SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Doctor of Medical Science & Doctor of Health Science
DMSc & DHSc
Program Details
Program Details
Study from Anywhere
Flexible, fully online learning designed for working professionals—advance your career without relocating or interrupting full-time work.
Engage in Applied, Real-World Learning
Our active learning approach emphasizes case-based inquiry, collaborative problem-solving, and practical application to real healthcare challenges.
Become a Healthcare Leader
Develop advanced expertise across clinical practice, leadership, education, and healthcare systems.
About KGI’s Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Health Science
Keck Graduate Institute has designed two programs for healthcare professionals who are ready to expand their expertise and advance into leadership, academic, or policy-making roles.
- The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) is specifically for working physician associates.
- The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is catered to healthcare professionals across clinical and non-clinical roles.
These 100% online, asynchronous doctoral programs provide flexibility to balance rigorous academic study with professional and personal commitments — no campus visits required. The curriculum is designed to help experienced healthcare professionals deepen their expertise while gaining the skills needed to influence healthcare delivery, lead system-level change, shape health policy, and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
DMSc/DHSc program features include:
- Interprofessional learning with diverse healthcare colleagues, preparing graduates to collaborate effectively and lead within complex healthcare environments.
- Accelerated DMSc pathway for KGI MSPA graduates
- Transfer credit options for qualified applicants
- Case-based and collaborative learning model
- A capstone project aligned with professional goals and organizational impact
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum for the DMSc/DHSc programs provides both breadth and depth across advanced clinical, leadership, and systems-based domains. Learning outcomes include:
- Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making
- Leadership, systems-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration
- Healthcare policy, ethics, and quality improvement
- Evidence-based practice and applied research methods
- Design and implementation of solutions to complex healthcare challenges
- Scholarly expertise demonstrated through a doctoral capstone project
Students also develop skills that translate across roles in education, leadership, and healthcare innovation.
Accelerated DMSc Pathway for KGI MSPA Graduates
All graduates of The Chan Family Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies can earn their DMSc through an accelerated 21-credit pathway and build upon the knowledge and skills from the MSPA program.
Program Overview
The DMSc/DHSc programs are structured to meet the needs of busy professionals. Full-time students can complete the degree in as few as three semesters, with a part-time option available for greater flexibility.
Students may tailor their academic experience toward areas such as:
- Clinical leadership
- Healthcare systems and policy
- Health professions education
For the DMSc program, KGI MSPA graduates benefit from an accelerated 22-credit pathway, while non-KGI MSPA graduates may transfer up to 14 credits from an accredited MSPA program with course equivalency.
Program Details
The DMSc and DHSc programs can be completed in three semesters, with a part-time option available for individuals seeking a more flexible pace. The active learning curriculum is designed to expand expertise for leadership, academic, and policy-making roles.
Fall
- Organizational Behavior
- Infectious Diseases and Community Health
- Motivation, Change, and Leadership
- Healthcare Economics
- Research Methods or Elective
Spring
- Chronic Diseases and Community Health
- Medical Research and Writing
- Capstone
- Research Methods or Elective
Summer
- Health Promotion, Education, and Ethics
- Healthcare Policy
- Healthcare Management
- Capstone
Career Pathways with a DMSc or DHSc
Graduates from the DMSc/DHSc programs are well-positioned for leadership roles across clinical, academic, and administrative settings. Career pathways include:
- Academic faculty in health professions programs
- Clinical and medical leadership roles
- Healthcare administration and executive leadership
- Health policy and consulting roles
- Public health and nonprofit leadership
Common job titles include Director of Clinical Education, Program Director, Healthcare Administrator, Medical Science Liaison, Health Policy Analyst, and Clinical Leader.
How to Apply to the DMSc/DHSc Programs
Ready to take the next step? Apply to join the next cohort.
Application requirements include:
- Online application
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language proficiency (for international applicants)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a clinical or health-related field. In addition:
DMSc applicants:
- Current NCCPA certification required
DHSc or non-PA applicants:
- Relevant licensure or professional experience in a healthcare field
Financing Your Doctoral Degre
Invest in your graduate education with confidence. KGI offers guidance tailored to your needs and connects you with essential information and helpful resources to ensure you fully understand the costs of your degree and the financial support you will receive.
The program is competitively priced at $1,070 per credit. The full program requires 36 credits, for a total cost of $38,520.
For the DMSc: KGI MSPA graduates on the accelerated 22-credit pathway pay $23,540. Non-KGI MSPA graduates who transfer up to 14 credits with demonstrated equivalency also benefit from reduced tuition.
Financing Your StudiesBecoming a Healthcare Leader Starts at KGI
Advance your career as a healthcare leader, educator, or policy influencer. Join KGI’s DMSc/DHSc program and prepare to make a lasting impact on healthcare outcomes and communities.
Start your application today