This program of study requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credits beyond the master’s degree or a minimum of 66 credits beyond the master’s degree (if the master’s degree came from another institution, or from another program at SHU).

The educational program plan is developed by the student in consultation with and with the approval of an academic advisor/mentor. An academic advisor will be assigned to the student upon admission to the program. The advisor and will serve as the student’s academic advisor while the student is pursuing course work and will participate in the selection of the dissertation committee.

All students are required to complete, a minimum of 9 credits of core courses;  3 credits of practicum/teaching experience; 30 credits of specialization courses; 9 credits of research courses; 12 credits of dissertation; and 3 credits of electives. Specific courses for the specialization phase as well as electives are selected by the student in consultation with the academic advisor to assure a flexible and creative process of continuing personal and professional development. For those students who’s highest degree held is a baccalaureate degree the admissions committee may accept the student directly into the doctoral degree program however, the degree requirements for completion will range from 90-93 credits.

Core - (9 credits) - The goal of this portion of the program is to provide the basis for an understanding of the health care delivery system, philosophical values and an understanding of the importance of communications within an organizational structure.

Practicum/Teaching Experience - (3 credits) -The goal for this portion of the program is to give the student the opportunity to advance their teaching skills either by assisting in teaching a portion of a course within the discipline or conducting a continuing education program. Academic coursework in curriculum design may be necessary prior to this experience depending on the student’s background. Substantial prior teaching experience may allow this requirement to be modified.

Research - (9 credits) - The goal of this portion of the program is to provide the student with a broad and comprehensive understanding of research findings and the communication of those findings to others. At least one statistics course (where the student receives knowledge of inferential statistics, correlation/regression, and multivariate statistics) and one research methods course are required.

Electives - (3 credits) - Courses offered by graduate divisions of the University, which meet the goals of the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program may be taken with prior approval by the student's academic advisor and with permission by the department in which the course is offered.

Dissertation Process - (12 credits) - Students are expected to conduct and defend an original research investigation for the purpose of advancing the body of knowledge in their own field.

Specialization - (30 credits) - For this area of study, the student must select a minimum of 18 credits of specialization courses designed to provide critical analysis of treatment methods and the scientific basis of practice. Selection of courses is dependent on the specialization track in which the student is enrolled.

In order to ensure that the School graduates competent and ethical practitioners, the School of Health & Medical Sciences faculty, in conjunction with the Dean's Office, developed an Academic Standards Policy and Policy on Academic Honesty and Integrity (PDF).