Key Takeaways:
- University of Mississippi and UNC are two top schools who offer a fast online health policy PhD program.
- Online PhD programs in Health Policy cover a wide range of topics including healthcare organization, health economics, statistics, and policy analysis.
- Admission to these programs can be highly competitive with some universities admitting only a small cohort of students each year.
- The programs typically require a rigorous application process that may include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Fast online PhD Health Policy degrees offer a flexible path for professionals to earn an advanced degree and advance their careers and pay.
Beyond science, public health care is a rapidly and ever-changing field. Local, state, and federal influences on the regulation and integrity of the field require knowledge and adaptability.
A PhD in Health Management and Policy will place you at the forefront of public health policy development and delivery in the U.S. With an advanced, terminal degree in health management, you can be a leader in developing public health care strategy and theory. These healthcare doctorate degrees train individuals to use evidence-based independent research to shape public health systems and public health policies.
Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest PhD Health Policy Online Degrees
To rank the Fastest Online Health Management and Public Health Policy PhDs Degrees, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We used data from IPEDS, Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications for our PhD in Health Policy online school rankings.
1. University of Mississippi
At the University of Mississippi’s Medical Center’s (UMMC) School of Health Related Professions, students can complete a hybrid Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) in three years.
The DHA is a professional degree as opposed to a research-oriented PhD. Among the course offerings are:
- Foundations of Health Policy
- Current Trends in Accreditation & Licensure
- Health Care Law
- Regulations & Ethics
- Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability
- Public Health Systems
- Doctoral Project Proposal
- a Doctoral Project
This health policy PhD program has limited admission and only admits 10-15 students a year. Additionally, prospective students must have a master’s or doctorate degree. You’ll also need to provide GRE scores, CV or resume, academic transcripts, as well as an essay describing your prior health care employment or experience. Estimates for tuition for this PhD health policy online degree range from $10,086-$15,129 over the three-year period.
Fast Fact: This is the only program of its kind in Mississippi
Interested: Learn more about this online doctorate in Public Health Policy program!
2. University of North Carolina
Students can earn a DrPH from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. This Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership (DrPH) is 45 credit hours and takes about three years to complete.
The curriculum covers studies in:
- organizational theory and practice
- systems thinking
- public health law and ethics
- global health
- financial leadership
- research methods and analysis
- marketing
- Public Health Informatics
- Human Resources
Students also complete either a capstone project, thesis, or dissertation. While a majority of your study will be online, you will need to visit the Chapel Hill campus, for 3-4 days each time, once during the fall, spring, and summer for a period of two years.
Online tuition cost for this graduate school of public health is around $1,735 per credit hour. There are some required prerequisites, and students also need a master’s or doctorate degree. Other application materials are GRE scores, official transcripts, and other standard documentation.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks the Gillings School of Public Health #2 in the nation
Interested: Learn more about this Public Health Leadership or Phd in Health Policy program!
3. Colorado Technical University
CTU’s hybrid Doctorate in Healthcare Management and Leadership degree requires 100 total credit hours. This PhD in healthcare management online program has areas of focus in Research and Writing and also Leadership and Change Management. These PhD students conduct independent research and shape public health systems and public health policies.
You’ll study:
- management theory
- public health policy
- law and ethics
- organizational development
- qualitative and quantitative research methods
- strategic thinking
- doctoral research principles
- writing
- literature review
- public health policy
- Informatics in public health care
There’s also a Doctoral Symposium that will require you to attend a two-day, residential symposium in Denver. Students have three years to complete the program.
There are multiple start dates throughout the year for this doctorate. Admission requires you to connect with an admission advisor as well as a doctoral interview, complete an application, and submit materials such as an official academic transcript, undergraduate degree, and more. Tuition is around $59,800 for the program.
Fast Fact: CTU was founded in 1965
Interested: Learn more about this online doctorate in Public Health Policy program!
4. Central Michigan University
CMU’s Doctor of Administration hybrid degree only requires 63 credit hours. While the majority of classes are online, you will need to attend six, face-to-face regional, intensive seminars. Full time students can complete this program in 3 years while part time students take 5 years.
This curriculum includes core courses in topics on:
- leadership
- organizational theory
- research methods
- analysis
You’ll also study public health informatics, public health economics, and compare public health systems.
Seminar topics cover strategic planning, policy and politics, public health stakeholders, public health, and also public health services research for current issues. Students also complete a required dissertation before graduation.
Qualified applicants need a master’s, along with letters of recommendation, and also professional healthcare experience, for admission. Active duty military members may qualify for reduced tuition rates for this doctoral program.
Fast Fact: Niche ranks CMU as one of its Top Public Universities in America
Interested: Learn more from the program site about this online doctorate in Public Health Policy program!
5. University of Alabama Birmingham
You may want to explore the Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Health care Leadership at UAB if you’re looking for a blended program to solidify your management skills. This is a three-year program through the School of Health Professions.
It requires you to attend three eight-day campus visits during the first two years. The third year will involve international travel to study public health organizations and delivery abroad. Additionally, students must complete a dissertation. Among the courses you’ll take over the years include:
- Strategic Management Theory and Research
- Comparative Health Systems
- Public Health Policy
- Process and Issues
- Public Health Quality Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Management in Health Care Organizations
Admission to this program requests a current CV or resume, personal essay, academic transcripts, as well as an organizational chart of your administrative role. You must have five years of mid-to-senior level administrative experience. Tuition costs for this program are $36,600 per year.
Fast Fact: UAB is one of Niche’s Top Public Universities in America
Interested: Learn more about this PhD in Health Policy and Management program!
6. Regent University
This Virginia university offers a unique, online Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) degree through its School of Business and Leadership.
Developed from a Christian perspective, the DSL program concentrates on:
- communication
- leadership
- team building
- organizational structure in public health care
PhD students examine healthcare in current issues with 60 credit hours of study in core studies in leadership theory, analytics, innovation, and creativity. In addition, your concentration courses will include public healthcare studies in practice, theory, leadership, and engagement, as well as professionalism. You’ll also complete two independent research DSL Projects. There are 2 four-day, on-campus s residencies required for this program.
Regent University publishes that the program has a total cost of $59,700 and the school offers financial aid in a variety of forms. For this management program, applicants need a master’s degree, unofficial transcripts, government issues ID, as well as completion of an admission questionnaire.
Fast Fact: Founded in 1977 by Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent University is one of the top 50 Best Online Colleges in America by Niche
Interested: Learn more about this PhD or Health Policy and Management program!
7. Franklin University
This Ohio-based university has an online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA). The program requires 58 credit hours and doctoral students can complete it in three years.
With a four-tier curriculum structure, you’ll take core courses in research that will involve statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and designs. In addition to electives, concentration courses include:
- health care policy
- health economics and finance
- health quality process improvement
- population health services research
You’ll be expected to complete a comprehensive exam and write a dissertation. The program has a generous 24-credit-hour transfer policy for previous doctoral work and promotes a step-by-step “no-fear dissertation.”
Among the admission requirements are at least 30 graduate hours in a health care-related discipline (in lieu of GRE scores), personal references, work history, and more. Tuition is around $748 per credit hour.
Fast Fact: Franklin University started in Columbus, Ohio in 1902
Interested: Learn more about this PhD in Health Policy and Management degree program!
8. California Intercontinental University
Here’s a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and Leadership (DBA-HML) with a research and leadership focus.
This 60-credit-hour degree includes core courses in business, specialization courses in management, and leadership, and a dissertation. You’ll study economics, finance, marketing, management, and research methodology.
Some of the studies are:
- Strategies for Healthcare Leadership
- Healthcare Marketing: Tools and Techniques
- Managing Disaster: Perspective for Health Leaders
Dissertation courses cover methodology, literature review, conclusions, and oral defense.
The program is 100% online and costs around $32,675 in total. Admission requirements are simple, asking for an admission application, a master’s degree, and CV or resume with relevant work experience. Additional documents may be requested prior to the application deadline.
Fast Fact: AIU is a for-profit institution owned by Career Education Corporation and has regional accreditation.
Interested: Learn more about this PhD in Health Policy and Management program!
9. Capella University
Offered through Capella University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, this is a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA).
Relying on case studies, consulting projects, simulations, and a practicum, this degree allows for up to 18 transfer credit hours toward the 76-quarter credit requirement. Among your core courses will be:
- Health Care Policy Processes
- Innovative Business Practices in Health Care
- Strategic Financial Management in Health Care
- Survey of Research Methods
You’ll complete the degree with a Doctoral Capstone. Tuition is reported at $780 per credit hour.
Fast Fact: Capella University is a for-profit school owned by Strategic Education, Inc.
10. Trident University
Part of the larger American Intercontinental University, Trident supports an online PhD in Health Sciences with a health policy and administration concentration.
This 56-credit-hour program will help prepare you to be a leader through studies in:
- health law
- current public health issues
- regulations, ethics, strategic planning
You’ll also study qualitative and quantitative research methods, advanced statistics for research, coalescing theory with research, and dissertation coursework to assist you with your final dissertation. A qualifying exam is required with both oral and written parts.
Trident has three tuition types, each at a different rate. The standard tuition rate is estimated at $3,960 per course. Tuition reduction is available for retired military/veteran/family members at $3,540 per course; and, active military/immediate family/Department of Defense employees at $3,200 per course.
Fast Fact: Niche considers Trident University #847/1,660 Hardest Colleges to Get Into In America
Interested: Learn more about this PhD in Health Policy and Management program!
What are the Advantages of an Accelerated Health Care Management Doctorate?
There are several positives to obtaining your Health Policy and Management doctorate in a shorter time.
Length of Time
Obtaining a doctorate can seem like a daunting task requiring years of study and research. It’s estimated that it takes approximately eight years for most students to obtain a doctorate, between coursework, research, and writing a dissertation. The advent of online doctoral programs has reduced that average time, depending on the amount of time doctoral students can devote to studying for a PhD program.
It’s possible to receive an advanced degree in three to four years. On average, coursework can take about two years with one to two years devoted to research and dissertation. That time estimate may be longer depending on whether your graduate degree program requires an internship or immersion study.
Accessibility
Completing online classes can accelerate your time in school depending on the amount of time you’re able to devote to core studies. The 24-hour accessibility offered by online education can prepare you, in a shorter amount of time, for your comprehensive qualifying exam, dissertation proposal, research, and writing.
Faculty members can reach more doctoral students than in a traditional setting through email, instant messages, and video conferencing.
Availability and Cost
Online doctoral programs allow you to enroll in programs that geography and your work schedule may otherwise prohibit. You’re able to schedule your time around your work and family commitments. Geography is no longer an issue with online learning allowing you to live in one state and enroll in your dream program.
Most online programs charge distance education students the same tuition and fees as in-state students. The less time it requires you to obtain your PhD in Health Policy degree, the less it costs.
What Courses Will You Take in an Online Doctorate in Public Health Program?
A PhD in Health Policy and Management graduate degree program includes a broad range of courses mentioned in the school profiles. Coursework themes are community health disparities, population health policies, political science, and health economics. And, doctoral students must learn to conduct both independent research and interdisciplinary research. Additionally, many course offerings focus on health services research to improve healthcare organizations and health services delivery. Below are some examples of courses in a PhD in healthcare administration online program.
- Introduction to Biostatistics and Probability Distributions
- Health Services Delivery and Health Services Outcomes
- Health Information Technology and Healthcare Delivery
- Health Care Management and Health Policy Analysis
- Organization of Public Health Systems
What Can I Do with a PhD in Health Management and Policy?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the job outlook for health manager positions to be 32% between 2019-2029. Graduate find jobs at healthcare organizations, government agencies, hospitals, health systems, outpatient centers, physician offices, and more.
A PhD in Health Management and Policy will allow you to plan and direct health services, and work with physicians and surgeons, nurses, and other health stakeholders. You’ll be responsible for not only policies and compliance, but oversee care quality, funding and budget, and community standards of care.
Not all PhD-prepared health managers work directly in health care but can be found in universities, government agencies developing policy, or conducting research. Furthermore, this PhD in Health Policy program is a good fit for individuals with a Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree.
How Much Can You Make with a PhD in Health Management and Policy?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the median annual salary for Medical and Health Services Managers is $101,340, with the lowest compensation at $60,780 to the highest at $205,620.
PayScale suggests the salary for individuals with a PhD in Health Policy is around $92,500 annually, depending on where you live and work.
| Job | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Director of Case Management | $70,000 to $140,000 |
| Surgical Service Director | $93,000 to $129,000 |
| Clinical Documentation Specialist | $80,000 to $94,000 |
| Clinical Supervisor or Manager | $45,000 to $85,000 |
Salary is only one form of compensation for individuals with a PhD health administration online degree. These figures don’t account for possible sign-on bonuses, employment benefits such as 401k, health insurance, paid time off, and child care.
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