OpenFieldDoctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) — online
An applied, professional doctorate for healthcare leaders. It includes an applied research project and is not equivalent to a traditional dissertation-based PhD research studentship.
How the degree is organized
ATSU describes a flexible 70-credit online curriculum with four concentration choices, completion commonly described as three to four years, and four start periods in a year. A central feature is an Applied Research Project to analyze and improve practice, policy, education or healthcare delivery, rather than a PhD dissertation.
Coursework addresses critical reasoning, evidence, health systems and professional decision-making. The final project does not establish salaried graduate assistantship eligibility; ask the college what support exists for your particular cohort.
Two admission tracks
Bachelor's-entry: qualifying accredited bachelor's degree or higher, minimum 3.0/4 cumulative GPA, official transcripts, current resume, essay and virtual interview. Master's-entry: qualifying accredited master's degree or higher with minimum 2.5/4 cumulative GPA, subject to the remaining application steps. Foreign degrees require equivalency assessment. The posted application fee is nonrefundable, but the precise current fee amount was not confirmed.
ATSU provides directions for English-language test evidence where applicable. A universal IELTS band, TOEFL score, or GRE requirement should not be inferred without checking the current program admission section.
Financial and international considerations
Tuition and student technology fees apply. The official program page directs applicants to the ATSU tuition breakdown/estimator rather than a guaranteed fixed lifetime total. Competitive scholarships and loans are distinct from PhD research fellowships. As the degree is delivered online, prospective overseas students must confirm whether it fits their employment, residence and visa intentions; no U.S. visa sponsorship has been established from the reviewed details.
University financial aid and scholarships ↗ · Tuition and fees ↗ · ATSU institution guide ↗.
Important verification note
Facts reflect official pages reviewed 14 October 2026. Degree admission, student financial aid and research participation are separate matters. No open funded vacancy is implied.
Reviewed 14 October 2026 · Editorial standards · Report an issue