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Doctor of Health Administration
Health Care Leadership
Discover your potential as a health care administration leader with an online Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) in Health Care Leadership from Capella University. This program is designed to help you gain skills to lead in a field known for complexity and dynamic change. Focus on developing applied research and leadership competencies in health administration. Coursework includes strategic financial management, 21st-century leadership, and evaluation and interpretation of health care data.
Classes start March 8
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online
- 9 Core courses
- 3 Specialized courses
- Capstone
- 18 max transfer credits
- NCHL aligned
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
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
On admission to the program, a background check is required before enrolling in courses. 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.
GuidedPath
GuidedPath, our original online learning format, offers 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
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Capstone
$3,020 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?$3,020
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
Background Check
$32.00 one-time fee
Background Check
$32.00
one-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 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, 2020. 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 capstone in 4 quarters—pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $755/credit 11 quarters |
$41,525.00 |
| Capstone: $3,020/quarter 4 quarters |
$12,080.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$53,605.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$45,616.20 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background check fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. Total 15 quarters |
$55,612.20 |
Complete capstone in 5 quartersComplete capstone in 5 quarters—pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $755/credit 11 quarters |
$41,525.00 |
| Capstone: $3,020/quarter 5 quarters |
$15,100.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$56,625.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$48,636.20 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,923.00 |
| Application fee: one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background check fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. Total 16 quarters |
$58,632.20 |
Complete capstone in 8 quartersComplete capstone in 8 quarters—pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $755/credit 11 quarters |
$41,525.00 |
| Capstone: $3,020/quarter 8 quarters |
$24,160.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$65,685.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$57,696.20 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background check fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. Total 19 quarters |
$67,692.20 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
This program covers a broad range of health administration topics, including contemporary leadership roles and strategic vision and planning. Its curriculum includes principles and topics from the National Center for Health Care Leadership Competency Model™.
Capstone mentors
For the culminating project of your doctoral degree, you’ll be paired with a knowledgeable mentor to help you along the way.
Keystone course
Work with a faculty member who can help you examine key support elements and identify potential project sites for your capstone topic.
| DHA8032 |
Strategic Vision and Planning in Health Care
Learners in this course focus on developing 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. |
6 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| DHA8034 |
Evidence-Based Leadership in Health Care
In this course, learners investigate the principles of evidence-based leadership (EBL) in health care organizations. EBL is fully integrated to provide a framework for building a culture of quality and execution. Learners examine the formal and informal influence strategies used to change individual and organizational behavior and the leadership strategies used to promote collaboration, optimize workforce performance, and promote positive health care organizational outcomes. Learners analyze and recommend EBL approaches to real-world organizational challenges. |
6 quarter credits |
| DHA8036 |
Health Care Leadership Excellence in a Consumer-Driven Market
This course focuses on the skills needed to excel as a health care leader in a consumer-driven market. Learners examine the four cornerstones of the DyeGarman model for exceptional leadership in health care. Learners develop their leadership skills, focusing on cultivating self-awareness; embracing a compelling vision; developing an energizing style for working with people; and applying masterful execution of using knowledge, influence, and power. |
6 quarter credits |
| 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 |
| DHA8007 |
Strategic Financial Management in Health Care
The focus of this course is appropriate use of financial information in the health care organization’s decision making process. Learners examine fundamental components of organizational stewardship, including information management; short- and long-term investment planning; and ethical, professional, and social accountability. Learners also demonstrate the skills needed to develop and implement short- and long-term organizational projects in the health care environment and garner the stakeholder support necessary for achieving the financial goals and objectives of the health care organization. For DHA learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
Evaluate health care leadership styles and business strategies. Apply evidence-based practices in planning and decision making. These skills and knowledge will help you meet the demands of your field.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Model health care professionalism through application of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship
- Promote organizational directional strategies
- Lead organizational priorities to achieve strategic vision
- Drive organizational culture of accountability through outcomes-driven leadership
- Use evidence-based problem-solving processes to make decisions
- Communicate effectively as a health care scholar and practitioner
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
“Already in my DHA program I’ve gained insights about how I can use this new knowledge in my day-to-day work.”
Nicole Washington – DHA
Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in promotion material for Capella.
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a DHA, Health Care Leadership degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Clinical manager
- Health director
- Compliance officer
- Chief medical officer
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital
- Social advocacy organization
- Health insurance carrier
- Government—federal, state, local
- Ambulatory health service
*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.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capella University 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.
Meet your DHA faculty
Our distinguished DHA faculty are industry leaders, bringing real-world relevance into the courseroom to enrich your education and career.
Ben Spedding, DHA, MA
Health Administration Faculty Chair
Susan Collins, PhD, MHA
DHA Core Faculty
Lisa Kreeger, PhD, RN
Interim Dean, School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Support to reach the finish line
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 with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
The Value of Interprofessional Education in Health Care
Learn what interprofessional education is and why it’s important in the health care field.
Capella’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board
The advisory board keeps the school at the forefront of nursing and health care education.
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.