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• Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Of 2024

Published: Mar 22, 2024, 1:49pm

Healthcare executives analyze patient outcomes to develop procedures that improve quality. They also oversee healthcare facility budgets and monitor compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. Earning a doctorate in healthcare administration can prepare you for executive-level roles in these organizations.

At the doctoral level, healthcare administration programs offer several degree options. A Ph.D. emphasizes theory and research, while an applied doctorate like a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.) or a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) with an emphasis in healthcare focuses on applied skills. Consider your future career goals to decide which program is right for you.

Pursuing your doctorate in healthcare administration online gives you the flexibility to work while earning the highest degree in healthcare administration . An online format also means you can choose a top-ranked program without uprooting your life. Forbes Advisor ranks the best online doctoral programs in healthcare administration so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 11 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in healthcare administration in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 51% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Virginia University of Lynchburg

William carey university, a t still university of health sciences, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Graduate Tuition

$1,110/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, MCPHS University offers a part-time doctorate in healthcare administration. The private institution emphasizes interdisciplinary coursework, blending topics such as healthcare systems, data analytics, healthcare leadership and finance in its D.H.A. program.

Graduate students strengthen their professional practice and leadership skills while examining healthcare administration challenges. Applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution plus complete three to five years of healthcare-related experience. The program also requires a faculty interview during the admissions process.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic planning for health organizations, patient safety and risk management, ethics for healthcare leaders
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$748/credit

At Franklin University , Doctor of Healthcare Administration students complete two years of coursework and one year working on a dissertation. During the program, learners develop organizational strategies to improve healthcare outcomes.

Franklin offers optional eight-credit focus areas, including health informatics, public administration, finance and management. A focus area can prepare graduates for specific career paths after completing the doctoral program.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 58 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare policy, regulations and reform; organizations, community and global health; healthcare quality, process and improvement
• Concentrations Available: Education, health informatics, human resource management, instructional design leadership, management, marketing, methodology, public administration, information technology, finance

$595/credit (full-time)

Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in healthcare management. Learners complete courses on an eight-week schedule, with the option to transfer up to half of the 60 credits required for the D.B.A. degree.

Graduate students strengthen their management, quality control, and human resource development abilities. The curriculum emphasizes streamlining business processes and practical knowledge. At the culmination of the program, doctoral students complete an applied research project that contributes to their specialization.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare informatics, managing human capital in healthcare, legal and ethical issues for health professionals

$442/credit

The fully online Doctor of Health Administration program at National University uses a practice-based curriculum. Graduate students examine legal and ethical issues in the healthcare industry while learning how policy impacts outcomes. The program prepares graduates for executive-level roles in healthcare.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree and complete at least three years of industry experience before enrolling in the D.H.A. program. NU also offers a dissertation completion pathway designed for doctoral students who have completed their coursework elsewhere but still need to finish their dissertation.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare quality management, health leadership and systems thinking

$234/credit (in-state)

The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center offers one of the most affordable tuition rates for a healthcare administration doctorate. Oklahoma residents enrolled in the D.H.A. program pay just $234 per credit, while out-of-state online students pay $364.

During the program, learners explore clinical operations management while reviewing case studies on healthcare quality and process improvement. Incoming students with a master’s degree can apply up to 30 credits toward the 62-credit doctoral program requirements.

• School Type: Public
• Degree Credit Requirements: 62 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare public policy, dynamics of healthcare markets, advanced healthcare law

$595/credit

From its main campus in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University offers several online graduate programs. Degree-seekers can pursue a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in healthcare administration at the private institution.

Learners complete one class at a time, with no dissertation requirement to graduate. Instead, doctoral candidates complete a project that focuses on real-world problems. The program requires one weekend residency each year and takes approximately three years to complete.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational, community and global health administration; issues in strategic planning and organizational development for healthcare administrators; healthcare innovation, informatics and change management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, one weekend residency per year

$85,000 total cost

The University of Colorado Denver uses a hybrid format in its Executive Doctorate in Health Administration program. Graduate students primarily complete coursework online, with two one-week sessions on the private university’s Denver campus each year.

As part of the Business School Alliance for Health Management, the program takes an interdisciplinary approach, with instructors who bring experience as healthcare practitioners, executives and educators. Students benefit from executive-focused career support and a mentoring program.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree and bring at least five years of professional experience in a health-related organization.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare leadership, global health systems, managing healthcare information
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two one-week sessions on campus per year

$19,500 total cost

The Doctor of Healthcare Administration program at Virginia University of Lynchburg uses a self-paced, module-based curriculum. At the private Christian university, doctoral students in healthcare administration strengthen their leadership and business skills.

In the fully online 12-month program, learners complete three practicums in teaching, research and leadership to prepare for top-level healthcare roles. Applicants must hold a master’s degree, and the program requires at least 90 credit hours at the graduate level.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• Application Fee: $25
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Global healthcare strategy, risk management, organizational communication

$475/credit

A private Christian institution in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William Carey University offers a Ph.D. in health administration and education designed for healthcare professionals with a master’s degree.

Coursework in role development, program evaluation and strategic management prepare graduates for careers in healthcare administration or education. The online program takes two to three years. It incorporates two in-person meetings and two synchronous online weekend meetings each year, allowing graduate students to work full time while pursuing a doctorate.

• Application Fee: $40
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare economics and finance, human resources in healthcare administration, strategic management and planning
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two in-person meetings per year

$1,010/credit

A.T. Still University specializes in graduate-level healthcare programs. Designed for current health professionals, the Doctor of Health Administration program emphasizes leadership and problem-solving in the healthcare industry. Students explore innovative approaches to health administration while learning advanced business strategies.

The program’s academic focus areas include healthcare law, the economics of medical care and organizational theory in the health industry. Applicants benefit from four start dates each year; the doctorate typically requires three to five years. Doctoral candidates write a theoretical or applied dissertation during their final 20 credits of coursework.

• Application Fee: $75
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Population health, healthcare economics and financial management, healthcare organization informatics

Pursuing a doctorate in healthcare administration can advance your career. But is an online or on-campus format right for you? Online learning prioritizes accessibility and convenience, allowing degree-seekers to attend a top-ranked program without relocating.

Before deciding to earn your doctorate online , consider the following factors.

What’s your budget for earning a doctorate in healthcare administration? Most doctoral programs require a substantial time commitment, which can influence the total cost of the degree.

Choosing an online format can save you money on tuition and expenses. For example, distance learners typically spend less on transportation and housing costs, because they study from home rather than commuting to campus or relocating for graduate school.

Online programs offer a significant benefit over in-person programs: the flexibility to complete coursework on your schedule. Most online healthcare administration doctoral programs use asynchronous classes, meaning you can earn your degree without set log-in times. That can make earning a doctorate easier for working professionals and busy adults.

Learning Style

Earning a doctorate online requires strong time management and organizational skills, especially if you plan to work while in graduate school. Self-motivated students often benefit from the flexibility of an online learning style, while others prefer the structure of an in-person program.

Which is right for you? If you haven’t taken classes online before, consider whether the format works well for your unique learning style.

Accreditation

You should always choose an accredited institution, whether earning your degree online or on-campus. Online universities with accreditation meet the same high standards as brick-and-mortar institutions, so check the school’s accreditation status before applying.

The best universities hold accreditation from an independent, nonprofit accrediting agency. In order to receive accreditation, institutions undergo a rigorous review that covers their graduation requirements, faculty qualifications and student learning outcomes. Accredited schools regularly repeat this process to maintain their credential.

In addition to institutional accreditation, healthcare administration programs may hold accreditation from specialized accrediting agencies. For example, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education grants accreditation to master’s programs in healthcare administration and management. Doctoral programs housed in the business school may also hold accreditation from a programmatic accreditor in business.

The U.S. Department of Education maintains a Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs where you can check accreditation status.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate can prepare you for executive leadership positions, academic positions or top-level careers in healthcare administration . When researching your options, make sure you look for programs that match your future goals.

For example, Ph.D. programs often lead to academic and research roles, while D.H.A. and D.B.A. programs prepare graduates for leadership careers in the healthcare field.

It’s also a good idea to review each program’s curriculum to understand their emphasis areas and your opportunities to customize the program. Check if the degree requires you to complete a research-based dissertation or a doctoral project.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of a doctorate in healthcare administration varies widely. Programs on our list range from $234 to over $1,000 per credit. Most degrees require 54 to 62 credits, totaling about $14,500 to $85,000.

Comparing costs and understanding your financing options can help you find a program that fits your budget. For example, distance learners attending accredited institutions qualify for federal student aid programs, including federal loans that offer lower interest rates and more repayment options. You can file the FAFSA to learn about your federal aid options.

Other financing options include grants, scholarships and assistantships. You can also cover some or all of your costs with savings.

Is it worth it to get a Ph.D. in healthcare administration?

Earning a Ph.D. in healthcare administration can prepare you for academic, research and leadership roles. For example, most college professors hold a Ph.D. When comparing doctoral programs in healthcare administration, you can also look at D.H.A. and D.B.A. programs.

How long is a Ph.D. in healthcare administration?

A Ph.D. in healthcare administration typically requires four to six years, including coursework and a dissertation. D.H.A. programs generally take less time; many full-time programs require three years.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a D.H.A.?

Both a Ph.D. and a D.H.A. are doctoral-level programs in healthcare management. However, a Ph.D. typically emphasizes research and theory, including a research-based doctoral dissertation. D.H.A. programs focus on applied knowledge and skills and may require a real-world project rather than a dissertation.

Is there a Ph.D. in healthcare management?

Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in healthcare management. Many universities offer doctoral-level healthcare management and administration programs, including options to earn a Ph.D., D.H.A. or D.B.A. with a concentration in healthcare management.

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure at the University of Louisville. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in higher education, Genevieve provides practical, research-based advice on college degrees, career training and other higher education topics.

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Center for Health Sciences

Doctorate of health care administration (dha), online, get a doctorate of health care administration online through osu.

This professional degree program has been designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, and as such is delivered completely online & the majority of courses will be completely asynchronous. As a professional degree, there is no dissertation requirement.

The Doctorate of Healthcare Administration is a 62 credit hour program comprised of coursework designed to prepare students in both technical and administrative objectives. Students who have completed a prior graduate-level degree may be eligible to use up to 30 credit hours towards their DHA matriculation. Transcripts will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis  after  application.

Required courses include (but are not limited to):

• Dynamics of Health Care Markets
• Healthcare Public Policy
• Advanced Clinical Operations Management
• Advanced Cases in Healthcare Leadership
• Contemporary Topics in Healthcare Management
• Cases in Healthcare Quality and Process Improvement
• Advanced Healthcare Law
• Graduate Seminar - Various Offerings

Research and Faculty

We are so excited to accept our first cohort of Doctoral students in the School of Health Care Administration this fall (2022). We encourage applications from students who are interested in working at a high-level of healthcare administration and management. We work hard to make sure that our students have a robust curriculum of advanced training in both technical and administrative aspects of healthcare administration, to prepare the next generation of healthcare system leaders.

Meet our Departmental Faculty & Staff

Applicants are encouraged to apply anytime. Please refer to our admissions page for more instructions and deadlines. Applicants are expected to have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.00 (or an equivalent) or higher. A statement of career goals will be used in admission decisions. Where English is not the native language, students must have scored above 550 on the paper based TOEFL or above 79 on the Internet based TOEFL.

Cost & Assistance

We are proud to offer one of the most affordable Doctorate of Health Care Administration programs in the nation whether you are an in state or out of state student. In state residents will receive the 'Oklahoma Resident' tuition rates and out of state students will receive the 'Non-residents - Online Only**' tuition rates listed on the Tuition & Financial Aid page linked below.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

This 54-credit flexible, online program is for healthcare leaders who are looking to expand their ability to deliver impact in complex healthcare environments.

Prepare to Tackle the Issues that Challenge Today’s Healthcare Administrators

Drive change in the practice of healthcare.

Learn to integrate the principles of quality improvement in leading, innovating, and developing solutions to improve the delivery of healthcare.

Average salary for healthcare administrator according to 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Forbes ranks MCPHS as the best online doctorate in Healthcare Administration of 2024.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare management is projected to grow 32% by 2030.

News & Features

Keep up with the latest news from the School of Healthcare Business and Technology.

Management Student is Harvard-Bound to be ‘The Force’ Behind Healthcare

Gaining a Global Perspective Studying Healthcare in the U.K.

MBA Graduate Turns Dream of Opening a Clinic Into A Reality

“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I instantly felt how much my team and those we served depended on me. I wanted to achieve at a higher level and be of greater service to my community. The greatest experience was learning with other healthcare professionals from across the country, continent, world, and spectrum of healthcare. The perspective I gained could not have been developed from within my community or organization alone.” Christa Gariepy, DHA | Director of Operations, Primary Care, Berkshire Health Systems

Doctor of Healthcare Administration Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to the doctor of healthcare administration program.

Although the MBA in Healthcare Management from MCPHS provides graduates with a foundation in business administration that can be applied to any industry, our graduates are agile leaders with the skillset to manage people, processes, and resources across healthcare. Graduates of our MBA in Healthcare Management program have climbed the corporate ladders at their current places of employment, have been promoted to management positions, opened healthcare clinics, attained competitive positions at lucrative healthcare consulting firms, and much more.

Is healthcare experience required for program admission?

Yes. This program is designed for currently practicing healthcare professionals. Although healthcare leadership/management experience is preferred, it is not required.

What can I expect to do after I earn my Doctor in Healthcare Administration?

Graduates from our DHA program have been successful in securing career advancement within their current healthcare organizations and are employed at hospitals, community health organizations, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations.

Will the DHA program prepare me to teach at a college or university?

Although a few of our students have expressed an interest in teaching, those students are most interested in adjunct teaching opportunities in their areas of expertise, not full-time university employment. Mentoring opportunities are available for students interested in pursuing adjunct work; however, the DHA program does not offer coursework specific to teaching and learning in the curriculum.

Do I earn a PhD at the conclusion of this program and will I conduct extensive research?

No. This program is not a PhD nor extensively research-based; however, this program utilizes evidence-based information in course work designed for knowledge translation from research to practice. At the conclusion of this program, DHA graduates will have a completed Applied Practice-Based Research project. While not dissertation-based, core research skills from identifying a practice-based problem through conducting action-based research, and developing a product for dissemination to a wider audience prepare students for their role as a scholar-practitioner. This translates to an individual who is able to critically evaluate current research and translate that into practical applications in the healthcare environment.

What is the Applied Practice Based Research Project?

While not a dissertation, the Applied Practice Based Research Project emphasizes the practical nature of research through a doctoral research core. Students develop an action research project in a small setting. Core research skills (question development, literature searching, developing and defending a project proposal, human ethics training with an IRB application, implementing a project, collecting and evaluating data, project defense, and disseminating results) will be developed in this program.

What are examples of student research in the Doctor of Healthcare Administration program?

• Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates in the Emergency Department
• Improving Integration Through the Medicaid HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The DHA program at MCPHS is described as online/asynchronous. What does that mean and what is expected of me?

Asynchronous online education means that, for the most part, students are not required to “attend” live, virtual lectures. Students entering the DHA program and taking asynchronous courses should not expect lengthy recorded lectures from their faculty each week. Doctoral coursework is usually comprised of required weekly readings, discussions through an asynchronous discussion forum, graded assignments, academic or reflection papers, and individual or group projects. Students are expected to login and begin classes on schedule and actively engage in their coursework several times each week.

How can I connect with my faculty if the DHA program is entirely online?

Course instructors post their meeting availability and contact information in the course syllabus. Although some faculty offer drop-in Zoom sessions, students most commonly schedule 1:1 virtual Zoom appointments or phone calls with their faculty member, as needed.

Can I enroll in the Doctor of Healthcare Administration program full-time?

No. The Doctor in Healthcare Administration program at MCPHS was designed for healthcare professionals with full-time employment seeking a part-time, online option to earn a doctorate. Students are advised to take 6-7 credits/semester year-round. Advising plans are created based on current and future course offerings. For students who achieve academic excellence, the School may entertain requests from current students to increase their credit loads to 9 credits; however, these requests are granted on a course availability/space available basis and are not guaranteed.

May I take 3 credits/semester to complete my degree?

Sometimes. Since the DHA program was designed to be completed at a pace of 6-7 credits/semester, year-round, many courses in this program are only offered once a year. Taking one class may not be an option every semester and will impact a student’s timeline to completion. Admitted students may contact [email protected] to inquire what their course plan may look like if taking just one class per semester.

Can I make my own schedule?

Students in the DHA program are registered for prescribed first-semester coursework. However, students are advised to self-register for future semesters following a prescribed plan that has been custom-designed for each student after meeting with the Program Director. In a 1:1 meeting with the Director at the start of the program, students will have the opportunity to select preferred courses in 4 of the 5 modules. All courses in the doctoral research core are required for graduation.

Since all courses in the DHA program are online, asynchronous, deviating from the prescribed course plan is not advised and doing so may impact graduation. Students should always discuss any desire to change their timelines/course plans with the Program Director before proceeding.

Do Doctor of Healthcare Administration students take coursework year-round?

Yes. This program is designed for continuous, year-round enrollment, and summer enrollments are required to complete the DHA. The program follows the fall, spring, summer (12-week) semester schedules.

What GPA/minimum grade is required in the Doctor of Healthcare Administration program?

In order to achieve academic progression in this program, students are required to earn a B or better in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Can I transfer credits into the Doctor of Healthcare Administration Program?

Yes. Applicants who have interviewed and received an acceptance decision may request to have their transcripts reviewed by the Program Director. Transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Program Director and Dean. For tentative transfer credit consideration, coursework must meet the following criteria:

• Course description and assignments must reflect the objectives and outcomes of a similar course in our Doctor of Healthcare Administration program
• The course must be at the doctoral level and completed with a B or higher from a regionally-accredited university within the last 5 years
• Courses applied toward another degree may not be considered for transfer

No more than 9 credits may be considered for transfer into the Doctor of Healthcare Administration program

How can I request to have my transcript reviewed by the School of Healthcare Business and Technology?

After interviewing and receiving admission to the Doctor of Healthcare Administration program, qualified students may contact the School of Healthcare Business & Technology for transfer credit review at [email protected] . Admitted students must provide the following for consideration:

• a detailed explanation of their transfer credit request
• an official copy of their official university transcript with final grades (if it was not provided in the application process)
• an official copy of the complete course syllabus with course description, detailed outcomes, and assessments of learning.

The School will respond with a tentative transfer credit decision within 10-14 days of receiving all required elements. All transfer credit is subject to final review and approval by the University’s Registrar’s Office and applied to the student’s transcript after the student has started the program.

What is the tuition for this program and how do I apply for financial aid?

Questions about tuition and financial aid can be directed to [email protected] .

Do you accept tuition reimbursement or tuition waivers?

Questions about tuition reimbursement and tuition waivers can be directed to [email protected] .

Related MCPHS Programs

MCPHS offers multiple programs in healthcare management to suit your life and your professional circumstances.

Master of Science in Clinical Management

Part-time, online program that you may begin in the fall or spring semester.

MBA in Healthcare Management

Part-time, online program that you may begin in the fall, spring, or summer.

Master of Science in Health Informatics

Part-time, online program that you may begin in the fall or spring.

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management

Four-year, full-time program that you may begin in the fall or spring.

Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

Part-time, 12-credit program that you may begin in the fall, spring, or summer.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Doctor of Healthcare Administration.

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Online Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

The healthcare industry is massive and complex, requiring highly skilled managers to plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical practices. National University’s online Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) offers a rigorous curriculum designed to help you build the advanced skills necessary to solve problems and be an agent of change in a broad range of healthcare organizations. 

National University’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) program was recognized as one of Forbes’ top healthcare administration programs.

Diagnose Your Role in the Future of Healthcare

NU’s practice-based curriculum uses competencies from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) that will teach you how to navigate legal and ethical issues in the industry, understand the impact of policy, and develop evidence-based strategies. The curriculum will prepare you for mid to senior executive-level positions in the private and public healthcare sectors.”

Our DHA program is offered completely online and has no GRE/GMAT requirements or group projects. Additionally, this program has weekly start dates, so you can continue your education without putting your career on hold.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Course Details

Course listing, course name.

In this course, students will begin their formal doctoral journey by examining what it means to be a scholarly practitioner in healthcare administration. Students will apply relevant skills to be successful in the DHA program, including critical thinking, researching, comprehending, and interpreting complex scholarly texts and research articles, applying relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks within the context of applied healthcare administration topics and problems, and communicating at the doctoral level. Essential resources and relevant academic support services will be introduced to guide the student toward developing professional standards and doctoral-level expectations to succeed in the program. Student’s will identify and begin to explore potential research topics for an applied doctoral dissertation and will complete the course with a roadmap to navigate the way to degree completion.

This course provides an overview of approaches and processes involved in managing the health enterprise including value analysis, financial risk and required return. You will explore the roles of prices, production of health, demand for health care, theory of health insurance, health insurance and hospital markets, the market for physician services, and the role of government in the U.S. healthcare system.

This course provides an introduction to the health sector as it currently operates in the US. Through a historical review of this industry, you will learn how it has evolved and implications for its future. The complex structure of the health sector and dynamic interrelationships between various participants will also be explored. In addition, topics such as cost, quality, access, the financing of the healthcare system, and the uses of technology and data management will be investigated.

This course provides an overview of Human Resource Management in Healthcare Administration. You will examine pertinent employment and workplace safety laws used in healthcare organizations. You also will consider the impact of employee performance on the organization and its stakeholders. The challenges of effective recruitment and retention will be explored. In addition, you will learn the management skills needed by administrators and how to implement related policies.

In this course you will gain an understanding of mass communication, public relations, and marketing principles used in healthcare organizations. You will explore management oversight as it relates to marketing projects and strategies that support an organization’s image and mission. Areas to be examined include media relations, internal communications, crisis communications, and government and community relations. You also will examine how these elements assist in developing strategic partnerships in a global health marketplace.

This course will prepare you to understand theories, and develop, implement, and evaluate quality performance strategies within a healthcare organization. You will gain insights into indicators used to measure quality, in addition to exploring how quality assurance, measurement, and continuous quality improvement is implemented in healthcare organizations.

In this course, you will critique legal mandates and subsequent managerial responses within a healthcare setting. You will build knowledge and skills required to implement and impact policy development. This course will also explore ethical and non-ethical behaviors of health administrators. Key topics include professional and institutional liability, ethical decision making, and legal issues regarding fraud and abuse.

In this course you will assess trends and issues affecting senior healthcare administration management. You will evaluate how these trends/issues affect leadership at the highest organizational levels of healthcare settings.

Applied research projects in healthcare focus on using current evidence to address an identified problem. In this course, you will gain an understanding of the process healthcare leaders use to respond to problems by learning how to integrate research skills with professional practice. This course introduces you to research processes and methods, including quantitative and qualitative designs. You will critically analyze and determine conceptual models and theoretical frameworks, as well as appropriate secondary data sources. Throughout the course, you will refine a possible topic for your applied doctoral project.

In this course, you will examine the principles of quantitative reasoning and analysis used in healthcare research. You will explore quantitative research designs and techniques that can be used to support evidence-based decision making. Topics to be covered include data presentation, statistical analysis, description and testing of relationships, and survey research. Common challenges within quantitative healthcare research will be explored.

In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation. The Signature Assignment will be to develop a scholarly literature review manuscript suitable for publication in a professional or academic journal.

Using implementation science as a framework to disseminate research in clinical and community-based healthcare, this course you will examine study designs and methods used in this translational research approach that considers how to transfer evidence-based research into practice. You will learn how successful integration of this research, into contemporary application, requires both involvement and input from the end user.

This course examines how qualitative and quantitative research data informs decision-making in healthcare management. You will review statistical techniques used to analyze healthcare data. You will also evaluate and interpret findings of published research and technical reports to assess application in healthcare settings. Additionally, you will review the need to and methods used to protect health information when conducting and interpreting research.

In this course, you will begin to assimilate the knowledge and skills gained throughout your program as you formulate your applied health administration/healthcare management dissertation project. Your faculty mentor for this course will also be your applied dissertation committee chair. Working in close collaboration with your Chair, you will develop the pre-candidacy DHA prospectus. The prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design an applied dissertation project as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. A minimum B-grade is required to move to your Applied Doctoral Experience courses.

In this 12-week course, you will complete all relevant subsections of Section 1: Foundation. You will use your school-specific template and guidance from your chair to determine which subsections apply to your individual work. Section 1 must be completed and approved by your committee in order to pass the course and move forward. If you do not receive committee approval of Section 1, you will be able to take up to three supplemental 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Section 1.

In this 12-week course, you will compose all relevant subsections of Section 2: Methodology and Design and complete your proposal. Both of these components must be approved by your committee in order to pass the course and move forward. You will use your school-specific template and guidance from your chair to determine which subsections apply to your individual work. If you do not receive approval of Section 2 and the complete proposal, you will be able to take up to three 8-week supplementary courses to finalize and gain approval of Section 2 and your completed proposal.

In this course, you will prepare, submit, and obtain a determination from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) application before collecting data and, if applicable, executing your project modeling. You will also submit documentation that you have closed data collection. If you are still collecting data or modeling your project at the end of this 12-week course, you will be able to take up to three supplemental 8-week courses to complete the required components.

In this 12-week course, you will complete all relevant subsections of Section 3: Findings, Implications, and Recommendations, finalize your manuscript, and disseminate your findings. You will use your school-specific template and guidance from your chair to determine which subsections apply to your individual work. The final manuscript, which includes Section 3 and the dissemination of findings, must be approved by your committee in order to pass the course and be eligible to graduate. If you do not receive committee approval of all components, you will be able to take up to three supplemental 8-week courses to finalize these requirements and be eligible to graduate.

Degree Requirements

This program can be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the applied doctoral project. If needed, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

NU’s practice-based DHA program helps you develop the highly specialized skills needed to drive change and solve problems within complex healthcare organizations. Not only will you utilize a curriculum designed by experienced healthcare professionals, but you’ll also have an interprofessional educational experience designed to facilitate teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Interprofessional education is considered the leading approach to addressing many of the issues impacting healthcare today. While the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) does not offer accreditation for doctoral programs, this program was intentionally developed to align with their high standards for graduate programs and utilizes competencies from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL).

This program is designed to help prepare healthcare executives for a broad range of careers in a bustling, high-demand industry. According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. You’ll also be well compensated for your expertise – the BLS also states the median annual wage for these highly skilled professionals was $101,340 in May 2021, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $205,620.*

*SOURCE:  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1

NU’s online Doctor of Health Administration will prepare you to make and inform business-related decision-making for health-focused organizations. Some of the skills you’ll accrue center around management/leadership, budget planning and finance, auditing and accounting, staffing and resource management, quality and process improvement, and operations and facility management. With these qualifications, you’ll be prepared to pursue positions* like:

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Chief Executive Officer
• Program Manager
• Practice Manager
• Project Manager
• Directors of Operation
• Health Systems Specialist
• Postsecondary Teacher
• Postsecondary Administrator

*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements with an NU advisor. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.

**SOURCE :  Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at  https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/  (Report viewed:  May 15, 2022 ). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.  Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program, you’ll be able to:

• Assess community needs through research, collaboration, and relationship building
• Recommend ethically sound policies that promote accountability and professionalism
• Facilitate change by leveraging technology and human capital within the healthcare industry
• Develop health-related organizations by using data to inform strategy and address industry problems
• Construct and cultivate financial structures to ensure organizational viability

National University’s dedicated admissions team is here to help you throughout the admissions process. We accept and review applications year-round and, once you’re admitted, you can begin your studies as soon as the next week.

To apply to the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) degree program, you must have a conferred master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.

Questions? Call our admissions team at  866.776.0331  or request information and an advisor will be in touch soon. Ready to apply?  start your NU application today

Weekly Course Starts

Finish Your Dissertation!

Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) is a 100% online pathway helping students “All But Dissertation” finish their doctoral degree.

• Block transfer of credit from your previous institution
• Flexible monthly start dates
• Highly trained faculty providing feedback each week on your dissertation
• Strategic support and targeted resources to help you finish

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-Francisco R., Class of 2016

Related Programs

• Master of Health Administration

Useful Links

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• Soft and Hard Skills for Healthcare Administrators
• DHA Program Handbook

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Doctor of Healthcare Administration Program FAQs

The DHA program provides personalized support toward a successful doctoral project dissertation that includes opportunities such as participating in optional, virtual synchronous sessions called Topic Tackle where students share their ideas for their project and discuss questions with their peers and faculty in a facilitated environment.

The DHA degree requires a conferred master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution. Our DHA program is suited for individuals in mid to senior-level healthcare leadership roles, with a minimum of 3-5 years of industry experience.

Yes! Our DHA program participates in ACHE Higher Education Network (HEN). Student leaders are involved in a variety of activities to support their peers and the program. The DHA program is also affiliated with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). While doctoral students are active in the DHA program, they are associate members of AUPHA. 

Yes, our DHA students have the opportunity to participate in the School of Health Professions Interprofessional Education (IPE) Speaker Series where esteemed healthcare leaders share their insights into the industry.

While there currently is no accreditation for doctoral programs, this program was intentionally developed to align with the high standards and best practices for graduate programs, as set forth by CAHME.

The DHA credit hour requirements are 60.

No, there is no physical residency requirements. The program offers unique flexibility with weekly course starts.

The Key Grant Scholarship

Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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About the PhD in Health Policy and Management Program

The PhD in Health Policy and Management is a full-time doctoral program that trains its students to conduct original investigator-initiated research through a combination of coursework and research mentoring. The curriculum includes core coursework that is common across the four concentrations and courses specific to each individual concentration. Applicants to the PhD in Health Policy and Management apply directly to one of four concentrations. All four options have the same deadline, structure, and funding.

Concentration Areas

This concentration is designed for students interested in conducting independent research on ethical issues in public health policy, research and practice such as domestic and international research ethics, learning health systems, emerging biomedical technologies, ethics and public health genetics, national and global food policy, access to care and health care priority setting. By the end of their training, students are equipped to function as independent researchers, conducting empirical research related to bioethics, public health and health policy, as well as prepared to provide practical and normative recommendations regarding ethics and public health policy.

View more program information about the Concentration in Bioethics and Health Policy.

This concentration is designed for students interested in preventing leading public health problems through the development, analysis, implementation and evaluation of public health policies. Students affiliated with this concentration employ an interdisciplinary approach to their research in areas such as environmental and occupational health policy, injury prevention and control, social policy, and health and the practice of prevention.

View more program information about the Concentration in Health and Public Policy .

This concentration prepares doctoral students for conducting innovative and rigorous research on the economics of health and healthcare. The curriculum stresses a solid grounding in applied modern microeconomic theory, quantitative methods, and econometrics applications. Students take courses through the Department of Economics in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

View more program information about the Concentration in Health Economics and Policy.

This concentration prepares doctoral students for conducting innovative and rigorous quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation in health services delivery. The curriculum includes exposure to a wide variety of research methods, content areas, and datasets. It also offers the opportunity for in-depth study in areas such as public health informatics, quality of care and patient-centered outcomes research, including a focus on older adults, and health care disparities.

View more program information about the Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy.

Curriculum for the PhD in Health Policy and Management

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Health Policy And Management?

Our graduates graduates pursue research careers in top-tier universities, research and policy-making organizations, the health care industry and government agencies. Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. All concentrations follow the same admission process. Please see below for full details on the scope of each concentration.

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Bioethics and Health Policy

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health and Public Policy

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health Economics and Policy

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health Services Research and Policy

For general information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bloomberg School’s  Tuition and Fees  page.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]  

Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Healthcare administrators ensure the smooth operation of hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. As the healthcare sector continues to grow, organizations will need more experienced leaders.

Healthcare administration doctoral programs prepare graduates to pursue high-paying, in-demand roles. Our ranking will help you find the right program for your career goals.

Popular Online Healthcare Administration Doctoral Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

College of Saint Mary

• Campus + Online
• In-State $21,800
• Out-of-state $21,800
• Retention Rate 71%
• Acceptance Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 857
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 46%
• Accreditation Yes

Franklin University

• In-State $9,552
• Out-of-state $9,552
• Retention Rate 100%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 6,815
• Percent Online Enrollment 95%

University of the Southwest

• In-State $16,000
• Out-of-state $16,000
• Retention Rate 69%
• Acceptance Rate 45%
• Students Enrolled 1,064
• Percent Online Enrollment 100%

How We Chose These Schools

At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.

For this page, we’ve ranked colleges by their online enrollment numbers. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page .

Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program Overview

A doctorate is the highest degree in healthcare administration and builds expertise for careers in healthcare leadership or academia. Before applying to doctoral programs, graduate students need to choose between a Ph.D. in healthcare administration and a doctor of healthcare administration (DHA).

What’s the difference between a Ph.D. in healthcare administration and a DHA? Both are doctorates in healthcare administration, but they prepare graduates for different career paths. An online Ph.D. emphasizes theory and research, leading to academic and research roles. In contrast, a DHA prepares practitioners for decision-making roles, including as a hospital administrator or CEO.

The doctoral requirements for a Ph.D. and DHA differ. In a Ph.D. program, you’ll explore administration theories and conduct original research for a dissertation. In a DHA, you’ll focus on applied leadership skills. Most DHA programs require an applied research project as the culminating experience.

Salary and Demand for Healthcare Administration Occupations

Careers in healthcare administration report strong demand and above-average salaries. Medical and health services managers report a six-figure median salary, and BLS projections predict much faster than average growth over the next decade.

Median Annual Salary

Medical and health service managers earn a median annual salary of $110,680, according to the BLS . The bottom 10% of earners make $67,900. The top 10% of earners report salaries of $216,750.

Job Outlook and Projected Growth (2022-2032)

The BLS projects medical and health service manager jobs to increase by 28% over the next decade — significantly faster than the average 3% for all occupations.

Paying for a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program

The cost of a doctorate in healthcare administration depends on the program and delivery format. For example, graduate students paid an average of $12,630 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . However, in-person programs cost an average of $16,860, while online programs cost an average of $8,030. On top of tuition and fees, you’ll need to budget for textbooks and personal expenses.

Online doctoral students at accredited universities qualify for many forms of financial aid . You can submit the FAFSA annually to qualify for federal student aid programs. Universities may also offer grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid to help doctoral students cover costs.

Online vs. On Campus

What are the advantages of an online vs. on-campus program? Consider factors such as your schedule, budget, and learning style to find the right delivery format for you. And then think about what to look for in an online college .

Advantages of Online Programs

• Flexibility to accommodate a busy schedule
• Convenience of studying from home
• Cost-effective
• Limited or no access to campus community

Advantages of On-Campus Programs

• Access to campus amenities (gyms, libraries, technology, health and career services, etc.)
• Face-to-face contact with peers and professors
• Can provide a supportive and interactive learning environment
• Can be more expensive (tuition and fees, room and board, etc.)

Public vs. Private

Doctoral students have a choice between public and private universities. The best fit depends on your academic needs, budget, and preferences. And regarding cost, keep in mind that online universities may offer lower tuition rates than on-campus universities.

Advantages of Public Universities

• Higher admission rate
• May be more affordable
• Larger class sizes
• Less faculty availability
• More extracurricular activities
• Tend to have more diversity
• Bigger campus

Advantages of Private Universities

• Lower admission rate
• Tend to be more expensive
• More nuanced programs, but with fewer options
• Smaller class sizes
• More faculty availability
• Close-knit community
• Smaller campus

Applying to a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program

Before applying to doctoral programs, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements . DHA programs often require a master’s degree plus professional experience in healthcare. While many Ph.D. programs require a master’s degree, some admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree.

Common admission requirements include:

• An accredited master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Some programs may also require GMAT or GRE scores, and DHA programs may require or recommend up to five years of experience working in a healthcare setting. Because each program sets different requirements, review them carefully before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Administration Degrees

What is the future demand for healthcare administration.

Medical and health services managers will see strong demand from 2022-2032, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While other management roles will see 5% job growth, healthcare administrators will benefit from 28% growth, with around 54,700 job openings projected annually.

What is the typical entry-level education required for healthcare administration?

Healthcare administrators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience. Many organizations prefer to hire candidates with a graduate degree. A doctorate in healthcare administration prepares professionals for leadership roles in the field, including CEO positions.

What is the typical salary for healthcare administrators?

Medical and health services managers earn a median annual pay of $110,680. The top-paid professionals in this field earn more than $216,750. A doctorate in healthcare administration can lead to executive-level careers that typically report higher salaries.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Healthcare leadership.

Northeastern University's Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership (DMSc) is an innovative, 100% online doctoral degree that is open to all medical professionals seeking to expand their career potential in healthcare leadership, administration, education, and advocacy.

Healthcare leadership careers are rising, with jobs for medical and health services managers estimated to grow 32% by 2030.

Northeastern's Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership (DMSc) fills the need for medical professionals of all kinds to advance their education. The program is delivered 100% online and is the first degree of its type to be offered by an R1 research institution. You'll graduate ready for new career opportunities in healthcare leadership, administration, education, and advocacy.

The degree creates a path to leadership for individuals with varied healthcare backgrounds and career goals. Here's what you can expect:

• Gain perspectives and visibility into challenges and opportunities across the medical sciences.
• Engage in a curriculum comprising core courses centered on healthcare systems and leadership skills, a specialized concentration, and a problem-based thesis project related to your concentration.
• Advance your career with a degree developed in cooperation with healthcare leaders and designed to create leaders with both technical proficiency and in-demand management skills.
• Customize your degree with a choice of nine available concentrations.

Register for our open forum webinar to meet with the Program Directors, ask questions, and get information about the program.

More Details

Unique features.

Northeastern’s DMSc degree is an innovative pathway for all healthcare degree holders to advance their education toward leadership—other universities limit admissions to physician assistant graduates.

Earn your degree part-time with maximum flexibility and a 100% online curriculum open to a broad range of medical professionals working in a clinical healthcare setting. 

Gain the career advantage of a degree developed in cooperation with healthcare leaders and employers and designed to create leaders with both technical proficiency and in-demand management skills.

Specialized concentrations add career flexibility to a rigorous core curriculum. Concentrations include Health Informatics (Practice); Health Informatics (Research); Health Law; Business Management for Healthcare; Public Health; Patient Safety; Extreme Medicine; Exercise Science; and Interdisciplinary Healthcare Leadership.

Northeastern's Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership is the first DMSc program of its kind offered by a leading R1-rated research university. 

Career Outlook

Healthcare leadership careers are rising, with jobs for medical and health services managers estimated to grow 32% by 2030. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

Median annual wage for medical and health services managers is $101K. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

Median annual wage for medical scientists in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences is $102,210. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

Testimonials

- mary jo bondy, dhed., mhs, pa-c, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
• Personal statement
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in a healthcare-related field plus at least 3 years of experience in a healthcare-related field and is in a leadership/management role with evidence (a supervisor letter) of duties that supports significant/progressive leadership and responsibilities will be considered.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the accredited program

Learn More Access the program page on the Bouvé College of Health Sciences website.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Fall term deadline: August 1

Spring term deadline: December 1

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern's experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. Your Northeastern education can be a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Mary Jo Bondy

Bianca Belcher

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.

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• Health Sciences

DHA DHA in Health Administration

Build the knowledge and skills you need to lead transformation in healthcare delivery systems. The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) is for healthcare leaders who want to improve patient care through effective administration. The program focuses on ethics, communication, collaboration, and problem solving.

This DHA program lets you take control of when and where you learn, allowing you to get the most out of your education—and your life—while pursuing your degree.

Interprofessional education

Share your learning and insights with nursing, public health, and business students completing related degree programs as part of Capella’s interprofessional course structure.

Aligned to industry standards

We partner with employers and the Capella School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration Advisory Board (SoBTH) to design programs that align to industry standards

Apply your learning

Multiple research opportunities and study options are available as you work on creating an applied health administration doctoral project in a topic that appeals to you.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 2 Elective courses
• 2 Virtual residencies
• 18 Max transfer credits

With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $48,000* in tuition costs for your degree.

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore health administration courses.

This program requires a total of 76 quarter credits

Capstone mentors

For the culminating project of your doctoral degree, you’ll be paired with a knowledgeable mentor to help you along the way.

Virtual residencies

Examine potential topics for your capstone project, select a topic, and begin creating a capstone project proposal. The goal of the residencies is to achieve an approved topic milestone. 

View all courses in catalog

What you'll learn

This degree is for practitioners who want to develop applied research and leadership competencies in health administration. It is designed with professional standards in mind to help you advance your career.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Promote organizational directional strategies.
• Lead organizational priorities to achieve strategic vision.
• Drive organizational culture of accountability through outcomes-driven leadership.
• Lead, execute, and evaluate a project, using a structured research process, to discern strategic, evidence-based solutions that minimize risk and optimize effectiveness and results for healthcare organizations.
• Model healthcare professionalism through application of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship.
• Communicate effectively as a healthcare scholar and practitioner.

Review the Capella career exploration guide  to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the dha cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$780  per credit, 60 coursework credits, 18 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$780 Per quarter credit

60 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

$3,120 Per quarter

4 credits per quarter. Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer.

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Total Tuition Cap

Capella Tuition Cap

$48,000 Total tuition

• Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
• Available to all students who start now through Jan. 6, 2025

*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.

Details and full eligibility requirements »

Total tuition

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework

Transfer credits

• Employer and/or military benefits
• Amount of time spent working on practicum
• Number of quarters spent working on capstone
• Complexity of your capstone
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost Scenarios

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through Jan. 6, 2025.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

Employer and association discounts

More than 900 organizations—including corporations and healthcare organizations—invest in their employees by partnering with Capella University to offer access to discounted education programs.

Get the credits you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.  Get started

10% military discount 

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses* and dependents. *Starting in July, spouses of veterans can now benefit from a 10% discount on eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs and a 15% discount on eligible bachelor’s programs.

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

What are the dha admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

How to build a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in health care

As U.S. health care organizations compete to hire and retain the best employees in the current “war for talent,” the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace is hot.

Lead transformation in health care delivery systems

Health care leaders learn to improve patient care through effective administration by focusing on ethics, communication, collaboration, and problem solving.

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Jennifer Straub, PhD Interim Dean of SOBTH

Bradly E. Roh, PhD  DBA Doctoral Program Director, School of Business, Technology & Healthcare Administration

Cheryl Boncuore, PhD Associate Dean, School of Business, Technology & Healthcare Administration

Owen Borda, PhD DHA Core Faculty

Career exploration

What can you do with a doctor of health administration degree.

Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a Doctor of Health Administration

Related job titles to explore*

• Program managers
• Project managers
• Compliance managers
• Administrative officers
• Directors of regulatory affairs
• Program directors
• Directors of compliance
• Human resource managers
• Program specialists
• Health system managers
• Adjunct, part-time, full-time faculty**

Employment settings to explore

• Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare and social assistance
• Educational services
• Finance and insurance
• Public administration
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Land-based or online colleges or universities

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

**Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program

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Doctorate in Healthcare Management Online

Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Degree Options & Potential Careers

An online Ph.D. in healthcare management provides the advanced research and leadership skills healthcare professionals need to take on administrative and management roles in the public and private sectors. Doctoral candidates pursue a variety of career paths after graduation, becoming healthcare administrators, college and university professors, healthcare consultants, and health information managers. Graduates enjoy a generally positive employment outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for medical and health services managers is projected to  increase by 20%  by 2026 — much faster than all other occupations combined.

The following guide explores everything prospective students need to know about earning a doctorate in healthcare management online, including career options, salary information, degree requirements, and common course offerings.

Should I Earn an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management?

There are many professional and personal reasons why individuals choose to earn a doctorate in healthcare management online. Some candidates want to pursue advanced healthcare roles that directly involve patient care and staff. Other students may seek a research-focused path that allows them to contribute to scientific progress, scholarship, and education. Below are just a few reasons why healthcare management professionals choose to pursue a doctorate.

What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management?

Many professionals who earn a doctorate in healthcare management online hold positions at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Serving in leadership roles, they work directly with patients and staff, making crucial decisions that affect facility employees, daily operations, and the quality of patient care.

Some graduates seek careers outside of healthcare facilities, working in healthcare consulting and private industry management after they earn a doctorate in healthcare management online. Using specialized knowledge, they help private companies, individuals, and other entities make informed business decisions.

A doctoral degree also prepares graduates for public sector jobs with local, state, and federal government or nonprofit groups. These healthcare professionals work closely with communities and governing officials to develop and fund public programs, social services, and community organizations.

Most doctoral programs center heavily on research, allowing candidates to build a strong analytical skill set as they contribute original scholarship to the field. Doctoral students who are interested in research careers often take positions in academia and research facilities. Most universities and colleges prefer to hire professors with advanced degrees.

Career Profiles

Health information management manager.

These  managers  ensure that hospitals and private practices uphold ethical, medical, and legal standards. They maintain complex databases that contain patient information and legal records, prioritize patient safety, and comply with legal stipulations. Most oversee a team of information technicians and office workers.

Healthcare Consultant

Consultants  typically work for private healthcare organizations, where they study and evaluate hospital management systems and facility efficiency. Many professionals in this area hold additional work experience outside of healthcare; usually in marketing or business. They must be able to synthesize large amounts of data, work independently, and effectively communicate statistical findings.

Healthcare Administrator

Administrators  work in a wide variety of facilities, including primary care medical practices, nursing homes, hospitals, and specialty clinics. They handle staff training, conduct performance reviews, and ensure their facilities receive attention from accrediting agencies. Many healthcare administrators hold registered nurse licensure.

Social and Community Service Managers

Working on behalf of human services or social organizations, these  managers  collaborate with community members to develop and implement health-related programs and services. They oversee administrative duties, plan outreach activities, and write funding proposals. Some work with large agencies to address issues such as mental health needs, chronic hunger, and substance abuse.

Finance and Healthcare Managers

Finance and healthcare managers  ensure that healthcare facilities adhere to budget restrictions, reduce spending, and increase revenue. These managers must thoroughly understand the costs associated with healthcare facility operations.

Healthcare Management Doctoral Degree Overview

Applying to graduate school is a daunting task for many prospective healthcare management students. Differences between programs are often subtle and difficult to identify, making it challenging to find a degree that best serves your academic and professional needs. The following section covers some important factors to look for as you research healthcare management and administration programs, including application and admission requirements, common course offerings, and desired program outcomes.

Types of Doctoral Degrees in Healthcare Management

Distance learners  interested in pursuing a doctorate  in healthcare management can choose from two degree options: a doctoral degree in healthcare management (Ph.D.) or a doctor of healthcare administration (DHA). Both degrees offer similar training and emphasize research; however, the Ph.D. best serves students interested in developing original research projects and contributing to existing scholarship. Students interested in using research to improve applied healthcare practices and patient care may prefer a DHA program.

Required courses for each degree vary between programs. While the Ph.D. and DHA require similar introductory coursework, advanced courses and electives options can vary greatly between the two degrees. Although most Ph.D. and DHA programs require candidates to complete a dissertation, the intention behind this research-driven endeavor may differ based on degree type. A Ph.D. dissertation typically focuses on contributing new information to an existing body of work, while DHA dissertations use existing information to solve immediate problems in healthcare.

Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

While application requirements differ between schools, most institutions request similar materials. Contact an admissions advisor at your prospective schools to ensure you satisfy all application requirements. Admissions committees often discard incomplete applications.

Candidates applying to doctorate in healthcare management online programs must submit their official transcripts from all previously-attended undergraduate and graduate programs. Many schools require applicants to demonstrate a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. Additionally, prospective students may need to demonstrate experience working in a healthcare administration setting or related area.

Some schools also request letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your professional and academic abilities. These letters should come from your previous professors or job supervisors. Other common application materials include a resume, professional statement, writing sample or an example of original research, and GRE scores. In addition, candidates are typically required to pay a handling fee when they submit their application.

Every doctoral program features a slightly different curriculum, and curricula can vary considerably between departments and schools. Candidates who wish to earn a doctorate in healthcare management online should consider any prospective department’s faculty members, as course offerings often depend largely on faculty specialties.

Most Ph.D. and DHM curricula include a series of core courses. These classes typically address general topics in healthcare management and administration such as human resources, research ethics, policy compliance, and quality management. Core classes typically take up over half of a degree’s required credits. Most students who earn a doctorate in healthcare management online complete 60-75 credits.

In addition to classroom study, candidates usually complete multiple supervised residencies at approved healthcare facilities. Distance learners may also complete capstone courses, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation before graduating. These components allow doctoral students to demonstrate their applied knowledge and skills. Doctoral students often take one or more of the following classes:

Program Outcomes

Students who earn a doctorate in healthcare management online master a spectrum of desirable competencies. In addition to possessing top-notch research and writing skills, graduates are excellent leaders, managers, and communicators. In-depth study of national and global healthcare organization and practices helps graduates understand and serve diverse populations.

Individuals with a doctoral degree find success in a variety of healthcare careers and related jobs in both the public and private sectors. Both Ph.D. and DHA degrees require students to absorb information in specialized subject areas, develop strong decision-making skills, master budget analysis and financial planning, and synthesize large amounts of information for research projects. These valuable skills help graduates find lucrative and fulfilling positions in today’s competitive job market.

Accreditation for Doctorate in Healthcare Management Online Programs

It is important to select an accredited college or university if you wish to earn a doctorate in healthcare management online. During the accreditation process, organizations known as accrediting bodies evaluate and ensure that an institution upholds quality standards. Accrediting bodies, in turn, are monitored by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

While colleges and universities hold regional or national accreditation, some healthcare management programs possess programmatic accreditation. The field’s top programmatic accrediting body is the  Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education  (CAHME). CAHME ensures that a program meets academic standards specific to healthcare management.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

Next Start Date

About start dates.

Additional future start dates include:

Spring 2025

Summer 2025, spring 2026, summer 2026.

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Years To Complete

Set solutions in motion with a doctorate in healthcare administration.

Program Availability

No-Fear Dissertation™

Get 360-degree support to take on (and finish!) your dissertation.

3-Year Completion

Finish your DHA faster -- including one year for your dissertation.

Personalized Program

Customize your program with a variety of electives.

100% Online Classes

Take classes that fit with your busy life.

Relevant Curriculum

Keep up -- and stay ahead -- of an evolving industry.

Program Overview

Pioneer change: improve healthcare effectiveness and advance leadership.

The healthcare industry is – and will continue to be – in a state of tremendous change. From economics, to policies, to governance, to quality, the issues surrounding healthcare are far-reaching and complicated. That’s not to say, though, that healthcare advancement is behind us. Quite the opposite.

Next-generation influencers are taking on new, expanded and visionary roles to propel this nation’s healthcare system forward. Healthcare administration leaders, for example, are taking on a dual role; first as innovator and second as educator, bringing forth new ideas for policy, practice and patient improvements.

Meanwhile, those committed to educating and equipping tomorrow’s healthcare leaders are advocating out-of-the-box thinking, strategizing and leading in an arena that’s become, at times, unwieldy and contentious.

Make an impact for yourself – and a nation

Rapid change in healthcare is inevitable, so keeping up is no longer an option. Instead, you have to be two, three, even 20 or more steps ahead. But how? Through research, exploration and problem solving. The nation’s healthcare system needs fresh yet practical solutions to help solve real-world healthcare dilemmas, gaps and problems.

Higher levels of leadership are needed, including those who possess refined verbal and written competencies, expanded technical and technological abilities, and advanced interpersonal aptitude. Yet these skills don’t come easily – or automatically. Instead, they require proficiencies beyond even a master’s-level degree; they require a degree of the highest level, a terminal degree. A terminal degree can prepare you to make logical, relevant connections between classroom learnings and real-world efficiencies and effectiveness.

A practitioner-oriented education, however, differs from a research-based degree. Whereas a Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. in healthcare administration degree focuses on substantive advancement of theoretical research within a discipline, an applied doctorate degree, such as Franklin University’s transfer-friendly Doctor of Healthcare Administration or DHA, focuses on expanding your knowledge within your field and combining it with applying it practically in real-world setting.

Become a more dynamic leader

Our DHA program reinforces the core technical aspects of quality research, yet also equips you with such sought-after skills as communication and technology. Franklin’s applied doctorate is a practical degree that enables both subject mastery and field application. That means you’ll be prepared to research and communicate complex, organization-wide issues.

Franklin’s applied Doctor of Healthcare Administration is a program designed to help you:

• Design organizational strategies to improve healthcare operations and outcomes
• Develop innovative healthcare leadership practices based on executive leadership practices
• Assess and refine your own leadership competencies
• Apply research to advance the field of healthcare administration

Improve healthcare processes, efficiencies and outcomes

Few would argue the large and complex nature of the administrative side of healthcare. Few also would argue the need for improvement in even the leanest, safest, most patient-friendly healthcare organization. The truth is, there’s always room for improvement – and you could be the catalyst for change in your healthcare organization. While earning your doctorate in healthcare administration from Franklin, you’ll focus on ways to drive quality improvements, including patient safety, risk management and service quality. You’ll explore various efficiency- and process-improvement models, as well as research quality improvement drivers within both public and private sectors. More importantly, you’ll be prepared to research, evaluate, develop and recommend appropriate prevention, mitigation and improvement strategies.

Make more informed decisions

When it comes to healthcare decision making, be it process improvement, program effectiveness or sustainability strategies, the crux of any decision is evidence. That’s why our doctoral program for healthcare includes major area coursework related to workflows, databases, informatics and analytics. Your Franklin DHA will help you better understand retrieving, analyzing and reporting intelligence metrics as part of healthcare decision making.

Create and influence healthcare policies and regulations

In spite of being highly regulated and governed, healthcare continues to require new and updated policies to ensure sustainability and parity. Your Franklin DHA will help you explore various aspects of corporate, state and federal policymaking, including regulations, enforcement and organizational impact. You’ll learn how to evaluate the role of agencies in implementation and enforcement, create policies at all government and corporate levels, and influence change for existing policies and regulations.

Get 360-degree support

We’ve taken a comprehensive and systematic approach to our online doctoral program, which includes team-based curriculum development, doctorally qualified faculty, and student-centered activities designed for the working adult. You’ll receive robust academic support from a variety of resources, including a graduate advisor, faculty advisor, personal librarian and peers, as well as the Student Learning Center staff and your Dissertation Committee members. You’ll also enjoy a cohesive and robust graduate culture and cohort. Together, our practice-minded faculty and your fellow students will support, mentor, encourage and keep you accountable to the program – and to yourself. At Franklin, you’re never alone on your doctoral journey.

Transfer up to 24 credit hours

Want to complete your terminal degree in less than three years? Franklin grants up to 24 hours of prior-learning credit for previous doctoral work. We honor your prior learning and make it easier to get credit for what you already know. Transfer credit can help you earn your applied doctorate degree faster, as well as reduce your overall tuition expenses.

Succeed with our unique dissertation structure

If there’s such a thing as a no-fear dissertation process, Franklin has it. We’ve intentionally designed a dissertation structure to help you complete your dissertation step-by-step, beginning with your enrollment in the program. We’ve also built-in faculty mentoring and guidance, and peer-to-peer support so you’re never left to “figure it out” on your own.

Throughout the DHA program, you’ll develop important research skills and the necessary writing prowess to publish a dissertation or a dissertation in practice as a capstone project to your studies. Your dissertation will showcase your ability to identify a topic of interest within the workplace, develop a proposed solution to a problem, and test your hypotheses in the real world.

Dr. Raven-Seymone J.

Dha graduate '22.

"I was very nervous in enrolling in the Doctoral program at Franklin University due to still wanting to work my full-time position. With Franklin's flexibility and catering to my adult learning needs, I was able to maintain my personal and work-life balance. I am forever grateful to Franklin for bringing me to the crossroads of my career and excelling me forward with receiving this degree."

Future Start Dates

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please  request free information  & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

If there’s such a thing as a no-fear dissertation process, Franklin has it. We’ve intentionally designed a dissertation structure to help you complete your dissertation step-by-step, beginning with your enrollment in the program. We’ve also built in faculty mentoring and guidance, and peer-to-peer support so you’re never left to “figure it out” on your own. 

Your Best Value Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Choose Franklin's DHA and get an applied doctorate that fits your budget and your ambition. 

The Finish Formula

2 years of coursework + 1 year for the dissertation.

Transfer MORE Credits, Pay LESS tuition*

Faculty support.

Be mentored + guided by doctoral faculty advisor from first term through candidacy. 

Student Satisfaction

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

This course will establish the doctoral program structure and associated expectations, requirements, and support resources, as well as prepare students to be active participants in advanced professional and academic discourse by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their chosen field of study. As part of an intentional learning community, students will become familiar with the varied conventions of disciplinary writing and analyze the ongoing scholarly conversations pertinent to their academic interest by identifying common scholarly writing conventions, composing knowledge base articles, and responding to both their peers? works in progress and published scholarly writing.

This course will build on the foundational work of ENG8010 to ensure that students continue to compose in academic and professional genres in order to compose and communicate scholarly arguments and perspectives in their chosen field of study. In addition to applying scholarly writing conventions associated both with doctoral scholarship and with their chosen field of study, students will continue to cultivate a learning community and develop field-specific research in order to compose knowledge-base articles, annotated bibliographies, literature reviews and analytical research papers.

Through this course, students will gain an overview of qualitative research methods. The course starts with successful completion of the CITI training - the protection of human research participants, then move on to introduce some of the critical works in qualitative research methods and design as well as give an overview of the historical progression of the field. Students will become familiar with the various approaches to qualitative methods, including narrative approach, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case studies. Students will gain hands-on experience with qualitative sampling design, observations, and qualitative data collection. They will also get some introduction in qualitative data analysis, validity, reliability, and researchers' bias in qualitative work. At the end of this course, students will be introduced to the research proposal to get a start on the guidelines required for their dissertation proposal.

Through this course, students will gain an overview of quantitative research designs and methods, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs. The course will also introduce students to quantitative sampling techniques, data collection approaches, and data analysis. Students will also engage in practical hands-on experience with formulating a research question or hypotheses, discussing important ethical issues, designing sampling methods, collecting data, and analyzing data. They will learn how to examine validity and reliability issues and will be introduced to available software for conducting quantitative design. At the end of this course, students will be introduced to the research proposal to get a start on the guidelines required for their dissertation proposal.

This course will introduce students to the concepts underlying basic data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Core topics include descriptive statistics, selection and operationalization of variables, scales of measurement, data types, sampling techniques, and means of collecting data. Using a current statistical analysis program, students will learn to describe data sets using measures of dispersion and relative position, to compute probability of occurrence of events, to compute measures of relationship, and to convey and interpret results of various analyses in written form.

This course will emphasize the alignment of statistical procedures with research methods, including selection and application of appropriate statistical analyses given a data set and a problem statement, including comparison tests, tests of prediction/relationships, and tests of predicting group membership. Moreover, students will develop skills of data set manipulation, including ?cleaning and screening? data, and assessing conditions in order to choose between parametric and non-parametric tests. Additional emphasis will be placed upon conveying and interpreting results of analyses in written form.

This is a hands-on course designed to equip student with skills and knowledge necessary to develop new, valid and reliable instruments as well as help improve existing ones. In particular, the course looks at the evolution of measurement development, the different types of tests used in various settings, the psychometric properties and the process involved in developing reliable and valid measurement instruments. The course includes creation of a reliable and valid measurement that can be readily applied in a given context and/or field.

The qualitative data analysis course focuses on qualitative coding, analysis, and interpretation of findings, and writing of the qualitative results. These skills will prepare students for the doctoral candidacy journey. The goal of this course is to collect readily available text data, work on mapping, memoing, coding, analyzing, interpreting, and writing qualitative results.

In this course, students will be introduced to the main schools of critical and social theory: structuralism, post-structuralism, cultural theory, queer theory, gender theory, critical race theory, disability studies, and post-colonialism among others. Students will analyze foundational theoretical scholarship, examine how critical and social theory has developed over time, and consider the ways in which theory might inform their own research. Throughout the course, students will complete short papers as well as a major writing assignment at the end of the term.

The aim of this course is for students to learn about and be able to apply key research design frameworks in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. In particular, students will learn conditions under which each design and/or approach would be most appropriate and effective. Additionally, students will learn how to formulate research questions, critically evaluate various research designs in order to select a suitable one for a given research problem, develop appropriate data collection and analysis procedures and plans as well as ethical conduct of research studies. During the course, students will learn to craft a research propose integrating critical components, namely background of study, purpose statement, research question, theoretical framework, significance of the study, critical review and synthesis of key literature underpinning the study, appropriate research design, and data collection and analysis procedures.

This is an advanced course in statistics that covers analyses used in multivariate statistical techniques. The course is designed to broaden and deepen learners understanding of advanced statistics in multivariate techniques. As such, several multivariate techniques are covered, including their appropriateness to given situations, analysis, and interpretation. The emphasis of the course is on practical application of concepts learnt to given research problems and/or opportunities. The course is developed to balance theory and application and provides numerous opportunities for application to practical problems. Learners also complete a draft research proposal integrating sound research plans and procedures.

The advanced qualitative research course builds on the knowledge and skills students acquire in MTHD 803 and MTHD 804. This course leads students on an in depth treatment of qualitative research methodology, exploring its theoretical underpinnings and associated methods for design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting of results. Ethics are emphasized for each stage of research. This course will also guide students to develop the methodology and data analysis for their dissertation proposal and research.

Through this course, students will familiarize with mixed-methods research and design. They will gain knowledge on the four different types of mixed-methods: triangulation design, embedded design, explanatory design, and exploratory design. Students will learn how to conceptualize their own study in terms of these different design types. They will gain hands-on experience on how to formulate a research question fitted for a mixed-methods design, collect some data, and analyze it. They will discuss and learn about challenges and advantages of mixed-methods designs. At the end of this course students will be able to work on their dissertation proposal.

This science of epidemiology is essential for projecting the population health needs, and appropriate allocation of public and private resources. This course focuses on the utilization of epidemiologic studies and techniques as a basis for organizational policy and administrative decision-making. Students will examine the connection between organizational leadership and social health. Students will create and recommend organizational strategies that enhance organizational, community, and global health.

This course will explore various aspects of corporate, state and federal policy making. Students will examine the impact of existing health policies on healthcare organizations, providers and patients. Students will develop skills to influence and change existing healthcare policies. Students will also create and propose a new healthcare policy.

This course will examine the importance of resource and financial management in a healthcare organization. Students will determine the financial status of a healthcare organization and create strategic plans to sustain healthcare services. This course will also explore the various concepts driving healthcare economics. This course will also critique the use of organizational supplies, human resources, and technology.

This course will examine various aspects of patient safety, quality improvement and risk management in healthcare. Students will compare and contrast several process improvement models with the goal of improving organizational efficiency, patient safety, and service quality. Students will also research governmental agencies driving quality improvement in healthcare organizations.

16 credits from levels 8000-8999 in the following subjects: ACCT, EDUC, HCM, HIM, HRM, IDL, ITEC, MGMT, MKTG, MTHD, PUAD.

Students can also select from: FINA 737, FINA 750, or FINA. 737.

This course is designed for students to prepare for, take and complete their comprehensive exam. Remedial strategies and actions will also be provided for students who do not successfully pass their comprehensive exam on the first attempt, with the opportunity for a retake during the six weeks of the course if the student chooses to do so. A third attempt on taking the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination will not be automatically provided to doctoral students failing to successfully pass the examination after two attempts. Any third attempt will only be considered upon receiving a written petition by the student requesting a final attempt. The request may or may not be approved based on review by the Dean of Doctoral Studies and the student's doctoral Program Chair. Students who fail the comprehensive examination two times, or fail the examination three times when a third attempt was granted through appeal, are dismissed from doctoral studies at Franklin University.

At least 6 credits from the following courses:

In consultation with the Dissertation Chair and Committee Members, the doctoral candidate will design and conduct research to complete the aims identified in their research prospectus, proposal and IRB application or as subsequently modified in line with recommendations from the Chair and Committee Members. This course may be repeated as necessary to earn sufficient credit or to finalize the Dissertation to fulfill requirements to earn the doctorate.

Doctoral candidates will finalize all aspects of the Dissertation/Dissertation in Practice and make an oral defense of their design, methods and findings.

Students may complete 8 credit hours of a focus area to count within the Major Elective requirement.

At least 8 credits from the following courses:

This course is an advanced accounting research seminar in financial reporting. The seminar allows you to begin the process of substantive academic research and formal inquiry into important financial reporting theories and the implications of these for accountants. The seminar will require the synthesis of critical thinking, analysis, research writing and evaluation. Students will develop a key deliverable that involves a research proposal in financial accounting thought and then conduct substantive research into the literature developed by others. The final project in the seminar is the development of a research ready proposal utilizing at minimum one research methodology.

This course is an advanced accounting research seminar in managerial accounting. The seminar allows you to begin the process of substantive academic research and formal inquiry into these important theories and the implications of these for managerial accountants. The seminar will require the synthesis of critical thinking, analysis, research writing and evaluation. Students will develop a key deliverable that involves a research proposal in managerial accounting and then conduct substantive research into the literature developed by others. The final project in the seminar is the development of a research ready proposal utilizing at minimum one research methodology.

This course is an advanced accounting research seminar in auditing. The seminar allows you to begin the process of substantive academic research and formal inquiry into important auditing theories and the implications of these for accountants. The seminar will require the synthesis of critical thinking, analysis, research, writing and evaluation. Students will develop a research proposal in auditing based on their substantive research into the accounting, auditing and business literature. The final project in the seminar is the development of a research ready proposal, including an appropriate research methodology that describes an issue, problem or proactive need as documented in the literature, for which the student will formulate, describe and defend an appropriate solution.

This core course focuses on leadership and followership skills and attributes through the lens of traditional and 21st century leadership theories, constructs and concepts as applied to institutions. Students will apply transformational and other state-of-the-art leadership theoretical underpinnings to real-world cases, scenarios and situations that involve optimal practices in leading individuals and organizations through leadership challenging scenarios and other situations. The course concentrates on the application of critical thinking to optimal practices in leading institutions, their stakeholders and culture for optimal effectiveness.

The course will study the teaching and learning philosophies, methods, and techniques in higher education. Topics will cover learning theories, instructional design models, instructional strategies, and evaluation of student performance. By the end of this course, students will develop their own teaching philosophy along with an instructional unit demonstrating their mastery of learning theories and instructional design models, selection of proper learning technologies in designing the instruction, and incorporation of appropriate instructional and assessment methods. In addition, students will also explore faculty careers in higher education.

This core course focuses on state-of-the-art leadership skills necessary for the effectiveness of today's leaders and managers. The course concentrates on the specific transformational, servant-leadership, and other leadership competencies and skills necessary for providing sound management of institutional resources, projects, and performance. Students will apply leadership theoretical underpinnings to real-world cases, scenarios and situations that involve effective and ineffective resource and performance management practices. The course concentrates on the application of critical thinking and decision-making in optimal practices for providing highly effective leadership in today's organizations.

This course provides an examination of leadership theories and structures in institutions of higher education. Focusing on major theories of leadership of higher education organizations that inform leadership practices, students will develop skills as practitioners in university leadership. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the structure and function of university leadership structures from multiple theoretical perspectives. Students will gain an understanding of the management, leadership, and administrative roles of academic and student affairs offices in colleges and universities including personnel, program definition, research and teaching issues, and other functions of academic and programming oversight. Additional consideration to the roles, responsibilities, and leadership styles required will be examined for different organizational contexts. Through the linking of theory to practice, the class activities will lead students to develop skills as campus leaders and to empower them to make conscious, deliberate decisions, utilizing multiple, and at times divergent, theoretical frames.

The purpose of this course is to explore critical, challenges facing American higher education. The course explores the history of higher education, with an emphasis on the development of higher education in the United States, to present day challenges facing intuitions. It includes issues of access, accountability, academic freedom, financial aid, state and federal government policy, changing legal structures, teaching and learning in a digital age, student issues, diversity, and the influence of business models and values on institutional strategy and practice. This course also covers different educational systems (Community Colleges, Private Colleges, and Public Colleges) and the critical issues affecting their institutional type. Students will gain an understanding of their responsibilities, critical thinking, and explore current issues that affect managers in institutions of higher education. This course addresses interdisciplinary influences on leadership practice within learning organizations and focuses on recent developments that have broad implications for research and practice in educational leadership.

In this course students will evaluate an organizations current health information governance infra-structure and will make recommendations for improvement that will cover the broad spectrum of strategic issues in healthcare including policies, guidelines, standards, processes and controls required to manage and implement enterprise-level information. Students will research how health data and organizational information systems are utilized as a strategic asset to healthcare organizations, process to manage various risks to the quality of information and ensure its appropriate use.

In this course students will evaluate an organizations existing clinical workflows to include a variety of inpatient, outpatient and emergency healthcare environments. Material in the course covers the documentation, review, mapping and diagramming of clinical workflow information and processes. Students will also assess and make recommendations for improvement of patient care to workflow mapping and change management, as part of evidence based decision making in healthcare.

In this course students will evaluate an organizations existing process of retrieving, analyzing and reporting intelligence to make healthcare decisions. Student will assess and make recommendations for improvement on the techniques of extracting, transforming and loading data from a myriad of operational databases into corporate data warehouses, as well means to ensure that decision making is based on clean and reliable information. Students will also develop skills for reporting the healthcare intelligence gathered.

Organizations across the globe are composed of groups of people working together to achieve goals that include organizational success, employee growth and contribution, and contribution to the larger community. The defining factor that differentiates the most successful companies from those that struggle to survive is the people who make up the employee base. While the Human Resources function has the specific task of planning for and resolving many employee issues and needs, individual managers and employees have direct responsibility and accountably for achieving sustained organizational success. Organizations that invest in their employees and develop workplace environments that encourage full employee engagement are rewarded with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This course provides students with an opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the contributions of all employees in support of an organization's purpose. Student's research will analyze trends and issues influencing the development and application of these elements within contemporary organizations. Additionally, students will come to understand the benefits afforded to organizations that create, craft and maintain a rich, empowering culture.

In Strategic Human Resource Management, students will analyze workforce management processes in light of their strategic importance. This will include an examination of the relationships between traditional human resource functions and the various business functions so that efficiency and effectiveness are balanced and optimized. Students will also review these processes and relationships in both the domestic and global environments now and in the future. Further, students conduct research to explore trends within the discipline of Human Resource Management that have a positive impact upon employee engagement as well as the productivity and profitability of an organization.

In this course, students will evaluate the process of change as related to the principles and practices of various types of organizations. Students will conduct research into the area of total rewards to determine what influences are leading many organizations to implement progressive human resource practices. Students will apply this learning to examine change processes and techniques used to facilitate transformational change in order to enhance employee engagement and organizational success. Students will also understand the business case supporting why companies should invest in their employees and internal cultures, regardless of industry affiliation, company size and/or revenue generation and apply this research to examine the processes and techniques for facilitating transformational change.

Leaders of instruction and learning must stay abreast of continual changes in technology and leverage them to ensure the competitiveness and health of their organization. However, not all technologies and emerging processes are worth adopting. In this course, students will examine pedagogical trends and emerging technologies. Students will learn how to evaluate theories and incorporate designs, processes, and technologies in strategic and tactical decisions for instruction and learning in the organization.

In this course, students will be exposed to new and innovative approaches for designing effective learning and instruction. This course will equip students with knowledge of applicable frameworks and strategies for implementation at the organizational level. Students will review learning environments such as e-learning, blended and hybrid learning, mobile learning, game-based learning, and informal and social learning, to determine the appropriate learning environment based on the learning and training needs of an organization.

Today's researchers, leaders and managers in the instructional design field must be able to use data to make decisions, as well as to influence others in their organizations. In this course, students will learn how to apply relevant tools, techniques, theories, and principles of strategic assessment and decision-making to address the learning and performance needs to continuous improvement for learning problems or a learning organization.

Learning and knowledge management is crucial to the success of organizations. In this course, students will go beyond the design of learning environments and acquire skills to lead and manage the learning organization at a strategic level. Students will be able to recognize and meet the evolving learning needs of an organization within the framework of the organization's strategic goals. Multicultural awareness and how to lead multi-functional and cross-cultural instructional design teams and projects will also be addressed in this course.

In this course, you will learn leadership, coaching, and consulting theories, specifically for leading in the instructional design and training industries. You will learn to identify the knowledge, skills, and qualities needed in your development to become a successful instructional design leader. Toward this end, you will develop a personal instructional design leadership philosophy and plan.

This course examines the theoretical framework and practice of curriculum design, development, and evaluation in educational settings. Students will learn the theories that are being used to guide curriculum design in educational settings. Students will apply those theories and processes in creating a curriculum and planning teaching & learning activities accordingly.

This course is an advanced research seminar in the field of organizational culture and behavior. The seminar allows you to begin the process of substantive academic research and formal inquiry into these important theories and the implications of these for managers. The seminar will require the synthesis of critical thinking, analysis, research writing and evaluation. Students will develop a key deliverable that involves a research proposal in the fields of organizational culture and behavior and then conduct substantive research into the literature developed by others. The final project in the seminar is the development of a research ready proposal utilizing at minimum one research methodology.

This course addresses historical and current leadership concepts, theories and constructs. An emphasis will be on the application and assessment of transformational, servant and authentic leadership theories for us by both leaders and followers in 21st century business and academic settings. The course will challenge students to assess their own leadership strengths and weaknesses and produce an in-depth plan of action to develop and refine leadership competencies. Students will conduct substantive scholarly research to address and capture relevant and cutting edge leadership theoretical work for application in course assignments.

Organizational Systems Perspectives Theory and Applications. This course focuses on the theory and practice of organizations as open and adaptive systems. Students will address the implications of systems theory for organizational sense-making, learning, innovation and transformation. The complexity of organizations as integrated participants in while systems will be addressed through research and presentations.

This course focuses on research and evaluation of the key theoretical concepts and practices central to the leading of organizational change initiatives. Students will evaluate real-world situations, cases and scenarios in order to recommend and justify theoretically-based change management practices to ensure ongoing organizational acceptance and effectiveness of these programs. Students will conduct scholarly research to explore, evaluate and interpret state-of0the-art change concepts for their viability in today's organizations. Students will assess the role of change agents as key players in the overall change process.

The primary objective of this course is to provide a substantive overview of the development of management theory and its applications through the 20th century to date. Managerial concepts and constructs will be researched and applied in a scholar to practitioner modality. The course will focus on the evolution of management thought and the implications of its development for modern managers and leaders.

Innovation enables organizational growth and sustainability. However, for companies to remain competitive, leaders must understand the theories, models, and strategies framing innovation applying relevant concepts and practice to business development, customer satisfaction, and market acquisition. Conceptually, innovation, defined and applied in organizations, has morphed over the last three decades. However, the 21st-century global business environment offers an opportunity to rethink, even reimage innovation and its application to the emerging digital defined markets and workplaces. While innovation is evolutionally, even revolutionary relative to an organization's purpose, product, and processes, leadership should explore contemporary knowledge and skills associated with innovation determining if cultivating cultures of innovation, is essential to achieving organizational goals.

This course addresses a multi-prong approach to manage, lead and assess overall organizational performance in achieving tactical and strategic goals. Metrics including: shareholder value, the balanced scorecard, risk management, system alignment, human resource management, and organizational learning are addressed in this course. Also the application of research on organizational performance theories are incorporated in the course.

This course focuses on the evaluation and analysis of key ethical decision-making theories and constructs and their direct application and integration in 21st century organizational practices. The role of corporate social responsibility will be explored by assessing the role of organizational leaders and stakeholders with improving the quality of life for individuals and the community.

This course is an advanced research seminar in contemporary marketing management. The seminar relies on critical inquiry and analysis as the foundation for substantive academic research involving current marketing issues that shape and are shaped by society. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have completed a comprehensive research study proposal.

This course is an advanced seminar in consumer behavior and market-driven applied research. Readings and assignments will synthesize prior knowledge of consumer behavior, research methodologies, methods, and theories with critical analyses of how these are used to inform marketing decision-making. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have developed a plan to conduct and analyze a research study.

This course is an advanced seminar in the use of quantitative and qualitative data in the marketing process. Upon successful completion of this seminar, students will have an understanding of how quantitative and qualitative analyses are used by marketing academicians and practitioners for academic and applied research, assessment, and decision- making.

This course focuses on theories and practices for leading cross-sector collaborations to accomplish public policy goals and objectives of mission-driven organizations. Students evaluate different collaborative approaches for delivering government and nonprofit services and assess the risks and benefits of engaging in cross-sector collaborations. Students learn analytical approaches, principled negotiation skills, and best practices for initiating and managing effective cross-sector collaborations.

The course examines the latest technologies that can be used to improve service delivery, engage stakeholders, and solve problems. Students learn the technologies and best practices for using web-based applications, e-commerce solutions, geographic information systems, crowd-sourcing, social media and other e-tools to make government and nonprofit organizations more efficient and effective. Ethical, legal, and implementation, aspects of these approaches are assessed.

This course examines concepts, tools, and techniques for evaluating government policies, philanthropic, and social programs to assess the performance of mission-driven organizations. The course focuses on evaluating different approaches to program evaluation and applying methods for performance evaluation, including needs assessments, logic models, evaluation designs, quantitative and qualitative evaluation techniques, ethics, and reporting.

This course critically analyzes the current state of IT strategy practices and demonstrates how an IT strategy serves as a strong foundation for competitive IT management. Several tools and methods are synthesized to assess internal and external environments for formulating a strategy, execute a strategy based on environmental factors, and improve a strategy. The course brings the current academic and business literature to the class. It examines emerging IT strategy and management issues such as hyper-automation, AI, cybersecurity mesh, anywhere operations, and the internet of behaviors.

This course aims to improve critical thinking and decision-making skills in the IT policy and governance field. The course brings forth today's complex and cutting-edge computing environment by taking threats, vulnerabilities, and cyber controls into account. Course provokes the questions of how the GRC (Governance, Risk Management, Compliance) practices should be applied in today's complex IT environments to make the most out of the cutting-edge technology and how critical assets should be protected from adversarial actions of advanced persistent threats. The course brings various essential processes and services to the table, including but not limited to supply chain risks, innovation, and resilience. Research papers and discussion assignments help students obtain pertinent information and improve research & academic writing skills within the field.

This course aims to improve critical thinking and decision-making skills while building your capabilities as an IT leader. The course helps you build a strong foundation on how to internally and externally lead others in a complex IT environment. This course will challenge you to create a leadership style that will bring the best out of people and yourself. Research papers and discussion assignments help students obtain pertinent information and improve research & academic writing skills within the field.

Financial decisions made at the higher levels of a business organization can have far-reaching effects. Intended to achieve firm operating goals and create shareholder value, they must be made judiciously, with a thorough understanding of all the factors involved. In this course, you will learn to apply the analytical techniques required for developing effective and workable financial solutions at the executive level. You will gain an overall understanding of the workings of the U.S. financial system. In addition, you will study the concepts of financial risk, return, and the valuation of bonds, common and preferred stock, cost of capital, capital budgeting, capital structure, and the evaluation of investment opportunities.

This course provides students with advanced knowledge of the capital markets, financial institutions, financial products, and analytical tools and skills needed for investments portfolio management. The objective is to provide students with a solid foundation of advanced concepts, tools, and techniques for making informed decisions in the highly dynamic investment environment. Students will utilize computer software, simulations, and internet tools to understand the viewpoint of professional investors more fully. The course will adopt an application-oriented approach so that students will be able to explain their financial decision under conditions of uncertainty. The course will provide students with a framework that will be useful in business settings where such analyses are routinely made.

No longer are only mammoth corporations concerned with the complexities and nuances of multinational financial operations. Today the leaders of companies of even moderate size often must have at least a fundamental knowledge of the global financial environment. In this course, you will be introduced to the workings of international finance as it relates to business operations. You will gain an understanding of such international macroeconomic topics as the balance of payments and models of exchange rate determination, while at the same time focusing on institutional issues such as the choice of exchange rate regime and growth of offshore currency markets. You will examine business and investor decisions involving exchange rate risk management, cross-border investment strategies, and participation in international money and capital markets.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration Program Details

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the Doctor of Healthcare Administration matrix.

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

A completed master’s degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization. Master’s degree cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned master’s degree can petition for admission to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a doctoral program. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc. 

If a student is admitted as a result of the petition, the student will need to obtain a “B” average (3.0 GPA) during the first doctoral-level course (ENG 800) of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University. 

Program Prerequisites

The Doctor of Healthcare Administration requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate coursework in a healthcare-related field.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

• The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
• The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
• The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the  Academic Catalog .  

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

• Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
• Earn in residence at Franklin University at least 34 of the 58 required credits. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, to earn a doctorate degree, students must have completed a minimum of 90 semester credit hours above the bachelor’s degree. Students requiring additional credit hours to meet this minimum will take GRAD 900 Advanced Integrative Research.
• Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees.
• Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

The University employs a team approach to planning, developing and maintaining its academic curriculum. An essential element of this process – and a key to the institution’s quality assurance practices – is the Program Advisory Board (and the associated Alumni Advisory Board). A diverse array of business and industry leaders make up these discipline-specific boards that provide guidance on theory-to-practice ideas, global business perspectives, and emerging topics in the field. Each academic year, Program Advisory Boards meet with Division Chairs and faculty for lively and engaged conversations, thus bringing members’ substantial professional experience and expertise into the classroom. In addition, some Division Chairs elect to engage Program Advisory Board members in the assessment of academic program outcomes.

Hear What Our DHA Graduates Are Saying

"Since the first meeting my faculty advisor is cheerleading and supporting me." 

“I didn’t really have any hesitations. I knew right away that Franklin was the school for me. I knew that a doctorate in healthcare is what I wanted from the beginning to help make an impact on the community."

"Obtaining my doctorate has been such an extraordinary lifelong commitment and an incredible feeling of accomplishment!"

"I got an education for me. I hope to use that education to benefit others."

Career Opportunities

Professors primarily plan curriculum, conduct original research, and teach and test students, helping expand their knowledge within a particular subject matter or discipline.

Consultants are paid experts who assess a particular problem, challenge or opportunity and provide strategic recommendations for action.

C-Level Executive

C-Level Executives are responsible for oversight of an organization, including determining and/or implementing initiatives and leading senior management.

Adjunct Faculty

Adjunct Faculty are contingent or contractual instructors who plan lectures, teach specific courses within a field of study, assess learning outcomes and advise students.

Employment Outlook

From 2021-2031 jobs in healthcare administration are expected to increase by 8%.

All Occupations

Medical and Health Services Managers

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Source information provided by Lightcast.

Frequently asked questions, back to college blog.

Healthcare Culture: How to Navigate It If You Don’t Have an MD

Options for Executive Education in Healthcare

Ways to Gain Business Leadership Skills in Healthcare

Is a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Salary: 8 Top-Paying Jobs

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30 Best Online PhD in Healthcare Administration Programs [2024 Guide]

Explore Online PhD in Healthcare Administration Programs for 2024. Compare doctorate specializations & career paths.

Hospitals and medical systems need strong leadership from professionals who understand both business and healthcare. Such roles are so important that the field is expected to grow 32% for the next ten years.

Earning your online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration can help you prepare for a career in this growing field.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Universities Offering Online PhD in Healthcare Administration Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. A.T. Still University

Founded in 1892, A.T. Still University (ATSU) is the world’s very first osteopathic medical school. It operates 2 campuses comprised of 6 schools across 200 acres of land. It has 3,100 students coming from 35 countries on average. ATSU offers both residential and online graduate degrees in the field of healthcare.

• EdD in Health Professions

A.T. Still University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University or ASU has 5 campuses all in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It was founded in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School. On average, they have about 80,000 students enrolled at the campuses and 30,000 online.

It’s ranked at the top 1% of the most prestigious schools by the Center for World University Rankings , and it is also considered to have the best graduate schools in the US.

• Doctor of Behavioral Health – Management

ASU  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

3. Atlantic International University

The Atlantic International University is a Hawaii-based distance learning university. The university was founded in 1998 and currently operates out of Honolulu. The idea for the university traces its origins in the 1980s when businesses wanted to provide their employees with continuing education.

Students can now enroll in undergraduate and graduate degrees.

AIU is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities.

4. Capella University

Capella University is an online university operating out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1993 as The Graduate School of America. Today, there are about 200 full-time faculty members with over 1,300 part-time teachers. On average, about 38,000 students are enrolled.

• DHA – General Health Administration
• DHA – Health Care Leadership
• DHA – Health Care Quality and Analytics
• DHA – Health Policy and Advocacy

Capella  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. Central Michigan University

Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University or CMU is one of the largest universities operating in Michigan. It also ranked in the largest publicly run universities in America by U.S. News & World Report .

There are about 20,000 students enrolled at their campus at Mount Pleasant, Michigan. They also have a strong online enrolment with 7,000 students enrolled in their online learning programs from over 60 different areas around the world.

CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Clarkson College

Clarkson College is a private college with a campus in Omaha, Nebraska that specializes in healthcare. In 1888, Clarkson College started out as a School of Nursing. It was the first nursing school to operate in Nebraska.

More than 130 years later, it has expanded the programs that they offer and now includes online learning programs. At any given time, they have about 1,200 students enrolled.

• EdD in Health Care Education & Leadership

Clarkson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University, or CTU, is an accredited university that operates out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was founded in 1965 as the Colorado Technical College.

Since the beginning, CTU has had a strong connection to the US Military; it was originally established to train former military personnel to prepare them for civilian life. CTU also gets about 95% of its funds from the US Government through the Department of Defense and the GI Bill.

Enrollment is just over 23,000 for undergraduates and about 2,700 for postgraduates.

• Doctor of Management – Healthcare Management and Leadership

CTU  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a privately-run liberal arts university with a suburban campus in River Forest, Illinois. CUC was established as Addison Teachers Seminary in 1864. It has since undergone several name changes. The latest was in 2006, which gave the university its current name.

CUC is a part of the Concordia University System that is affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. On average, there are about 5,700 students, over 4,000 of these are postgrads.

• PhD in Leadership – Health & Human Performance

CU Chicago  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

9. Drexel University

Founded in 1891, Drexel University is a private research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvanian. Today’s student population at Drexel stands at 24,190. The school is widely known for its unique cooperative education program that makes paid, real-world experience a part of the educational process.

Drexel undergraduate students can choose to pursue more than 70 undergraduate programs. Students seeking master’s and doctoral programs have more than 100 options.

• Doctor of Health Science

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Franklin University

Franklin University, or FU, is a privately-operated university with more than 25 centers in the Midwest. Its headquarters is located in Columbus, Ohio. It traces its beginnings through a YMCA Sponsorship in 1902 and was originally known as YMCA School of Commerce.

A few years later, in 1933, the name was changed to Franklin University, and a few decades later, in 1964, FU formally discontinued its association with YMCA. FU offers strong online healthcare degrees.

Franklin University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University, or GCU, is a privately-operated university with a campus in urban Phoenix, Arizona. In 2018, it was considered as the biggest Christian university in the entire world in terms of enrolment. There were 70,000 online students and over 20,000 attending campus classes at the time.

GCU was founded in 1949 by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention. In 2000, GCU officially discontinued its association with the Southern Baptist Convention but retains its roots as a Christian university.

• EdD in Organizational Leadership – Health Care Administration

GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

12. Indiana University

Indiana University, or IU, is a publicly run university with 2 main campuses and 7 satellite campuses. It was founded about 200 years ago in 1820. It was one of the first in the region, and today, it is considered as one of the best public universities all over the world by U.S. News & World Report .

Throughout its 9 campus locations, there are approximately 110,000 students enrolled on average, with 21,000 being postgrads.

• DrPH in Global Health Leadership

IU  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

13. Liberty University

Liberty University, or LU, is a privately-operated university with a suburban campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. LU was originally named Lynchburg Baptist College when it was founded in 1971.

It is recognized as one of the universities with the most enrolees in 2017. On average, there are about 15,000 on-campus students and a massive 95,000 online students enrolled. This is divided into about a 50/50 split between undergrads and postgrads.

•  DBA in Healthcare Management

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Medical University of South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina or (MUSC) is a publicly operated university with a campus in Charleston, South Carolina. MUSC specializes in medical schooling and other related health care sciences, such as Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry.

It traces its origins to 1824 when the Medical College of South Carolina was incorporated. The original purpose of the private college was to train physicians. In 1913, ownership was transferred formally to the state.

MUSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. National University

National University is a network of nonprofit education institutions headquartered in San Diego, CA. NU was founded in 1971 and now has over 30,000 students enrolled and more than 220,000 alumni from around the world. It is dedicated to providing flexible, quality education for busy adults.

• DBA – Healthcare Administration

National University  is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

16. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College is a privately-operated college that has an urban campus in Omaha, Nebraska. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It was founded in 1891 with only 6 young women as students.

Today, the college has about 640 undergrads and about 65 graduate students enrolled at any given time.

• EdD in Education & Leadership – Healthcare

Nebraska Methodist College  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a privately-run university that has a suburban 480-acre campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It traces its origins to Nova University of Advanced Technology, which was chartered in 1964.

In 1994, the Nova University of Advanced Technology completed a merger with Southeastern University of the Health Sciences to create what was to be known as Nova Southeastern University, or NSU. At present, NSU has about 20,000 students, with more than 15,000 being postgrads.

• DHS – Education in the Health Care Professions
• DHS – Global Health
• DHS – Telehealth

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Radford University

Radford University is a publicly-operated university with a 204-acre campus in Radford, Virginia. Radford University was founded in 1910 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford.

In the 1970s, the college started accepting male students to become coed. Its university status was granted in 1979. Today, average enrolment is at about 9,400 students, with postgrads accounting for only 1,100.

• DHS – Healthcare Administration
• DHS – Community and Public Health

Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. Regent University

Regent University is a privately-owned and run Christian university that has a suburban campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 1977, originally as Christian Broadcasting Network University and is affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical company.

In 1990, the university changed its name to what it is now. On average, there are about 8,600 students enrolled. About 3,900 of these are postgrads.

• DSL – Healthcare Leadership

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. Rivier University

Rivier University is a privately-owned and operated university with a suburban campus in Nashua, New Hampshire. It is affiliated with the Catholic Church.

Rivier University was established in 1933 by the congregation, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary as an all-female college. Their first location was in Hudson but was then moved to Nashua where it is now. It was only in 1991 that the college started accepting male undergrads.

Today, there are over 2,200 students enrolled, of which are 850 postgrads.

• DNP – Systems Leadership

Rivier University  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

21. Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University, or RFU, is a privately-operated graduate school with a 97-acre urban campus in North Chicago, Illinois. It traces its origins to the establishment of the Chicago Hospital – College of Medicine, its predecessor.

The university was only christened its present name in 2004 after a series of name changes throughout the years. RFU has around 2,100 students enrolled.

• PhD in Interprofessional Healthcare Studies

RFU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Rush University

Rush University is a privately-operated university with an 8-acre urban campus in Chicago, Illinois. Rush University traces its beginnings to 1837 when the Rush Medical College was chartered by Illinois. However, it was only in 1843 that the college was officially opened to 22 students in a 4-month course.

Today, after 175 years, there are now, on average, about 2,000 students enrolled.

• PhD in Health Sciences

Rush University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. Trident University

Trident University International is a privately-owned and run online university operating out of Cypress, California. It was established in 1998 as the Touro University International, a member of the Touro College and University System. In 2007, the university was acquired by Summit Partners and split from the Touro College and University Systems to stand as an independent institution.

TUI offers superior online education because it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges. On average, TUI has about 6,100 students enrolled.

• PhD in Health Sciences – Global Health
• PhD in Health Sciences – Health Policy and Administration

Trident University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.

24. University of Alabama – Birmingham

The University of Alabama – Birmingham is a public research university run by the state of Alabama. UAB, as it is fondly called by its students, has a sprawling campus in the downtown Birmingham area that spans over 100 blocks. It was founded in 1969.

On average, it has about 22,000 students, about 8,000 of which are postgrads.

Their DSc program is offered through an interdisciplinary approach that includes the school of Health Professions, the School of Business, Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing.

• Executive DSc in Healthcare Leadership

UAB  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport is a private university in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with an annual enrollment nearing 5,500. UB offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies to a student population consisting of learners from 80 countries and 46 states.

Founded in 1927, University of Bridgeport maintains a campus featuring Victorian homes built by historic business owners like P. T. Barnum.

The  University of Bridgeport  is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

26. University of Illinois – Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university run by the state of Illinois. UIC has a 244-acre urban campus in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1982, but its origins date about a hundred years back to several privately-run health science colleges.

On average, there are 33,000 students, 11,000 which are postgrads.

• Doctor in Public Health Leadership

The  University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. University of Mississippi Medical Center

Founded in 1995, The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the 164-acre campus of the University of Mississippi that houses all colleges in the health sciences. These include, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacology. It’s also a hospital that has over 700 beds and has a Level 1 Emergency Room.

UMMC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

28. University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina, or simply UNC, is a public university system that operates multiple campuses sprawled across 17 locations in the state of North Carolina. UNC also offers fully online programs for students. Its origins date back to 1789 with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Throughout its 17 campuses and online, average enrolment is at about 220,000 students, 46,000 of which are postgrads.

• Executive DrPH in Health Leadership

UNC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

29. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a privately-owned university that operates out of Phoenix, Arizona. It serves its students through fully online programs and therefore has no physical campus. It was founded in 1976 with only 8 students.

Today, enrolment numbers are over 100,000. The mission of the University of Phoenix is to provide students with easy access to opportunities in education to develop academic and professional knowledge to help them achieve their career goals.

UOPX is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

30. Walden University

Walden University is a privately-owned university that is classified as a Public Benefit Corporation as authorized by Minnesota. It is an online university that was founded in 1970 for adult learners and teachers who want to pursue their doctorates.

Today, there are about 50,000 students enrolled in the Walden University system.

• PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online Doctoral Programs in Healthcare Administration

Click on the specialization that most interests you to jump to that section:

Analytics and Improvement

Business leadership.

• Healthcare Administration

Healthcare Education

Healthcare operations, policies and regulations, public health.

As a doctoral student, you have the option to tailor your studies toward one particular aspect of healthcare administration by choosing a concentration and taking a set of classes designed to refine your knowledge of that field.

Specializations & Career Paths

Depending on your interests, you can choose to pursue any of the following 7 areas of study for your healthcare administration degree online .

Choosing to study data analysis can help you make your healthcare system the best it. This concentration can help you gain skills need to gather data and put it to work for your organization. Data analytics can help you improve care quality, health outcomes, and resource management.

This field is suited for professionals who enjoy looking at the big picture of an organization from behind the scenes. Common duties for careers in this field include being able to see what’s working and what isn’t based on empirical data and making the proper recommendations for change. You may also design the methodology of how to gather the appropriate data most accurately.

If you want to hold an executive position in a hospital system, then this concentration can help you learn the skills that you need. It can be a good alternative to pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with a healthcare administration specialty.

Coursework in this concentration typically covers topics such as finance, strategic planning, marketing, and data analytics. This specialization may be ideal for people who want a hands-on experience steering their organization to success.

General Healthcare Administration

For a degree program that gives you an overview of many aspects of administration, consider selecting a generalist concentration. It may be an ideal approach for professionals who bear a wide assortment of responsibilities and would prefer not to limit themselves to one specialization. You may have the option to take electives.

This area of stud can help prepare you to step into a wide variety of roles in a large organization or to manage a smaller practice singlehandedly.

Knowledge can help to improve healthcare outcomes. With a specialization in education, you may become a patient educator or care coordinator who helps people learn to improve their own well-being. You might also hold a teaching position in which you help healthcare students or continuing-education professionals gain new skills.

This specialization is suited for those who enjoy communicating with and mentoring others.

If you excel at balancing today’s details with the long-term vision for your organization’s success, then you might want to consider this concentration. Operations students discuss ways to manage the daily business of a healthcare system, and they study what is involved in setting and reaching organizational goals.

Like Analytics, you’ll probably be mostly behind the scenes vision casting how to best move your organization from where it is to where it could be.

Rather than managing healthcare systems, some administration students desire to work at the state or federal level to influence healthcare policy. This concentration focuses on the politics and laws behind healthcare. It can help equip you with strategies for crafting policies and working to change current rules and regulations as needed.

Even if you’re not interested in working in a regulatory capacity, you might want to consider this career path if you’re interested in helping your organization remain in compliance with the applicable laws.

Focusing on public health can help you affect health outcomes on a community-wide level by focusing on public health. Your studies can help you learn how to evaluate the needs of a population, implement programs, improve health education, and analyze the results of your initiatives. You may also learn about healthcare advocacy for disadvantaged or underrepresented people groups.

Out of all the specializations, this one may be the best one suited for professionals who enjoy working with people at the grassroots level. It can help you become an agent of change from the perspective of the patient.

Online PhD in Healthcare Programs

Hospitals and other healthcare systems are businesses, but they have a unique focus: caring for people’s bodies and minds. So, serving in a leadership capacity within a medical system requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. A Doctorate in Healthcare Administration is a degree that can help prepare you for those high-level positions.

Administrative healthcare professionals are responsible for the operations and business success of the organizations for which they work. Big decisions often rest on their shoulders, so they need to have strong critical-thinking skills.

It helps if they’re good at visualizing the big picture while also keeping an eye on the details. These are skills and abilities that a doctoral program can help refine.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Healthcare field is expected to grow by 32% over the next 10 years.

The American healthcare system can be complicated. Politics, insurance matters, and other issues add complexity to caring for people in sickness and in health. A doctoral program can help you gain the knowledge and insight needed to navigate this system. Your expertise can help doctors take care of patients while you handle the business side of healthcare.

You may already have firsthand insight into healthcare leadership. If you’ve been working in this field for years, then you probably know how important qualified leaders and administrators are to a health system. You’ll probably draw on your professional experience time and again as you go through your doctoral program.

Many universities require you to have several years of experience working in the field before you’ll be admitted to their programs.

Most online doctoral programs offer the same sort of rigorous educational experience that you would get from on-campus classes. However, they usually feature more flexible schedules and are designed with working professionals in mind. If your goal is to juggle your job, your family and your schooling, then an online healthcare administration program may be ideal.

Types of Doctoral Healthcare Administration Programs

Once you decide that a doctoral degree in healthcare administration is for you, the next step is to choose the type of doctoral program that best fits your plans and interests.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you decide to go the DBA route, then you can earn a business degree with a healthcare specialization. This concentration typically requires an assortment of core classes that apply to students in many business settings and then a few additional healthcare-specific courses.

If you already have an MHA, this may be a good option because it can help you obtain a broader knowledge base. Some DBA programs require dissertations, but not all do.

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

Unlike in a DBA program, nearly all of the classes that you take in a DHA program will likely be directly related to health sciences and healthcare. If you pursue a DHA, you may be able to earn a generalist degree or work toward a particular specialization to further refine your healthcare leadership skills. As with DBA programs, not all schools require a dissertation for a DHA.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

People who earn DHA or DBA degrees often work directly in the field; for example, they may serve as leaders in hospital systems. PhD holders often have a different goal in mind: working in academia.

If you are interested in teaching in a university setting or creating original research related to healthcare administration, then a PhD in Healthcare Administration may be a good choice. Be prepared to complete a dissertation as part of your program.

For a number of students, the dissertation requirement is a deciding factor as it is such a lengthy, intensive process. Professional doctorates do not require dissertations in all cases. In fact, a capstone project is becoming more common.

Your doctoral curriculum can help you obtain advanced knowledge of healthcare systems and business leadership. Programs vary from school to school, but your coursework may include classes like the ones below.

As you can see, a doctorate in Health Admin is a robust course of study. If these classes pique your interest, you may be looking at the right degree for you.

Healthcare Administration Careers & Employment Outlook

Many people who graduate with a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration desire to work in a managerial, administrative, or executive role in a hospital or other healthcare organization.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of management positions in the field of medical and health services is predicted to increase by 32% for the next ten years. That is is significantly higher than the national average for job growth.

Medical and health services managers earn an average of $104,280 annually. It’s important to note that this average includes employees who hold only bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

Earning your professional doctorate or PhD in this field can help open the doors for some of the top-paying executive positions in hospitals or healthcare systems. Applicable titles may include Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Chief Operating Officer.

Other graduates become presidents or vice presidents of healthcare organizations. Throughout all fields, top executives make an average annual salary of $107,680, and chief executives earn an average salary of about $160,950 each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Serving as a top-level hospital executive is just one of the many positions that you could pursue after earning your doctoral degree. You should find many career paths open to you after completing your schooling. Your options, with average salaries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:

• Compliance officer : Ensure that healthcare organizations are abiding by applicable laws and regulations. The average annual salary is $71,100.
• Health educator : Help people learn to take charge of their own health. The average salary is around $56,500 per year.
• Management analyst : Suggest ways that healthcare organizations could improve their efficiency and effectiveness. You might make an annual salary of $87,660.
• Pharmaceutical executive : Hold a top-level position in a company that manufactures prescription drugs. Managers in this field make an average of $145,000, and chief executives make $208,000.
• University faculty : Change the face of healthcare by empowering students to make a difference in their communities. Postsecondary teachers make an average of $80,560 each year. Those who teach health specialties may make $99,090 annually.

Your new job title and earnings potential start with earning your new degree.

Admissions & Prerequisites

Doctoral programs in this field can be quite rigorous, so admissions committees can be rather selective about whom they allow into their doctoral tracks. Understanding the admissions requirements ahead of time can help you determine whether this is the right season for you to apply for these programs.

Most schools expect you to have experience in the field before pursuing your healthcare administration doctoral degree. Often, the admissions requirements stipulate that you must have already held a healthcare leadership position for three to five years.

Others expect several years of professional experience, but that experience does not have to be limited to work in the healthcare field .

Your previous education plays a role in whether you will be admitted to a doctoral program. Most schools expect to see a previous GPA of at least 2.5 or 3.0. Some will make exceptions for lower grades if you have a compelling, well-crafted essay to go along with your application.

Holding a master’s degree in health administration online can prove beneficial. In fact, some schools may waive some of their admissions requirements for students who have already demonstrated their competence at the graduate level. For example, a school may allow a master’s holder into its doctoral program even if the student doesn’t have the required number of years of work experience.

Having a master’s degree may also exempt you from minimum GPA requirements.

GRE test scores are required for some Doctorate in Healthcare Administration programs. However, there are a number of schools that don’t ask students to take this test, or they offer waivers for qualifying students. Work experience, previous graduate degrees, professional certifications, or high GPAs are commonly used as the basis for GRE waivers.

Whether or not a school requires GRE testing before admission, it’s likely that you’ll need to provide test scores that prove your English proficiency if this is your second language.

When applying for a doctoral program, you may need to submit an application, an essay or personal statement, your school transcripts, and proof of your professional experience. Most schools will ask for a set number of letters of recommendation; in general, these should come from professional colleagues or associates.

If the GRE or other testing is required, you’ll need to submit your scores or proof that you qualify for a waiver.

Accreditation

In order for your Doctorate in Healthcare Administration to help you reach your career goals, you must earn your degree from an accredited school. Accreditation shows that a university is reputable and that its graduates possess a sufficient body of knowledge and competence.

Consider the following types of accreditation as you decide on a university:

Regional Accreditation

• All universities should hold accreditation from a regional accrediting body that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation .

Industry-Specific Accreditation

• Although this certification is not completely essential for a doctoral program in healthcare administration, many of the schools in this field have received accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). To receive this distinction, a school’s curriculum must meet rigorous standards.

Additional Accreditation

• If you are earning an online degree, consider enrolling in a school that has been recognized by the Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission .

Before enrolling in a graduate program, ensure that the school is properly accredited and that it maintains its accreditation throughout your course of study.

Financial Aid

Grants and loans can help you afford a doctoral program. The federal government offers both of these types of financial aid. To see what type of help you qualify for, start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition, your state may offer grants and loans for doctoral students. Scholarships are sometimes available through schools or independent organizations, and your university may be able to set up a payment plan.

What are the Advantages of Earning My Healthcare Admin Degree Online?

When you enroll in an online program, school administrators usually assume that you’re also working full time. Courses tend to be designed to accommodate adult schedules and workloads. Most schools allow students to listen or view lectures at any time. Schools that require logging in to watch live lectures usually schedule them on the weekends rather than during peak work hours.

You may also enjoy the ability to receive education from a myriad of schools nationwide without having to move closer to any particular campus. And because online programs don’t require as much in-person attendance, your tuition is often lower.

How Long Will it Take to Earn My PhD in Healthcare Administration?

The normal range is between 4 and 7 years, but if you have the time, you can enroll in accelerated healthcare administration programs .

You may also earn credit toward your degree based on your prior education and work experience, which could significantly reduce your course load and total time spent earning your degree. Some students can graduate after 2.5 or 3 years, especially when they take advantage of online programs.

Ready to Get Started?

A Doctorate in Healthcare Administration can help you obtain the skills and knowledge needed to serve in healthcare organizations’ top-level positions. Your work can lead to a satisfying career because it can open the door to opportunities to help hospitals and clinics make a difference in people’s lives. In addition, it will let you pursue jobs in a typically well-paying field with continual job growth.

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CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

20 Best PhD Healthcare Administration Online Programs

Earning one of the 20 best online PhD healthcare administration degrees can pave the way for a high-paying career managing complex healthcare systems. Plus, you’ll be making a difference in human health and wellbeing. 

Curious what you’d be doing with an online PhD in healthcare administration ? Administrators with an online PhD health administration degree are the ones diving into these subjects, analyzing population data, and developing the nation’s future healthcare policies. While medical doctors attempt to solve the day-to-day problems plaguing specific individuals, healthcare administrators are tackling the healthcare problems of nations and the world. 

What are the Best Online PhD’s in Healthcare Administration?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of CollegeRank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:

40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni 

30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year 

30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Arizona State University

Scottsdale, Arizona

Average Net Price

Not Reported

Named the most innovative school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report , Arizona State University offers one of the best healthcare administration programs in the country. This degree is part of ASU’s outstanding College of Health Solutions, which boasts more than 100 faculty, in addition to 247 Barrett Honors scholars.

ASU’s online Doctor of Behavioral Health with a concentration in management is an excellent option for students who wish to be a part of a large, well-funded academic community without having to attend a physical campus. A focus on business entrepreneurship enables graduates of the program to pursue leadership roles in healthcare administration.

The curriculum is 84 credit hours in total, earned in 14 classes. ASU requires students, as is standard with Ph.D. programs, to hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution; it may be in any field. The curriculum focuses on areas like:

• integrated behavioral health programs
• quality and performance measurement
• business entrepreneurship

University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Widely known for its excellent basketball program, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is not to be missed for its academics. The healthcare administration degree from UNC is formally known as the Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership. It aims to prepare current professionals for larger and more demanding roles in the healthcare administration field.

In addition to helping current healthcare administration professionals bolster their knowledge and credentials, the degree offers students a broad look at health care leadership and the different ways in which it can be practiced. UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public health has been known to produce top-quality health care leadership candidates; in 2018, one of its alumni was named Young Healthcare Executive of the Year by the National Association of Health Service Executives.

UNC gives health care professionals a lot to love with its online doctorate in healthcare administration. From the large community and research budget to well-structured online classes, opportunities abound for professionals to expand their expertise and knowledge in the healthcare industry.

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

An excellent choice for those looking to earn a doctorate in public health leadership, the University of Illinois at Chicago offers a flexible online curriculum that suits professionals in many walks of life. Alumni have the skills needed to influence public health policy and assume key roles in the public health community.

Students in the U.S. must apply by Feb. 1 to be considered for the fall term. The number of semester hours this program requires varies, depending on a student’s curriculum concentration. There are 28 required core semester hours. Students can choose to take a course in biostatistics or quantitative methods. All students complete a DrPH dissertation requirement of at least 28 semester hours.

A large university with plentiful funding, the University of Illinois at Chicago offers students and health care professionals an innovative and modern take on policy and administration in a variety of different healthcare organizations, preparing them for a variety of careers.

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Central Michigan University, one of the nation’s 100 largest public universities, provides health care professionals seeking a doctorate in healthcare administration with an affordable and well-respected option to do just that. Students work with the same group of colleagues from start to finish in this curriculum, which totals 63 credit hours.

CMU claims that its rigorous coursework expands current professionals’ knowledge and capabilities in health care leadership. With a focus on real-world, applicable methods of health care leadership, graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

The cost is $850 per credit, and to gain admission, students must hold a master’s degree in a field relevant to healthcare administration. This requirement is slightly stricter than colleges that only require a general master’s degree, but practicing health care professionals with relevant master’s degrees are certainly qualified for admission to the program.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

Known for offering numerous excellent online degrees, the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s doctorate in healthcare administration provides health care professionals with an excellent option for advanced study. The degree, first offered in 1978, aims to improve health care leadership and research practices throughout the industry.

A substantial amount of work and time are required outside of the online doctorate in healthcare administration coursework, as the intensive curriculum challenges students to examine their own skills and build upon them in creative ways. UAB states that the majority of the students graduating from its program pursue careers in academia, but consulting and research positions are quite popular as well.

Due in part to its popularity and size, UAB is able to draw from a wide variety of resources and departments to provide students with the best possible academic experience. Many faculty members are nationally recognized scholars in their respective fields, meaning that students will have plenty of well-equipped health care leaders to reach out to during the course of the program.

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

A strictly medical university, the Medical University of South Carolina helps health care professionals boost their leadership skills to prepare for work in an ever-changing industry. MUSC helps current health care professionals gain a better understanding of policy and the nuances of health care.

The curriculum is 54 credit hours in total, and new cohorts commence each fall. Though the program is mostly delivered online, students must attend the campus in Charleston for one weekend each semester, where they participate in classes and meet with colleagues. MUSC claims that this blend of in-person and online courses works well to prepare students for rewarding careers.

The second year of the program takes students on a week-long trip to Washington DC, where they meet with experts to discuss groundbreaking health care policy ideas and strategies. This alone is invaluable, and students graduating from MUSC’s Ph.D. program will find themselves ready to pursue innovative careers in healthcare administration.

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson, Mississippi

The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers an impressive range of medical education through its School of Health Related Professions. Chiefly held online and requiring minimal on-campus schoolwork, the health administration program is friendly to the lifestyle of working professionals. Students from out of state who are enrolled in the program are not charged additional fees, as the work is primarily completed online. 

New applicants to the Doctor of Health Administration program must hold a master’s degree in a related health care field and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Among other prerequisites, applicants must submit an essay on their health care work experience. Different from a traditional doctorate in healthcare administration, this program is profession focused. Rather than an emphasis on research alone, students study practical applications of medical research to real-world issues. 

Over nine semesters of study, students receive tools and knowledge to shape not just their know-how, but also their ability to use their skills. With an awareness of the constantly changing health care environment, students graduate with an understanding of how to navigate these changes and help shape them for future generations.

Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Franklin University was founded in 1902 for students looking to finish their degrees. Boasting an accelerated program and numerous helpful guides, Franklin’s program is built for busy adults who want to further their education. The online doctorate in healthcare administration program is designed for professionals in health care working toward a higher position in the field who do not want to sacrifice work to further their education. 

FU offers a Doctor of Health Administration for students aiming to heighten their skills and influence in the health care field. Its courses focus on leadership and presentation. Speed is a key factor in FU’s program descriptions. With the right qualifications and work ethic, students can graduate in three years, including completion of their dissertation. If three years isn’t fast enough, students may transfer up to 24 previously earned credit hours into the program, shortening the time frame even more. 

With extensive mentoring and guidance features, students at FU can collaborate with fellow learners and mentors alike. Students learn at the highest level, with their profession, community, and future in mind. Graduates of FU’s DHA program emerge with advanced knowledge of the medical field and know how to pioneer change and proceed as a leader in the field.  

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

A private Christian university, Regent University offers an array of study areas to fit any student. Though physical classes are held in Virginia Beach, VA, its online coursework is no less thorough or carefully designed. RU’s Healthcare Leadership program equips students with knowledge of both theoretical and practical applications. 

RU’s Doctor of Strategic Leadership – Healthcare Leadership program totals 60 credit hours. Applicants face a comprehensive scoring process before admission into the DSL – Healthcare Leadership program. They are graded for academic achievement, and each student’s personal qualities are taken into account during the admissions process. These include how well the student’s goals align with RU’s program, their writing quality, history of leadership positions, and more. 

Students work with the intention of spearheading change in the health care field. They also learn effective methods of predicting and forecasting changes in the ever-transforming medical environment. Many students report leaving RU with the skills they need to make changes, and the accompanying confidence required to set those changes in motion. 

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

With a 100% online doctorate in healthcare administration degree program, Liberty University caters to the needs of non-traditional students all over the nation who are seeking higher education. While many universities require a minimum amount of physical attendance in addition to online studies, LU does not. Perhaps travel expenses need not be a worry after all. 

LU’s Doctor of Business Administration – Healthcare Management degree is built to be flexible enough to suit every student’s schedule. There are no set login times; students can study when it’s the most convenient for them. As a private evangelical Christian university, LU works Christian principles into its coursework. Students with military experience are eligible for a great number of benefits at LU, including discounted tuition rates. 

Students enrolled in LU’s doctorate in healthcare administration program work both collaboratively and independently throughout their course of study, aiming to practice leadership skills and improve collaborative methods of solving problems. They graduate with abilities in all aspects of the field, from finance to quality control. 

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Known across the nation for its career-specific studies, Colorado Technical University focuses on innovation, modern techniques and technology, and embracing change in all it offers. With thorough courses offered both on- and off-campus, CTU ensures education and skills development relevant to current industries. The Doctorate in Health Management – Healthcare Management and Leadership degree program is no exception. 

CTU wastes no time in its course descriptions and list of requirements. Despite weighing in at 100 credit hours, CTU claims that its online healthcare administration degree can be completed in as few as three years. Dissertation development, a distinctive component of the program designed to support students in their closing defense, is built into the online courses. 

CTU is a proud innovator in the world of higher education. Students graduate with leadership skills, relevant tools, and knowledge specific to the field of healthcare administration. They enter their professions with modern abilities and the professional practice they need to adapt in real-world situations. 

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Connecticut

The University of Bridgeport is a private school with an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It prioritizes student life, success, and diversity with a strong and personable social media presence. Its online platforms reflect this in the fullest, with resources readily available, events and achievements on display, and enthusiastic student participation.

Students who apply to UB’s hybrid Health Sciences, D.H.Sc. degree program are required to submit a personal statement, resume, two recommendation letters, and academic history from every school they have attended. Unlike many universities, experience in the health care field is not necessarily required. Instead, applicants without field experience are evaluated for their potential of success and leadership demonstration. UB’s website estimates that it takes 40 months to complete this program, including one week of mandatory campus residency.

UB aims to open doors for students and help them explore all aspects of their passions. In its Health Sciences, D.H.Sc hybrid program, learners become familiar with current topics and issues in health care. They leave as capable researchers, innovators, and leaders, well-versed in their trade, from small-scale methods to global health concerns. 

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, Massachusetts

Named No. 1 in Earning Power by the Wall Street Journal in 2018, the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services is known for its effective and thorough courses. Its Doctor of Health Sciences degree program is held exclusively online and can be completed in as few as nine semesters.

MCPHS’s DHS online degree program has a prerequisite list comparatively less intensive than that of many other universities. Applicants must hold a master’s degree, but it does not have to be in a specific or relevant health field. Applicants must also provide proof of their experience in the health care field and, if applicable, a score of 90 or higher on the internet-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language. With a total of 54 credit hours, the program is designed to be flexible to suit students’ varying needs. 

Students in MCPHS’s DHS degree program have the opportunity to choose a specialty in the field. Graduates of this program are capable of leading the health industry with:

• best practices
• progressive methods
• professional implementation

With the help of experienced faculty, students work independently to develop research- and evidence-based knowledge and methods in health care.

Rush University

Rush University is based in Chicago and provides degrees pertaining specifically to the medical field. Its online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program requires an on-campus presence only for a student’s dissertation defense and comprehensive examination. The program is designed to help healthcare administration professionals develop their skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field. 

With both full- and part-time opportunities available, students usually take four to five years to complete the courses. Full-time students can complete the required courses in as few as three years. RU’s faculty not only teach the profession, they practice it. Students have readily available help from experts as they complete their studies. 

RU’s DPHS online curriculum is divided into categories that prepare students for vital aspects of healthcare administration. These include both leadership and professional development. The program is designed to reinforce the skills that graduates will need to succeed in all facets of the career that awaits them. 

A T Still University of Health Sciences

Kirksville, Missouri

Ranked by BestColleges.com for offering one of the best online doctorate in healthcare administration degrees, A. T. Still University’s program is respected for its success. Its Doctor of Health Administration works to heighten and reinforce the skills of health care professionals. It aims to build problem-solving, business, and leadership skills in its students. 

ATSU, founded in 1892, is known as the home of osteopathic healthcare. The DHA degree is challenging and comprehensive, and services are provided for students in need of tutoring and mentoring. All faculty have a great deal of experience in various areas of the health care field, from economics to management of the industry. Tuition for ATSU’s DHA online degree program starts at $1,000 per credit hour. 

ATSU’s DHA online degree program trains students in both business and practice. Graduates will grow as leaders and pioneers in health care change. They will have the opportunity to follow a career path with more influence, whether through teaching the profession or by seeking a higher position in the field. 

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Thomas Jefferson University, established in 1824 and merged with Philadelphia University in 2017, provides a range of medical degree programs. Its PhD in Population Health Science combines on-site instruction with online course work. Compared to many universities, the on-site requirements are extensive; however, the school caters to working students with both morning and evening classes.

Students must complete 62 credits to graduate. Rather than a broad overview of healthcare administration, students are required to choose one of four subjects in which to specialize:

• Health Policy
• Healthcare Policy and Safety
• Health Behavioral Science
• Applied Health Economics and Outcomes Research

Students home in on specific topics and skills relevant to their chosen area of study.

TJU’s online portion of the Ph.D. in Population Health Science is delivered asynchronously. This, combined with flexible on-site class scheduling and options to begin work in the fall or spring, cater to students’ busy lives. Students can complete their work at whatever pace suits them best. All courses are taught by experienced professionals in the field, to best create experts and leaders in health care. 

Northcentral University

La Jolla, California

Northcentral University, a strictly online school, offers an extremely flexible Doctor of Health Administration degree program. Start dates for the DHA program are every Monday. Students must complete 20 courses to graduate, and the estimated completion time is three years. Students work independently without the worry of group projects or collaborative assignments. This way, they can complete their work on their own time without the constraints of other students. 

NCU students are not, however, completely alone in their course work. With a unique one-to-one model, professors teach and guide students at the pace most ideal to the learner, rather than a standard pace set by an entire class. Personal assistance and guidance are key components in all of NCU’s programs. 

NCU’s DHA degree program builds opportunities for students in the health care profession. Graduates become strong leaders in their healthcare organization. They learn strategies for:

• solving problems

Students hone their collaborative skills and their understanding of health policies, problems, the legal system and its relation to health care, and ethical issues. 

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Nova Southeastern University, with a main campus in Fort Lauderdale, FL, offers a Doctor of Health Science degree program. It is delivered almost completely online, requiring on-campus attendance at only two seminars. Each are one weeklong, and they are held during the summer. The amount of collaborative work required depends on the instructor; however, students complete a great deal of the work independently.

Rather than requiring a dissertation, as many universities do, NSU requires an internship and course in Doctoral Objective Analysis. In other words, NSU has replaced the usual dissertation requirement with real-world experience and the application of learned skills. NSU’s Doctor of Health Science program focuses on the role that health care professionals play and the current environment of the health field. 

As with most doctorate in healthcare administration programs, students must complete both mandatory courses and a number of electives. NSU’s Doctor of Health Science program allows students to take electives during any part of the program, and it offers an impressive array of them, including Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Independent Studies directed by the student and guided by a professor, and Narrative Medicine. 

University of the Southwest

Hobbs, New Mexico

The University of the Southwest offers a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. The program is offered 100% online to accommodate professionals in the healthcare industry. Core course offerings include:

• Information Technology in Global Competition
• Human Resource Development
• Healthcare Policy and Management

Financial aid opportunities are available for qualified students. Graduates are prepared for executive roles in healthcare and have the skills needed to become innovative leaders in the healthcare industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PhD can offer opportunities for research, academia, and high-level policy roles. You can also work in healthcare administration at the highest level, in executive and management roles. But the degree takes significant time and effort. Prospective students should weigh personal and career goals against the commitment needed for a PhD in healthcare administration.

It takes between 6-7 years to get a PhD in Healthcare Administration. If you have a master’s degree in a relevant field, you can finish your PhD in four years, but it depends on the program requirements. Plan on completing about 70 credits to get your PhD.

There are many different careers you can do with a PhD in Healthcare Administration, from academia to executive healthcare roles. Here are some jobs you can get: • Adjunct faculty • Assistant professor • Clinical manager • Consultant • Health officer • Hospital administrator • Hospital executive

A Doctorate of Health Administration (DHA) is an applied doctorate. It focuses on gathering evidence currently available in medical, organizational, and policy areas of healthcare and using it to solve problems in the field. A DHA is a terminal degree that allows students to pursue executive roles in healthcare administration.

Six figures! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers make an average of $104,830/year. The top 10%, including those with advanced degrees, make over $209,000/year.

While both a Doctorate of Health Administration (DHA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are advanced degrees, they differ in focus and are not the same. A DHA is more practice-oriented, emphasizing leadership in healthcare administration. A PhD is research focused. It delves into original contributions to knowledge within a specific academic discipline, including healthcare management.

The two degrees are different and choosing one over the other should depend on your career goals. A PhD is research focused. It is suitable for students interested in academia. A DHA is practice-bent. It is geared toward leadership roles in healthcare administration. So, one isn’t better than the other. It all depends on which career path you want to take.

It depends on your career goals. Options include a PhD in Health care Administration, Health Services Research, Public Health, or Health Policy. Consider individual interests and whether a research-focused PhD or a practice-oriented Doctorate in Health Administration (DHA) better aligns with your professional objectives. If you’re interested in healthcare administration, a PhD in this discipline could serve you well.

Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP)

Breaking the boundaries of conventional thinking about health care.

GPHAP trains students to be leaders in a rapidly transforming health care field, which demands interdisciplinary thinkers who work effectively in diverse teams to create models that operate across medicine, social services, community, private markets, and government programs and regulatory policy.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

The next generation of health care leaders will require not only a diverse skill set and an entrepreneurial spirit, but deep interdisciplinary training in health care systems and health equity.  GPHAP draws students out of the silos of their graduate school disciplines to connect and blend their expertise to solve the complex health care problems of our time. Schools participating in GPHAP are the Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Law School, Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Crown  Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. In recent years, Divinity School students also have been participating in GPHAP.

GPHAP Erikson and Quern Fellows, 2014

2016 quern fellows.

QUERN supports independent summer projects by first-year GPHAP students.

Work With Patients

Gphap brochure.

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Graduate Admissions

Office of graduate admissions.

820 Idaho Avenue Morrill Hall, Room 205 Moscow, ID 83843

University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3019 Moscow, ID 83844-3019

Phone: 208-885-4001

Email: [email protected]

Web: More Contact Information

Graduate Programs and Certificates

Select program to review admissions requirements and apply.

Accountancy (M.Acct.)

Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership (M.S.)

Agricultural Education (M.S.)

Animal Physiology (Ph.D.)

Animal Science (M.S.)

Anthropology (M.A.)

Applied Economics (M.S.)

Architecture (M.Arch.)

Art (M.F.A.)

Athletic Training (D.A.T.)

Athletic Training (M.S.A.T.)

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Biological Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Chemical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Chemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)

Childhood Development (M.S.)

Civil Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Climate Change - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Computer Engineering (M.Engr., M.S.)

Computer Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Criminology (M.S.)

Curriculum & Instruction - Career and Technical Education (Ed.S.)

Curriculum & Instruction - Career and Technical Education (M.Ed.)

Curriculum & Instruction (Ed.S.)

Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed.)

Cybersecurity (M.S.)

Dietetics (M.S.)

Education (Ed.D., Ph.D.)

Educational Leadership (M.Ed., Ed.S.)

Electrical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Emerging Media (M.A.)

Engineering Management (M.Engr.)

English (M.A.)

Entomology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Environmental Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Experimental Psychology (Ph.D.)

Family and Consumer Sciences (M.S.)

Food Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Aspects of Sustainable Planning Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Habitat Assessment Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Intelligence Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Geotechnician Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: GIS Programming Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Natural Hazards and Emergency Planning Application (M.S.)

Geographic Information Science: Remote Sensing (M.S.)

Geographic Information, Skills, Mapping, and Monitoring - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Geography (M.S., Ph.D.)

Geological Engineering (M.S.)

Geology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Gerontology (Study of Old Age M.S.)

Groundwater Hydrology (M.S.)

History (M.A., Ph.D.)

Human Factors (Psychology M.S.)

Hydrology (Groundwater Hydrology (M.S.))

Integrated Architecture and Design (M.S.)

Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A., M.S.)

Kinesiology and Leisure Sciences (M.S.)

Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Master of Natural Resources (Natural Resources (M.N.R.))

Mathematics (M.A.T.)

Mathematics (M.S., Ph.D.)

Mechanical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Ph.D.)

Music (M.A., M.Mus.)

Natural Resources - Environmental Education and Science Communication (@MOSS) (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Fire Ecology and Management (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Fish and Wildlife Science and Management Option (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Integrated Natural Resources (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources - Restoration Ecology and Habitat Management (M.N.R.)

Natural Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

Neuroscience (M.S., Ph.D.)

Nuclear Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Nutritional Sciences (M.S., Ph.D.)

Online Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Physical Education (M.Ed.)

Physics (M.S., Ph.D.)

Plant Pathology (M.S.)

Plant Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Political Science (Ph.D.)

Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Professional Science Master (Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (P.S.M.))

Psychology (M.S.)

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Secondary Education (M.A.T.)

Soil and Land Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

Special Education (M.Ed.)

Statistical Science (M.S.)

Sustainable Soil and Land Systems - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)

Technology Management (M.S.)

Theatre Arts (M.F.A.)

Unclassified

Water Resources - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Water Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)