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Health Policy and Advocacy
Doctor of Health Administration
Improve patient outcomes through policy and health care management with a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) in Health Policy and Advocacy from Capella University. This program is designed for health care professionals who want to have a positive impact on patients’ lives by leading change at the executive level.
With courses that are 100% online, you can take control of when and where you learn, giving you a chance to get the most out of your education—and your life—while pursuing your degree.
Classes start May 10
Use the code SPRING 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
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
$755 per credit, 76 total quarter credits, 18 max transfer credits
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
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
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*
*You may need to complete an additional background check later in the program if your practicum site requires it.
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 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 each capstone milestone at the 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. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$48,605.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background check fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 15 quarters |
$50,612.00 |
Complete capstone in 5 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the 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. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$51,625.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background check fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 16 quarters |
$53,632.00 |
Complete capstone in 8 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the 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. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$60,685.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background check fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 19 quarters |
$62,692.00 |
*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 global perspectives of health policy and advocacy, focusing on evidence-based strategies for promoting positive community-oriented health outcomes. 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.
| DHA8020 |
Health Policy in the United States
In this course, learners evaluate the impact of and connection between U.S. health policy and services delivered from a results-based, community impact perspective. Learners examine innovations in and challenges and opportunities associated with U.S. health policy development and implementation, including those related to assessing community needs; building coalitions; and measuring the success of evidence-based, health care policy solutions. Learners also study ethics and social accountability relative to domestic health policy. |
6 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| DHA8022 |
Global Health Policy
In this course, learners evaluate global health policy from a results-based, sociopolitical perspective. Learners examine innovations in and challenges and opportunities associated with global health policy development and implementation, the importance of global industry models in global health policy, and the strategic communication skills needed to influence global health care policy change. Learners also study ethics and social accountability relative to global health policy. |
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 |
| DHA8040 |
Health Data Analytics in Quality
In this course, learners become familiar with regulatory and policy forces in health care that result in the demand for improved quality and clinical outcomes. Learners examine a variety of technical specifications, statistical procedures, and data sources to drive improvement. In addition, learners create and present quality dashboards to identify opportunities for improvement that drive change in a systematic, strategic way. |
6 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This degree program will take you behind health care policy using case studies, simulation exercises, consulting projects, a practicum, and more to help you build an understanding of advocacy and ethics. 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:
- Use evidence-based methods to define health problems, advocate for policy solutions, and evaluate policy outcomes
- Evaluate the impact of proposed policies on organizational directional strategies
- Communicate effectively as a health care scholar and practitioner
- Develop advocacy positions that articulate the needs of specific interest groups
- Model health care professionalism through application of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.
“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 Doctor of Health Administration, Health Policy & Advocacy.
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.
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.