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Jun 04, 2026
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2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
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This program is interdisciplinary and involves content areas of population health (i.e., health equity, policy, applied research and evaluation, and program development), organizational leadership, healthcare finance, and financial analysis along with electives and applied work. The exact design of the doctoral program varies for students depending upon an applicant’s prior learning and career preferences in the field. Our DHSc program is designed to provide a pathway for individuals who have already completed a qualifying master’s degree at Arcadia University or elsewhere. Qualifying degrees include Arcadia’s Master of Public Health, Master of Business Administration, Master of Rehabilitation Science, Master of Counseling, or any other similar or related degree approved by the program. Persons with clinical graduate degrees can apply but might consider our Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), which is for clinicians and has a distinct higher education practice concentration.
Students who do not have a qualifying degree may still apply but will be required to first complete an eligible Master’s degree at Arcadia. Students should indicate their interest in the Pre-Doctoral Master’s to Doctoral pathway on their Master’s degree Admission Application. To be eligible to continue into the DHSc, students must: 1) Complete a qualifying Arcadia Master’s degree; 2) Maintain a 3.0 GPA in their Master’s degree program; and 3) Obtain a Recommendation letter from the Arcadia Master’s Program Director. Earning a doctorate will allow students to acquire additional skills and training through coursework not covered in their master-level training and through an applied health-focused dissertation project (including employment-based). This will allow students to be oriented to multiple disciplines and acquire hands-on experience to navigate and improve the course of healthcare in a variety of settings including health systems, clinics, hospitals, and community settings. This program can be done full-time or part-time per the student’s preference and availability of classes.
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Requirements
The DHSc involves completing 42 credits from two coursework concentration areas with Population Health concentration required, elective coursework, and an applied dissertation experience. The program is online asynchronous with at least one required synchronous check-in per course with the faculty member and at least one per semester with program support. More check-ins might be required as needed as perceived by the program. All students, except those with an Arcadia MPH, are required to take the Population Health concentration (see below). Concentrations (must complete two concentrations of four courses for a total of 24 concentration credits)
Population Health Concentration
Select 4 courses for 12 credits (PBH 501 is required). This concentration is required for all students. The only exception is that students with an Arcadia MPH will be required to take the Healthcare Finance concentration instead to avoid duplication. Those coming from an external MPH program will be required to take CHS 602, CHS 605, PBH 501, and PBH 565 for the Population Health concentration as courses unique to Arcadia. Courses are as follows pending availability in a given semester. Organizational Leadership Concentration
Healthcare Finance Concentration
Financial Analysis Concentration
Electives (any two courses if not taken above for six elective credits total)
Dissertation Project (Four courses for 12 dissertation credits total)
- CHSxxx: Project Planning Phase (3 credits)
- CHSxxx: Proposal Phase (3 credits)
- CHSxxx: Implementing Phase (3 credits)
- CHSxxx: Presenting Phase (3 credits)
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
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A graduate application, including personal statement -
An accredited, qualifying master’s or doctoral degree from Arcadia University or elsewhere with a recommended GPA of 3.0. Qualifying degrees include Master of Public Health, Master of Business Administration, Master of Counseling, Master of Rehabilitation Science or any other similar or related -
Master’s or Doctoral level degree approved by the program. -
One transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. Unofficial transcripts can be used for initial review. An official transcript from the degree conferring institution will be required upon admission. -
Two letters of recommendation from Master’s or Doctoral program speaking to the applicants’ ability to carry out doctoral level applied work. Professional recommendation letters are also accepted. -
Resume For those without a Master’s or Doctoral degree, students may apply to one of Arcadia’s qualifying Master’s degree programs. Students should indicate their interest in the Pre-Doctoral Master’s to Doctoral pathway on their Master’s degree Admission Application. To be eligible to *continue into the DHSc, students must: -
Complete a qualifying Arcadia Master’s degree -
Maintain a 3.0 GPA in their Master’s degree program -
Obtain a Recommendation letter form the Arcadia Master’s Program Director *No additional application required for the DHSc/DMSc Deposit
If an offer of admission is accepted, a deposit of $500 is required to secure a student’s place in the class. This deposit is applied to the first semester’s tuition and is non-refundable. For Arcadia students who completed their Master’s or Doctorate at Arcadia, a $250 deposit is required. |
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