800-837-1290
412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)
Chatham University's Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is a fully online, part-time doctoral program created for healthcare professionals seeking to advance into higher education, academic leadership, workforce development, and healthcare administration. Delivered over five semesters and 41 credit hours, the program is specifically designed to support clinicians transitioning into faculty, leadership positions, and scholarship roles while maintaining professional practice responsibilities, as well as educators and healthcare professionals holding a master’s degree who are pursuing a doctoral degree or terminal credential to advance their careers.
The DHSc combines interdisciplinary healthcare leadership with advanced preparation in teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, academic administration, and educational scholarship. Students learn within a collaborative interprofessional environment while developing the skills necessary to influence the future of healthcare education and workforce development.
The DHSc is delivered entirely online and follows a structured, fall-entry cohort model that allows students to earn their doctorate while continuing to work full-time. Students complete 41 credits over five semesters.
The DHSc prepares graduates for leadership roles in higher education, healthcare workforce development, academic administration, program leadership, and clinical education. Students gain expertise in teaching, curriculum design, assessment, leadership, and scholarship.
Students engage in applied doctoral scholarship to tackle real-world healthcare challenges. The capstone experience allows them to create and assess impactful projects in their professional environments and communities.
The DHSc program admits one cohort annually, which starts in the fall term. All application materials must be received no later than July 31.
Building on Chatham University's strengths in health professions education and online learning, the DHSc provides a unique pathway for healthcare professionals seeking to become educators, scholars, and academic leaders, as well as for educators seeking to advance their careers. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes teaching excellence, curricular innovation, leadership, and applied scholarship, graduates are prepared to shape the future of healthcare education and workforce development.
—JENNIFER LAPE, DHSc Program Director
Chatham's Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) program is specifically designed for working professionals. The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to support healthcare professionals and educators pursuing careers in academia, educational leadership, and advanced professional practice. Students complete 41 credit hours over five semesters through a combination of foundational coursework, educational leadership and teaching courses, scholarly inquiry, and a three-course capstone sequence. Unique courses in the curriculum include:
Unlike traditional health science doctoral programs that emphasize healthcare policy or public health systems, Chatham's DHSc focuses on preparing healthcare professionals for educational leadership and academic careers. Students gain advanced expertise in teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, educational scholarship, faculty leadership, and academic administration while maintaining the interdisciplinary perspective necessary to lead within modern healthcare environments.
DHSc students learn alongside professionals from a variety of healthcare disciplines, including nursing, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, educators, and other health professions. Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship create a personalized learning experience that supports each student's professional goals while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Explore Elective Options : Checkerboard 4 - Personalized, Interprofessional Doctoral Experience
Graduates of Chatham University's DHSc program will be prepared for a variety of leadership and academic positions, including:
DHSc faculty combine expertise in health professions education, leadership, administration, scholarship, and clinical practice. As mentors and collaborators, faculty provide individualized guidance that supports students as they develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success in teaching, leadership, and academic scholarship.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 6 - Program Faculty
The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available.
Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 7 - Tuition & Funding
Learn more about Chatham's DHSc program admissions process, requirements, and information for international applicants.
View Admission Requirements : Checkerboard 8 - Admission Requirements
Start the next steps in your graduate journey at Chatham University by visiting campus or attending upcoming events. Join virtual info sessions, open houses, or admitted student sessions to learn about our programs and the application process, interact with faculty, and experience the Chatham community. Click the button below to view the schedule and register, and email graduate@chatham.edu with any questions.
View Graduate Event Schedule : Checkerboard 9 - Visits & Events