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DHA
DHA in Health Administration
Build the knowledge and skills you need to lead transformation in health care delivery systems. The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) is for health care leaders who want to improve patient care through effective administration. The program focuses on ethics, communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
This DHA program lets you take control of when and where you learn, allowing you to get the most out of your education—and your life—while pursuing your degree.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 9 Core courses
- 2 Elective courses
- 2 Virtual residencies
- Capstone
- 18 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $48,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore health administration courses
This degree requires a total of 76 program credits
Capstone mentors
For the culminating project of your doctoral degree, you’ll be paired with a knowledgeable mentor to help you along the way.
Virtual residencies
Examine potential topics for your capstone project, select a topic, and begin creating a capstone project proposal. The goal of the residencies is to achieve an approved topic milestone.
| DHA8004 |
Innovative Business Practices in Health Care
Learners in this course examine various innovative health care practices, including creating a culture of accountability for personal, departmental, and organizational performance. Learners evaluate their abilities as change leaders and assess their readiness to accept responsibility for their organizational performance. Learners also demonstrate the skills needed to communicate effectively, take initiative, and reflect industry standards in the workplace. For DHA learners only. |
6 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| DHA8008 |
Health Care Policy Processes
In this course, learners investigate the impacts of health care policy and legislation on the availability of, access to, and cost of U.S. health care. Learners examine the implications and consequences of specific health care legislation; analyze the values and assumptions underlying changing priorities in health planning and resource allocation; evaluate the combined effects of social, economic, ethical, legal, and political forces on health care; and assess ways of addressing current gaps in health care policy. |
6 quarter credits |
| DHA8026 |
Regulatory Compliance for Health Care Leaders
Learners develop an understanding of the current compliance and regulatory issues health care leaders face and demonstrate the skills needed to develop a strong organizational compliance program. Throughout the course, learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to align current regulatory compliance mandates to current health care organizations. For DHA learners only. |
6 quarter credits |
| DHA8032 |
Strategic Vision and Planning in Health Care
Learners in this course develop a strategic orientation to evaluate short- and long-term operational and organizational performance goals. Learners analyze organizational systems, processes, and designs from a strategic perspective and examine various methods of strategic planning, including the use and upgrading of information management systems as a means of improving organizational outcomes within the health care environment. Learners also demonstrate the interpersonal communication and strategic decision-making skills health care administrators use to influence and optimize results. For DHA learners only. |
6 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This degree is for practitioners who want to develop applied research and leadership competencies in health administration. It is designed with professional standards in mind to help you advance your career.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Promote organizational directional strategies.
- Lead organizational priorities to achieve strategic vision.
- Drive organizational culture of accountability through outcomes-driven leadership.
- Lead, execute, and evaluate a project, using a structured research process, to discern strategic, evidence-based solutions that minimize risk and optimize effectiveness and results for health care organizations.
- Model health care professionalism through application of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship.
- Communicate effectively as a health care scholar and practitioner.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.
How much does the DHA cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$780 per credit, 60 coursework credits, 18 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Capstone
$3,120 Per quarter
4 credits per quarter. Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer.
Capstone
What is capstone?$3,120
Per quarter
4 credits per quarter. Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer.
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$48,000 Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through July 2023
*Books, supplies and other fees apply
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$48,000
Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through July 2023
*Books, supplies and other fees apply
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Complexity of your capstone
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete capstone in 4 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $780/credit 12 quarters |
$43,200.00 |
| Capstone: $3,120/quarter 4 quarters |
$12,480.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$55,680.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-7,680.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 16 quarters |
$50,150.00 |
Complete capstone in 5 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $780/credit 12 quarters |
$43,200.00 |
| Capstone: $3,120/quarter 5 quarters |
$15,600.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$58,800.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,800.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 17 quarters |
$50,150.00 |
Complete capstone in 8 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $780/credit 12 quarters |
$43,200.00 |
| Capstone: $3,120/quarter 8 quarters |
$24,960.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$68,160.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-20,160.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 20 quarters |
$50,150.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the DHA admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Jennifer Straub, PhD
Interim Dean of SOBTH
Bradly E. Roh, PhD
DBA Doctoral Program Director, School of Business, Technology & Healthcare Administration
Cheryl Boncuore, PhD
Associate Dean, School of Business, Technology & Healthcare Administration
Owen Borda, PhD
DHA Core Faculty
What can you do with a Doctor of Health Administration degree?
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a Doctor of Health Administration
Related job titles to explore*
- Program managers
- Project managers
- Compliance managers
- Administrative officers
- Directors of regulatory affairs
- Program directors
- Directors of compliance
- Human resource managers
- Program specialists
- Health system managers
- Adjunct, part-time, full-time faculty**
Employment settings to explore
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
- Educational services
- Finance and insurance
- Public administration
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Land-based or online colleges or universities
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
**Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How to build a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in health care
As U.S. health care organizations compete to hire and retain the best employees in the current “war for talent,” the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace is hot.
Lead transformation in health care delivery systems
Health care leaders learn to improve patient care through effective administration by focusing on ethics, communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.