Online Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)
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“Health sciences is an interdisciplinary study that is concerned with improving the health and well-being of patients, communities, groups, and systems of care.”
Anthony Lacina, DHSc, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)
Healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers or earn a terminal degree can earn a doctor of health sciences degree from several institutions across the country. This degree provides students with foundational research, leadership, and teaching skills. Graduates of these programs work in all aspects of healthcare but primarily in leadership in clinical practices, healthcare administration, higher education, and public health.
Since this degree can be pursued in a wide variety of careers, earning can vary widely. Also, because of the aging population in the US, there is an increased demand for professionals in this role. Between 2023 and 2033, there is an anticipated 29 percent growth nationally in jobs in medical and health services management—nearly five times the expected growth among all professions in the country during that same period (BLS 2025).
Earning a doctorate can be a challenge for many working professionals. However, many institutions now offer doctor of health sciences degrees entirely online. These programs can be either full-time or part-time to help students balance work, studies, and family all without having to relocate. All programs require that coursework be completed within a given quarter or semester.
Below are seven exceptional online doctor of health sciences (DHS) programs. Continue reading to learn about career options, coursework, admission requirements, tuition, and accreditation.
Meet the Expert: Albert Grazia, PhD
Dr. Albert Grazia is director of the doctor of health sciences (DHSc) program at the University of Bridgeport, where he leads curriculum development and teaches courses in lifestyle medicine, health promotion, and disease prevention. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he has served in faculty roles at institutions including Adelphi University, Molloy College, and Nassau Community College, where he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.
Dr. Grazia holds a PhD in biomedical health sciences from Rutgers University and a master’s in clinical nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. A longtime practitioner of clinical nutrition, he specializes in natural healing approaches for individuals with cancer and chronic illness, and remains committed to student-centered teaching and mentorship.
MHAOnline.com: What is something you wish the public understood about health sciences?
Dr. Grazia: Health sciences is a multidisciplinary area that involves using evidence-based science to explore every aspect of health and wellness. The aim is to improve wellness and increase awareness of health issues, as well as explore strategies for prevention.
MHAOnline.com: Do you have any advice for those who may be considering a DHS program like yours?
Dr. Grazia: The doctor of health sciences degree can offer those with master’s degrees and first professional degrees the opportunity for continuing academic training and advancement in their fields by earning a doctorate. The focus is to enable health professionals to become better clinicians, administrators, and educators.
The doctor of health sciences program from the University of Bridgeport aims to provide a solid foundation in the health sciences while providing skills in research design and analysis, best practices in clinical care, and education. It is envisioned to contribute significantly to the personal and professional growth of healthcare professionals and educators. This program offers students with master’s degrees the opportunity for continuing academic training and advancement in their fields.
There are currently three areas of concentration: clinician, education, and nutrition. The objectives are to enable health professionals to become better clinicians and provide the academic qualifications to teach in colleges and universities.
MHAOnline.com: What does the future look like for graduates of these types of programs?
Dr. Grazia: There is a demand for healthcare clinicians with doctorate degrees to teach in colleges and universities and work in research roles. The Education Concentration can enhance the teaching skills of healthcare professionals and educators and provide a solution to the demand for more doctorate-level trained college professors in the health sciences.
Meet the Expert: Anthony Lacina, DHSc
Dr. Anthony Lacina is an assistant professor of health sciences and program director for doctoral health sciences programs at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS). His teaching and research focus on health disparities among college students, sexual minorities, and men, as well as the intersections between health, wellness, and the built environment, including urban cycling infrastructure and policy.
A qualitative researcher and experienced educator, Dr. Lacina integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of his curriculum, promoting interprofessional learning and community engagement. He holds a doctor of health sciences and an MPH from MCPHS, a master’s in higher education from Suffolk University, and a BS from Eastern Nazarene College.
MHAOnline: What is something you wish the public understood about health sciences?
Dr. Lacina: The biggest question I get is, “What is health sciences as a discipline?” Health sciences is an interdisciplinary study that is concerned with improving the health and well-being of patients, communities, groups, and systems of care.
MHAOnline: Do you have any advice for those who may be considering a DHS program like yours?
Dr. Lacina: Yes! As many doctor of health sciences programs are offered online, I would recommend that people explore the different options and consider the programs that provide for personal and professional growth and development.
Our doctoral program allows students an opportunity to customize their curriculum so that they are achieving their goals. Our curriculum is relevant, exciting, and skill-focused; students and faculty enjoy regular engagement throughout each course with each other. The evidence-based healthcare capstone project equips students with the tools and skills to critically evaluate evidence and make informed decisions within their scope of practice.
Best of all, students will be taking classes with folks throughout the health sciences, including nursing, public health, dental hygiene, regulatory affairs, clinical management, physician assistant, physical therapy, medical imaging, and more.
Finally, students should understand to what extent university infrastructure is available to them; at MCPHS, students have access to the Center for Research and Discovery, Career Development Center, Writing Center, and other student support offices.
MHAOnline: What does the future look like for graduates of these types of programs?
Dr. Lacina: The future is bright! There is a dire need for doctoral-prepared scholar-practitioners who can effectively address healthcare trends and challenges, population health, and quality improvement. We have seen the popularity of the DHSc credential grow exponentially after it was first introduced about 25 years ago.
Featured Online Doctor of Health Sciences Programs
At the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, students can complete a doctorate of health sciences (DHSc) leadership in clinical practice and education in just 30 months. Graduates of this program have the skills to lead teams and evaluate new research in healthcare. Since this program is primarily online, students will not have to quit their jobs, relocate, or sacrifice family time in order to complete their studies.
For this program, students choose either education or clinical practice as their concentration. Required coursework includes interprofessional collaboration, program theory and innovation in the health professions, and bioethical implications of health research. Each concentration has more specialized courses such as knowledge translation in healthcare for the clinical practice concentration and technology and education in health professions for the education track.
Admission requirements for this program include a master’s degree from an accredited institution, a personal statement, one year of clinical or health-related practice, an entry-level professional or clinical degree (MD, PA, DPT, OTD, MSN, DNP) in biomedical science or a health-related field, and two letters of recommendation.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: Two and a half years
Professionals looking to advance their healthcare careers and step into leadership roles should consider the online doctor of health sciences (DHSc) program at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions. This program balances academic studies and clinical leadership to produce graduates with strong research skills and visionary leadership knowledge. Because this program is a DHSc versus a PhD program, students can develop a practical knowledge base with real-world applications outside the academic setting.
Drexel University runs on a quarter system, meaning students will take more courses in a shorter period. Students must complete a total of 45 credits in classes such as informatics in the health professions, an introduction to biostatistics, foundations in research methods, and scholarship question development. Admission requirements to this program include two letters of recommendation, a master’s degree, a personal statement, and a writing sample of a paper or manuscript.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
The doctorate in health science and exercise leadership at the Pennsylvania Western University, California emphasizes health and wellness over treating diseases. Students in this program examine real-world scenarios, implement problem-solving techniques, and develop solutions. This program aims to help create a shift in society and our aging population to increase awareness and importance in preventative healthcare.
Graduates of this program go on to have successful careers in health education, in clinical practices, and in leadership roles in healthcare. This 48-credit doctorate can be completed with or without a dissertation.
Required coursework includes values, ethics, and the promotion of health and wellness; leadership in wellness education and professional practice; and community and corporate wellness. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a master’s degree with a 3.5 GPA, provide two letters of recommendation, submit a personal statement, and provide any writing work already completed or published, such as a master’s thesis or journal articles.
- Location: California, PA
- Accreditation: Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: Three years
Evidence-informed care is the emphasis of the online doctor of health sciences degree at the University of Bridgeport School of Health Professions. Students refine their research skills, learn about quantitative and qualitative data, explore curriculum development, and understand how to address public health issues. Education in this program can be personalized with one of three concentrations: clinical nutrition, education, or clinician. Students must also complete 18 elective credits allowing them to focus on their interests even further.
To graduate from this program, students must complete a dissertation demonstrating their research skills and innovative ideas in their chosen concentration. Graduates of this program go on to careers such as healthcare administrators, professors in higher education, researchers, or even advanced clinical practitioners. Experience in healthcare is required in order to be considered for admission, as is having already completed a master’s degree.
- Location: Bridgeport, CT
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: 40 months
The online doctor of health sciences program at the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences is designed for medical administrators, public health professionals, and clinical practitioners. As part of this program, students will study alternative methods of care, current national and international best practices, epidemiology, global health issues, and how to deliver care cross-culturally. While this program is rigorous, it is structured for working professionals and considers other obligations in addition to completing coursework.
To graduate, students must attend two one-week on-campus institutes, complete both an internship and practicum, and go through a thorough doctoral analysis. There are four concentrations to choose from: education in healthcare professions, global health, telehealth, and generalist. A total of 55 credits must be completed to graduate from this program.
Admission requirements for this program include a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, healthcare experience, and demonstrable computer literacy in order to complete online studies successfully.
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Three years
The online doctor of health sciences degree at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is offered exclusively part-time. This allows working professionals the ability to balance work and studies. Topics addressed in this program include trends in healthcare, the health of a population, and how to improve the quality of care. The objective of the program is to create scholar-practitioners who can be leaders in healthcare.
Students are required to complete 54 credits to graduate from this program. The final project for this program is an evidence-based healthcare project where students must search out data, analyze it, and present their findings. This program offers students three concentrations to choose from: global health, systems health administration, and educational leadership.
Applicants for admission must have already earned a master’s degree and have a credential or experience in the healthcare field.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Expected Time to Completion: Three years
At Radford University’s Carilion College of Graduate Studies and Research, students can complete their doctor of health sciences degree in one of three concentration areas: healthcare administration, community and public health, or education and academia. General coursework emphasizes scholarly research with a focus on public policy and community health.
Graduates of this program typically pursue careers in public health, healthcare administration, clinic management, and higher education. This program requires students to complete 42 credits, which can be completed in two-and-a-half years.
To be eligible for admission, candidates must already have a master’s degree and have four years of experience in healthcare, public health, or healthcare education.
- Location: Radford, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 years
