The courses in the Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership curriculum prepare executives to lead more effectively and proactively address current and future challenges. Our highly successful and unique blended course format – a mixture of online and on campus learning – means you will enjoy both lively face-to-face sessions with your instructors and classmates and the convenience of distance learning that allows you to continue your responsibilities at home and in the office.
The program is paced so you can complete your doctoral degree in only three years. There are two years of coursework and one year of applied dissertation research. The program includes three (3) four-and-a-half day on-campus sessions each year.
For a list of courses and course descriptions, please download the following: UAB DSc Curriculum (PDF)*.
Program Structure*
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Year One
- Complete 24 credit hours of doctoral-level coursework in three semesters.
- Travel to Birmingham for three (3) four-and-a-half day visits for engaging face-to-face instruction.
- The on-campus intensives are complemented by synchronous and a-synchronous virtual learning.
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Year Two
- Complete additional 24 credit hours of coursework in three semesters.
- Travel to Birmingham for three (3) four-and-a-half day visits for face-to-face instruction.
- Continue applying course content and refined analytical skills during the distance-learning component of each course.
- Engage with faculty and classmates via synchronous and a-synchronous virtual learning.
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Year Three
- Travel with your cohort to a location outside the United States to study how health care is organized, financed, and delivered in another country’s health system.
- Complete a comprehensive examination prior to initiating 18 credits of research hours devoted to the applied dissertation.
- Research an issue of interest to you and/or your organization as you write your applied dissertation.
- Work closely with your Dissertation Chair and Committee Members during independently-scheduled visits to campus and via virtual connection.
- Stay on track to finish your degree in three years by defending your dissertation proposal in the fall semester, completing your data analysis in the spring semester and completing your discussion sections and final defense in the summer semester of Year 3.
*Curriculum information is subject to change. Due to the overlapping-cohorts format, the order of courses depends upon the year in which the student enters the Program.