Doctorate Degree in Health Science, DHSc

Health Science, DHSc

Program Description

The Doctor of Health Science degree provides healthcare professionals with the theory and skills to advance a career in health related administration, teaching, or clinical practice where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required. This advanced degree will prepare graduates to better understand and effectively manage the ongoing challenges of access, cost, and quality in healthcare; and to skillfully analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate proposed solutions to these challenges.  The focus is on critical analysis and evaluation of complex issues and challenges arising in professional practice.

This program is intended to provide present healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in project management, decision-making, managing organizational behavior, setting standards based on the evidence, and gaining the competence to apply research to their professional practice.

Philosophy

The Berkshire University Doctor of Health Science program prepares healthcare professionals to effectively manage diverse populations and the ongoing challenges of access, cost, and quality in healthcare in the communities they serve; and to skillfully analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate proposed solutions to these challenges.

Program Objectives

Berkshire University  Doctor of Health Science program prepares students to:

• Examine the dynamics of diverse populations and create a learning culture by understanding and responding to the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural environment as relates to health science
• Analyze challenges of access, cost, quality, and ethical issues in healthcare communities and select proposed solutions
• Apply leadership theory and decision-making skills to specific areas of health sciences
• Analyze and evaluate complex issues and challenges arising in the healthcare professionals’ practice
• Plan and develop population specific healthcare programs to meet the needs of the communities served
• Propose practice standards based on medical evidence and evaluate the efficacy of the interventions
• Advance the body of knowledge through relevant action-oriented research and scholarship
• Demonstrate professional communication skills in writing through organizing, thinking critically, and communicating ideas and information in documents, presentations, and publications.

Prerequisites for Major Courses

Candidates for admission to the Doctor of Health Science program are required to hold a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Two (2) years of full-time managerial or professional experience in the healthcare field, two letters of recommendation from healthcare supervisors and an interview with Doctor of Health Science program faculty.

An admission decision is based on a combination of a student’s graduate academic performance, professional experience, and letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) scores in support of their application. Please note: An interview is not granted to all applicants.

NOTE: Courses in the Doctor of Health Science program are eight-weeks in length and students are scheduled for one or two courses concurrently. Students are required to attend two on-campus residencies at specified times during the program.

Program Outline

To receive a Doctor of Health Science degree, students must earn 60 graduate semester credit hours. Transfer of graduate credits will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Fifty-four program hours must be completed through berkshire university. Program requirements are as follows: