Will I receive academic credit? How is this different from a MOOC or non-credit certificate?

Yes, these graduate level courses are composed of MOOC components (hosted on the Coursera platform) paired with a high engagement component (hosted on the University of Illinois Canvas platform). Together, the two components earn you credit hours through the University of Illinois. MOOC components do not carry credit independently.

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to for-credit course materials will be made available based on standard course launch and delivery timelines.

To apply for a graduate certificate program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College. The following items are required for your application:Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit your resume to two pages.Brief personal statement: A 500-word or less statement describing your interest in the certificate program.English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.Digital upload: A single video file, no more than 2 minutes in length, answering the prompts provided within the application.

What will I get if I am admitted to and enroll in this program?

You will get access to all Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate courses. You will also get feedback from the teaching team on your projects. You’ll be working with an elite network of peers towards your goals. Following completion, you will receive a Graduate Certificate from the University of Illinois.

Can I take this program for free?

No. The Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate is available only to learners who apply, are admitted, and pay tuition for the program.

Is financial assistance available?

Financial assistance through Gies is not available at this time for Graduate Certificates however domestic students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.

Who can I contact with questions?

If you need further assistance, please email giesonline@illinois.edu with any questions.

Certificate

Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate

In this for-credit program, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to employ business and entrepreneurship principles to effectively launch and sustain healthcare innovations that can be applied to solve healthcare problems across various contexts.

The deadline to enroll in the Fall A cohort is July 2.

Secure your spot today. Classes for the Fall A cohort will start in August 12.

Apply now Email me info

Classes start on August 12, 2026

Apply by July 2, 2026.

8 months

Minimum time to complete. May vary depending on start date.

$4,548

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

100% online

Faculty teach live classes and offer weekly office hours.

Stay ahead of the curve by deepening your understanding of the latest trends and practices in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship.

Hands-on practice

Through projects, exercises, and case studies, you’ll build the experience and confidence to apply what you learn in the program on the job.

Top faculty

Benefit from multiple opportunities to engage with and learn from world-class experts. Faculty teach live classes and offer weekly office hours, and teaching staff are available to provide support as needed.

Curated, stackable content

In this program, you’ll build knowledge and gain skills that are aligned with real-world demands and opportunities, based on the latest research and connections within healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the certificate stacks directly into the full Master of Business Administration (iMBA), Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA), or Master of Science in Management (iMSM) from the University of Illinois. Upon completion of the certificate program, you can take 12 credit hours of completed work and apply that toward one of those degrees now or in the future.

Program description

Innovate, Design, and Launch the Future of Healthcare.

Overview

The Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate integrates key concepts from new product development, data analytics, design thinking, and entrepreneurship to provide learners with a comprehensive foundation in the healthcare innovation process. Through this program, learners will be able to identify healthcare challenges and design innovative solutions that have a higher likelihood of success. Moreover, you will learn to make informed decisions grounded in data analysis and inferences, while also cultivating your design thinking skills.

Benefit from live, interactive learning sessions with instructors and receive actionable feedback from teaching staff and fellow learners. Through hands-on projects, exercises, and case studies, you’ll develop experience and insight in value chain management that you can apply immediately in your career.

The certificate stacks directly into the full Master of Business Administration (iMBA), Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA), or Master of Science in Management (iMSM) from the University of Illinois.

Required background

A bachelor's degree is required and some professional experience, skills, or knowledge related to healthcare is recommended.

Skills you will gain

Innovation
Leadership
Management
Operations
Problem Solving
Planning
New Product Development
Project Management
Marketing
Finance
Process Improvement

Complete 3 required courses

Course 1 of 3

MBA 571: Identify - Healthcare Ecosystem and Need Identification

Overview

An overview of the healthcare ecosystem, the healthcare innovation process, and value creation. Emphasis is placed on key concepts and principles essential for efficiently designing and managing healthcare delivery systems. Focused on uncovering innovation opportunities through in-depth identification and analysis of unmet, underserved, and unarticulated stakeholder needs using qualitative, analytical, and design thinking methodologies. Emphasizes critical thinking and creativity and prepares students to recognize and select opportunities that can be developed into successful innovations.

Course 2 of 3

MBA 572: Innovate - Healthcare Innovation Processes

Overview

Guides students through the healthcare innovation process, from ideation and concept generation to product and process design and development. Students will learn how to balance cost, quality, and usability in product development and how to integrate technology trends, user feedback, and various analyses for concept development and business case preparation. An in-depth exploration of principles and methodologies for rapid and efficient prototyping is included, as are the intricacies of process management and effective strategies for managing healthcare innovation.

Course 3 of 3

MBA 573: Implement - Healthcare Business Strategy and New Venture Implementation

Overview

Equips learners with essential strategy and business skills to launch, manage, and grow successful ventures and prepare for disruption and change within the healthcare landscape. Students will learn to develop sustainable business models, create robust business plans, build and manage venture teams, explore financing options, and engage with investors in the healthcare ecosystem. Also explores the transformative ideas reshaping healthcare delivery and prepares students to evaluate those innovations to balance cost, quality, and access effectively.

The certificate stacks directly into the iMBA, iMSA, or iMSM programs from the University of Illinois.

Take the next step in your education to boost your career. This Graduate Certificate is a building block that offers you a pathway to a degree while also providing job-relevant skills today.

Certificate

Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate

Healthcare Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Certificate allows you to earn credit directly towards the:

Master of Business Administration (iMBA), Master's of Accounting (iMSA) or Master of Science in Management (iMSM) (100% online)

Instructors

Frequently asked questions

To apply for a graduate certificate program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College. The following items are required for your application:

Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit your resume to two pages.
Brief personal statement: A 500-word or less statement describing your interest in the certificate program.
English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
Digital upload: A single video file, no more than 2 minutes in length, answering the prompts provided within the application. ‎