Choose this program of study if you have a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). You will forgo foundational healthcare administration courses and complete the program in a shorter amount of time.
Curriculum
Completion Requirements
- Core courses (33 quarter cr.)
- Research methods courses (10 quarter cr.)
- Capstone Research:
- Five Doctoral Study Seminar courses (1 cr. per term)
- Doctoral Research (5 cr. per term for a minimum of 3 terms; taken continuously until completion of the doctoral writing project)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Transfer of Credit
If you have completed your MHA, you may be able to transfer 10 additional credits upon enrolling in the Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) program. Call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286 to determine eligibility and learn more.
Walden students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
Choose this program of study if you have a master’s degree in a discipline other than healthcare administration.
Curriculum
Completion Requirements
- Foundations courses (30 cr.)
- Core courses (33 quarter cr.)
- Research methods courses (10 quarter cr.)
- Capstone Research:
- Five Doctoral Study Seminar courses (1 cr. per term)
- Doctoral Research (5 cr. per term for a minimum of 3 terms; taken continuously until completion of the doctoral project)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Transfer of Credit
If you have completed a master’s degree program other than an MHA, you may be able to transfer 35 credits when enrolling in the Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) program, which can save you time and money. Call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286 to determine eligibility and learn more.
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Your Personalized Guide to Doctoral Completion
Earning your Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your DHA research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished, all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your in-box.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your online DHA program progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 48 quarter credits | $730 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $35,040^ | |
| Tuition – dissertation | 15–125 † quarter credits | $730 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $10,950–$91,250* | |
| Program Fee | $170 per quarter | $1,700–$5,440* | ||
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $47,690 | $131,730*+ | |||
Effective February 26, 2024
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 48 quarter credits | $745 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $35,760^ | |
| Tuition – dissertation | 15–125 † quarter credits | $745 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $11,175–$93,125* | |
| Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $1,750–$5,600* | ||
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $48,685 | $134,485*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-398-6138.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 78 quarter credits | $730 per quarter credit | $56,940^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 15–115† quarter credits | $730 per quarter credit | $10,950–$83,950* | |
| Program Fee | $170 per quarter | $2,040–$5,440* | ||
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $69,930 | $146,330*+ | |||
Effective February 26, 2024
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 78 quarter credits | $745 per quarter credit | $58,110^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 15–115† quarter credits | $745 per quarter credit | $11,175–$85,675* | |
| Program Fee | $170 per quarter | $2,100–$5,600* | ||
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $71,385 | $149,385*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-398-6138.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Looking to reach your potential with a doctoral degree? We want to support you by making your goals more achievable. Receive up to a $5,000 grant if you start this program on January 8, 2024. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Program Outcomes
Deepen Your Healthcare Administration Expertise
Walden’s online DHA degree program is designed to provide you with contemporary insights and cutting-edge business strategies in healthcare administration. Explore data-driven approaches for executive decision-making and learn evidence-based research skills that empower you to advance the field’s body of knowledge. You’ll conduct an in-depth study of a healthcare administration issue you choose, allowing you to strengthen your expertise in an area you’re passionate about.
Amid shifting public policy, an aging population, and technological advances, the face of healthcare is constantly changing. Organizations need innovative healthcare leaders to help them deliver the highest caliber of care at the lowest possible cost. The demand for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% through 2029—faster than the average for all occupations.1
Earning your online DHA degree can position you to achieve greater credibility in your field, unlock new career opportunities, and improve the healthcare experience for patients. Make a positive difference for your organization as well as the communities you serve.
A Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Physician offices
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government agencies
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Program Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online DHA program, you will be academically prepared to:
- Demonstrate evidence-based leadership approaches in changing healthcare environments.
- Engage in scientific inquiry to advance research and practice in complex healthcare systems.
- Critically evaluate the interdisciplinary role of stakeholders in healthcare administration strategies.
- Demonstrate data-driven decision making in healthcare-setting financial management, strategic planning, economic analysis, and quality assessment.
- Apply ethical and legal principles to healthcare administration practice and communication.
- Assess risk management in healthcare settings using scientifically validated principles.
- Promote positive social change through health management and systems thinking.
Meet Your Academic Team
Meet Your Academic Team
FAQ About Walden’s Online Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)
Can you earn your Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) online?
Yes, you can. Online DHA degree programs—like the one at Walden—teach high-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills, set within a framework of sound business strategies to help prepare you to manage healthcare delivery services by your organization and in your community. The best online DHA degree programs incorporate a real-world perspective to your learning experience with interactive multimedia, simulations, and presentations. With doctoral committee guidance, you’ll independently explore a healthcare administration issue or problem and prepare a written study on your findings.
What are some Doctor of Healthcare Administration program options?
At Walden, you can better align your program and coursework with your experience and goals by choosing one of two tracks offered for the DHA program:
- Track I is for students who have earned their Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). It allows the student to forgo foundational healthcare administration courses and complete the program in a shorter amount of time.
- Track II is a program of study for students who have earned their master’s degree in a discipline unrelated to healthcare administration. It includes key foundational healthcare administration courses students must complete to move through the program.
Both tracks include a doctoral capstone project that must be completed in order to graduate from the DHA program.
What is the outlook for healthcare professionals?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding nearly 1.9 million new jobs.1 Rapid job growth for this industry, including such roles as healthcare administrators and health educators, is the result of people living longer, a stronger emphasis on preventive care, and the aging of the baby boomer population.
What can I do with a DHA?
Healthcare administrators and executives work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities to plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services in compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. This can include managing an entire facility, an individual clinical department, or a group of physicians in a medical practice. If you’re looking to advance your career, earning a DHA may help position you to pursue executive-level and leadership roles, including chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and chief operations officer in hospital systems, healthcare associations, consulting firms, medical group practices, university or research institutions, and mental health organizations.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
What is a doctoral study?
As a doctoral student, you will make an original contribution to your field by creating a practical solution to a real problem. To do so, and as part of your degree program, you will learn research methods, plan and design your research, and present your findings in a scholarly paper called a doctoral study.
In a doctoral study, you will identify a problem, determine your methodology, describe your project, make observations about your findings, and present your practical solution. The doctoral study’s components demonstrate your competence in research and research design, your subject matter expertise, and your command of critical thinking and academic writing. You will also have a team of doctoral mentors and strong student support resources to support you along the way.
Placeholder for the "Live Chat" block
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, SOC code 11-9111. Retrieved May 2021. National long-term job growth projections and salary estimates may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth or salaries, and are subject to change.
Note: Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.