Advance Health Innovation with the Best Online PhDs in Health Sciences
Ready to shift into a new gear in your healthcare career? An online PhD in Health Sciences can open the door to becoming a changemaker in your field.
As the healthcare industry continues its unprecedented growth, the field is in desperate need of new leaders to shape the future of healthcare. You only need to look as far as the job market for compelling evidence: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for jobs like health scientists, medical and health services managers, and postsecondary health specialties teachers is projected to grow by leaps and bounds by 2033 — by as much as seven times the national average, depending on specialty.
With these statistics in mind, you may be wondering: Is an online PhD in Health Sciences right for you? And if so, which program should you choose, and will online schooling fit into your schedule? Read on to learn about the best programs, some common specializations, and answers to your questions about earning an online PhD.
Health Sciences: Program Deep Dive
The best online PhD in Health Sciences looks different for every student. You’ll need to weigh factors like tuition, overall quality, and format to know if a school is right for you. Below, we’ve highlighted three exemplary online health science PhD programs to provide a reference point for finding high-quality programs.
Rush University
The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences from Rush University gives health professionals the tools and experience they need to become leaders in healthcare research and practice. After laying a solid foundation of core coursework in education, leadership, research, and statistics, students can customize their program and professional development to an area that aligns with their interests and aspirations before digging into dissertation research, preparation, and presentation.
Notably, all teachers in the program are experienced practitioners in their respective fields. For students’ convenience, they can choose to pursue their degree part- or full-time, and the program is entirely online.
Program Highlights:
- Credits: 54
- Length: 4-5 years
- Cost: $1080/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The University of South Dakota
Healthcare professionals who want to make a lasting impact on the industry or educate the next generation of practitioners will appreciate the PhD in Health Sciences program at the University of South Dakota. The opportunities are wide open in this PhD program; students can gain the skills they need to become leaders in academia, research, or health and human services practice, depending on their unique experience and passion.
This mostly online program will have a few face-to-face interactions through resident experiences at an initial orientation and a one-week dissertation boot camp. Interested students will also find opportunities for graduate assistantships to earn reduced tuition rates in exchange for teaching, research, and service efforts.
Program Highlights:
- Credits: 75
- Length: 4-5 years
- Cost: $470.45/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Virginia Commonwealth University
Any student considering an online PhD in Health Sciences should consider the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Related Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University. This esteemed program has been providing flexible PhDs for over 20 years. With its hybrid online and in-person format, this PhD program is ideal for health professionals looking for the knowledge and skills they need to take on advanced careers in teaching, research, and healthcare administration.
Most coursework is done via distance learning, but students are expected to attend two one-week sessions each January and June for their first two years in the program. Prospective students should note that VCU encourages students to attend full time to focus on the recommended course of study.
Program Highlights:
- Credits: 51
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $9,157/semester
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
PhD vs. Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc): What’s the Difference?
Healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers usually consider one of two doctoral routes in health science: a PhD or DHSc. Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of the two degree offerings, including goals and outcomes.
| PhD in Health Sciences | Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prepare for academic, research, and scholarly work. | Practical application of research |
| Student Type | Early- to mid-career | Mid-career |
| Student Goal | Teaching, research, or leadership | Leadership, administrative, or advanced clinical roles |
| Funding | Stipends, scholarships, fellowships | Self-funded, employer funding |
| Prerequisites | Master’s or higher; certification/ licensure and experience | Master’s degree or equivalent experience |
| Length | 4-7 years | 3-4 years |
| Capstone | Dissertation | Doctoral project |
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online PhD in Health Sciences?
The amount of time it takes to get your online PhD in Health Sciences depends on a number of factors, like the individual program and whether you can commit to full- or part-time study. You might be able to fast-track your education in just three years; other programs take up to six years.
Typically, students complete core coursework and build academic foundations during the first two years in the program before taking qualifying exams. Once they’ve passed, it’s time to move on to the dissertation process: at least one year of independent research, followed by another year or two of writing and evaluation, and, finally, the dissertation defense. Based on that general timeline, let’s take a closer look at each year of a typical online PhD in Health Sciences program.
Year One
Students focus on building a foundation in health science research methods, statistics, and core topics like health policy and leadership. Typically, students will attend seminars to start meeting and working with faculty and peers. They can also choose electives according to their unique interests and may be expected to file a plan of work to outline the path forward.
Year Two
During the second year, students will move on to advanced courses and, if they haven’t already, begin working toward a specialization and building expertise in a given area. They may also begin independent research and prepare for qualifying exams.
Year Three
By the third year of study, students will take comprehensive exams to prove they’ve mastered their core studies. After passing the exams, they’ll start consulting with advisors to develop a dissertation proposal and begin the research process in earnest.
Year Four
The fourth year is dedicated to conducting independent research for the student’s dissertation. They’ll collect data, analyze their findings, and refine research questions along the way.
Year Five
Once the intensive research phase winds down, students spend the fifth year writing their dissertations, presenting findings, and receiving feedback from the dissertation committee. They may also be required to publish parts of their research in academic journals at this time.
Year Six
In their final year, students defend their dissertation before a faculty panel, complete final revisions, and submit their dissertation for graduation. During this year, they may also apply for their subsequent roles in postdoctoral fellowships, academia, or leadership in healthcare organizations.
Can I Earn a Specialized Health Sciences PhD Online?
Yes, you can earn a specialized online PhD in Health Sciences. A specialization allows you to focus on a particular area of interest, and most programs encourage students to tailor their studies to match their individual goals, guiding their coursework and academic research.
- Epidemiology: This is a focused study on the patterns and underlying causes of health and diseases in populations. Students learn to analyze health trends and design interventions to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Biostatistics: You’ll combine statistics and biology to analyze medical data in this specialization, which is ideal if you enjoy working with large data sets in clinical trials, genetics, or public health research.
- Public Health Policy: Students learn how to impact public health policy at the local, state, and federal levels. They also explore how data is used to inform policy and advocate for legislation that maximizes health resources and reduces risks.
- Healthcare Administration: This concentration prepares students to effectively manage healthcare programs and services. Students focus on social impact, theoretical foundations of policy, and application of ethics and best practices.
- Global Health: In this specialization, students prepare to address health challenges like worldwide health policy, infectious disease prevention, and healthcare delivery on an international scale.
Are Online PhDs in Health Sciences Accredited?
It’s important that you earn your online PhD in Health Sciences from an accredited school or program, so it’s helpful to understand which accreditations to look for. First, you’ll look for regional accreditation of the college or university. Regional accreditation is a third-party stamp of approval indicating that the overall educational quality at a school meets objective standards. One layer deeper, programmatic accreditation can also apply to online PhD in Health Sciences programs, especially if they involve public health research. For example, some of these programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Additionally, some universities may seek additional accreditation from individual professional associations related to specific health sciences, like biostatistics or epidemiology.
Are There Common Components of a Health Sciences PhD?
Most online PhD in Health Sciences programs follow a similar format. While your experience and coursework may differ based on your chosen specialization, you’ll find the most common components listed below.
Coursework
Your health sciences coursework will include foundational classes in research techniques, biostatistics, and health policy. Additionally, you may take classes in epidemiology, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and health systems theory. These classes lay the groundwork for understanding and solving complex health problems and prepare you for specialization and research.
Dissertation/Research
Conducting original research that leads to a dissertation will make up a significant portion of your time in a PhD program. You’ll work closely with advisors to design, research, and present a study that addresses a gap in health sciences literature. You may also publish your findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
Practicum
Many online health sciences PhD programs include a practicum component, especially if your focus is on public health or clinical practice. Practicums help you gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings and apply research and theory to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between academia and practice.
Teaching Experience
PhD students often gain teaching experience through assistantships or as part of their program requirements. Teaching allows you to develop instructional skills, gain valuable experience in academic settings, and mentor tomorrow’s health professionals. If you want to work in academia, teaching experience is absolutely essential.
What Will I Learn in a Health Sciences Grad Program?
In an online PhD in Health Sciences program, you’ll take courses in research, teaching, leadership, and more, which will help form the skills for your future career. Scroll down for descriptions of common courses you’ll find in these programs.
Research Methods in Health Sciences
This course teaches students how to design, carry out, and analyze findings in health-related research so they can confidently prepare for the dissertation process. You can expect to learn quantitative and qualitative methods, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations for research.
Leadership in Healthcare
In this class, students explore the role and function of leadership in health settings and analyze case studies of successful organizations. You’ll study leadership theories, decision-making processes, and organizational dynamics, giving you the necessary practical skills to take on management and leadership roles in healthcare systems.
Biostatistics
This course covers the statistical methods students need to use in order to understand and evaluate biomedical data. You’ll gain expertise in applying statistical techniques to real-world health problems, helping you to effectively interpret clinical and population health data in various models and settings.
Dissertation Preparation
Researching, preparing, and defending a dissertation is the cornerstone of online PhD in Health Sciences programs. Students will prepare for this process with one or several courses in dissertation preparation. In these classes, you’ll learn to identify research questions, review literature, and design a research proposal.
Teaching in Health Sciences
One potential career outcome for those with a PhD in Health Sciences is working as an educator to the next generation of healthcare professionals. In this class, students develop the academic teaching skills to do so. You’ll learn curriculum design, classroom strategies, and student assessment techniques, which are essential if you’re planning a career in higher education.
How Much Does an Online Health Sciences PhD Cost?
Understanding the cost of getting your online PhD in Health Sciences is absolutely essential to success. Having a plan and securing financial aid can ease academic stress and prevent you from having to delay your studies.
You may be eligible for various assistance options, including private scholarships and grants, school-sponsored scholarships, fellowships, work-study programs, and employer tuition assistance. Search for private scholarships on sites like Fastweb, search your school’s website for funding opportunities, and check in with HR to see if your employer will provide tuition assistance.
Federal financial aid and grants can also help you fill in financial gaps. Additionally, many schools offer specific fellowships for PhD candidates, so consult your university’s financial aid office for more information.
Example Tuition for Online Health Sciences PhDs
| School | Program | No. of Credits (beyond master’s degree) | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain University | Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences | 70 | $68,460 |
| Northern Illinois University | Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences | 45 | $41,500 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | PhD in Health Sciences | 68 | $20,441 |
Popular Careers for Health Sciences PhD Holders
Once you earn your PhD in Health Sciences, you’ll enter a robust job market with plenty of opportunities for career and financial growth. You’ll be working in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers in healthcare. Review the following table to find some of the brightest career prospects in health sciences.
| Career | Median Salary (50%) | Top Salary (90%) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists | $100,890 | $168,020 | 11% |
| Biochemist and Biophysicists | $107,460 | $175,790 | 9% |
| Epidemiologist | $81,390 | $132,230 | 19% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $110,680 | $216,750 | 29% |
| Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers | $105,650 | $239,200 | 8% |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2024; The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Health Sciences PhDs Online: FAQs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
Earning an online PhD in Health Sciences offers several benefits. Online study makes it easier to balance your education with your current job and personal life. Because you can study from any location and work at a part-time or full-time pace, you won’t have to put your life on hold and relocate to work on your PhD. Additionally, online platforms provide plenty of networking opportunities through virtual seminars, peer collaboration, and global meetups.
Are online health sciences PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Online health sciences PhD programs are often more affordable than in-person programs, but the cost comparison will ultimately come down to a number of factors. Tuition for online programs can be lower, and you’ll save on transportation, housing, food, and other campus-related expenses. Plus, the flexibility to continue working while you earn your PhD can make online programs more financially manageable. Be sure to compare specific programs and evaluate the costs of an online doctorate for your individual situation.
How long does it take to earn a health sciences PhD degree online?
The length of a doctoral degree varies by discipline, student, and school. So, if you’re looking for a one-year doctoral program, this might not be the best fit. Earning an online PhD in Health Sciences typically takes four to seven years. For instance, at Northern Illinois University, getting a PhD takes three years full time and four years part time. At Rocky Mountain University, students have up to eight years to complete the program.
What are some common admission requirements for online health sciences PhD programs?
Getting into grad school looks different at every university, but standard admission requirements for an online PhD in Health Sciences include a master’s degree in a related field, official transcripts, a minimum GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may ask for GRE scores and a record of professional experience in healthcare or research. Other programs have no GRE requirements for application and admission.
Can I work full-time while getting my online PhD in health sciences?
Yes, many students successfully work full time while getting their health sciences PhD. Several schools offer flexible, part-time options designed specifically for working professionals who are balancing multiple life obligations. These programs allow for asynchronous coursework and provide students with the ability to complete research and dissertations at a personalized pace. However, balancing full-time work and study will require strong time management skills and academic commitment.
Helpful Resources for Online Health Sciences PhD Students
- Google Scholar
Google Scholar allows you to search for scholarly articles and academic resources on this popular, robust platform. - JSTOR
Here, you’ll find a digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources, providing access to a wealth of research materials. - National Institutes of Health Research Resources
The NIH website provides access to grants and fellowship information and health-related research tools like databases, funding opportunities, and online seminars for aspiring PhD students. - The Thesis Whisperer
This blog about getting your PhD has been online for over a dozen years and is full of tips to support students working on their advanced degrees. - Zotero
Zotero is a free app that helps you keep track of, organize, and cite research, making it the perfect pick for PhD students working on their dissertations.