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PhD in Healthcare Administration

Drive sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery by developing advanced research skills and healthcare operations expertise.

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PhD in Healthcare Administration

Learn How You Can Save Time and Money on Your Degree

Fill out the form to speak with an enrollment specialist.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
A nurse and healthcare professional smiling and talking in a hospital setting.
Move Healthcare Forward

Do you have a passion for healthcare innovation? Walden’s PhD in Healthcare Administration online program prepares you to drive tangible improvements in healthcare delivery, organizational effectiveness, and patient outcomes.

3 MINUTE QUIZ

Build an Education Plan, Suited for You

Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!

3 MINUTE QUIZ

Build an Education Plan, Suited for You

Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!

Program Details

A Path Made for You

With a choice of two learning tracks, Walden’s PhD program in Healthcare Administration program meets you where you are in your education journey.

 

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework53 quarter credits $760 per quarter hour for coursework credits$40,280
Tuition-Dissertation 15–130 quarter credits$760 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$11,400–$98,800
Program Fee $180 per quarter$1,800–$5,760
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 (virtual)
$1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  2.25-Year8-Year
   $58,980$150,920
   (assuming completion in a 2.25-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

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 quarter 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 quarter 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.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame 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 savings. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109..

This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.25-year or 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum time frame as outlined in Walden academic policy.

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework78 quarter credits $760 per quarter hour for coursework credits$59,280
Tuition-Dissertation 15–115 quarter credits$760 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$11,400–$87,400
Program Fee $180 per quarter$2,340–$5,760
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 (virtual)
$1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year8-Year
   $78,520$158,520
   (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

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 quarter 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 quarter 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.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame 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 savings. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109..

This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.25-year or 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum time frame as outlined in Walden academic policy.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Make Your Mark

With an online PhD in Healthcare Administration from Walden, you'll be prepared to impact the field in positive ways through innovative leadership, research, and teaching.

 

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of Walden’s PhD in Healthcare Administration online program, you will be academically prepared to:

Demonstrate evidence-based leadership approaches in changing healthcare environments.

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. 

Conduct qualitative and quantitative healthcare administrative research methods aimed at producing new knowledge in the field.

Apply appropriate statistical analysis skills to healthcare administration research.

Utilize theoretical and conceptual frameworks to ground empirical research in healthcare administration.

Lead positive social change through culturally responsive health management and systems thinking. 

Meet Your Academic Team

Learn about the PhD in Healthcare Administration scholar-practitioners who are committed to your success and development.

You Might Also Be Interested In 

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PhD in Healthcare Administration FAQ

What career advancement opportunities are available with a PhD in Healthcare Administration versus a professional doctorate?

Professionals often choose a doctoral program to help them increase their knowledge, enhance their résumé, and translate their work experience into roles of greater credibility, leadership, and influence. A PhD in Healthcare Administration can prepare you to pursue career opportunities in leadership, consulting, academia, and research.

What is the difference between a Doctor in Healthcare Administration (DHA) and a PhD in Healthcare Administration?

The PhD in Healthcare Administration and the Doctor of Healthcare Administration both provide an in-depth understanding of healthcare administration. Walden’s online PhD in Healthcare Administration is best suited for those interested in using their advanced research skills and dissertation to add to the existing body of knowledge in their field. If you enjoy conducting original research, analyzing data, and evaluating theories, you will likely prefer Walden’s more research-oriented PhD in Healthcare Administration.

Walden’s online Doctor of Healthcare Administration provides practical knowledge that you can apply directly to the workplace. If you enjoy applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective practices for the delivery of healthcare, our more professionally oriented Doctor of Healthcare Administration online program may be the best fit for you.

How is the dissertation process structured to accommodate working healthcare professionals?

Walden has served doctoral students at a distance since 1970. We understand how to create effective, flexible learning environments and student support services that help working adults balance their personal, professional, and academic commitments. Walden’s online PhD in Healthcare Administration program offers virtual residencies to connect doctoral students, faculty mentors, and support services in a meaningful, real-time, and accessible manner. This program utilizes on-demand self-service tools such as the Doctoral Degree Coach®, a personalized digital resource that allows you to map your progress, anticipate what’s ahead, connect with faculty, and find support.

How does this program prepare graduates to drive innovation and change in healthcare systems?

For executive-level managers leading complex health systems, the online PhD in Healthcare Administration curriculum sheds light on current social and economic forces that impact how healthcare systems function. By exploring best practices and evidence-based approaches to managing healthcare delivery, and strengthening your data-driven decision-making, you will be better prepared to improve stakeholder relationships, address financial realities, and implement healthcare reform measures.

How does the program address healthcare equity and workforce diversity challenges?

Walden University has a long history of serving a diverse student population. By providing high-quality education online, we make education accessible to a broad audience. Walden’s students and faculty hail from a variety of ethnic, educational, and financial backgrounds. A diverse student body fosters an inclusive environment in which to develop healthcare leaders from all walks of life.

In the PhD in Healthcare Administration online program, you will learn to address the cultural and equity-related issues present in the healthcare environment. You’ll also explore disparities in the healthcare workforce and learn to lead positive social change through culturally responsive health management and systems thinking.

What is the typical time commitment required each week to successfully complete the program?

As a general estimate, the online PhD in Healthcare Administration program requires 10 to 15 hours per week, per course. You can choose a full-time course load (two courses per quarter) or a part-time course load (one course per quarter) to best suit your individual needs and circumstances throughout the program.

How do graduates apply research skills to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes?

In Walden’s online PhD in Healthcare Administration program, you will gain advanced research skills that allow you to investigate real-world healthcare issues, publish your findings, and influence policy and practice. Develop research studies that have immediate application to the field of healthcare administration, support professional advancement, and contribute to positive social change. Course content prepares you to identify unique research problems in quality and risk management, examine metrics and data to improve organizational performance, and apply process improvement tools to operational problems.

What teaching and academic opportunities become available with a PhD in Healthcare Administration?

A doctoral degree is often needed to teach the next generation of healthcare leaders in colleges and universities. Walden’s online PhD in Healthcare Administration program also prepares you to conduct research, publish your results, and make original knowledge contributions to the field.

How does institutional accreditation benefit graduates?

Quality matters—especially when it comes to your education. Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. An online PhD in Healthcare Administration degree from an accredited university is acknowledged by employers, educational institutions, and professional organizations.