phd health science online

Academic Degrees , Health Science News

10 Online PhDs in Health Sciences

Updated: December 8, 2023

Published: July 16, 2019

It’s fair to say that the field of Health Science has been around for as long as humans have needed to cope with disease. The discipline deals with the improvement of human and animal health, and those working in the field can do so with an undergraduate degree or a PhD in Health Sciences.

Professionals in the field can be divided into two broad categories: those who perform research and those who work as clinicians applying their knowledge to advance healthcare, cure illnesses, and gain better insight into how humans and animals function.

What is a PhD in Health Sciences?

A PhD in Health Sciences is a post-professional degree that typically takes 4-6 years to complete. A Doctorate (PhD) in Health Sciences can help you reach your ultimate goals whether that is in the classroom as an educator or the boardroom as a manager, as a practitioner or a researcher. A PhD in Health Sciences allows professionals in the field of healthcare to specialize in a relevant line of work.

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Why study online.

To earn your PhD in Health Sciences, you can choose the traditional route of attending an on-campus college, or instead, attend an online university. The benefits of attending an online university are vast. They include:

1. Savings:

It’s no secret that university is expensive, costs add up quickly and there’s a reason that many students take out loans. Studying online proves to be more affordable than traditional universities. After tuition and associated fees, online programs almost always cost less than on-campus institutions, and course materials like textbooks are generally offered online at no extra cost. Additionally, most students will save on housing and/or transportation costs incurred by attending a traditional college. There are many quality programs available, and if you’re looking to save money, online university is a perfect solution.

2. Flexibility:

When taking classes at a traditional college, students must show up at designated times and sit through rather lengthy lectures before running to their next class. And yet, if they somehow manage to space out those classes and have time for a short break, they likely still have to remain on campus. It can make for really long, tiring days. By studying online, students can balance their outside commitments with their education and be more flexible about getting work done in case of a family matter or a meeting at work. You get to choose your own learning time and environment.

3. Accessibility:

If you live in a cold weather city, you know the frustration of dealing with a storm and the danger of navigating on snowy roads to get to class. Even if you don’t live where it snows, there are many factors that can make it difficult to commute for every class. Online courses make attending class as easy as turning on your computer or tablet from the comfort of your home or a café down the block. Usually, your options for university are naturally limited by your location. If you live in California, or abroad for that matter, it can be difficult and costly to attend school in Boston. But location is irrelevant with online courses. If you live in Puerto Rico and want to take classes in Michigan, you can! All you need is your computer. Accessibility is a major, and often undervalued, benefit of online classes.

Best Online Options

For those interested in pursuing their PhD in Health Sciences online, many quality programs exist. Here’s a look at some of the best ones.

1. MCPHS University

• Online Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS): Healthcare Administration

Rather than annual residencies, MCPHS only asks students to visit campus three times during their complete length of study: orientation and two more times to work on your dissertations. MCPHS’s accredited online PhD in healthcare administration is geared towards an Academic Health Sciences concentration, so the core curriculum focuses primarily on theory and research.

Tuition: $20,550/yr

2. Liberty University

• Lynchburg, VA
• Online Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) – Healthcare Management

This program’s core curriculum places a strong emphasis in business. If you’re interested in this facet of healthcare, Liberty University teaches students forecasting and modeling, supply chain management, executive coaching, and human resource management.

Tuition: $8,000/yr

3. University of South Florida

• Online Doctor of Public Health: Health Policy and Administration

The University of South Florida’s Doctor of Public Health program offers courses emphasizing practice-based schooling over theory and research, making it ideal for professionals who want to work full-time while pursuing a leadership role at a non-profit healthcare organization.

Tuition: $15,776/yr

4. A.T. Still University

• Kirksville, MO
• Online Doctor of Health Administration

A.T. Still University is the only institution ranked on this list that specializes in osteopathic medicine. Although osteopathic medicine is a notably specialized field, A.T. still offers a range of related health programs, including a PhD in Healthcare Administration.

Tuition: $31,493/yr

5. Medical University of South Carolina

• Charleston, SC
• Online DHA Executive Program

MUSC’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration is one of the most complete programs, allowing students to choose from three tracks: Executive, Interprofessional Studies and Leadership, and Information Systems and Leadership.

Tuition: $21,183/yr

6. Central Michigan University

• Mount Pleasant, MI

CMU is the only university ranked that uses a collaborative-based system, encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds to network and develop their skills.

Tuition: $14,685/yr

7. Colorado Technical University

• Colorado Springs, CO
• Online Doctor of Management – Healthcare Management and Leadership

The Colorado Technical University’s core curriculum balances both business and theoretical research material. CTU provides a unique opportunity for students who have yet to complete a master’s degree by completing an MBA or MSM while simultaneously working on their PhD.

Tuition: $13,356/yr

8. Franklin University

• Columbus, OH
• Online Doctor of Healthcare Administration

Franklin University has earned a spot on the podium for implementing their “no fear” program to help guide students through the intense dissertation process. Students will leverage strong peer and faculty mentoring and need not worry about the stress of undertaking this degree.

Tuition: $15,240/yr

9. University of Mississippi Medical Center

• University, MS

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online PhD program is one the most comprehensive curricula, offering the widest range of courses tailored to health and management. UMMC’s degree is ideal for professionals designed for part-time students and consequently has few in-person obligations.

Tuition: $14,059/yr

10. Arizona State University

• Online Doctor of Behavioral Health with a Concentration in Management

ASU’s program is really a specialized Doctor of Behavioral Health degree with a concentration in management. However, the degree is extensive enough to be applicable in a wide range of healthcare fields. ASU encourages students to also consider courses from two of its other programs: Science of Healthcare Delivery and Healthcare Innovation.

Tuition: $17,289/yr

What You Will Study

Health Sciences is a general term that includes all the applied fields involved in the delivery and development of healthcare. This means that there are various tracks available to students. For instance, the Doctor in Health Administration, or DHA, degree is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in research or policy. On the other hand, the PhD in healthcare administration is more attractive for professionals interested in capitalizing on opportunities for leadership in corporate roles.

Skills You Will Acquire

When earning a PhD, you will glean knowledge that will be useful both within the profession as well as in life generally.

Here are 10 of the most valuable transferable skills acquired by those with a PhD degree: managing your own project; performing competitive analysis; collaborating with your peers; dealing with conflict; leading a team; training, teaching & mentoring; writing and verbal communication; problem solving; understanding the big picture, and ultimately, learning how to improve health.

How Long Will It Take?

Nobody arrives at the decision to pursue a PhD easily. Ultimately, embarking on a PhD program can take many years to earn, but it will help advance one’s career in a specific field.

However, if you know where to look, accelerated PhD tracks do exist from accredited universities. Even if the right degree for you is not listed above, this list is a great starting point for professionals looking to take their careers to the next level in less time, on a budget and with a more flexible schedule.

Two-thirds of the programs ranked and available to students will cost less than $20,000 annually.

Career Options & Salary

A Doctorate in Health Sciences opens doors for teaching and leadership positions in the healthcare field. With such an advanced degree, one can build a career in several high-level health-related professions.

Graduates will enter one of three categories: Health Specialties Educator (~$91k median salary); Clinical Researcher (~$83k median salary); Medical and Health Service Manager (~$95k median salary)

How to Get Started in Health Science

If you know that Health Sciences is the right path for you, then you can get started by earning your Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in the Health Science – Community and Public Health Track at the University of the People . The tuition-free and fully online program is designed to prepare students for the complex and evolving healthcare landscape.

For example, our Bachelor of Science in Health Science is an online, 39-course degree program, providing a comprehensive understanding of industry health principles and standards. Full time students can complete the program in four years.

Wrapping Up

The road to earning your PhD in Health Science may be paved with challenges, but once you have the degree in your hands, you will broaden your horizons to be able to lead teams, teach others and hold high-level positions in a field that does so much to better support humanity and overall health and wellbeing.

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PhD in Health Sciences Online

Take your next step as an allied health professional with liberty’s online doctorate in health sciences.

Are you an allied health professional seeking a terminal degree? Do you have a passion for teaching at the college level, helping people lead healthier lifestyles, serving patients in a clinical setting, or equipping athletes to perform at their best? If so, Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences can help you achieve excellence in your field. Whether you’re looking to pursue higher-level clinical roles, or you want to help train up the next generation of scientists and scholars, our health sciences program provides valuable training that can help prepare you for new roles and responsibilities.

Throughout this doctoral degree in health sciences, you’ll study advanced topics in leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. Our goal is to help build on your previous education and experience so you can pursue new job opportunities in the field of allied health. By completing our online PhD in Health Sciences, you can strengthen your effectiveness as a professor, scientist, scholar, or industry leader.

Partner with us and train to lead with excellence and integrity in teaching, research, service, and health care!

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Health Sciences PhD?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare professions is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all industries.* Whether you’re interested in research, administration, policy, education, or exercise science, our PhD in Health Sciences online is designed to help you become a leader in this rapidly growing field.

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, Liberty is committed to offering programs that blend flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. With our PhD in Health Sciences, you can hone your skill set and become equipped to help meet the need for allied health personnel and faculty.

Here are some of the benefits of pursuing Liberty’s doctorate in health sciences:

• Online Courses | Our health sciences program is offered 100% online, so you can earn your degree on your schedule. Our top-notch online learning environment allows you to network with other professionals and receive a quality education without having to leave the comfort of home. Most importantly, you can stay invested in the things that matter — like your family, job, and community — while taking the next step in your academic journey.
• Respected Credentials | Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). You can pursue your health sciences PhD with confidence knowing that our programs have met rigorous academic standards and accreditation requirements.
• Flexible Degree Options | While pursuing this PhD program, you’ll be able to personalize your plan of study. For example, the general track has no set courses — so you can select classes that align with your career goals or that best support your dissertation topic.
• Valuable Mentorship | Throughout this health sciences program, you’ll study under faculty who have years of experience working in sports performance, exercise science, healthcare administration, and other related fields. With their guidance, you can develop the skills needed to help meet the complex needs of the healthcare community.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Healthcare Occupations (viewed online April 26, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour .  Find out  how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

Specializations for the PhD in Health Sciences Program

At Liberty, you can customize your health sciences degree by selecting a specialization in the area that interests you the most.

Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Health Sciences – General degree allows you to personalize your degree to match your unique academic and career goals. In addition to taking core research and health sciences courses, you can complete several specialized courses in an area of your choosing.

Career Opportunities

• Healthcare administrator
• Healthcare communications specialist
• Medical assistant
• Public health worker

View the Degree Completion Plan .

• View the Graduate Health Sciences Course Guides (login required) .

Apply Now     Request Info

Exercise and Sport Science

Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science degree is designed to help further your knowledge in the areas of sport performance, exercise science, and occupational performance. Our goal is to help you pursue advanced roles in sports science, kinesiology, strength training and conditioning, and more.

• Exercise physiologist
• Fitness instructor
• Nutritional consultant
• Personal trainer/coach

Trauma-Informed Care

Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Health Sciences – Trauma-Informed Care degree can help equip you to work with victims of trauma using best practices in crisis and first responder training, community response, assessment and testing, and empirically supported treatments. This program is one of the first of its kind to teach trauma from an allied health perspective, as most programs cover trauma in an education or behavioral science context.

What Will You Learn in Our Doctoral Degree in Health Sciences?

Throughout this program, you can learn how to conduct original research, serve diverse populations, and apply ethical principles to complex healthcare discussions. The core content of our doctoral degree in health sciences covers healthcare delivery systems, ethical issues, leadership strategies, risk management, and evidence-based practices in health sciences. You can also explore how to meet the needs of various learners and utilize effective methods for instruction and evaluation — strengthening your ability to teach at the college level.

Additionally, you’ll learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics as they relate to the health sciences discipline. By studying important literature in the field, you can prepare to conduct original research for your dissertation. The dissertation process provides an opportunity for you to contribute your own scholarly work to the base of knowledge in your field. You’ll also have the freedom to select a specialization and pursue a focused area of study that best matches your interests and career goals.

Featured Courses

• HSCI 705 – Ethical Issues in Health Sciences
• HSCI 710 – Healthcare Delivery Systems
• HSCI 730 – Risk Management in Health Sciences
• HSCI 810 – Review and Critique of Health Science Literature

What Can You Do with a PhD in Health Sciences?

Depending on your previously obtained certifications and licenses, some of the roles you could pursue after earning this degree include:

Highlights of Our Online PhD in Health Sciences

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years — and counting.
• Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC , the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
• You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders and experts in allied health from across the country while pursuing your online health sciences degree.
• Our 100% online courses give you the freedom to earn your degree on your schedule.

Doctorate in Health Sciences Online Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Health Sciences .

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Doctoral Degree in Health Sciences

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

* There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses — documentation verifying military status is required.

Transfer Policies

At Liberty, we want to help you make the most of your prior education by allowing you to transfer in previously earned college credit. That’s why you can transfer in up to 50% of your total credits for a master’s or doctoral program!

Some restrictions apply. Please visit our   Transfer Policy   page for more information.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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Catalog Contents

Doctor of health science, description and outcomes.

The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is a professional doctoral, versus a research doctoral (PhD), program designed to advance the competencies, knowledge, and skills that health and health care leaders need in order to foster solutions and innovation in the challenging and ever-changing health and health care environment. The program provides a high level of personalization and flexibility based on the learner’s professional goals and interests. The building blocks of the program include a variety of graduate health and health care micro-credentials and electives along with a set of core doctoral-level advanced courses and a doctoral project oriented toward addressing a challenge or need in health/health care policy, administration, higher education, or clinical practice.  

A micro-credential is a course or grouping of courses that represent a focused skill or area of knowledge. The  Micro-credential Bulletin contains available micro-credential offerings that can be utilized to personalize the DHSc. For more information about the different types of micro-credentials and the policies governing micro-credentials, please see the Additional Offerings section of this Catalog.

Program Length

The Doctor of Health Science program consists of 88 quarter credit hours, depending on your prior degree. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a professional doctorate degree.

Program Outcomes

• Critical Thinking: Evaluate health-related research, trends, issues, policies, and programs.
• Problem Solving/Innovation: Generate evidence-based, innovative solutions to health issues for diverse populations at the national, international, and global levels.
• Communication: Effectively communicate with key stakeholders to advance health research and practice.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within the health-related environment.
• Leadership/Organizational Effectiveness: Contribute to building ethical, people-centered organizations that positively impact health delivery.

Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the professional competencies associated with your academic program in the Professional Competencies section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information .

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the below admissions requirements in addition to Purdue Global's  general requirements .

A transcript indicating completion of a master's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher must be submitted.

If your master's degree has a major in health, health care, or a related field, to apply you must submit the following documents at least 4 weeks prior to the desired start date:

• A transcript indicating completion of a master's degree in a health, health care, or a related field.
• A current, professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that verifies you have 3 years of relevant professional experience in a health, health care, or related setting.

If your master’s degree has a major outside of a direct health or health care field, to apply you must submit the following documents at least 4 weeks prior to the desired start date:

• A transcript indicating completion of a master's degree. 
• A current, professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that verifies you have 7 years of relevant professional experience in a health, health care, or related setting.

If you wish to reenter the Doctor of Health Science after having previously withdrawn from the program, approval by the Dean of the School of Health Sciences is required.

Progression Requirements

• You may transfer in up to 28 credits of electives from your master’s degree.
• You must successfully complete IRB training, and IRB approval is required for the development of your scholarly project.
• You may not use credit for prior learning to fulfill any 800-level course.
• You must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to starting HS860 Doctoral Project I: Project Proposal .
• If you are unable to complete the doctoral project within HS880 Doctoral Project III: Data Collection and Analysis , you may contact your project mentor to secure an extension. If granted, you will enroll in HS871 Health Science Doctoral Project Extension Course to provide you with additional time to complete your doctoral project. The University will not charge tuition or fees for the extensions. You may enroll in HS871 Health Science Doctoral Project Extension Course for up to three terms. Additional enrollments in HS871 Health Science Doctoral Project Extension Course will require approval from the Doctoral Program Chair.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation.  Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Unless otherwise specified, Purdue Global's programs are not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information  to determine enrollment eligibility.

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.

The 🌐 icon appears in the title of traditional courses that are also available as a set of module courses. Module course availability may be limited to certain academic calendars. See Course Types for information about module courses.

Program Requirements

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2024 Best Online PhD in Health Sciences Programs [Doctoral Guide]

A PhD in Health Sciences aims to prepare students for success in health-related industries. This doctoral degree provides students with more research and leadership opportunities within various healthcare fields.

A Ph.D. in Health Sciences program is both broad and interdisciplinary. This unique approach to healthcare education allows for career mobility post-graduation. Some graduates choose to work in education, in clinical settings, or in roles that help others lead healthy lives.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Read on to see how a health sciences PhD could help you grow your professional qualifications.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Health Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Faulkner University

Faulkner University’s PhD in Health Sciences can potentially be earned in just 18 months. New courses start every 5 weeks, and applications are accepted throughout the year. The program requires the completion of 45 credit hours, including a dissertation. Potential courses include Evidence-Based Practice, Clinical Statistics, and Qualitative Research Methods.

Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a PhD in Health Sciences program that is designed to provide flexibility for working health professionals. Courses are 8 weeks long and 100% online. Students take on average 3 years to graduate. Specialization options include General, Exercise and Sport Science, and Trauma-Informed Care.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University offers a PhD in Health Sciences. This hybrid program features online and face-to-face components and allows students to enroll part-time or full-time. Potential courses include Contemporary Health Science Topics, Knowledge Integration in the Health Sciences, and Data Analysis in the Health Sciences.

Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s PhD in Health Science program features online course delivery combined with a research practicum and two on-campus institutes. Students must complete 64 credit hours, including a dissertation, and pass a comprehensive exam to graduate. New students can begin every January or August.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rocky Mountain University

Rocky Mountain University offers a PhD in Health Sciences that can typically be earned in 4 years with limited residency requirements. Concentrations offered include Healthcare Professions Education, Healthcare Leadership and Administration, Athletic Training, Orthopedic Sports Science, Pediatric Science, and more.

Rocky Mountain University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Rush University

Rush University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences. Coursework is online, and students can enroll part-time or full-time. Classes usually have just 8 to 10 students. The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals, but students can usually finish in 4 to 5 years.

Rush University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University offers a PhD in Health Sciences that can be earned online. Classes meet just once a week in the evenings. There are part-time and full-time enrollment options to help fit students’ schedules. Specializations are offered in Health Professions Leadership, Speech-Language Pathology, and Movement Science.

Seton Hall University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University’s PhD in Population Health Science program uses a hybrid model, with both online and on-campus classes. Online classes are asynchronous. Specializations are available in Health Data Science, Health Policy, Applied Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Healthcare Quality and Safety, and Health Behavior Science.

Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Trident University International

Trident University International offers a PhD in Health Sciences that can be earned online. There are no in-person requirements, and students can choose 3, 4, or 5-year plans. To graduate, students must pass a comprehensive exam and successfully defend a dissertation. Students receive individualized support throughout the process.

Trident University International is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota’s PhD in Health Sciences program is designed for working professionals. The program can be completed mostly online but does require a small number of residential experiences on campus. To graduate, students must complete 75 credit hours, including a dissertation. Potential courses include Globalization and Health, Leadership and Health Care, and Biostatistics for Public Health.

The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

PhD in Health Sciences Online Programs

A PhD in Health Sciences can help prepare health professionals to become advanced practitioners, administrators, researchers, or educators. A PhD in this field is designed to build upon your prior education, with the specific goal of providing you with greater opportunities for career advancement.

To accomplish this, PhD in Health Sciences programs take a broad approach to their curriculum. That said, this program also gives you the opportunity to specialize in a specific subject of your choosing. Your chosen concentration could impact your curriculum as well as your professional qualifications. This is a terminal degree, so you’re required to hold a masters degree or professional doctorate before applying.

Professionals with a PhD in Health Sciences can be found in nearly every corner of the healthcare industry. Some of these career paths include:

• Medical and health services manager
• Health educator
• Postsecondary teacher
• Postsecondary education administrator
• Clinical researcher
• Advanced practitioner

While your concentration lets you specialize in your chosen field, you’ll also study advanced topics in:

• Evidence-based practice

A PhD in Health Sciences will build upon the foundation that your current education provides. By pursuing advanced education in this field, you may expand your job prospects and deepen your expertise in your specialized area of healthcare.

Common Online PhD in Health Science Specializations

A common feature of most PhD in Health Sciences programs is that they allow students to take a specialization so they can focus on a specific area. Some health science specializations include:

• Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This concentration teaches students how to become researchers and leaders with the goal of improving the lives of people with speech, language, and hearing disabilities.
• Behavior Analysis. This concentration focuses on molding students into behavior analysis leaders who are on the frontlines of elevating scientific understanding and solving relevant issues.
• Physical Therapy. Students will learn how to advance physical therapy research by developing skills like critical analysis of trends, choosing statistical methods to answer relevant health questions, and designing challenging research studies.
• Kinesiology. Students complete coursework and perform research in kinesiology to become educators, leaders, and researchers in the field.
• Trauma-Informed Care. This specialty helps students become experts in trauma-informed care through the study of responder training, assessment and testing, and community response.

This is only a small list of common specializations for health sciences PhD students. When researching universities, you can see how their available specializations align with your goals.

Health Science Careers and Salaries

A PhD in Health Sciences program is beneficial for health professionals who possess a masters degree in a similar field and want to advance both their career and education. Post-graduation, professionals may take their advanced knowledge and delve into a variety of industries.

A PhD in Health Sciences is known to help prepare health professionals and practitioners for roles in leadership, education, advanced practice, and research. Your chosen concentration may impact both your job qualifications and opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries of positions related to the advanced study of health science.

There are many factors that contribute to the hiring process, so a degree in itself cannot guarantee a certain position or salary. Your prior licenses or certifications could also impact your job eligibility.

A PhD in Health Sciences program can provide an excellent foundation for higher education. Many PhD graduates go on to become professors or administrators in colleges or universities. Outside of education, many graduates pursue positions as clinical researchers, advanced practitioners, or healthcare administrators.

Health Sciences PhD Curriculum & Courses

Obtaining a health science PhD online means having a variety of courses at your disposal. These courses can vary by program and school, but here is a list of example courses to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Foundation of Education: You’re taught various learning theories in the context of higher education, including behavioral, cognitive, and constructive theory.
• Curriculum and Instruction: You’re taught how to develop a curriculum for health science education programs.
• Methods and Evaluation: This course provides an overview of how to develop course goals, learning activities, evaluation methods, and other teaching methods used in education.
• Teaching Practicum: You’re taught how to navigate various teaching practices like giving lectures, grading assignments, and tutoring.
• Statistics: You’ll familiarize yourself with medical literature so that you can stay up-to-date on the knowledge of current medical findings as well as how to interpret data.
• Composition for Effective Professional Writing: In this course, you’ll learn how to write for publications and dissertations
• Leadership Theory: You’re given a foundation in leadership assessment and leadership theory to become a better leader and more capable of evaluating quality leadership.
• Education Theory and Methods: This course introduces you to the concepts of behaviorism, social cognitivism, and humanism within the context of higher education.
• Advanced Biostatistics: You’re taught how to interpret and convey the statistics found in medical literature.
• Ethical Conduct in Research Settings: This course teaches you how to perform ethical, responsible research.

The coursework offered will vary by program, and your health sciences concentration will impact your course list as well.

Health Science PhD Online Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for entrance into a PhD in Health Sciences program can vary from school to school. Below is a list of some common admissions requirements for doctoral programs:

• Online application
• Minimum GPA of 3.0, on average, for graduate work
• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Letters of recommendation
• College transcripts

Since criteria can vary, it’s helpful to do your research on your school of choice. You can often contact a school’s admissions office for any questions you may have.

Accreditation

It’s beneficial to earn your PhD in Health Sciences from a regionally accredited school. Regional accreditation is the process by which a college or university passes a series of exams that testify to its ability to meet a high standard of education.

Holding a PhD from a regionally accredited school shows employers that you’re educated at the highest level. An accredited degree can also be required for certain positions and certifications. Attending an accredited school also allows for more financial aid opportunities since federal aid is only offered to accredited institutions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The first step for many students seeking financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . This forms has you submit your financial information so you can be considered for need-based federal aid, such as student loans.

Student loans must be paid back after graduation, but they tend to have lower interest rates. Scholarships and grants are also viable options to pursue. Most scholarship and grant programs require an application and consist of a contest to determine who gets the award.

Scholarships and grants don’t have to be paid back, and they can be offered on both a local and national level as well as through institutions themselves. You can also see what particular financial aid opportunities, such as assistantships, your school may offer to doctoral students. In addition, some employers offer professional development or tuition reimbursement programs.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Health Science?

A PhD in Health Science helps prepare graduates for advanced roles in the healthcare field. The interdisciplinary approach of this program allows you to study healthcare as a whole, while your chosen concentration allows you to focus on your preferred specialty.

As such, your concentration could influence the variety of specific career paths you can qualify for after graduation. Your current licenses and certifications might impact your career trajectory as well. In general, many graduates go on to become clinical researchers, postsecondary educators, advanced practitioners, and healthcare leaders and administrators.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Health Sciences?

Online PhD in Health Sciences programs tend to take anywhere between 3 and 5 years to complete. The timeline may vary with an online program in health science, as some students work faster when they have the freedom to work at their own pace. Others take longer due to their work style and schedule.

These programs may also culminate in dissertations, which could extend the length of the program. That said, if you were to take a full-time course load and didn’t have a dissertation requirement, then you might be able to complete your program in 3 years.

What’s the Difference Between a Doctor vs. PhD in Health Science Online Program?

Obtaining a PhD online in health science is different from obtaining a Doctor of Health Science online .

Health science doctoral programs have similar learning objectives but provide a different approach to their curriculums and career outlook.

Is a PhD in Health Science Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Health Sciences is worth it for many professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that healthcare occupations will grow 13% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. Healthcare administration and teaching roles are expected to see above average growth as well.

Health professionals and practitioners tend to pursue a PhD in Health Science if they have the desire to educate others, advance the field through research, or lead or manage a healthcare organization.

Getting Your Doctorate in Health Science Online

Many health professionals and practitioners pursue a PhD in Health Science this to advance their expertise and qualifications in the field. Completing this terminal degree online could allow for more flexibility and convenience.

Health science PhD programs offer a range of concentrations that you can choose from to specialize in your preferred subject. You might be interested in this degree path if you’re wanting to work in healthcare at the highest level. Many graduates go on to work as postsecondary teachers, researchers, or healthcare leaders and administrators.

If you’re ready to advance your educational and professional journeys, you could start by researching accredited universities to find the Health Sciences PhD program and concentration that’s right for you.