Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Health Sciences (Ph.D.)


Program Overview


This online program is designed for the practicing health care professional who wants to assume leadership roles in academia, research and/or health and human services practice settings. The core curriculum is comprised of four content themes: teaching, leadership and healthcare issues, discipline related and research (including dissertation). There are limited expectations for face-to-face contact through resident experiences at an initial orientation and a one-week dissertation boot camp. Learn more at usd.edu/onlinephd-hs.

DELIVERY: Online

Doctor of Philosophy, Health Sciences


Major Area Coursework - 75 Credit Hours


Teaching (9-15 credit hours):


Discipline-Related coursework (15 credit hours):


  • May choose 15 credits from prior master’s or professional doctorate coursework - Subject to Advisor Approval

Research (15-27 credit hours minimum):


Dissertation (15 credit hours):


Note:


60% of coursework must be completed at USD. Up to  30 credits from an institutionally-accredited institution (including USD) may be transferred in from the master’s or professional doctorate, subject to approval by the Program director and the Graduate School.

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs


This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?


School of Health Sciences
605-658-6500 | health@usd.eduusd.edu/health

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad