What Is an EdD In Organizational Leadership?

Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Care Administration program was created by the College of Doctoral Studies for students preparing for careers in health care administration. Designed to increase your awareness of the healthcare field, this program can help you broaden your skill sets and develop a framework for effective management. Offered online and in evening cohorts, this program is consistent with GCU’s mission to develop learners who are global contributors, innovative thinkers, effective communicators and transformative leaders.

Choosing to Specialize in a Quantitative EdD in Health Care Administration

GCU’s quantitative EdD in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Care Administration uses statistical tools to clean data, assess reliability and analyze data. In this program, you will examine and analyze events by interpreting numeric data as well as produce a written report consistent with published academic standards. This differs from GCU’s qualitative EdD program, which focuses on personally examining events to better understand an observed phenomenon.

What You’ll Learn in This EdD Program

In GCU’s online EdD in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Care Administration program, you will examine multiple ethical frameworks, principles and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership. Additionally, you will explore the connection between leadership and professional development with a focus on assisting employees in achieving personal potential.

As an EdD student, you will interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study. This includes a focus on data collection, data preparation and management. You will also have the opportunity to conduct an analysis of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results and implications. Throughout the program, you will discuss the many levels of regulation in the healthcare industry and study principle elements of research, scholarly writing and effective argumentation.

To graduate from this program, which is a minimum of 60 credits, you must pass courses including:

Health care regulation
Ethical dilemmas and stewardship
The literature landscape: organizational leadership
Sustainability of health care organizations
Strategic planning and change
Leading across cultures

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Career Outlook

Enrolling in GCU’s online EdD in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Care Administration program may help you set yourself apart and position yourself for potential career advancement. As a graduate, you may have opportunities to pursue leadership roles in:

Clinics
Hospitals
Managed care organizations
Public health agencies

^§MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Apr2024: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in April 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.

Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship

Now Available

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

Time to Completion and Dissertation Process

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

Course List

Major:

60 credits

Degree Requirements:

60 credits

Core Courses

RES-815: Introduction to Research Total Credits: 3

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-820A: The Literature Landscape: Organizational Leadership Total Credits: 3

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.

LDR-800: Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines multiple ethical frameworks, principles, and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership. Corporate social responsibility will be addressed from the perspective of ethical decision making. Prerequisite: RES-815.

LDR-825: Strategic Planning and Change Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the impact of leadership and the effects of behaviors on the formulation and execution of strategy within an organization. Topics include the increasing importance of resilience and change in today’s global and turbulent economy.

RES-831: Foundations of Research Design 1 Total Credits: 3

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.

RES-832: Foundations of Research Design 2 Total Credits: 3

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.

RSD-851: Residency: Dissertation Total Credits: 3

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.

HCA-812: Health Care Regulation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an overview of many levels of regulation in the health care industry. These include state boards, medical boards, professional boards, and the federal government. Various organizational and self-regulatory measures are presented, and the impact of mandatory and voluntary measures are discussed.

HCA-817: Professional Development and Leadership in Health Care Total Credits: 3

Course Description

The course explores the connection between leadership and professional development with a focus on assisting employees in achieving personal potential. The course promotes creating a culture of shared values and ownership to promote a standard of organizational excellence.

HCA-822: Building a Culture of Community in Health Care Total Credits: 3

Course Description

The course discusses the importance of assessing the current culture of an organization as well as how the concept of collaboration is employed as a means for building a culture of community in health care. Systems thinking and inter-professional teaming are presented as strategies for building a collaborative community.

RES-842: Designing a Quantitative Study 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners explore the basic components of quantitative research design. Attention is given to variables, instrumentation, and sources of data. Reliability and validity of instrumentation is discussed in the context of GCU core quantitative research designs.

RES-844: Designing a Quantitative Study 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study. Alignment of statistical tests to research questions, hypotheses and design is stressed as is determining the feasibility of a quantitative research study. Ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-842.

LDR-804: Leading Across Cultures Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course explores the opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment. The course topics focus on aspects of leading global and diverse workforces, and on theories of leadership and leadership development in diverse and global cultures.

RSD-884: Residency: The Quantitative Dissertation Total Credits: 3

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 quantitative dissertation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. RES-844.

HCA-827: Sustainability of Health Care Organizations Total Credits: 3

Course Description

The course addresses how continuous improvement guides organizations to promote change and innovation as a means of being viable and sustainable. Prerequisite: RES-866.

DIS-955: Dissertation I Total Credits: 3

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: RES-871, RES-885, RSD-883, or RSD-884.

RES-874: Quantitative Data Collection and Statistical Mechanics Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on data collection, data preparation and management, and the analysis of quantitative 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. Prerequisite: RES-844.

DIS-960: Dissertation II Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-955.

RES-884: Quantitative Data Analysis, Results, and Findings Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of quantitative 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. Prerequisite: RES-874.

DIS-965: Dissertation III Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-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.

DIS-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-965.

DIS-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-966 or DIS-966E.

DIS-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-967 or DIS-967E.

DIS-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-968 or DIS-968E; RSD-951.

DIS-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-969 or DIS-969E.

DIS-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-970 or DIS-970E.

DIS-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-971E.

DIS-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-972E.

DIS-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-973E.

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.

DIS-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-965.

DIS-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-966 or DIS-966E.

DIS-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-967 or DIS-967E.

DIS-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-968 or DIS-968E; RSD-951.

DIS-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-969 or DIS-969E.

DIS-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-970 or DIS-970E.

DIS-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-971E.

DIS-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-972E.

DIS-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

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: DIS-973E.