Campbell University offers first Doctor of Health Sciences program in North Carolina

The Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is leading the way in health sciences online education by offering the first Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) program in North Carolina. The first cohort of the 100 percent online program will begin classes in August 2020. 

Offered through Campbell Adult & Online Education, the DHSc program is an interdisciplinary doctorate that equips post-professionals with skills and expertise to positively shape the future of healthcare and health-related organizations. The program includes three concentrations: Health Administration, Rural Health, and Interprofessional Education. Campbell’s long-standing presence in adult and online education and the health sciences make it uniquely positioned to offer this curriculum, especially considering the university’s focus on meeting rural healthcare needs and interprofessional education.

Program Director Dr. David Coniglio has a background in medical oncology and has taught physician assistant practice for 15 years, first at Duke University and then at Campbell.

“I am particularly excited by the collaboration with Adult & Online Education and the unique curriculum being offered” Coniglio shared. “I believe this is the only DHSc program offering a concentration in Interprofessional Education, which is a vital and required component of health professions education. Similarly, the concentration in rural health provides an avenue to explore that growing area of study with an institute of higher education that is located in a rural area.”

Students of the DHSc program can feel secure in the knowledge that they have chosen a rapidly growing field in health care to build their career. Demand for doctoral-level health sciences professionals has increased 134 percent between 2016-2019. This demand is projected to continue for faculty in healthcare professions, healthcare administrators, medical directors, research analysts and directors, health information specialists and healthcare providers. 

The program is designed for early to mid-career professionals and is likely to be of interest to previous graduates from local, regional and national mid-level provider programs (such as PA, PT, nursing, public health, pharmacy) as well as healthcare researchers, administrators and managers. The program provides an interdisciplinary curriculum with a focus on practical application of modern healthcare delivery, rural health policy and public health ethics, health administration and interprofessional education. Graduates will be prepared to provide leadership, planning, innovation and organizational improvement in multiple settings.

The curriculum is a 54 credit-hour program and is fully online. Students will complete 45 hours of core courses followed by nine hours in one of three concentrations: Health Administration, Rural Health, or Interprofessional Education. At full-time status (two courses per semester, three semesters per year), a student will be able to complete the program in three years.

Learn more about the program and apply.

The Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Doctor of Health Sciences program is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.