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Healthcare AdministrationDegrees

Editorial selection · not an official ranking

Best Doctoral Programs in Healthcare Administration

Doctoral programs (DHA, PhD and other doctorates whose title names healthcare administration or management) that document a dissertation or applied doctoral project, their structure and admission requirements, and their attendance model when online. Each entry keeps its exact award — a DHA is not a PhD. Listed alphabetically; an editorial assessment, not an official ranking.

Methodology v1.0 · criteria and evidence rules · reviewed October 12, 2026 · 14 selected of 20 eligible programs considered

About this selection

Eligible degrees
Doctoral degrees whose official title names health(care) administration, health services administration or healthcare management, research or professional.
Programs considered
20 published programs in our directory that match the eligibility above (doctoral level). Coverage is partial: programs not yet in the directory could not be considered.
Selection criteria
  • Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list). For doctoral selections: a dissertation, applied doctoral project or research requirement is documented on an official page.
  • Published structure. Delivery format and program length (duration or required credits) are verified on official pages.
  • Published admissions requirements. The program publishes at least two admission requirements, such as the prior degree, GPA, prerequisites, work or management experience, or its GRE/GMAT policy.
  • Source quality and freshness. Eligibility evidence and the facts above come from the university's own pages and were verified within the last 12 months.
Order
Alphabetical by school. Not numbered: we do not have comparable outcome data that would justify ordering.
Sponsorship
Paid placements never affect inclusion, order or assessment, and are never shown inside this list. Sponsorship disclosure
Sources
Official pages of each university, linked fact by fact on each program page. Institutional accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education (DAPIP).

  1. Capella University

    DHA - Doctor of Health Administration

    Doctor of Health Administration · Minneapolis, MN · Online

    Professional doctorateFunding not verified

    Capella University offers the DHA - Doctor of Health Administration (Doctor of Health Administration), online. Published length: 76 quarter credits. It requires applied capstone project. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $62,320 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $820 per credit · All students — GuidedPath coursework, per quarter credit · year not statedEst. total tuition $62,320 (76 credits × $820 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Required applied capstone project documented.
    • Estimated total tuition $62,320 (76 credits × $820 per credit; fees excluded).
    • The GRE/GMAT is not required (stated).

    Limitations to check

    • Where the required practical experience can be completed is not stated on the pages we checked.
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Whether any campus visit is required is not stated on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online; 76 quarter credits.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Published financial support
    1 named award or support item.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (2 verified rates, academic year not printed).
    Published admissions requirements
    2 published admission requirements; GRE not required, GMAT not required.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: capstone.
    Applied or practical component
    Documented: applied capstone project (required), capstone.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  2. Central Michigan University logo

    Central Michigan University

    Doctor of Health Administration

    Doctor of Health Administration · Mount Pleasant, MI · Online with required campus visits

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor experienced healthcare managersFor research-oriented applicants

    Central Michigan University offers the Doctor of Health Administration, online with required campus visits. Published length: Three-year or five-year degree plan (Three-year plan: two courses per term; five-year plan: one course per term.), 63 semester credit hours (51 didactic, 12 dissertation). The program documents a dissertation component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $60,606 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $962 per credit · All students — Special program rate: Doctor of Health Administration · 2026-2027Est. total tuition $60,606 (63 credits × $962 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $60,606 (63 credits × $962 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (orientation, on-campus residency).
    • Requires prior work or management experience (stated).
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; length Three-year or five-year degree plan (Three-year plan: two courses per term; five-year plan: one course per term.).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirements: orientation, on-campus residency.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2 with an academic year).
    Published admissions requirements
    5 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

  3. Franklin University

    Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

    Doctor of Healthcare Administration · Columbus, OH · Online

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor research-oriented applicants

    Franklin University offers the Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) (Doctor of Healthcare Administration), online. Published length: As few as 3 years, including one year for the dissertation (Minimum time), 60 credit hours. The program documents a dissertation component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $49,680 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $828 per credit · All students — Standard tuition · 2026-2027Est. total tuition $49,680 (60 credits × $828 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $49,680 (60 credits × $828 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Whether any campus visit is required is not stated on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online; length As few as 3 years, including one year for the dissertation (Minimum time).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (3 verified rates, 3 with an academic year).
    Published admissions requirements
    3 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  4. Grand Canyon University logo

    Grand Canyon University

    Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research)

    Doctor of Health Administration · Phoenix, AZ · Online with required campus visits

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor research-oriented applicants

    Grand Canyon University offers the Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research) (Doctor of Health Administration), online with required campus visits. Published length: 60 credits. The program documents a dissertation component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $45,600 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $760 per credit · Online students · year not statedEst. total tuition $45,600 (60 credits × $760 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $45,600 (60 credits × $760 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (on-campus residency).
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; 60 credits.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirements: on-campus residency, on-campus residency.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (1 verified rate, academic year not printed).
    Published admissions requirements
    3 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  5. Grand Canyon University logo

    Grand Canyon University

    Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Quantitative Research)

    Doctor of Health Administration · Phoenix, AZ · Online with required campus visits

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor research-oriented applicants

    Grand Canyon University offers the Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Quantitative Research) (Doctor of Health Administration), online with required campus visits. Published length: Minimum 60 credits. The program documents a dissertation component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $45,600 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $760 per credit · Online students · year not statedEst. total tuition $45,600 (60 credits × $760 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $45,600 (60 credits × $760 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (on-campus residency).
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; Minimum 60 credits.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirements: on-campus residency, on-campus residency.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (1 verified rate, academic year not printed).
    Published admissions requirements
    3 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

  6. Medical University of South Carolina

    Doctor of Health Administration - Hybrid (DHA)

    Doctor of Health Administration · Charleston, SC · Online with required campus visits

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor working professionals

    Medical University of South Carolina offers the Doctor of Health Administration - Hybrid (DHA) (Doctor of Health Administration), online with required campus visits. Published length: eight semesters, 57 credits. The program documents a project component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $59,850 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $1,050 per credit · All students — In-state and out-of-state tuition (same rate) · 2026-2027Est. total tuition $59,850 (57 credits × $1,050 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $59,850 (57 credits × $1,050 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (on-campus residency, immersion).
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; length eight semesters.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirements: on-campus residency, immersion.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (1 verified rate, 1 with an academic year).
    Published admissions requirements
    6 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: project.
    Applied or practical component
    Documented: project.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

  7. Medical University of South Carolina

    Doctor of Health Administration - Online (DHA)

    Doctor of Health Administration · Charleston, SC · Online

    Professional doctorateFunding not verified

    Medical University of South Carolina offers the Doctor of Health Administration - Online (DHA) (Doctor of Health Administration), online. Published length: eight semesters (standard plan) or five semesters (accelerated plan), 57 credits. The program documents a project component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $59,850 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $1,050 per credit · All students — In-state and out-of-state tuition (same rate) · 2026-2027Est. total tuition $59,850 (57 credits × $1,050 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $59,850 (57 credits × $1,050 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Requires prior work or management experience (stated).
    • Whether any campus visit is required is not stated on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online; length eight semesters (standard plan) or five semesters (accelerated plan).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (1 verified rate, 1 with an academic year).
    Published admissions requirements
    4 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: project.
    Applied or practical component
    Documented: project.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham logo

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Administration-Health Services

    Doctor of Philosophy in Administration-Health Services · Birmingham, AL · On campus

    PhDPartial fundingFor working professionalsFor research-oriented applicants

    University of Alabama at Birmingham offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Administration-Health Services (Doctor of Philosophy in Administration-Health Services), on campus. Published length: typically 3 to 6 years (average 4.9 years), 73-89 hours. The program documents a dissertation component.

    Tuition: Tuition not published / not verified

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Both full-time and part-time study are offered.

    Limitations to check

    • Tuition for this program is not published on the pages we checked.
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    On campus; length typically 3 to 6 years (average 4.9 years).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Published financial support
    Partial funding; 2 named award or support items.
    Published admissions requirements
    4 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  9. University of Alabama at Birmingham logo

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership

    Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership · Birmingham, AL · Online with required campus visits

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor experienced healthcare managersFor research-oriented applicants

    University of Alabama at Birmingham offers the Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership (Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership), online with required campus visits. Published length: three years (two years of coursework and one year of applied dissertation research), 66 hours. The program documents a dissertation component.

    Tuition: $36,600 per academic year · All students · year not stated

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • The GRE/GMAT is not required (stated).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (on-campus residency, immersion).
    • Tuition is published, but not on a basis that allows a total-cost estimate (fees excluded).
    • Requires prior work or management experience (stated).
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; length three years (two years of coursework and one year of applied dissertation research).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirements: on-campus residency, immersion.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (1 verified rate, academic year not printed).
    Published admissions requirements
    5 published admission requirements; GRE waived, GMAT waived.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  10. University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus logo

    University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

    Executive Doctorate in Health Administration

    Doctor of Health Administration · Denver, CO · Hybrid

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor experienced healthcare managersFor research-oriented applicants

    University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus offers the Executive Doctorate in Health Administration (Doctor of Health Administration), hybrid. Published length: 3-year program; approximately 36 months, 60 credit hours (42 core, 18 dissertation). The program documents a dissertation component.

    Tuition: Tuition not published / not verified

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • The GRE/GMAT is not required (stated).

    Limitations to check

    • Tuition for this program is not published on the pages we checked.
    • Requires prior work or management experience (stated).
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Hybrid; length 3-year program; approximately 36 months.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Published admissions requirements
    6 published admission requirements; GMAT not required.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

  11. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Health Policy and Management, Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

    Doctor of Philosophy · Chapel Hill, NC · On campus

    PhDPartial fundingFor research-oriented applicants

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers the Health Policy and Management, Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) (Doctor of Philosophy), on campus. Published length: 4-5 years, Minimum 46 credit hours. The program documents a dissertation component.

    Tuition: Tuition not published / not verified

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Offers 5 named specializations or tracks.

    Limitations to check

    • Tuition for this program is not published on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    On campus; length 4-5 years.
    Documented curriculum
    5 named specializations.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Published financial support
    Partial funding; 1 named award or support item.
    Published admissions requirements
    4 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program
  12. University of North Florida logo

    University of North Florida

    Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

    Doctor of Health Administration · Jacksonville, FL · Online with required campus visits

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor working professionals

    University of North Florida offers the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) (Doctor of Health Administration), online with required campus visits. Published length: 48 credit hours (36 didactic + 12 doctoral project). The program documents a project component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $54,090.24 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $493.53 per credit · Resident (in-state) — Total Tuition and Fees for 1 Credit Hour (Florida Resident) · Fall 2026 - Summer 2Est. total tuition $54,090.24 (48 credits × $1,126.88 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $54,090.24 (48 credits × $1,126.88 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (on-campus residency).
    • Requires prior work or management experience (stated).
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; 48 credit hours (36 didactic + 12 doctoral project).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirement: on-campus residency.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (2 verified rates, 2 with an academic year).
    Published admissions requirements
    5 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: project.
    Applied or practical component
    Documented: project.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

  13. Walden University

    Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

    Doctor of Healthcare Administration · Minneapolis, MN · Online

    Professional doctorateFunding not verifiedFor working professionals

    Walden University offers the Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) (Doctor of Healthcare Administration), online. Published length: as few as 24 months (Applies to students who already hold an MHA (58 quarter credits).), 58 quarter credits (MHA holders) or 93 quarter credits (other master's). It requires applied capstone project. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $48,430 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $835 per credit · All students — Tuition per quarter credit (coursework and capstone) · year not statedEst. total tuition $48,430 (58 credits × $835 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Required applied capstone project documented.
    • Estimated total tuition $48,430 (58 credits × $835 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Where the required practical experience can be completed is not stated on the pages we checked.
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Whether any campus visit is required is not stated on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online; length as few as 24 months (Applies to students who already hold an MHA (58 quarter credits).).
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (3 verified rates, academic year not printed).
    Published admissions requirements
    3 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: capstone.
    Applied or practical component
    Documented: applied capstone project (required), capstone.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

  14. Walden University

    PhD in Healthcare Administration

    Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Administration · Minneapolis, MN · Online with required campus visits

    PhDFunding not verifiedFor research-oriented applicants

    Walden University offers the PhD in Healthcare Administration (Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Administration), online with required campus visits. Published length: Track 1: 53 coursework quarter credits plus 15-130 dissertation quarter credits; Track 2: 78 coursework plus 15-115 dissertation. The program documents a dissertation component. Estimated total tuition on our comparable basis is $41,075 (fees excluded).

    Tuition: $775 per credit · All students — Tuition per quarter hour (coursework and dissertation) · year not statedEst. total tuition $41,075 (53 credits × $775 per credit; fees excluded)

    Why it was selected / strengths

    • Estimated total tuition $41,075 (53 credits × $775 per credit; fees excluded).

    Limitations to check

    • Online coursework, but requires in-person attendance (on-campus residency).
    • No dated application deadline is published for the current cycle on the pages we checked.
    • Full-time / part-time options are not stated.
    Evidence for each criterion
    Published structure
    Online with required campus visits; Track 1: 53 coursework quarter credits plus 15-130 dissertation quarter credits; Track 2: 78 coursework plus 15-115 dissertation.
    Source quality and freshness
    Eligibility and facts verified on official pages; last verified 2026-10-12.
    Published financial support
    1 named award or support item.
    Clear attendance requirements (online lists)
    Online with documented in-person requirement: on-campus residency.
    Cost transparency
    Tuition published (2 verified rates, academic year not printed).
    Published admissions requirements
    3 published admission requirements.
    Dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list)
    Documented: dissertation.

    Each fact links to its official source on the program page. Reviewed October 12, 2026.

    View Program

Programs considered but not selected

6 eligible programs were considered and not selected because at least one criterion lacked verified evidence. The most common gaps: published structure (5), dissertation, research or applied doctoral project (doctoral list) (4), published admissions requirements (4). Not selected does not mean worse: it can mean the university publishes less information, or that we have not verified it yet. See every program in the directory.

Schools can send official sources through the correction form. Evidence is re-checked; inclusion cannot be bought.