LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
DHS in Leadership and Organizational Management
Doctor of Human Services
Transform your career and make a difference in your organization. An online Doctor of Human Services degree in Leadership and Organizational Management from Capella can help you build skills and knowledge that you can use as an effective human services leader.
Study advanced strategies for constructive collaboration with organizations, communities, and individuals. Learn how to provide solutions as a leader and channel your expertise for positive outcomes in a challenging world.
Note: This program is not designed to meet licensure requirements for counseling or social work professions.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 6 Core courses
- 20 max transfer credits
- 5 Specialization courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 1 Keystone course
- 1 Doctoral capstone
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $45,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore leadership and organizational management courses
- This degree requires a total of 72 program credits
- You’ll need to complete six core courses, five specialization courses, three elective courses, one keystone course and one capstone
| HMSV8404 |
Leadership Theory and Practice in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Human Services Programs
Learners in this course use a multidisciplinary lens to evaluate leadership theories and practices in diverse cultures from a historical and theoretical basis. Throughout the course, learners develop expanded leadership perspectives and practices that enable them to assure the viability of their organizations in for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services programs. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| HMSV8406 |
Community Collaboration and Outreach in Human Services
Learners in this course examine a variety of social and professional situations to build their skills in effective and creative collaboration across organizations. In particular, learners analyze and benchmark best practices from an organizational, team, and individual perspective so that they may create inclusive and collaborative environments. In addition, learners examine conflict management, diversity management, group dynamics, cultural competence, ethical decision making, followership, and social responsibility. |
4 quarter credits |
| HMSV8304 |
Strategic Planning and Organizational Effectiveness for Human Services
In this course, learners practice increasing organizational effectiveness through strategic planning. Using a leadership perspective, learners examine the ways an organization’s effectiveness is evaluated and use this knowledge to guide strategic planning efforts in such organizational areas as advocacy, fund development, and policy development. In addition, learners apply theoretical approaches to program development and evaluation related to for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services settings. |
4 quarter credits |
| HMSV8214 |
Funding and Grant Writing Skills for Human Services
This course offers a comprehensive examination of the process of writing grant proposals and managing grant awards for programs or projects in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. Learners research grant opportunities, align the program or project goals to be funded with the purposes of the funder, develop effective communication with prospective funders, analyze components of successful grant proposals, develop a fundable proposal, and plan for grant funding evaluation. |
4 quarter credits |
| HMSV8320 * |
Effective Negotiation and Mediation Skills for Human Services Leaders
In this course, learners gain an understanding of conflict management as it relates to human services leaders. Learners build and apply a working knowledge of evidence-based best practices and behaviors that support conflict management in a variety of human services settings. Throughout the course, learners apply strategies in negotiation, conflict management, and mediation and integrate ethical interpersonal communication skills necessary for positive multidisciplinary working relationships. Prerequisite(s): HMSV8404. |
4 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This specialization focuses on increasing organizational effectiveness through strategic planning and evidence-based best practices and behaviors. It teaches skills in effective negotiation and mediation, conflict management, and creating effective collaboration across an organization.
On successful completion of this program, you should be prepared to:
- Apply leadership principles and strategies to effectively manage for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations
- Use strategic planning processes and outcome measurement to lead programs in for profit, nonprofit, and government programs
- Predict the program evaluation need for fiscal and organizational sustainability in a defined cycle
- Apply data and analytics tools to guide programs in meeting the needs of identified target populations
- Apply professional ethics and cultural competence in the field of human services
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others consistent with expectation for members of the human services population
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.
How much does the Doctor of Human Service 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; 1-2 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
$730 per credit, 72 coursework credits, 20 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Capstone
$2,190 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?$2,190
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
$45,000 Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $45,000 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?$45,000
Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $45,000 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
- Number of quarters spent working on 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.
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 5 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $730/credit 12 quarters |
$40,880.00 |
| Capstone: $2,190/quarter 5 quarters |
$10,950.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$51,830.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-6,830.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$45,000.00 |
| 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 |
$47,150.00 |
Complete capstone in 6 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $730/credit 12 quarters |
$40,880.00 |
| Capstone: $2,190/quarter 6 quarters |
$13,140.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$54,020.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-9,020.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$45,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 18 quarters |
$47,150.00 |
Complete capstone in 8 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $730/credit 12 quarters |
$40,880.00 |
| Capstone: $2,190/quarter 8 quarters |
$17,520.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$58,400.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-13,400.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$45,000.00 |
| 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 |
$47,150.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through July 2023.
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 DHS 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.
What can you do with a DHS in Leadership and Organizational Management degree?
Through this program, you can learn how to apply advanced human services skills to collaboratively resolve current issues in diverse communities and settings. Here are some job titles and employment settings to explore as you consider a DHS in Leadership and Organizational Management.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time human services faculty
- Full-time human services faculty
- Social services manager
- Social services director
- Executive director
- Program director, children and family services
- Program manager, children and family services
- Adoption services manager
- Director of child welfare services
- Vocational rehabilitation administrator
- Director
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Individual and family services
- Continuing care retirement facility
- Government - local, state, federal
- Religious organization
- Grantmaking/giving service
- Nonprofit organization
- Private for-profit social service company
- Clinic
- Hospital
- Shelter
*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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How to Choose a Career in the Helping Profession
The options for working in the helping profession are seemingly endless, but if you’ve done some exploration, you know that each professional path requires a different type of educational focus.
Choose the Right Degree for Your Human Services Career
The variety of human services careers available makes this field appealing to many different types of people. Here are some ideas that can help you decide what’s best for you.
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.