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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.  

Can the GRE requirement be waived? 
At the School of Health Related Professions (SHRP), we understand that every applicant's journey is unique, and we strive to provide flexible options to demonstrate your academic preparedness for our Doctor of Health Administration Program. As part of our commitment to recognizing different pathways to success, we have established a policy that allows our admission committee to consider previous GRE scores, as well as other equivalent standardized tests.

If you sat for the GRE more than five years ago and have documented scores, you may be eligible to request a GRE waiver. Your past achievements are a valuable reflection of your capabilities, and we encourage you to submit your expired GRE scores as part of your application for consideration.

We understand that there are various standardized tests that can effectively showcase your readiness for our program. In addition to the GRE, we accept other standardized test scores (such as GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, etc.) as equivalent measures of your academic potential. These assessments can provide us with insights into your skills and abilities relevant to the demands of the program.

Please note that the submission of expired GRE scores or results from other standardized tests is subject to review and approval by the admissions committee.

If you have any questions regarding the GRE waiver policy, the acceptance of expired scores, or equivalent tests, please feel free to reach out to our admissions chair, Dr. Elizabeth Franklin (efranklin@umc.edu).

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