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Jun 04, 2026
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2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
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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/or higher education practice, along with electives and applied work. The exact design of the doctoral program varies for student preference for content areas. Our DMSc program is designed to provide a pathway for individuals who have already completed a qualifying clinical master’s degree at Arcadia University or elsewhere. Qualifying degrees include Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant studies, Doctor of Physical therapy, Master of Arts in Counseling or other master’s level clinical programming.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 DMSc, 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 a higher level of skills and training through additional coursework not covered in their graduate-level training and through an applied dissertation project. This will allow students to be oriented to multiple disciplines for healthcare understandings 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. The Higher Education Practice concentration also allows for broadening understanding of higher education for clinician-educators. The program is online asynchronous with at least one required synchronous check-in per course with the faculty member and one per semester with program support. Most courses are 8-week courses. 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 DMSc involves completing 42 credits from three coursework concentration areas, elective coursework, and an applied dissertation experience. There are also required synchronous check-in sessions. All students are required to take the Population Health concentration. Most courses are 8-weeks long unless otherwise noted below. The only exception is that students with an Arcadia MPH along with a clinical master’s degree (dual degree) will be required to take the Healthcare Finance concentration instead to avoid duplication. Concentrations
Must complete three concentrations for 27 credits as outlined above. Each concentration involves the selection of three courses for nine credits (PBH 501 is required). Organizational Leadership
Higher Education Practice (for those considering teaching)
Electives (one course for three credits)
Dissertation Project (Four courses for 12 credits)
- CHSxxx: Doctoral Project Planning/Foundation Phase (3 credits)
- CHSxxx: Proposal Phase (3 credits)
- CHSxxx: Implementing Phase (3 credits)
- CHSxxx: Presenting Phase (3 credits)
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
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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 Medical Science - Physician Assistant studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, or any other similar or related clinical 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 or DMSc, students must: -
Complete a qualifying Arcadia Master’s degree -
Maintain a 3.0 GPA in their Master’s degree program -
Obtain a Recommendation letter from 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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