Program Overview

Department of Health Services Administration

The Department of Health Services Administration offers a unique and comprehensive program in healthcare leadership.

Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership

The Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership is a doctoral program designed for executives to lead more effectively and proactively address current and future challenges in the healthcare industry.

Curriculum

The curriculum prepares executives to lead more effectively and proactively address current and future challenges. The program is paced so that students can complete their doctoral degree in only three years. There are two years of coursework and one year of applied dissertation research. The program includes three four-and-a-half day on-campus sessions each year.

Program Structure

• Year One:
  • Complete 24 credit hours of doctoral-level coursework in three semesters.
  • Travel to Birmingham for three four-and-a-half day visits for engaging face-to-face instruction.
  • The on-campus intensives are complemented by synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning.
• Year Two:
  • Complete additional 24 credit hours of coursework in three semesters.
  • Travel to Birmingham for three four-and-a-half day visits for face-to-face instruction.
  • Continue applying course content and refined analytical skills during the distance-learning component of each course.
  • Engage with faculty and classmates via synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning.
• Year Three:
  • Travel with the cohort to a location outside the United States to study how healthcare is organized, financed, and delivered in another country's health system.
  • Complete a comprehensive examination prior to initiating 18 credits of research hours devoted to the applied dissertation.
  • Research an issue of interest to the student and/or their organization as they write their applied dissertation.
  • Work closely with the Dissertation Chair and Committee Members during independently-scheduled visits to campus and via virtual connection.
  • Stay on track to finish the degree in three years by defending the dissertation proposal in the fall semester, completing data analysis in the spring semester, and completing discussion sections and final defense in the summer semester of Year 3.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information is subject to change. Due to the overlapping-cohorts format, the order of courses depends upon the year in which the student enters the Program.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator.