Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

About

The Online DHA degree provides a foundation in health policy and management, healthcare analytics, leadership, ethics, and inclusion so that its mission to prepare individuals to lead healthcare organizations in delivering quality care and services in a culturally competent, equitable, and administratively sound manner is achieved. Through an emphasis on workforce diversity, fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, education, and research strategies, program graduates will gain valuable insight and knowledge of the administrative and organizational priorities which advance health equity and the well-being of the communities they serve.

Vision: The DHA program will offer an educational experience that challenges students to master the complexities and challenges of leading today’s health care organizations.

The mission of the MSM DHA program is to prepare individuals to lead healthcare organizations in delivering quality care and services in a culturally competent, equitable, and administratively sound manner through an emphasis on workforce diversity, fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and education in research strategies which advance health equity and the well-being of the communities they serve.
                                       

Personal Information
 

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Program at a Glance

  • Credits to Graduate: 55-credit hours
  • Program Length: 36 months
  • GMAT/GRE or Waiver: GMAT/GRE not required
  • Tuition: $1000 per credit hour

Who 

The target audience for this innovative program is professionals with a graduate degree in a health or business-related field from an accredited institution and at least one year of work experience in healthcare. The program seeks to enroll professionals who want to serve as change agents by applying their knowledge and training in state-of-the art approaches to addressing complex health systems problems that will meet the challenging needs of patients, providers, payers, and other stakeholders in healthcare today.

What 

This 55-credit hour, 36-month online degree is designed to give working professionals the flexibility to pursue high-level training in health administration by offering the comprehensive coursework needed for career advancement. This online curriculum is composed of 15, 8-week terms, including one required on-site orientation. The first eight terms introduce the student to the basics of healthcare systems and health administration including value-based care models, health economics, management, and policy. These courses are designed to give students the underlying principles of the disciplines used in health administration. Terms nine through thirteen allow students to master advanced level concepts and develop skills as leaders to improve health systems and health equity including data-informed decision making, global health systems, global and cultural competence, and achieving compliance. Terms 14 and 15 focus on research methods in health administration and students are required to complete a two-part capstone application experience in lieu of a traditional doctoral dissertation. Each course in the 55 credit hour program adresses the concepts of health equity and the development of a culturally  competent workforce.

Where 

Online | Anywhere
*Please note: There will be one in-person required on-site orientation. MSM covers the cost of on-site lodging and transportation to attend all Orientation activities.

Why 

A Morehouse School of Medicine DHA curriculum focuses on health equity, and the cultivation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Healthcare leaders who graduate from MSM apply this equity centered curriculum to direct the operations of hospitals, health systems, long-term care facilities, governmental agencies, and other types of health-related organizations. They are responsible for effective communication, financial stewardship, community relations and other administrative and management functions depending on the type and size of the organization.  Job growth in healthcare administration is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Healthcare Administration job growth rate is 32%, with 130,000 new jobs created each year. Through its DHA degree program, Morehouse School of Medicine is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities who join the ranks of executive leadership in health administration. 

The future for health professionals is bright. In today's market graduates can pursue careers in hospitals and health systems, governmental agencies, community based organizations, and consulting. Graduates can look forward to career trajectories that earn  annual compensation in the six figure range.

When

Online Course Calendar 2023-2024

 

Start Date

Finish Date

Final Grades Posted

Spring 2025
(Term I)

Monday, January 6

Saturday, March 1

Wednesday, March 5

Spring 2025
(Term II)

Monday, March 3

Saturday, April 26

Wednesday, April 30

Summer 2025
(Term I)

Monday, May 5

Saturday, June 28

Wednesday, July 2

Summer 2025
(Term II)

Monday, June 30

Saturday, August 23

Wednesday, August 27

Minimum Requirements

  • Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution.
  • An introductory course in research and/or statistics, highly recommended.
  • A minimum of one year of healthcare experience.
  • Two (2) recommendation forms, submitted with online application.
  • Completed online application.

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes uploading:

  • Resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Two (2) recommendation forms, submitted with online application.
  • Official transcripts, emailed to msmonline@msm.edu.
    Please submit transcripts after application is submitted for proper retrieval.
    I
    f you have collegiate coursework outside of the United States, upload an unofficial copy of the course-by-course evaluation. Please do not upload unofficial copies of transcripts outside of the United States without the evaluation.
  • An application fee of $50.

Deadlines

Spring 2025 Cohort

  • Early Decision deadline: October 1, 2025
  • Spring 2025 Applications open: August 19, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Applications close: November 1, 2024
  • Classes begin: January 6, 2025

Required: All eligible applicants must have a virtual interview for admission consideration. Interview invitations may be extended based on a full review of a completed application.

Scheduled Breaks

  • Spring Break: 4/27/25 – 5/4/25

Admissions and Tuition Information

CLICK HERE for information on admissions and tuition.

Curriculum

CLICK HERE for more information about the DHA Curriculum.