Health Science (DHSc)

The Doctor of Health Science degree provides healthcare professionals with the theory and skills to advance a career in health related administration, teaching, or clinical practice where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required. This advanced degree will prepare graduates to better understand and effectively manage the ongoing challenges of access, cost, and quality in healthcare; and to skillfully analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate proposed solutions to these challenges. The focus is on critical analysis and evaluation of complex issues and challenges arising in professional practice.

This program is intended to provide present healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in project management, decision-making, managing organizational behavior, setting standards based on the evidence, and gaining the competence to apply research to their professional practice.

Program Mission

The Doctor of Health Science program at Keiser University prepares health care professionals to successfully manage the health and well-being of diverse populations and navigate the complex health care challenges faced by the communities they serve. Committed to a "students first" philosophy and a culture of lifelong learning, the Doctor of Health Science program equips graduates with advanced knowledge, critical thinking skills, and research expertise to become transformative leaders in a variety of health care settings.

Program Goals

• Goal #1 Prepare students with the knowledge and expertise to critically evaluate complex health care issues and propose viable solutions.
• Goal #2 Equip students with effective leadership skills to drive change and enhance health care among diverse populations.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Healthcare Administration Career:

• Strategic leadership and decision-making techniques
• Cultural competence in diverse healthcare environments
• Research literacy and evidence evaluation
• Data analysis and statistical methods
• Healthcare finance and economic principles
• Health policy development and analysis
• Quality improvement methodologies
• Project management and implementation strategies
• Ethical frameworks for healthcare practice

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.

Transfer of graduate credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Keiser University publishes this program as 51.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 38 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. A one-time application fee of $55.00 applies, and online graduate students are charged a $145.00 registration fee.

Graduates holding a DHSc degree pursue advanced leadership roles throughout healthcare delivery systems, including executive positions in healthcare organizations, teaching roles in higher education, and research positions that influence health policy and population health. The program supports clinical practice professionals, healthcare administrators, and public health professionals by strengthening their ability to lead quality improvement initiatives, manage health systems, and address challenges in healthcare administration.

Career Pathways in Health Sciences

• Healthcare practitioner
• Healthcare administrator
• Researcher for hospitals and clinics
• Health service manager
• Health specialist instructor
• Health educator
• Program director
• Executive director in healthcare field
• Clinical researcher
• Healthcare leader in health systems
• Public health professional
• Health promotion specialist
• Quality improvement coordinator

Through the Department of Student Services, students are able to participate in student activities, organizations, honor societies, leadership programs, as well career development resources. Through Keiser University’s academic departments, students learn the requisite skills for their career, and through Student Services they are instructed on such career preparatory activities as resume development, mock interviewing, career fairs, and professional networking. An online career center is available 24 hours a day. Job search stations with current job openings and career development resources are also provided. Resources are readily available to students, and job placement assistance is accessible to all graduates through the Department of Student Services. It is the policy of Keiser University's Student Services Department to assist students in finding employment upon graduation. Prior to and after graduation, the Student Services Department advises students on career development skills and assists them in finding employment in their chosen career field.

Although career services assistance is provided, Keiser University cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s doctoral program in health sciences prepares professionals to advance their careers through rigorous graduate study. With a flexible online option, the program aligns with your leadership aspirations and strategic career goals. Whether you’re looking to move into executive director positions, influence health policy reform, shape healthcare delivery systems, or contribute to academic research in health professions, Keiser provides the advanced education and practical insight needed to make a lasting impact across healthcare organizations.