GCU Online Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) in Operational Leadership

• DHA - Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research)
• DHA - Operational Leadership (Quantitative Research)

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore Reviewed By School

Updated January 8, 2024

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The College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an online doctor of health administration (DHA) in operational leadership with a choice of two tracks: qualitative or quantitative research. This program is designed for established professionals who wish to address organizational efficiency, patient safety and outcomes, and the use of technology through innovative operational approaches to healthcare.

The operational leadership DHA prepares graduates for careers in healthcare research, operations, and policy, as well as in health systems management. Work settings may include primary care facilities and large health care organizations and systems, hospitals, research facilities, and government facilities.

Graduates will be able to apply research and theory to real-world issues to improve healthcare practices and health policy. DHA students may repeat the research course as needed in order to complete their dissertation. Students prepare either a qualitative or quantitative research project.

Throughout the program, students will be exposed to ideas of the foundations of research design, data analysis, ethical aspects of research, case studies, data trustworthiness, and the potential for bias. Other topics covered include policy and regulation in health care, organizational management, economics, resource management, risk management, and strategic leadership.

The coursework for the DHA programs is delivered online and does not require campus residencies.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online DHA must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.4 or higher in a master’s or doctoral degree. Those between 3.0 and less than 3.4 GPA scores will be accepted with specifications. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 will not be accepted.

Admissions materials include an application and application fee, required letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and English language proficiency test scores (if applicable).

Study Plan: The GCU online DHA in operational leadership comprises 20 courses. Each course lasts eight weeks and students can repeat the dissertation course in order to complete their dissertation if necessary. This would add credits and time to the program.

Professionals typically take one course every eight weeks. Start dates are rolling and students should inquire with the College of Doctoral Studies through GCU for more information on admissions and time to completion.

DHA Curriculum: The DHA program comprises 60 credits. Core courses for both the qualitative and quantitative track include introduction to research; the literature landscape: health administration; healthcare economics; innovation in healthcare technology; foundations of research design I-II; residency: dissertation; organizational initiative; risk management; resource management; policy and regulation in healthcare; and strategic healthcare management and leadership.

Qualitative Courses: Designing a qualitative study I-II; residency: the qualitative dissertation; dissertation I-III; qualitative data collection and management; and qualitative data analysis, results, and findings.

Quantitative Courses: Designing a quantitative study I-II; residency: the quantitative dissertation; dissertation I-III; quantitative data collection and statistical mechanics; and quantitative data analysis, results, and findings.

Online Experience: Grand Canyon University uses a learning management system (LMS) specifically designed for the institution by Grand Canyon Education. The LMS is called HaloLearn. HaloLearn is more cloud-based and has more adaptations for different devices and screen sizes, plus it specifically addresses the needs of the various GCU colleges, the faculty, and the students. The LMS is easy to use and offers an extremely user-friendly interface with access to new technologies and innovation.

Courses may include recorded lectures, videos, case studies, assignments, readings, discussion boards, and online chat. GCU focuses on student success through faculty support, admissions counseling, academic advising, ACE online tutoring, technical support, an online bookstore, library services, and career counseling. DHA students work directly with advisors and faculty to complete their dissertation project and presentation.

On-Site Requirements: The GCU online DHA requires no campus visits or internships, although dissertation projects involve real-world organizations and situations. Online DHA students also can participate in graduation on campus and visit campus at any time.

Interested professionals should contact the Grand Canyon University College of Graduate Studies for more information on tuition and funding options. A special rate is available for active duty and active reserve military personnel. Prospective students may speak with a university counselor to learn more.

DHA students may be eligible for graduate student loans through the FAFSA. DHA students may also check with their employers regarding tuition reimbursement programs and tuition discounts. Finally, students may pursue organizational and community scholarships and grants as well as private loans to fund their degrees.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.