phd in health care administration

Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024

BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Are you interested in working at the highest levels of healthcare administration, organization, and management? A doctorate in healthcare administration might be a good fit. Earning a doctorate in healthcare administration can prepare you for leadership positions in academia and research.

Healthcare administrators set policies for medical facilities, manage complex budgets, and analyze health records. And professionals with a doctorate can work in the top healthcare administrator jobs.

If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online doctorate in healthcare administration might be the best fit. Here’s how to get started:

• Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
• Check out the top-ranked online doctorate in healthcare administration programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
• Request more information from schools you’re interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.

Top Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Online doctorate in healthcare administration programs, at still university of health sciences.

• Campus + Online
• In-State N/A
• Out-of-state N/A
• In-State $40,978
• Out-of-state $40,978
• Retention Rate N/A
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 3,647
• Institution Type Private

Franklin University

• In-State $9,552
• Out-of-state $9,552
• In-State $16,080
• Out-of-state $16,080
• Retention Rate 100%
• Students Enrolled 6,815

University of the Southwest

• In-State $16,000
• Out-of-state $16,000
• In-State $22,500
• Out-of-state $22,500
• Retention Rate 69%
• Students Enrolled 1,064

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2024. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration?

Earning a doctorate in healthcare administration provides the skills and credentials you need to progress in your career. These programs prepare you to take on advanced roles in healthcare administration and contribute to scholarship and research in the field.

A Ph.D. in healthcare administration enables you to work in hospitals, outpatient care facilities, physicians’ offices, and residential care facilities. You may also work in local, state, and federal government agencies or take on teaching and research roles in academia.

Should You Get a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration?

As the highest degree in healthcare administration, a doctorate prepares you for leadership roles. You’ll also gain an advanced understanding of healthcare practices and policies. Plus, earning a doctorate in healthcare administration online can help you reach your academic and career goals on your time.

Benefits of a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

• Complete doctoral-level courses that build healthcare leadership and management skills , as well as knowledge in health policy and administration and health services research.
• Focus your studies with a concentration in healthcare financial management, healthcare policy, or healthcare informatics.
• Qualify for leadership positions like hospital administrator, healthcare financial manager, or research director.
• Stand out on the job market with the highest degree in healthcare administration.

4 Reasons to Get Your Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Degree Online

• An online format makes it easier to balance coursework with your career and schedule classes around work or family.
• You can choose an online program with specializations that match your professional interests.
• With online degrees, it’s easier to compare programs and find an affordable option that fits your budget.
• You can take classes on a flexible schedule with many enrollment options, including hybrid and part-time programs.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration?

Average annual wage with a doctorate in healthcare administration

Source: Payscale, April 2024

Median annual wage for medical and health services manager

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

Many career paths with a doctorate in healthcare administration degree report median salaries in the six figures as of 2023. And some healthcare administration jobs report salaries of over $200,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on the job title, with academic roles typically reporting lower salaries than management roles.

Your salary and earning potential depend on a variety of factors. Experience and the amount of time spent working in the field often have the biggest impact on salary. However, your education level and location also have an effect on earnings.

How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?

On average, doctoral programs cost about $20,000 per year in tuition and fees, not including other personal expenses. When researching programs, check the credit requirement to estimate the total tuition cost. As a doctoral student, you may also qualify for financial aid , grants, and stipends to help offset costs.

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Degree Costs

Average Cost of Tuition for a Ph.D. Program Per Year

Average Cost of Non-Tuition Related Expenses Per Year

Average Total Cost of a Ph.D. Per Year

Total Cost of a Ph.D. (4-8 Years)

$163,600-327,200

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate Degree in Healthcare Administration?

Your enrollment status and degree requirements can impact a program’s length. Many programs require 50-80 credits and can take anywhere from 4-8 years to complete. Some online programs may offer accelerated formats that can shorten the overall program length.

Required Course Credits

50-80* *Depending on your program and specialization

Field Study Requirements

Yes* *Depending on your program and specialization

What Jobs Can I Get With A Doctorate in Healthcare Administration?

Professionals with a healthcare administration degree work in multiple healthcare management roles . With a doctorate in healthcare administration, you can pursue director-level positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. Large healthcare systems, like the Veterans Administration and major integrated delivery systems, are also viable workplaces, in addition to federal health research agencies.

The degree also leads to opportunities in academia and research. For example, college professors typically hold a doctorate. By specializing in an area like financial management or healthcare policy, you can prepare for focused career paths after completing your degree.

Careers You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

• Hospital administrator
• Healthcare administration professor
• Healthcare administration financial manager
• Medical and health services manager
• Hospital CEO or CFO
• Research director

Everything Else You Need to Know About Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Degrees

What does d.h.sc. stand for.

D.H.Sc. stands for doctor of health science. This degree, like a Ph.D. in healthcare administration, places more emphasis on research and scholarship. It prepares you to pursue a career as a professor and educator.

Courses offered in this program type examine global health issues, clinical trials in medicine, and data analysis. You may also study research methods in health science.

Is there a Ph.D. in healthcare administration?

Yes. A Ph.D. in healthcare administration focuses more on research and scholarship and is better suited for students wishing to teach at a college or university.

What’s the difference between a Ph.D. in healthcare administration and a doctor of health administration (DHA)?

Both a Ph.D. in healthcare administration and a doctor of health administration are doctorates in healthcare administration. Both degrees emphasize research and policy analysis. However, a DHA focuses on applied knowledge and healthcare leadership in practice, while a Ph.D. typically emphasizes research and academic skills.

While both doctorates can lead to healthcare administrator jobs, those considering academic or research positions may benefit from a Ph.D. rather than a DHA.

What courses do you take in an online doctorate in healthcare administration program?

During a doctorate in healthcare administration, online learners cover topics like healthcare operations management, quality and risk management, and healthcare administration research methods.

Many programs offer electives or concentrations to specialize the coursework. These can include healthcare finance, policy development, and healthcare informatics. Common healthcare administration courses include:

• Research methods and design
• Applied statistics
• Community and global health
• Healthcare regulations and policy
• Economics and finance in healthcare

Is an online doctorate in healthcare administration worth it?

A doctorate in healthcare administration is worth pursuing if you’re interested in advancing into leadership or academic roles within the field. A doctorate in healthcare administration can also boost your earning potential.

Moreover, many healthcare management jobs report salaries in the six figures and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster-than-average growth over the next decade. Before applying to healthcare administration programs, weigh the cost against the payoff of completing the degree.

Consider reaching out to doctoral students and healthcare professionals for advice. Ultimately, the decision to pursue a doctorate depends on your circumstances and goals.

Explore More College Resources

What Can You Do With a Healthcare Administration Degree?

A healthcare administration degree can open up job opportunities for you across the healthcare sector. Learn about the different careers in healthcare administration you can pursue.

by Tyler Epps

Updated February 23, 2024

How Much Do Healthcare Managers Make?

Discover the average healthcare manager salary in the US, as well as the factors that influence how much you can make.

Updated May 30, 2024

Healthcare Administration Jobs: 10 Career Paths to Pursue

Learn more about some popular healthcare administration jobs and what it takes to land these exciting careers.

by Doug Wintemute

Updated November 16, 2023

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.

• Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Of 2024

Published: Mar 22, 2024, 1:49pm

Healthcare executives analyze patient outcomes to develop procedures that improve quality. They also oversee healthcare facility budgets and monitor compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. Earning a doctorate in healthcare administration can prepare you for executive-level roles in these organizations.

At the doctoral level, healthcare administration programs offer several degree options. A Ph.D. emphasizes theory and research, while an applied doctorate like a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.) or a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) with an emphasis in healthcare focuses on applied skills. Consider your future career goals to decide which program is right for you.

Pursuing your doctorate in healthcare administration online gives you the flexibility to work while earning the highest degree in healthcare administration . An online format also means you can choose a top-ranked program without uprooting your life. Forbes Advisor ranks the best online doctoral programs in healthcare administration so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 11 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in healthcare administration in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 51% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Physical Therapy Programs
• Best Master’s In Emergency Management Online Programs
• Best Online Master’s In Nursing Administration
• Best Online Bachelor’s In Healthcare Administration Degrees
• Best Online Healthcare MBA Programs

Degree Finder

Best online ph.d. in healthcare administration options, university of colorado denver, should you enroll in an online ph.d. in healthcare administration program, accreditation for doctorates in healthcare administration online, how to find the right online ph.d. in healthcare administration for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in healthcare administration, mcphs university, franklin university, liberty university, national university, university of oklahoma-health sciences center, indiana wesleyan university-national & global.

• University of Denver

Virginia University of Lynchburg

William carey university, a t still university of health sciences, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Graduate Tuition

$1,110/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, MCPHS University offers a part-time doctorate in healthcare administration. The private institution emphasizes interdisciplinary coursework, blending topics such as healthcare systems, data analytics, healthcare leadership and finance in its D.H.A. program.

Graduate students strengthen their professional practice and leadership skills while examining healthcare administration challenges. Applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution plus complete three to five years of healthcare-related experience. The program also requires a faculty interview during the admissions process.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic planning for health organizations, patient safety and risk management, ethics for healthcare leaders
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$748/credit

At Franklin University , Doctor of Healthcare Administration students complete two years of coursework and one year working on a dissertation. During the program, learners develop organizational strategies to improve healthcare outcomes.

Franklin offers optional eight-credit focus areas, including health informatics, public administration, finance and management. A focus area can prepare graduates for specific career paths after completing the doctoral program.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 58 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare policy, regulations and reform; organizations, community and global health; healthcare quality, process and improvement
• Concentrations Available: Education, health informatics, human resource management, instructional design leadership, management, marketing, methodology, public administration, information technology, finance

$595/credit (full-time)

Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in healthcare management. Learners complete courses on an eight-week schedule, with the option to transfer up to half of the 60 credits required for the D.B.A. degree.

Graduate students strengthen their management, quality control, and human resource development abilities. The curriculum emphasizes streamlining business processes and practical knowledge. At the culmination of the program, doctoral students complete an applied research project that contributes to their specialization.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare informatics, managing human capital in healthcare, legal and ethical issues for health professionals

$442/credit

The fully online Doctor of Health Administration program at National University uses a practice-based curriculum. Graduate students examine legal and ethical issues in the healthcare industry while learning how policy impacts outcomes. The program prepares graduates for executive-level roles in healthcare.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree and complete at least three years of industry experience before enrolling in the D.H.A. program. NU also offers a dissertation completion pathway designed for doctoral students who have completed their coursework elsewhere but still need to finish their dissertation.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare quality management, health leadership and systems thinking

$234/credit (in-state)

The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center offers one of the most affordable tuition rates for a healthcare administration doctorate. Oklahoma residents enrolled in the D.H.A. program pay just $234 per credit, while out-of-state online students pay $364.

During the program, learners explore clinical operations management while reviewing case studies on healthcare quality and process improvement. Incoming students with a master’s degree can apply up to 30 credits toward the 62-credit doctoral program requirements.

• School Type: Public
• Degree Credit Requirements: 62 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare public policy, dynamics of healthcare markets, advanced healthcare law

$595/credit

From its main campus in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University offers several online graduate programs. Degree-seekers can pursue a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in healthcare administration at the private institution.

Learners complete one class at a time, with no dissertation requirement to graduate. Instead, doctoral candidates complete a project that focuses on real-world problems. The program requires one weekend residency each year and takes approximately three years to complete.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational, community and global health administration; issues in strategic planning and organizational development for healthcare administrators; healthcare innovation, informatics and change management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, one weekend residency per year

$85,000 total cost

The University of Colorado Denver uses a hybrid format in its Executive Doctorate in Health Administration program. Graduate students primarily complete coursework online, with two one-week sessions on the private university’s Denver campus each year.

As part of the Business School Alliance for Health Management, the program takes an interdisciplinary approach, with instructors who bring experience as healthcare practitioners, executives and educators. Students benefit from executive-focused career support and a mentoring program.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree and bring at least five years of professional experience in a health-related organization.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare leadership, global health systems, managing healthcare information
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two one-week sessions on campus per year

$19,500 total cost

The Doctor of Healthcare Administration program at Virginia University of Lynchburg uses a self-paced, module-based curriculum. At the private Christian university, doctoral students in healthcare administration strengthen their leadership and business skills.

In the fully online 12-month program, learners complete three practicums in teaching, research and leadership to prepare for top-level healthcare roles. Applicants must hold a master’s degree, and the program requires at least 90 credit hours at the graduate level.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• Application Fee: $25
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Global healthcare strategy, risk management, organizational communication

$475/credit

A private Christian institution in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William Carey University offers a Ph.D. in health administration and education designed for healthcare professionals with a master’s degree.

Coursework in role development, program evaluation and strategic management prepare graduates for careers in healthcare administration or education. The online program takes two to three years. It incorporates two in-person meetings and two synchronous online weekend meetings each year, allowing graduate students to work full time while pursuing a doctorate.

• Application Fee: $40
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare economics and finance, human resources in healthcare administration, strategic management and planning
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two in-person meetings per year

$1,010/credit

A.T. Still University specializes in graduate-level healthcare programs. Designed for current health professionals, the Doctor of Health Administration program emphasizes leadership and problem-solving in the healthcare industry. Students explore innovative approaches to health administration while learning advanced business strategies.

The program’s academic focus areas include healthcare law, the economics of medical care and organizational theory in the health industry. Applicants benefit from four start dates each year; the doctorate typically requires three to five years. Doctoral candidates write a theoretical or applied dissertation during their final 20 credits of coursework.

• Application Fee: $75
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Population health, healthcare economics and financial management, healthcare organization informatics

Pursuing a doctorate in healthcare administration can advance your career. But is an online or on-campus format right for you? Online learning prioritizes accessibility and convenience, allowing degree-seekers to attend a top-ranked program without relocating.

Before deciding to earn your doctorate online , consider the following factors.

What’s your budget for earning a doctorate in healthcare administration? Most doctoral programs require a substantial time commitment, which can influence the total cost of the degree.

Choosing an online format can save you money on tuition and expenses. For example, distance learners typically spend less on transportation and housing costs, because they study from home rather than commuting to campus or relocating for graduate school.

Online programs offer a significant benefit over in-person programs: the flexibility to complete coursework on your schedule. Most online healthcare administration doctoral programs use asynchronous classes, meaning you can earn your degree without set log-in times. That can make earning a doctorate easier for working professionals and busy adults.

Learning Style

Earning a doctorate online requires strong time management and organizational skills, especially if you plan to work while in graduate school. Self-motivated students often benefit from the flexibility of an online learning style, while others prefer the structure of an in-person program.

Which is right for you? If you haven’t taken classes online before, consider whether the format works well for your unique learning style.

Accreditation

You should always choose an accredited institution, whether earning your degree online or on-campus. Online universities with accreditation meet the same high standards as brick-and-mortar institutions, so check the school’s accreditation status before applying.

The best universities hold accreditation from an independent, nonprofit accrediting agency. In order to receive accreditation, institutions undergo a rigorous review that covers their graduation requirements, faculty qualifications and student learning outcomes. Accredited schools regularly repeat this process to maintain their credential.

In addition to institutional accreditation, healthcare administration programs may hold accreditation from specialized accrediting agencies. For example, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education grants accreditation to master’s programs in healthcare administration and management. Doctoral programs housed in the business school may also hold accreditation from a programmatic accreditor in business.

The U.S. Department of Education maintains a Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs where you can check accreditation status.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate can prepare you for executive leadership positions, academic positions or top-level careers in healthcare administration . When researching your options, make sure you look for programs that match your future goals.

For example, Ph.D. programs often lead to academic and research roles, while D.H.A. and D.B.A. programs prepare graduates for leadership careers in the healthcare field.

It’s also a good idea to review each program’s curriculum to understand their emphasis areas and your opportunities to customize the program. Check if the degree requires you to complete a research-based dissertation or a doctoral project.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of a doctorate in healthcare administration varies widely. Programs on our list range from $234 to over $1,000 per credit. Most degrees require 54 to 62 credits, totaling about $14,500 to $85,000.

Comparing costs and understanding your financing options can help you find a program that fits your budget. For example, distance learners attending accredited institutions qualify for federal student aid programs, including federal loans that offer lower interest rates and more repayment options. You can file the FAFSA to learn about your federal aid options.

Other financing options include grants, scholarships and assistantships. You can also cover some or all of your costs with savings.

Is it worth it to get a Ph.D. in healthcare administration?

Earning a Ph.D. in healthcare administration can prepare you for academic, research and leadership roles. For example, most college professors hold a Ph.D. When comparing doctoral programs in healthcare administration, you can also look at D.H.A. and D.B.A. programs.

How long is a Ph.D. in healthcare administration?

A Ph.D. in healthcare administration typically requires four to six years, including coursework and a dissertation. D.H.A. programs generally take less time; many full-time programs require three years.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a D.H.A.?

Both a Ph.D. and a D.H.A. are doctoral-level programs in healthcare management. However, a Ph.D. typically emphasizes research and theory, including a research-based doctoral dissertation. D.H.A. programs focus on applied knowledge and skills and may require a real-world project rather than a dissertation.

Is there a Ph.D. in healthcare management?

Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in healthcare management. Many universities offer doctoral-level healthcare management and administration programs, including options to earn a Ph.D., D.H.A. or D.B.A. with a concentration in healthcare management.

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure at the University of Louisville. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in higher education, Genevieve provides practical, research-based advice on college degrees, career training and other higher education topics.

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Program

Wharton’s PhD program in Health Care Management and Economics provides rigorous training in applied economics and management coupled with advanced training in health care systems and health services research.

Faculty members engage in a broad range of research related to health care management, economics, and policy. Major areas of research currently include: the impact of insurance status on medical expenditure and reported health status; potential sources of disparities in cardiovascular care; effects of Medicare Part D; adoption and diffusion of medical innovations; effects of pharmaceutical safety events on stock prices; programs for reducing losses from natural disasters and providing funds for recovery following catastrophic events; and issues of biopharmaceutical product variety and innovation.

Doctoral students have opportunities to work closely with faculty at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, the Wharton Center for Health Management and Economics, and the world-leading University of Pennsylvania Health Care System.

Health Care Management doctoral students predominantly come from a business, math, or social science background, and also include physicians, future physicians, and clinically trained professionals.

Course Information View the Health Care Management course information, descriptions, and schedule with links to syllabi. Program Information Find out more about the Health Care Management requirements, students, dissertations, admission policies, and financial aid and fellowships. Students