DHA Degree

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Doctor of Health Administration FAQ

Application process

What degree do I need to apply for the DHA program?
Awarded a master’s degree or professional doctorate from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in any field

Do you accept out-of-state residents?
Yes. The DHA program is primarily taught online, so out of state students are represented in each cohort to date. There is no out-of-state tuition fee.    

When and how can I apply?
Applications may be submitted starting July 1 and generally close by February 1 of each year for cohorts beginning in the following summer term. All applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $25. You can click here to apply.  Once on the application site - you will click "sign in" in the top right corner to begin your application.   

There may be an option for early admission to the program.  Please click here to learn more.  

Is the GRE and/or another national graduate exam required for admission?
No.  The GRE and/or other national graduate exams are no longer required as a part of the admission process.  

About the program

How is the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) degree different than a PhD?
The DHA is a professional degree while the PhD is a research oriented degree. The latter focuses on the generation of original research while the former focuses on the application of research and investigation to issues of a practical nature.

How long is the program?
The program is designed to be completed in three years.

What if I cannot make it to an on-campus session because of a work conflict?
These face to face, on-campus sessions are necessary to program and student success, therefore are mandatory. The approximate dates of all on-campus sessions are provided prior to enrollment. 

How many are accepted each year into the program?
Currently, the program accepts approximately 10-15 students per cohort. The resources available and the market demand determine the number accepted.

How many applicants receive an interview?
This number varies from year to year. The admissions committee determines the exact number, after phase I screening, of individuals who are offered an interview.

Will other doctoral work transfer into the DHA?
Requests for transfer credit must be submitted following the submission of a completed application to the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program. Students may request to transfer a maximum of nine (9) semester hours, provided the course(s) meet the following criteria:

  1. The doctoral-level course(s) must have been completed at an accredited institution, and the course syllabus must be reviewed by the Program Director and Admissions Committee to ensure equivalency with DHA program requirements.
  2. The student must have earned a B (3.0/4.0) or higher in the course.
  3. The course(s) must have been completed within the last five (5) years. Courses older than five (5) years may only be considered if reviewed and approved by the Program Director and Admissions Committee.

Additional Information regarding Transfer of Credit:

  • Transfer requests will be evaluated by the Program Director and Admissions Committee, who will review the student’s transcript and corresponding syllabi to determine equivalency. If necessary, additional review by faculty with relevant expertise may be required.
  • Students may not have requested transfer credit for the same course for use in more than one institution or program.
  • In adherence to the continuous enrollment policy, students must be enrolled in at least one course per semester to remain in good standing in the program. Therefore, no more than one transferred course per semester will be approved.

What is the tuition and fees for the DHA program?
Contact the Department of Student Accounting at (601) 984-1060 for more information regarding the most current tuition and fees. Tuition and fees can also be viewed in the online UMMC Catalog.

  • Click here to access the UMMC Catalog   
  • Click here to access the Office of Student Accounting website

Is financial aid available?

  • Financial aid information can be found by contacting the Student Financial Services office. 
  • Click here to access the UMMC Student Financial Services Office website