Oct 11, 2024  
2023-24 ATSU University Catalog 
    
2023-24 ATSU University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Administration (Online), DHA


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Doctor of Health Administration


CGHS’ doctorate program in health administration prepares students for executive leadership in the field. Graduates earn their health administration degree entirely online and can continue to work in this fast growing segment of the U.S. labor market. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts that the medical and health segment of the economy will continue to grow, making the Doctor of Health Administration significant for those interested in career advancement and/or a new career in health care management education.

This program integrates web-based instruction, directed readings, email, discussion boards, and dissertation collaboration between students and faculty. The College uses mission driven, context-based curriculum design, and assesses student learning through authentic assessments.

DHA dissertation courses are pass/fail, so they do not contribute to the student’s cumulative GPA. Therefore, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA before entering the dissertation phase of the program.

Program Mission, Vision, & Values

Program Mission

The ATSU College of Graduate Health Services’ Health Administration program is learner-centered and prepares current and future healthcare leaders seeking to advance their scholarship and professional practice in health administration. Our graduates are prepared to become well regarded leaders who are recognized contributors to improving overall population health and furthering the osteopathic traditions of whole person healthcare.

Program Vision

The ATSU Health Administration program will be globally recognized for its learner-centered program where students, faculty, and administration work together to make a measurable difference in worldwide healthcare outcomes.

Program Values

Leadership – We value modeling and mentoring strong leadership skills that inspire individual and organizational excellence.

Integrity – We value strong ethical principles and fairness in our individual actions and our organizational decision making.

Diversity – We value the ideas and beliefs of all of our stakeholders, and work to foster an inclusive environment that respects the dignity of all.

Innovation – We value creative approaches to thinking, teaching, learning, scholarship, and research that inspire our students and faculty to promote positive change in the healthcare environment.

Lifelong learning – We value the pursuit of impactful knowledge that enhances the personal and professional development of all stakeholders, improves professional practice, builds learning communities, and promotes continual educational enrichment.

Length of Program

The Doctor of Health Administration program consists of 42 credit hours, plus a minimum of 20 dissertation credit hours, for a total of 62 credit hours.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is due the first day of class. The tuition due each semester is based on the credit hours being taken by the student during that specific semester. Delinquent tuition penalties accrue at 1.5% per month, which is 18% per year. For more information on Student Account Collection, please reference ATSU Policy #50-112 within the Financial Policies  section of this catalog.

Cost of attendance (COA), or budget is an estimated amount of all expenses for a period of enrollment. A budget, including all COA elements has been calculated for each program approved to certify for Title IV funding. An expense worksheet is also provided so students can calculate how the estimated cost of attendance will align with their actual costs and help to budget accordingly.

Tuition Student Technology Fee
$1,010 per credit hour $38 per credit hour

Courses

Descriptions and Credit Values


Dissertation Courses

Students who have successfully completed 100% of the course work, have a completed DHA Portfolio, and have a 3.0 or higher GPA are eligible to begin Dissertation I, the first in a four course series. Each course requires the student to complete the matching dissertation chapter (i.e. Chapter 1 in Dissertation I; Chapter 2 in Dissertation II; Chapter 3 in Dissertation III; and Chapter 4 in Dissertation IV). Each course is five credits, for a total of 20 dissertation credits. Each dissertation course is Pass/Fail. An Incomplete grade is possible if all of the assigned work is not completed in a course. However, this gives the student one 10-week extension worth one credit, for which the student must pay. If the assigned work is not complete at the end of the extension, the “I” turns to an “F” and the student must retake the course. If a student has been in a course for four consecutive blocks but has not completed the assigned chapter and fails the course a second time, he or she will be administratively withdrawn from the DHA program.  In that case, the DHA will not be awarded. Students are cautioned to avoid extensions as they are provided for extraordinary circumstances, not for students who have simply lagged in completing the course work. It is expected that students will complete each course within the timeframe provided and will not regularly need extensions.

A typical course schedule consists of the following. Additional course options may be available and listed below under Other Courses.

Year 1


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