Online Doctor of Health Administration in Operational Leadership
Prepare To Lead the Next Generation in Healthcare
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program may have the opportunity to advance the study of health administration and operational leadership dynamics to drive their field forward. By utilizing an in-depth, research-based approach to facilitate leaders’ abilities and roles as strategic professionals, they may be able to help those leaders expand their capabilities and adapt a range of leadership styles to use in diverse situations.
Integrate Research Into Everyday Practice
The doctorate in health administration (DHA) is a terminal research degree that allows for the development of theoretical knowledge in the healthcare industry and application of that knowledge to the improvement of practice. With our knowledgeable and supportive faculty, intuitive online platform and well-rounded curriculum, we can help you take the next step to becoming a modern leader.
By completing your DHA at GCU, you will be completing a program designed and taught on the foundation of a Christian worldview. Develop your leadership ability while implementing Christian principles such as ethical decision-making, compassion, acceptance and servant leadership.
Loading Form
GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.§
Additionally, those who already possess a master's in health care administration or an allied health care profession that includes clinical or practicum experience may be eligible to have certain courses waived from their curriculum.
A qualitative DHA program emphasizes the comprehension of healthcare system complexities, such as policies and management, through analysis and interpretation of non-numerical data. Meanwhile, a quantitative DHA concentrates on the more numeric data-driven aspects of health administration, such as statistical analysis and empirical evidence.
Explore Key Topics in This DHA Degree
Through both classwork and the completion of qualitative studies, this program can help established professionals to directly contribute to the healthcare field.
Research courses are strategically embedded in this program of study and will be taught from the perspective of doing. Designed based on the qualitative research focus, every class in this program is designed to make a clear step forward in the completion of the dissertation.
Develop Operational Leadership Skills for Your Future
By developing skills in addressing technology, efficiency, quality, safety and outcomes, graduates of GCU’s DHA program can be key players in advancing approaches to leadership and designing innovative operational methods for leadership within healthcare organizations. Skills that DHA students can develop include:
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Effective communication
- Ethical decision making
- Team leadership
- Technology and data management
- Quality improvement
Career Opportunities for DHA Degree Graduates
Doctoral programs in healthcare administration can prepare you to turn your vision for leadership within healthcare organizations into a reality and provide you with a wide range of opportunities within a variety of healthcare settings. As a graduate of this program, you may be qualified to pursue positions in:
- Health system management
- Healthcare operations
- Healthcare research
- Health policy
Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University
Our university is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a recognition that underlines our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity. We are dedicated to continual improvement of education and delivering quality learning to our students, providing them with a meaningful experience that prepares them for their future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding to return to school to earn your doctorate can come with many questions. Review our frequently asked questions and answers below to gain more insight into this academic path.
Discover how the DHA program can support your professional journey in operational leadership.
1 Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Dec2024: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in December 2024. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.
Time to Completion and Dissertation Process
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.
Course Description
In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.
Course Description
This course explores how healthcare economics are influenced by governmental structures and organizational models. Consideration is given to how healthcare spending influences health outcomes and interventions.
Course Description
This course addresses the intersection of technology and innovation, leading to solutions for operational change and data-driven decisions. Consideration is given to the future of health records and information sharing.
Course Description
In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.
Course Description
This residency allows learners to continue developing their skills as academic researchers. Learners will have hands-on experience applying quantitative and qualitative design principals to develop the foundational elements for their potential dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-850, RES-825, RES-831, or RCS-831.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.
Course Description
This course focuses on methods a leader employs to prioritize and manage multiple organizational initiatives. Consideration is given to leveraging resources and technology to meet stakeholder needs.
Course Description
This course examines regulatory compliance within healthcare organizations. Consideration is given to advocacy, contracts, and ethical obligations to provide quality healthcare.
Course Description
This course considers the application of leadership theories and organizational structures, leading to solutions for team collaboration and organizational strategic planning. Leading change both within and outside the organization is highlighted.
Course Description
In this course, learners explore the basic components of GCU qualitative core research designs including descriptive, case study, and phenomenology. The nature of epistemological foundations and the structure of problem statements, purpose statements, research questions, data sources, collection and analysis approaches are discussed in the context of each design.
Course Description
In this course, learners differentiate the epistemological foundations and explore the data trustworthiness, research ethics, and potential for bias in descriptive, case study, and phenomenology research designs. The process of building a rationale for design choice and aligning the research questions, interview questions, problem statement, and purpose statement is addressed. Sources of qualitative data are introduced for each design, and ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-841.
Course Description
This course addresses key issues of risk management and mitigation in healthcare. Consideration is given to quality assurance and patient safety.
Course Description
In this residency, learners orally present and defend an expanded design of their preliminary dissertation research from RSD-851. Emphasis is placed on developing the qualitative dissertation. Prerequisite: RES-843.
Course Description
This course addresses advanced concepts in human resources leadership with a focus on technology application, resource retention, and contingency planning.
Course Description
In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: RSD-883 or RSD-884.
Course Description
In this course, learners explore qualitative data collection techniques and sources of qualitative data in the context of answering the research questions posed by a study. Consideration is given to the recognition of data saturation and the management of data. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs to prepare a written statement of data collection, and management activities. Prerequisites: RES-843 and one of the following: DBA-955 or DIS-955 or DHA-955 or PSY-955 or PCE-955 or TLC-955.
Course Description
In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DHA-955.
Course Description
In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of qualitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisites: RES-873 and one of the following: DBA-960 or DIS-960 or DHA-960 or PSY-960 or PCE-960 or TLC-960.
Course Description
In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DHA-960.
Continuation Courses
The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-965.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. DHA-966.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. DHA-967.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-968.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-969.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-970.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-971.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-972.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DHA-973.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.