Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services program with a specialization in Healthcare Administration is an online program designed to prepare health management professionals to become leaders and advocates in the field of healthcare administration and policy. The Healthcare Administration specialization is offered in both a course-based and a mixed-model format and addresses planning and organization of healthcare delivery systems, as well as health economics, policy, and law. The curriculum focuses on organizational leadership in the healthcare field and in public health programs and strategic planning and collaboration in health services. Walden University's course-based format is a structured, predetermined syllabus that allows for ample collaboration. The mixed-model format combines online coursework with research papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Students who pursue this format can take healthcare administration courses online and write papers in conjunction with support from faculty advisors. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for healthcare administrators, educators, and professionals with at least three years of related experience. You may have experience with healthcare leadership, education, policy, or teaching. Most of Walden's doctoral programs require that you have a master's degree or higher.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. Walden's Ph.D. program in Health Services with a specialization in Healthcare Administration requires completion of 98-101 total quarter credit hours, incorporates online study as well as four brief academic residency periods (for a total of 16 days/units) and culminates in a dissertation. Some of the required courses are listed below.

Course-Based Format

• Foundations of Graduate Study

Research Core

• Research, Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research
• Writing a Quality Prospectus

Foundation Core

• U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
• Organizational Development and Leadership
• Health Economics
• Health Policy
• Healthcare Financial Management

Specialization Courses

• Health Law and Ethics
• Leadership, Professionalism, and Ethics in Public Health Practice
• Administration and Leadership of Public Health Programs
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Governance and Public Policy
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Format

• Foundations for Graduate Study

Core KAMs

• KAM I: Principles of Social Change
  • Breadth: Theories of Social Change
  • Depth: Current Research in Social Change: Health Management and Policy
  • Application: Professional Practice and Social Change: Health Management and Policy
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems: Health Management and Policy
  • Application: Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems: Health Management and Policy

Foundation Research Sequence

• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research
• Writing a Quality Prospectus

Specialization Courses

• Leadership, Professionalism, and Ethics in Public Health Practice
• Administration and Leadership of Public Health Programs
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Governance and Public Policy
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services program with a specialization in Healthcare Administration have the opportunity to prepare for careers in health services management, hospital administration, health services research, and public or private health initiatives. Healthcare administrators often work with higher education institutions, and research policy and management initiatives. Graduates may wish to pursue careers in teaching, research, or healthcare policy. Positions that graduates may seek include:

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Professor
• Hospital administrator
• Policy researcher
• Health services management intervention specialist
• Medical management specialist