CHP Staff
Doctor of Health Administration Virtual Info Session
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Doctor of Health Administration
book_2 Learning Mode: Hybrid
Program Overview
The Doctor of Health Administration program prepares experienced health professionals to lead complex organizations, influence health policy and drive meaningful improvements in health care delivery. Through a hybrid format combining online coursework with immersive on-campus experiences, students gain advanced knowledge in leadership, strategic management, policy analysis and organizational change. Guided by accomplished faculty and enriched by collaboration with peers nationwide, the program fosters both intellectual growth and practical skills. Graduates emerge ready to address evolving health care challenges with innovation, integrity and a clear focus on improving outcomes for the communities they serve.
Application Timeline
Fall 2026
Aug 1, 2025 – Jul 15, 202
Learning Experience
Engage in online classes with faculty mentors, on campus learning intensives and an immersive Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
Inside the Program
The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program is designed to allow ambitious health care professionals to turn their clinical or administrative experiences into opportunities to teach, shape public policy and/or lead complex organizations.
The program utilizes a blended format, combining asynchronous online instruction with face-to-face meetings, with new cohorts beginning each fall. Each semester students will be required to spend one long weekend on the MUSC campus in Charleston attending classes. The first two years of the program include formal course work provided through online presentations and asynchronous discussion. Papers and other required assignments are completed during home study between on campus sessions. DHA students take a core curriculum focusing on leadership and management, applied research methods, health policy, change management, health information management, population health management and health care finance with additional elective courses in advanced health information systems, leadership and operations and telehealth. Year two also includes an intensive policy trip to Washington, D.C., where students meet with and learn from national health policy experts. Year three of the program is devoted to individual, supervised doctoral project research.
Curriculum
| Year 1, Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| DHA800, DHA802 | Organizational Behavior, or Healthcare Leadership | 3 | |
| DHA805 | Qualitative Methods | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 6 | ||
| Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26) | |||
| DHA801 | Financial Management (2 sections) | 3 | |
| DHA807 | Managing Healthcare Info | 3 | |
| DHA816 | Leading a Dynamic Workforce | 2 | |
| Semester Total | 8 | ||
| Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26–8/14/26) | |||
| DHA808 | Health Politics & Advocacy | 3 | |
| DHA867 | Quantitative Methods for Research | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 6 | ||
| Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25) | |||
| DHA865 | National Health Policy | 3 | |
| DHA812 | Evidence-based Decision Making | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 6 | ||
| Year 2, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26) | |||
| DHA809 | Change Management & Negotiation | 3 | |
| DHA850 | Population Health Management | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 6 | ||
| Year 2, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26–8/14/26) | |||
| DHA814 | Study Execution | 4 | |
| DHA817, DHA872 | Strategy & Operations, or Leadership III | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 7 | ||
| Year 3, Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25) | |||
| DHA990 | Doctoral Project | 9 | |
| Semester Total | 9 | ||
| Year 3, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26) | |||
| DHA990 | Doctoral Project | 9 | |
| Semester Total | 9 | ||
| Year 3, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26–8/14/26) | |||
| DHA990 | Doctoral Project | 9 | |
| Semester Total | 9 | ||
| Curriculum Total | 66 | ||
Health Policy Seminar
For the majority of DHA students, the Health Policy Seminar is cited as the highlight and hallmark of the DHA program. The course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the structure and functioning of the health policy process, particularly at the national level. The central didactic component of this course consists of a series of visits to federal health agencies and health professional organization offices during a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. These sessions include presentations by and discussions with high-level agencies and other policy-relevant health professionals. In addition, students are given time to complete their own (as individuals or in pairs) visit to a Congressional office, health-related Federal Government agency, or health-related organization.
Doctoral Project
Year three of the program is devoted to individual, supervised doctoral project research. The purpose of the doctoral project is to give students an opportunity to work under the direction of a faculty member to conceive, implement and analyze an applied research problem that generates new knowledge or adds a new perspective to existing knowledge. The doctoral project is geared toward a publishable paper (or five chapter) written document that examines a complex health care issue within the real-world health care setting and context.
Engage With Our Community
Connect with peers, faculty and health care leaders through virtual information sessions, national conferences and on-campus visits.
CHP Staff
Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Virtual Info Session
- calendar_today Wednesday, Dec. 3
CHP Staff
Hybrid Doctor of Physical (Hybrid DPT) On- Campus Info Session
- calendar_today Thursday, Dec. 4
Your Path to Admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must have the following:
- A master’s or post-baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. At least three years of significant health care experience, which may include administration, clinical care, management, or another health care-related field.
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. You can view the full list of minimum abilities by visiting the Minimum Abilities page.
Application Process
This program has a rolling admissions process. The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Submit the MUSC application.
- Submit all supplemental materials, if not included within the application.
- Once all materials have been received and verified, your application will be reviewed. Admissions decisions are generally available in two to four weeks after an application is complete.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Jillian B. Harvey, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Doctor of Health Administration, or Leslie Anderson, Student Services Coordinator, via email at anersol@musc.edu or phone at 843-792-8549.
Application Requirements
- MUSC Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC application, which includes:
- Letters of recommendation: All applicants must provide the email addresses of three professional references who will receive a notification to submit a recommendation form electronically. Personal references will not be accepted.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal essay: Applicants should write an essay (not to exceed 1,000 words) describing their professional aspirations and career goals to include how they believe this program will contribute to this trajectory.
- Resume or CV: Applicants should include any relevant presentations, publications, or research experience. There are no length requirements.
- Supplemental Material: Applicants will need to submit the following supplemental materials.
- Organizational chart: Provide the organizational chart of the applicant’s current organization with the applicant’s position highlighted, if available. This can be included within the resume in the application.
- Position description: Provide a brief description of the applicant’s current position. This can be included within the resume in the application.
International Applicants
MUSC’s DHA degree program is unable to sponsor student visas. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States. This is not a fully remote program and travel to campus in Charleston, South Carolina, is required once per semester for the required in-person sessions.
Why MUSC was the Right Choice
Hear from DHA graduates whose careers advanced through rigorous study, applied research and key networking opportunities at MUSC.
Inside the Program
Explore the College
Funding Your Path Forward
Discover financial aid, scholarship options through the College and guidance on navigating costs for your doctoral degree.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $100 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $500 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $10,290 | $10,290 | $10,290 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $10,290 | $10,290 | $10,290 | - |
| Program Fee | $214 | $214 | $214 | - |
Cost of Attendance
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $30,870 / $30,870 | $30,870 / $30,870 | $30,870 / $30,870 | $92,610 / $92,610 |
| Fees | $642 | $642 | $642 | $1,926 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $3,780 | $11,340 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $35,292 / $35,292 | $35,292 / $35,292 | $35,292 / $35,292 | $105,876 / $105,876 |
| Indirect Costs | ||||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $24,882 | $24,882 | $74,646 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $2,640 | $2,640 | $7,920 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,970 | $2,970 | $8,910 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $3,160 | $1,710 | $1,360 | $6,230 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $33,652 / $33,652 | $32,202 / $32,202 | $31,852 / $31,852 | $97,706 / $97,706 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $68,944 / $68,944 | $67,494 / $67,494 | $66,569 / $66,569 | $203,582 / $203,582 |
Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Career Outlook
Pathways to Executive Leadership
Graduates join academia, advocacy, clinical leadership and executive roles with strong project-based doctoral research backing their success.
Program Faculty
Jillian B. Harvey, Ph.D., MPH
Professor, MUSC College of Health Professions
Division Director, Doctor of Health Administration
Division Director, Doctor of Health Administration
Jami Jones, MHA, Ph.D.
Professor, MUSC College of Health Professions
Chair, Department of Healthcare Leadership & Management
Chair, Department of Healthcare Leadership & Management
Kit N. Simpson, DrPH
Distinguished University Professor
Director, Comparative Effectiveness Data Analytics Research (CEDAR) Core
Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions
Yes. A post-baccalaureate professional degree or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required for admission.
No. The GRE and GMAT tests are not required for admission to the DHA program.
Yes, financial aid services are available.
Learning Experience FAQs
The DHA is an applied professional degree emphasizing the solving of real-world problems or addressing issues of practical concern. The Ph.D. is a research-oriented degree emphasizing generation of new knowledge.
Yes. The program is designed for students who are working full-time in high-level health care positions. Therefore, six credit hours per semester are considered full-time enrollment.
No. The MUSC DHA program is a blended format. The didactic portion of the program includes one on-campus visit per semester. This typically occurs in September, January and May during the didactic portion of the program. We meet in Charleston, South Carolina, each semester for a three- to four-day session. In the fall semester of the second year, the Charleston visit is replaced by the policy trip to Washington, D.C.
These sessions are integral to the program and are a mandatory part of each course. Curriculum plans that include the dates of all on-campus sessions are provided prior to enrollment. Generally, the student can take the class with the next year's cohort of students if an unexpected conflict arises. However, this would add time to the completion of the program.
Given that all students are working full-time there is some flexibility built into the program. Each week, the course information, assignments, lectures and activities will be posted. The students are free to complete the course activities and requirements as they fit their schedule as long as final due dates are met. Some courses incorporate live Zoom or Teams sessions. When these sessions are offered, they are also recorded and available for students who have work obligations that prevent logging in at a specified time.
No. The DHA program is designed to build strategic thinking and evidence-based decision making. Therefore, courses rarely require traditional tests. Instead, the course competencies are obtained through reading, writing, group projects and presentations. During the second year, there is a comprehensive exam taken prior to the final semester of coursework. The exam is designed to show overarching understanding of the DHA core topics (e.g., leadership, health policy, applied research). Successful completion of the comprehensive exam is a traditional component of doctoral programs and a strong indicator that the student is ready to undertake independent doctoral project work.
Both the DHA doctoral project and Ph.D. dissertation are scholarly research endeavors designed to add to the evidence base of a specific topic. The end goal for a Ph.D. dissertation is typically a three-paper, or five-chapter written document, with a heavy theoretical component. The DHA doctoral project is geared towards an applied one paper (or five chapter) written document that examines a complex health care issue within the real-world health care setting and context.
We encourage students to begin exploring the doctoral project area at the start of the program, by choosing topics for course assignments that are related to their project interests. During the second year, DHA814 guides students through finalizing their doctoral project topic and research question. End goals of this course include identifying a doctoral project chair and completing the initial literature review.
Yes. We hope that students pick a topic that is relevant to their interests and career goals.
A minimum of two semesters of doctoral project work is required for graduation. For each cohort, 78-95% of students finish within this accelerated period. Approximately one year of doctoral project work is considered on-time graduation for the DHA program.
Each doctoral project is led by a committee chair, who is a faculty member in the Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management. In addition, you and your chair will identify two committee members. The committee members must have a terminal degree, and one must serve as a subject matter expert.
Students are encouraged to utilize the MUSC services from the librarians and the Academic Center for Excellence Writing Center. Both services are available to provide consultations for online students. In addition to the support provided by the student’s project committee, each DHA student is entitled to statistical consultation from the department’s research faculty.
Yes. An optional doctoral project retreat is held within our department in October The retreat is designed to help students make progress on their doctoral project. The primary goal of the retreat is to provide dedicated writing time, away from your work and other obligations. DHA faculty will be available for consultation and appointments can be made with librarians and writing-center experts during the retreat. The students also return to the MUSC campus at the conclusion of the project for the doctoral project defense.
Yes. Recent graduates have presented at conferences such as: Academy Health Annual Research Meeting; the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Annual Congress; the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting; the Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals Annual Conference; the Blood Centers of America Regional Meetings.
Recent publications include:
Bost, B. W., Harvey, J. B., Borgert, E., & Jones, J. (2025). Ob/Gyn physician perspectives on maintenance of certification. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 310, 113974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.113974
Bottner, R., Harvey, J. B., Baysinger, A. N., Maston, K., Patel, S., Boulton, A., Christian, N., Walker, B., & Moriates, C. (2021). The development and implementation of a “B-Team” (buprenorphine team) to treat hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder. Healthcare, 9(4), 100579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hjdsi.2021.100579
Campbell, K., Gardner, A., Scott, D. J., Johnson, J., Harvey, J. B., & Kazley, A. (2023). Interprofessional staff perspectives on the adoption of or black box technology and simulations to improve patient safety: a multi-methods survey. Advances in Stimulation, 8(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41077-023-00263-2
Deans, K. R., Jones, J., Harvey, J. B., & Brinton, D. L. (2024). Artificial intelligence in higher education: A comparative study on the performance and detectability of AI-generated graduate-level coursework utilizing ChatGPT. Journal of Health Administration Education, 40(4), 613-630. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/aupha/jhae/2024/00000040/00000004/art00005
Fitzgerald, D. C., Simpson, A. N., Baker, R. A., Wu, X., Zhang, M., Thompson, M. P., Paone, G., Delucia, III, A., & Likosky, D. S. (2022). Determinants of hospital variability in perioperative red blood cell transfusions during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 163(3), 1015-1024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.04.141
Jurdi, Z. R., Crosby, Jr., J. F., Harris, Jr., J. E., & Harvey, J. B. (2020). A closer examination of the patient experience in the ambulatory space: A retrospective qualitative comparison of primary care with specialty care experiences. The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 43(1), 89-97. https://doi.org/10.1097/JAC.0000000000000310
Lai, J., Forney, L., Brinton, D. L., & Simpson, K. N. (2021). Drivers of start-up delays in global randomized clinical trials. Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science, 55, 212-227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43441-020-00207-2
Quiros, J. A., Andrews, A. L., Brinton, D. L., Simpson, K. N., & Simpson, A. N. (2021). Insurance type influences access to biologics and healthcare utilization in pediatric Crohn's disease. Crohn's & Colitis 360, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/crocol/otab057
Tuan, W.-J., Mellott, M., Arndt, B. G., Jones, J., & Simpson, A. N. (2022). Disparities in use of patient portals among adults in family medicine. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 35(3), 559-569. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2022.03.210486
Living in Charleston
Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.
Guided by Purpose and Principles
Follow an evidence-based, ethically grounded curriculum guided by faculty leadership to build strategic, relational and problem-solving expertise.
Objectives
The DHA program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Lead effectively in emerging and evolving roles within the health care arena
- Apply systematic problem-solving methods to achieve measurable and sustainable results
- Translate theory into practice in real-world health care settings
- Build and sustain mutually beneficial professional relationships with health care professionals and academicians
Competencies
Upon completion of the DHA program, graduates will be able to:
- Lead complex health care organizations with strategic vision, operational efficiency and ethical decision-making
- Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods to solve organizational and policy challenges
- Influence and shape health care policy through evidence-based recommendations and stakeholder engagement
- Drive successful organizational change using proven leadership, communication and change management strategies
- Integrate health information systems, population health data and financial analytics into strategic planning and decision-making
- Communicate complex health care concepts effectively to audiences, including executives, policymakers and community stakeholders
Vision
To advance health systems leadership that fosters sustainable and evidence-informed improvements in population health and organizational performance.
Mission
The program develops scholarly leaders prepared to address complex challenges in health administration through rigorous research, ethical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration, equipping graduates to guide policy, strategy and practice across health care environments.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing innovative ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories Worth Sharing
Stay informed on DHA and College of Health Professions news, including alum achievements, grant awards and seminar highlights.
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Accreditation & Recognition
Pursue a highly regarded applied doctorate backed by MUSC’s institutional reputation and academic standards in health care leadership.
The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer the Doctor of Health Administration. To learn more about MUSC’s accreditation and find contact details, please visit our Accreditation page.