Online Doctor of Health Administration in Operational Leadership

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Degree Level

Doctoral

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Healthcare

Program

Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Qualitative)

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.^§

Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship

Apply Today

Overview

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.

Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research)

Offered By

College of Doctoral Studies

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $750 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 60

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 9 doctoral credits

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Doctoral)

Doctoral Degree
3.4+ GPA*

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

Masters Degree
3.4 GPA**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.4 may be accepted with specifications.
** Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 - 3.39 may be accepted with specifications. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be accepted.

Why GCU

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.

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.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

While both a qualitative and quantitative DHA program will focus on advanced health administration topics, the differences lie in the approach and methodologies of your research and what your goals are for your dissertation.

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.

Coursework

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

Careers

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

Accreditation

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.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding to return to school to earn your doctorate can come with many questions. Review our frequently asked questions and answers to gain more insight into this academic path.

This health administration doctorate degree focuses on developing leadership skills in the operational aspects of healthcare organizations. It can prepare healthcare professionals to lead health systems effectively. It also covers topics such as strategic management, healthcare economics, policy and regulation and risk management. The curriculum aims to prepare you to handle the challenges of today's healthcare environment by combining practical applications with advanced theory.

Yes. A dissertation demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter, research methodologies and contribution to the field. This is typically a requirement for doctoral programs, including online options. To learn more about the dissertation process, view our doctoral resources.

In your program, you will be required to complete a qualitative dissertation, which can provide you with an opportunity to develop and explore your skills in academic research. You will expand on your research throughout the program, further presenting and defending while continuing to design your independent research with guidance from the dissertation committee.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

Major60 credits

Degree Requirements60 credits

To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.

Core Courses

RES-815

3 Total Credits

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.

RES-820G

3 Total Credits

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.

DHA-801

3 Total Credits

DHA-802

3 Total Credits

RES-831

3 Total Credits

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.

RSD-851

3 Total Credits

RES-832

3 Total Credits

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.

DHL-821

3 Total Credits

DHA-803

3 Total Credits

DHA-804

3 Total Credits

RES-841

3 Total Credits

RES-843

3 Total Credits

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.

DHL-823

3 Total Credits

RSD-883

3 Total Credits

DHL-825

3 Total Credits

DHA-955

3 Total Credits

RES-873

3 Total Credits

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.

DHA-960

3 Total Credits

RES-883

3 Total Credits

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.

DHA-965

3 Total Credits

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.

DHA-966

3 Total Credits

DHA-967

3 Total Credits

DHA-968

3 Total Credits

DHA-969

3 Total Credits

DHA-970

3 Total Credits

DHA-971

3 Total Credits

DHA-972

3 Total Credits

DHA-973

3 Total Credits

DHA-974

3 Total Credits

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

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^§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. 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.

¹ Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.