MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
Where Leadership Meets Scholarship. Where Purpose Advances Health Equity.
Become part of a community of scholar-practitioners committed to shaping the future of healthcare through executive leadership, innovation, and meaningful organizational impact.
 

About The Program

The Morehouse School of Medicine Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) is an applied professional doctorate designed for healthcare professionals committed to advancing healthcare organizations through leadership, innovation, research, and organizational transformation.
The curriculum integrates theory with practice, enabling students to apply evidence-informed strategies to real-world organizational challenges while strengthening leadership competencies that can be leveraged throughout their careers.
Students graduate prepared to lead with integrity, think strategically, collaborate across disciplines, and create meaningful organizational and community impact.
 

Vision:
To provide an educational experience that develops scholar-practitioners prepared to lead the complexities of modern healthcare through ethical leadership, innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to health equity.

 
Mission
The mission of the Morehouse School of Medicine Doctor of Health Administration program is to prepare healthcare professionals to lead organizations in delivering high-quality, equitable, and financially responsible healthcare through advanced education in leadership, strategy, operations, research, and organizational transformation.
 

What Makes the MSM DHA Different

Unlike traditional doctoral programs, the MSM DHA emphasizes the practical application of knowledge to improve healthcare organizations and communities.
Students complete an executive practice-focused capstone that addresses a complex organizational challenge using evidence-informed methods and implementation science — completed in lieu of a traditional dissertation.
The curriculum is intentionally aligned with nationally recognized leadership competencies, including:
  • The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Board of Governors Examination content areas
  • The National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) Health Leadership Competency Model
Students develop competencies in:
  • Executive Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Healthcare Operations
  • Financial Stewardship
  • Organizational Transformation
  • Health Equity
  • Healthcare Policy
  • Quality Improvement
  • Data-Informed Decision Making
  • Ethics and Governance
  • Executive Communication
 
Begin Your Doctoral Journey
Healthcare needs leaders who don't simply manage change — they create it. If you're ready to expand your impact, advance health equity, and shape the future of healthcare, we invite you to begin your doctoral journey with the Morehouse School of Medicine Doctor of Health Administration program.
 
                                       
Personal Information
 

Apply Now

Program at a Glance

  • Degree: Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
  • Format: Fully Online, with one required on-campus Executive Orientation
  • Credits: 55
  • Length: Approximately 36 Months
  • GRE/GMAT: Not Required
  • Tuition: $1,000 per credit hour

Admissions: Two cohorts each year — Spring (January) and Fall (August)

Who Should Apply

The MSM DHA is designed for healthcare professionals who aspire to expand their professional opportunities and deepen their impact within healthcare organizations.
Our students include professionals from hospitals, physician organizations, academic medical centers, government agencies, military healthcare, consulting firms, public health organizations, health insurance organizations, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare technology companies.
Whether your long-term goals include broader leadership responsibilities, teaching, consulting, applied research, healthcare innovation, or organizational transformation, the MSM DHA provides a strong foundation for continued professional growth.

What can I do with a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)? 

The Morehouse School of Medicine DHA is designed to expand professional opportunities for healthcare leaders by strengthening the knowledge, competencies, and strategic perspective needed to address today's complex healthcare environment. Whether your goal is to advance within your current organization, transition into broader leadership responsibilities, contribute to academia, or influence healthcare through consulting, policy, or research, the DHA provides a strong foundation for continued professional growth.
Graduates may leverage their DHA to:
  • Expand opportunities for leadership and professional advancement across the healthcare industry
  • Strengthen executive competencies applicable to healthcare organizations of all sizes
  • Lead organizational improvement, innovation, and systems transformation initiatives
  • Teach in colleges and universities, consistent with institutional hiring requirements
  • Conduct applied research and contribute to evidence-informed healthcare practice
  • Serve as consultants, advisors, executive coaches, or subject matter experts
  • Build a professional identity as a healthcare leader and scholar-practitioner
MSM DHA graduates apply their knowledge across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
  • Hospitals and Health Systems
  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Physician Practices and Medical Groups
  • Government and Public Health Agencies
  • Health Insurance and Managed Care Organizations
  • Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations
  • Healthcare Consulting Firms
  • Healthcare Technology and Innovation Organizations
  • Colleges and Universities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations — with approximately 62,100 openings projected each year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.).
 

Where 

Online | Anywhere
*Please note: There will be one in-person required on-site orientation. MSM covers the cost of on-site lodging and transportation to attend all Orientation activities.

Admission Requirements
Applicants should possess:
  • A master's degree from an accredited institution
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in healthcare or a related field
Applicants should submit:
  • A completed online application
  • A current résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Official transcripts (see Official Transcripts below)
  • One professional letter of recommendation (see below)
  • A $50 non-refundable application fee
  • Completion of a required virtual admissions interview (see below)
Professional Letter of Recommendation
One professional letter of recommendation from a professional mentor or current supervisor/leader. The recommendation should speak to the applicant's leadership style, strategic thinking, professional maturity, communication skills, ability to influence and lead others, commitment to continuous learning, and readiness to succeed in doctoral study and executive healthcare leadership.

Official Transcripts
Submit your official transcripts electronically through Parchment, selecting Morehouse School of Medicine as the recipient. Within Parchment, search for msmonline@msm.edu to ensure your transcripts are routed correctly.
Applicants with collegiate coursework completed outside of the United States must upload an unofficial copy of a course-by-course credential evaluation as part of the application process. Please do not upload unofficial international transcripts without the accompanying credential evaluation.

Admissions Interview
All eligible applicants are required to complete a virtual admissions interview as part of a holistic review of the completed application. The interview gives applicants the opportunity to discuss their professional experience, leadership aspirations, and readiness for doctoral study, and gives the Program Director and faculty the opportunity to assess
 

Application Deadlines & Key Dates - Spring 2027 Cohort

The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program admits two cohorts each year: Spring (January) and Fall (August). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as completed applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials by the Early Decision Deadline for priority consideration.
 
Milestone
Date
Applications Open
Monday, August 24, 2026
Early Decision Deadline
Friday, October 30, 2026
Final Application Deadline
Friday, November 27, 2026
New Student Orientation (Virtual)
Monday, December 7, 2026
Financial Aid Workshop
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Classes Begin
Monday, January 4, 2027
 
A completed application includes:
  • A completed online application
  • Official transcripts submitted electronically through Parchment
  • A current résumé or curriculum vitae
  • One professional letter of recommendation
  • Payment of the $50 non-refundable application fee
Please note: Applications are not considered complete and will not enter the admissions review process until official transcripts have been received through Parchment and all required materials have been submitted.
 
Important Admissions Information
The Morehouse School of Medicine Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program is highly competitive and receives more than 100 applications each admissions cycle. To ensure a fair and equitable admissions process, applications are reviewed in the order that completed applications are received.
Because of the volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual application status updates by phone or email. Applicants will receive communication from the Admissions Office as their application progresses through the review process.
We strongly encourage prospective students to attend one of our live virtual information sessions before applying. These sessions provide an opportunity to meet the Program Director and DHA faculty, learn about the curriculum and admissions process, understand what distinguishes the MSM DHA program, and ask questions in an interactive setting.

Orientation
Students begin the program with an immersive executive orientation held on the campus of Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. During orientation, students build relationships with faculty and peers, develop leadership competencies, and begin their doctoral journey within a collaborative learning community. Morehouse School of Medicine covers the cost of lodging and designated orientation activities.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
General Program
What is the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)?
The MSM DHA is an applied professional doctorate that prepares healthcare professionals to lead organizations, influence strategy, and advance health equity through executive leadership, research, and organizational transformation.
Who should apply?
Healthcare professionals across hospitals, physician organizations, academic medical centers, government agencies, military healthcare, consulting, public health, insurance, nonprofit, and healthcare technology settings who want to expand their leadership impact.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. The program is delivered fully online, with one required on-campus Executive Orientation held at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
How long does the program take?
Approximately 36 months (55 credit hours).
 
Admissions
When does the MSM DHA program admit new students?
The program admits two cohorts each year: Spring (January) and Fall (August). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline for each cohort.
What constitutes a completed application?
A completed online application, official transcripts submitted through Parchment, a current résumé or CV, one professional letter of recommendation, and payment of the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Is the GRE or GMAT required?
No.
Is an admissions interview required?
Yes. All eligible applicants are required to complete a virtual admissions interview as part of the holistic application review.
How do I submit my official transcripts?
Electronically through Parchment, selecting Morehouse School of Medicine as the recipient and searching for msmonline@msm.edu to ensure correct routing. Applicants with international coursework must also submit a course-by-course credential evaluation.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The $50 application fee is non-refundable.
Curriculum & Capstone
Do I complete a dissertation?
No. Students complete an executive practice-focused capstone that addresses a real organizational challenge using evidence-informed methods and implementation strategies, completed in lieu of a traditional dissertation.
How is the curriculum aligned with industry standards?
The curriculum is intentionally aligned with the ACHE Board of Governors Examination content areas and the NCHL Health Leadership Competency Model.
Is the MSM DHA Right for Me?
The Morehouse School of Medicine Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) is designed for healthcare professionals who aspire to lead organizations, influence strategy, improve health outcomes, and drive meaningful change across the healthcare industry. Whether you are an emerging leader looking to expand your professional opportunities, an experienced executive seeking to broaden your impact, or a healthcare professional interested in teaching, consulting, research, or executive practice, the MSM DHA provides the knowledge, leadership competencies, and professional network to support your continued growth and long-term career goals.
Grounded in health equity and aligned with nationally recognized leadership competencies, the MSM DHA prepares scholar-practitioners to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact across diverse healthcare settings.
 
Tuition & Financial Aid
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Prospective students are encouraged to attend a live information session to learn more about financial aid options.
 
Technology
Which learning management system is used?
The program uses Canvas as its learning management system.
 
Graduation
Will I attend commencement?
Participation in commencement is optional and at the student's discretion.
Can I transfer credit into the program?
No. The MSM DHA program does not accept transfer credit.
 
 

Admissions and Tuition Information

CLICK HERE for information on admissions and tuition.

Curriculum

CLICK HERE for more information about the DHA Curriculum.

 
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Medical and health services managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved July 19, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm