Program Overview
Doctor of Health Sciences
Program Info
The online Doctor of Health Sciences degree program at Faulkner University examines the current state of local and global healthcare, enabling graduates to analyze scenarios and help organizations find the best solutions to healthcare challenges.
CHS Mission Statement
The DHSc in health sciences trains students to be competent and compassionate professionals proficient in contemporary practices of their fields while being grounded in the Christian faith.
Admissions
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Health Sciences
- Graduate degree from an accredited institution in health sciences or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official, unopened transcripts from all prior higher education institutions
- Full resume with relevant education and professional experience
- A letter of intent summarizing career goals, reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in health sciences from Faulkner University, and research interest areas
- Three letters of recommendation from former professors and professional supervisors
- Completed graduate application
- If you are applying for the traditional program, you must provide an acceptable documentation of English proficiency on a standardized test.
- Students from countries where English is not the native language are required to submit an acceptable score on either the TOEFL, Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination, or Duolingo English Test.
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score reports are required for admission to the undergraduate and the graduate programs and may be ordered from Educational Testing Services (ETS), IELTS, or Duolingo. The TOEFL code number for Faulkner University is 1034.
- The minimum requirements for admission on the TOEFL are 500 (on the paper test), 173 (on the computer-based test), 61 (on the internet-based test), IELTS: 5.5 or higher, or Duolingo English Test: 90 or higher.
Tuition
| Tuition | $780 per semester hour |
|---|---|
| General Fee | $350 per semester ($250 if 5 hours or less) |
| Online Course Fee | $75 per semester hour |
| Applicable Course Fees | see full tuition and fee schedule |
Plan of Study
DHSc in Health Sciences Curriculum
This online Doctor of Health Sciences degree program is highly flexible and caters to working healthcare professionals who have existing commitments. Classes initiate every five weeks and rolling admissions are welcome all year round. The program is designed so students can begin the program at 10 different entry points during the year. Students from all over the U.S. are attracted to this Faulkner University online Doctor of health sciences degree because they can complete the program in as little as 14 months.
This fully online graduate program consists of 10 didactic courses, totaling 36 credit hours, which can be completed in one full year. The courses for each semester are as follows:
FALL
| Class | Hours |
|---|---|
| HS8301 - Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| HS8302 - Bioethics in Clinical Practice and Research | 3 |
| HS8303 - Single-Subject Research Designs | 3 |
SPRING
| Class | Hours |
|---|---|
| HS8304 - Clinical Statistics | 3 |
| HS8305 - Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| HS8306 - Leadership in Healthcare and Academia | 3 |
| HS8307 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3 |
SUMMER
| Class | Hours |
|---|---|
| HS8308 - Grants and Publication | 3 |
| HS8309 - Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| HS8310 - Instructional Methods for Health Professionals | 3 |
FALL
| Class | Hours |
|---|---|
| HS9307 - Doctoral Capstone 1 | 3 |
| HS9308 - Doctoral Capstone 2 | 3 |
TOTAL HOURS
36
Course Descriptions
Health Sciences DHSc Program Objectives
The goal of the online DHSc in health sciences program is to teach students sophisticated and current knowledge of health sciences practices in the United States and globally. Graduates will be prepared to contribute rigorous and scientifically sound healthcare literature to their core discipline, lead organizations and institutions with a strong Christian faith compass, and design and conduct original research in interdisciplinary healthcare. The program is geared toward healthcare professionals who will be able to complete their online Doctor of Health Sciences while continuing to work.
Course Descriptions
- HS8301 Evidence-based Practice: This course provides a working knowledge of evidence-based practice in an interdisciplinary environment. Cases will be used as the backbone of this course to assist the student in analyzing data to justify the treatments used in clinical practice. Students will also learn to critically appraise the literature, evaluate diagnostic test performance, design clinical pathways and standard of care, and implement evidenced-based practice findings in their own clinical or administrative setting.
- HS8302 Bioethics in Clinical Practice and Research: This course introduces students to ethical concepts as they apply to clinical practice and conducting research with human subjects. The aim is to increase students' awareness of and ability to reason through ethical issues that arise in human subjects research and clinical practice. The course will draw upon historical examples, codes, declarations, and other sources of ethical guidance.
- HS8311 Mixed Methods Research: This course provides an in-depth exploration of mixed methods research, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Students will examine the philosophical foundations, theoretical frameworks, ethical considerations, and practical applications of mixed methods research in clinical and academic settings. Emphasis will be placed on designing, conducting, and evaluating mixed methods studies, with a focus on health sciences research.
- HS8304 Clinical Statistics: The course will cover statistical concepts used by healthcare practitioners and academicians in both appraising literature and conducting research. This will include descriptive statistics, parametric group comparison statistics, basic non-parametric statistics, linear modeling, probability, ANOVA, regression analysis, and chi-square tests. The focus of this course is on understanding, interpreting, and accurately applying statistical tests, such as selecting the correct test when designing a research project and appraising research literature using the given statistics. The relationship between statistical significance vs clinical significance is also stressed.
- HS 8305 Quantitative Research Methods: The course will cover the basic methods and approaches used in quantitative research in clinical and academic settings. A major emphasis of the course will be on the conceptualization and design of research studies, including theoretically underpinnings and application of concepts. Students will learn formulation of research questions, study design, reliability, validity, sampling, measurement, and interpretation of research findings. Practiced skills will include appraising published quantitative literature and designing quantitative studies related to health issues.
- HS8306 Leadership in Healthcare and Academia: This course explores the various methods of leadership and management, both in academia and healthcare environments, and their impact on productivity, profitability, and employee satisfaction. Students will demonstrate competency of the various types of leaders and systems, as well as critique various leadership and management theories. Practiced skills will include applying leadership theories and concepts to their own personal growth and in their employment settings.
- HS 8307 Public Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: This course develops the knowledge and skills needed to work with communities to improve health status of the community. Students will examine the concepts of health and wellness, the determinants of health behavior, national health status, the history of health education, and the role of health promotion for disease prevention.
- HS8308 Grants and Publication: This course is designed to provide writing experiences which prepare the learner for manuscript and grant proposal submissions. This introductory experience into the grant process will include identification of funding sources, proposal writing, project management, and funding challenges. The course will also cover the process of publication, including selecting a journal, preparing the manuscript, submission, revision, and acceptance. Other course topics include writing abstracts, responding to a call for papers, and constructing poster presentations.
- HS8309 Qualitative Research Methods: This course will focus on the knowledge and skills needed to conduct qualitative research in clinical and academic settings. Students will explore the epistemology, theory, ethics, methodology, and procedures of qualitative research. Practiced skills will include appraising qualitative research articles and conceptualizing and designing qualitative research studies related to health issues.
- HS 8310 Healthcare Professionals as Academic and Clinical Instructors: In this course, students examine theoretical principles of teaching and learning for adult learners. Students will explore a variety of teaching methods with a particular emphasis on the educational roles health care professionals assume in both academic and clinical settings. Practiced skills will include formulating instructional plans for adult learners and apply instructional skills in real contexts.
- HS9307 Doctoral Capstone 1: Research Review and Design: This course advances knowledge of research design including research topic selection, literature search techniques, critical review of the literature, and research ethics. This course series aligns the development through execution of a doctoral project suitable for peer-reviewed publication or presentation. Prerequisites: Admission into the Doctor of Health Sciences program, OR permission of instructor.
- HS9308 Doctoral Capstone 2: Research Methods and Presentation: This course provides an overview of research methodology including concepts employed in quantitative and qualitative research. This course series aligns the development through execution of a doctoral project suitable for peer-reviewed publication or presentation. Prerequisites: Admission into the Doctor of Health Sciences program, OR permission of instructor.
Benefits of Doctor of Health Sciences
There are several advantages to earning an online DHSc in Health Sciences from Faulkner University. One benefit of the program is that it’s fully online, so students can study on their own time, at their own pace, and from virtually anywhere. At the same time, online students enjoy full access to all student resources, services, and libraries that on-campus students do. Also, enrolled students can integrate the degree program into their schedules while maintaining existing personal and professional commitments.
An additional benefit is that Faulkner University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so students feel confident they're receiving a high-quality education. Professionals take courses that have been carefully crafted to add to their prior knowledge of healthcare fields with up-to-date research and practices grounded in sciences while learning about the university’s history and Christian values.
Pursue a Doctor of Health Sciences
Earning an online Doctor of Philosophy in health sciences can be great for advancing your career as you begin or continue to conduct research, publish, or lead organizations in the healthcare field. Faulkner University, which has four campuses located in Alabama, imbues all degree programs with Christian faith and service. To take the next step toward your advanced degree, request information or fill out an application online today.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The online Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) program at Faulkner University provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary healthcare practices in the United States and globally. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to analyze healthcare scenarios, contribute to scientific literature, lead organizations with a Christian faith compass, and conduct original interdisciplinary healthcare research. The program is designed for working healthcare professionals who seek to advance their careers while continuing their employment.
Outline:
Content and Structure:
The DHSc program consists of 36 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed in as little as 14 months. The program is structured into ten didactic courses, beginning at various entry points throughout the year.
Course Schedule:
Classes initiate every five weeks, and rolling admissions are available all year round. Students have the flexibility to choose their starting point from ten different entry points during the year.
Individual Modules:
Fall Semester:
- HS8301 - Evidence-Based Practice (3 credit hours)
- HS8302 - Bioethics in Clinical Practice and Research (3 credit hours)
- HS8303 - Single-Subject Research Designs (3 credit hours)
Spring Semester:
- HS8304 - Clinical Statistics (3 credit hours)
- HS8305 - Quantitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
- HS8306 - Leadership in Healthcare and Academia (3 credit hours)
- HS8307 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (3 credit hours)
Summer Semester:
- HS8308 - Grants and Publication (3 credit hours)
- HS8309 - Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
- HS8310 - Instructional Methods for Health Professionals (3 credit hours)
Fall Semester:
- HS9307 - Doctoral Capstone 1 (3 credit hours)
- HS9308 - Doctoral Capstone 2 (3 credit hours)
Assessment:
Assessment methods used in the DHSc program include:
- Class participation and engagement
- Quizzes and exams
- Research papers and projects
- Capstone project
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The DHSc program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online lectures
- Class discussions
- Group projects
- Case studies
Faculty:
The DHSc program is taught by a team of experienced healthcare professionals and educators who are dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience.
Unique Approaches:
The DHSc program incorporates Christian faith and values into the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of ethical and compassionate healthcare practices.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the DHSc program may pursue careers in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospital administration
- Public health
- Clinical research
- Academia
- Health policy
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The DHSc degree prepares graduates for advanced leadership roles in healthcare organizations, research institutions, and academic settings. Graduates may also pursue careers as independent researchers, consultants, or policy makers in the healthcare field.
Tuition $780 per semester hour General Fee $350 per semester ($250 if 5 hours or less) Online Course Fee $75 per semester hour Applicable Course Fees see full tuition and fee schedule
Faulkner University
Overview:
Faulkner University is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Montgomery, Alabama. It is known for its small campus size, family-like atmosphere, and dedicated professors. The university emphasizes a holistic education that focuses on intellect, character, and service.
Services Offered:
Faulkner University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive personalized guidance and support in choosing their academic path.Career services:
The university provides resources and assistance to help students find internships, jobs, and career opportunities.Financial aid:
Faulkner offers various financial aid options to help students afford their education.Student life:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with clubs, organizations, and events.Online learning:
Faulkner offers a variety of online degree programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Faulkner University prides itself on its close-knit community and family-like atmosphere. Students can expect:
Small class sizes:
This allows for personalized attention from professors and fosters a strong sense of community.Dedicated faculty:
Professors are known for their commitment to student success and their willingness to go the extra mile.A variety of student organizations:
Students can join clubs and organizations that align with their interests and passions.A vibrant campus culture:
Faulkner hosts various events and activities throughout the year, creating a lively and engaging campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
Christian worldview:
Faulkner University integrates faith into its curriculum and campus culture, providing a supportive and values-based environment for students.Holistic education:
The university focuses on developing the whole person, emphasizing intellectual growth, character development, and service to others.Small campus size:
This fosters a close-knit community and allows for personalized attention from faculty and staff.Flexible learning options:
Faulkner offers both on-campus and online degree programs, providing students with a variety of learning choices.Academic Programs:
Faulkner University offers over 60 on-campus majors and over 23 online majors. It also offers master's, law, and doctoral degrees in various formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid. The university's academic strengths include:
Business:
Faulkner's business programs are highly regarded and prepare students for successful careers in various industries.Nursing:
The university's nursing program is accredited and provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become registered nurses.Education:
Faulkner's education programs prepare students to become effective teachers and leaders in various educational settings.Theology:
The university's theology programs provide students with a deep understanding of Christian faith and practice.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Prospective students who wish to enroll in the Doctor of Health Science program at Faulkner University must meet the following admissions requirements: Graduate degree from an accredited institution in health sciences or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA Official, unopened transcripts from all prior higher education institutions Full resume with relevant education and professional experience A letter of intent summarizing career goals, reasons for pursuing a DHSc in health sciences from Faulkner University, and research interest areas
