27, 2024
Additional Learning Opportunities

  • Health Services Lecture Series
  • Department of Medicine Grand Rounds
  • Grants Workshop
Clinical Scholars Program Courses:
  • Research Design
  • Research Ethics
  • Grantsmanship
  • Communication Skills
  • Healthcare Leadership Seminar Series
Important Statement & Notice of Accreditation

Please read our Accreditation Statement from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and our Statement of Academic Freedom.

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you have questions or wish to learn more about the MHDS program, please contact:

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
8687 Melrose Ave.
Suite G-532
West Hollywood, CA 90069