Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

Program Information

• Mission, Vision, Goals, and Values

  Mission: 

  The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) Program at the University of North Florida empowers healthcare leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate complexities, drive transformative change, and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery through evidence-based practice. The Program's focus reflects the University's mission of excellence in education, scholarship, and community-based service.

  Vision: 

  The UNF DHA Program aims to be globally recognized for innovatively preparing students for careers in health services administration and higher education.

  Values:

  In the fulfillment of our mission, the Department of Health Administration upholds the values of:

  • Integrity: We do the right thing for the right reason at the right time.
  • Respect: We treat everyone with kindness, we are informed by the perspective of others, and we draw strength from our differences.
  • Accountability: We are responsible for how the outcomes of our actions affect others and our environment.
  • Innovation: We harness creativity and talent to turn challenges into opportunities and problems into solutions in a uniquely UNF and BCH way.

  Goals:

  Consistent with the Mission and Vision Statements, the following broad goals have been established for the Program as the foundation for its strategic planning process and commitment to continuing improvement. These are presented in recognition of the University's focus on excellence in education, scholarship, and community-based service

  GOAL 1 – The program curriculum is continually updated to provide an excellent foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers as senior healthcare leaders and educators.

  • Primary Results
    1. Students demonstrate the knowledge and skills related to the competencies identified for doctoral students in health administration.
    2. Students demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth through participation in student/professional organizations.
    3. The program recruits well-qualified and diverse DHA students.

  GOAL 2 – The DHA Program will provide a curriculum known for its commitment to continual assessment and program development

  • Primary Results 
    1. The Program assures that students are consistently assessed and advised on their progress toward their mastery of DHA program competencies.
    2. The DHA program curriculum is current, relevant and includes evidence-based practice.
    3. The DHA program utilizes well-prepared faculty and resources who bring diverse perspectives into the classroom.

  GOAL 3 – Faculty will disseminate new knowledge gained from individual and collaborative research efforts.

  • Primary Results 
    1. Program faculty contributes to the knowledge base and development of evidence-based practice within the health services area by initiation of and participation in health services research.
    2. Faculty secures funding for teaching and research projects.
    3. Faculty research is integrated in classroom teaching.

  GOAL 4 – Faculty provides excellence of service to the community and to the health services discipline.

  • Primary Results 
    1. Program faculty serve as a resource within the University community.
    2. Program faculty serve as a resource within for regional and national health services organizations.
• Program Competencies

  The DHA program will utilize graduate competencies developed by the DHA faculty and approved by the Health Administration Advisory Board.

  There are 6 competency constructs supported by 22 individual competencies. The constructs include:

  1. Communication
  2. Interpersonal effectiveness
  3. Critical thinking
  4. Healthcare Analytics and Problem Solving
  5. Leadership and Change Management
  6. Professionalism and Ethics
• Curriculum

  The DHA Program will require a minimum of 48 semester hours organized as follows:

  • 36 semester hours of Didactic Coursework
  • 12 semester hours of Doctoral Project semester hours (minimum requirement)

  Year 1

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  Fall Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7357 Organizational Behavior	DayOnline	Credits3
  Course Number and TitleHSA7706 Research Methodologies	DayOnline	Credits3

   

  Spring Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7333 Financial Management	DayOnline	Credits3
  Course Number and TitleHSA7197 Planning for Health Information Systems	DayOnline	Credits3

   

  Summer Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7156 Public Policy and Healthcare	DayOnline	Credits3
  Course Number and TitleHSA7386 Population Health Management	DayOnline	Credits3

   

  Total First Year Credits: 18

  Year 2

  ---

  Fall Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7348 Managing Change & Negotiation	DayOnline	Credits3
  Course Number and TitleHSA7385 Leadership Accountability for Quality & Patient Safety	DayOnline	Credits3

   

  Spring Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7146 Strategic Vision and Planning in Healthcare	DayOnline	Credits3
  Course Number and TitleHSA7367 Evidence-based Decision Making	DayOnline	Credits3

   

  Summer Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7388 Advances in Leadership	DayOnline	Credits3
  Course Number and TitleHSA7091 Scientific Writing for the Healthcare Professional	DayOnline	Credits3

   

  Total Second Year Credits: 18

  Year 3

  ---

  Fall Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7911 Doctoral Project I	DayOnline	Credits6

   

  Spring Term

  Course Number and Title	Day	Credits
  Course Number and TitleHSA7912 Doctoral Project II	DayOnline	Credits6

   

  Total Third Year Credits: 12

  Updated per APC Course numbers 6/8/24

• Admission Criteria

  Program Specific Admission Requirements
  

  ---

  All applicants must have significant experience in clinical care or another health administration related position as well as relevant leadership experience. A master's degree in the following areas: Master of Health Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Health Information Technology or a masters in another related field is required.

  Each applicant must submit the following:

  • Career Goal Essay: This is a brief essay outlining the candidate's reasons for pursuing doctoral education in health administration, career objectives, and any other information he or she would want the UNF DHA Admission Committee to know.
  • Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Education and work background; honors; memberships in professional and service organizations; any relevant publications, presentations, or research experience.
  • Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation that address the following:
    1. Characteristics that make you an ideal candidate for the UNF DHA Program, and
    2. Length of time they have known you and in what capacity.
  • Official College Transcripts: An official transcript, indicating graduation from a college or university that has been accredited by a recognized U.S. accrediting organization. Competitive candidates should have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.30.
  • Test Scores, such as the GRE or GMAT are not required.
  • A personal interview with the faculty may be required.

  For Univeristy and International admission requirements and more information on how to apply, please visit

  The UNF Graduate School's Website

• Tuition and Fees
  See the Controllers Tuition & Fees - Graudate Level website for more details.