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MHA Immersion: Where Our Online Community Comes to Life

Published October 15, 2025  |  By Sarah Arikian-Coe  |  4 min read

Sarah Arikian-Coe

One of the most meaningful parts of the NYU Wagner MHA experience happens off-screen.

Although our Master of Health Administration program is online and designed for working healthcare professionals, we intentionally bring students together in person early in the program for MHA Immersion, a required, 2.5 day, on-campus experience in New York City.

What to Expect

Held during your second semester, Immersion is designed as a Healthcare Management Skills Bootcamp. And just as important as what you learn is who you’ll meet. Over two and a half days, you'll step away from your routine and fully engage in hands-on learning with your classmates, staff, and faculty. Many students say their Immersion experience is one of their favorite parts of the MHA program. 

You'll have the chance to:

  • Strengthen your inclusive leadership skills
  • Build confidence in executive communication
  • Sharpen your understanding of evidence-based management and data visualization
  • Engage in meaningful conversations about health equity
  • Connect with the Office of Career Services
  • Engage with MHA alumni
  • Expand your professional network and your support system

Just as important as what you learn is who you meet. Many students say Immersion is one of the best parts of the MHA program.

Designed for Working Professionals

Because MHA students are working full-time in healthcare while balancing graduate study, the MHA Immersion experience has been structured to be impactful, efficient, and accessible:

  • NYU Wagner covers lodging for the required nights
  • Breakfast, lunch, and reception refreshments are provided
  • Sessions are thoughtfully paced, highly interactive, and career-relevant
  • You'll have time to connect informally with classmates and faculty

A Glimpse at the Experience

Your days will include interactive leadership exercises, communications workshops, health equity discussions, evidence-based management sessions, career programming, and an alumni panel, all culminating in closing remarks from the MHA Program Director, Dr. Carla Jackie Sampson.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the dress code?Business casual dress is recommended, but bring layers. Classrooms can vary in temperature.
Will there be pre-work?Yes. Your faculty will share assignments in advance through Brightspace.
Do I need to book accommodations?No, Wagner covers lodging for all immersion participants. Staying in the hotel is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the lodging to get the full immersion experience. Students are only responsible for travel to and from NYC and incidental hotel charges.  
Will I have my own room?Yes, all students receive a private room.
Are meals provided?Breakfast, lunch, and reception refreshments are included. Dinner is on your own, giving you a chance to explore NYC with your classmates.
Can I bring my own food?Of course! We have refrigerators and microwaves available.
Can I bring a guest?Because Immersion is a required academic experience, guests cannot attend sessions or events.
What if I need accommodations?We are committed to accessibility and will work with you to ensure appropriate accommodations are available during Immersion. Please notify your advisor before Immersion if accommodations are needed.

SAMPLE IMMERSION SCHEDULE

Day 1Day 2Day 3 (Half-day)
  1. 3:00 pmHotel Check-In
    This applies only to students who have received an email confirming their hotel reservation.
  2. 4:00–4:30 pmSign-In / Swag Pickup
    NYU Wagner
  3. 4:30–4:40 pmIntroduction
  4. 4:40–6:30 pmBroken Squares & Inclusive Leadership Exercise
  5. 6:30–6:45 pmCommunity Presentation / Group Photo
  6. 6:45–8:15 pmWelcome Reception
  1. 9:00–9:30 amSign-In & Breakfast
    NYU Wagner, Main Space
  2. 9:30–11:00 amHealth Equity Discussion
  3. 11:00–11:10 amBreak
  4. 11:10 am–12:30 pmCommunications with Professor Thom Blaylock
  5. 12:30–1:15 pmLunch
    NYU Wagner, Main Space
  6. 1:15–2:45 pmCommunications with Professor Blaylock
  7. 2:45–2:55 pmBreak
  8. 2:55–4:25 pmCareer Programming with the Office of Career Services
  9. 4:25–4:30 pmBreak
  10. 4:30–5:30 pmAlumni Panel
    NYU Wagner, Main Space
  1. 9:00–9:30 amSign-In & Breakfast
    NYU Wagner, Main Space
  2. 9:30–10:30 amEvidence-Based Management (EBM) Workshop Part 1: Data Visualization
  3. 10:30–10:40 amBreak
  4. 10:40–11:40 amEBM Workshop Part 2: Assessing Probabilities
  5. 11:40 am–12:15 pmLunch
    NYU Wagner, Main Space
  6. 12:15–1:15 pmEBM Workshop Part 3: Assessing Probabilities/Presentations
  7. 1:15–1:25 pmBreak
  8. 1:25–1:45 pmClosing Remarks by Dr. Carla Jackie Sampson

Topics:AdmissionsStudent Life Online MHA

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