Health Science, DHSc

Mission

The DHSc degree is focused on teaching students to comprehend and adapt scientific knowledge and apply it in a manner that exemplifies clinical excellence. The DHSc degree shall prepare healthcare professionals to become leaders in the areas of clinical practice and academia through the development of advanced and concentrated practice skills. The degree will assist students in making meaningful contributions in their respective professions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DHSc program, the graduate will demonstrate the ability to

• demonstrate scholarly writing skills;
• demonstrate pedagogically sound presentation skills;
• demonstrate advanced research skills directed toward the understanding of the current body of research and knowledge in a given field of health and clinical sciences;
• demonstrate the ability to think logically, critically, creatively, and independently;
• develop proficiency in assembling, synthesizing, and presenting knowledge through the use of technological and other information services;
• comprehend the critical elements in the role and scope of health sciences and clinical education;
• develop knowledge of fundamental concepts from which one can develop a rational and systematic approach to solving problems in health sciences and clinical education;
• demonstrate the ability to conceptualize individual activities with a sense of independence in discovering information, fostering new ideas, and solving health sciences and clinical education problems; and
• synthesize and apply knowledge in the form of a scholarly project.

Program Overview

Students must complete a total of 60 credits. There are 49 required credits of core courses included in the curriculum. Of these 49 credits, 15 credits are based on clinical coursework and credit can be obtained for certifications, residency, or fellowship programs. The additional 11 credits are completed through electives, independent studies, teaching internships, or a combination of all three.

Courses in the DHSc program are offered in several formats. Students will take part in designing a curriculum that can be online, in weekend seminar format, or a combination of both. There are two required doctoral residencies. Students are responsible for travel, lodging and meals.

Delivery of Coursework

Courses in the DHSc program are offered in a distance format (excluding seminar attendance). The online courses consist of Web-based text with extensive graphics, videos, and audio clips. There are opportunities provided for faculty-to-student and student-to-student synchronous and asynchronous interactive collaboration.

Active Status and Academic Requirement

To remain active in the DHSc program, the student must

• begin the program in the trimester for which he or she was admitted by registering for and completing at least one course;
• register for and complete a minimum of nine credits, or fewer with written permission of the Program Director, each ensuing full calendar year and complete those courses within the prescribed period;
• maintain timely and effective communication with the program office; and
• maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Time Limit

Students must complete all DHSc program requirements within 5 years. An extension of up to 2.5 years may be requested.

Tuition and Fees

See Financial Information .