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DHA in General Health Administration
Doctor of Health Administration
Build the knowledge and skills you need to lead transformation in health care delivery systems. The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) in General Health Administration is for health care leaders who want to improve patient care through effective administration. The program focuses on ethics, communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
This DHA program lets you take control of when and where you learn, allowing you to get the most out of your education—and your life—while pursuing your degree.
Classes start January 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online
- 9 Core courses
- 3 Specialized courses
- Capstone
- 18 max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $48,000 in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through January 2022.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$755 per credit, 60 coursework credits, 18 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Capstone
$3,020 Per quarter
4 credits per quarter. Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer.
Capstone
What is capstone?$3,020
Per quarter
4 credits per quarter. Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer.
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
*You may need to complete an additional background check later in the program if your practicum site requires it.
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$48,000 Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through January 2022
*Books, supplies and other fees apply
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$48,000
Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through January 2022
*Books, supplies and other fees apply
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Complexity of your capstone
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete capstone in 4 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $755/credit 11 quarters |
$41,525.00 |
| Capstone: $3,020/quarter 4 quarters |
$12,080.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$53,605.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-5,605.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 15 quarters |
$49,975.00 |
Complete capstone in 5 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $755/credit 11 quarters |
$41,525.00 |
| Capstone: $3,020/quarter 5 quarters |
$15,100.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$56,625.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-8,625.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 16 quarters |
$49,975.00 |
Complete capstone in 8 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $755/credit 11 quarters |
$41,525.00 |
| Capstone: $3,020/quarter 8 quarters |
$24,160.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$65,685.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-17,685.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 19 quarters |
$49,975.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through January 2022
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
This specialization focuses on topics such as U.S. or global health policy, health care advocacy, leadership, and strategic vision and planning.
Capstone mentors
For the culminating project of your doctoral degree, you’ll be paired with a knowledgeable mentor to help you along the way.
Keystone course
Work with a faculty member who can help you examine key support elements and identify potential project sites for your capstone topic.
| DHA8007 |
Strategic Financial Management in Health Care
The focus of this course is appropriate use of financial information in the health care organization’s decision making process. Learners examine fundamental components of organizational stewardship, including information management; short- and long-term investment planning; and ethical, professional, and social accountability. Learners also demonstrate the skills needed to develop and implement short- and long-term organizational projects in the health care environment and garner the stakeholder support necessary for achieving the financial goals and objectives of the health care organization. For DHA learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| DHA8004 |
Innovative Business Practices in Health Care
Learners in this course examine various innovative health care practices, including creating a culture of accountability for personal, departmental, and organizational performance. Learners evaluate their abilities as change leaders and assess their readiness to accept responsibility for their organizational performance. Learners also demonstrate the skills needed to communicate effectively, take initiative, and reflect industry standards in the workplace. For DHA learners only. |
6 quarter credits |
| DHA8008 |
Health Care Policy Processes
In this course, learners investigate the impacts of health care policy and legislation on the availability of, access to, and cost of U.S. health care. Learners examine the implications and consequences of specific health care legislation; analyze the values and assumptions underlying changing priorities in health planning and resource allocation; evaluate the combined effects of social, economic, ethical, legal, and political forces on health care; and assess ways of addressing current gaps in health care policy. |
6 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This degree is for practitioners who want to develop applied research and leadership competencies in health administration. It is designed with professional standards in mind to help you advance your career.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Promote organizational directional strategies
- Model health care professionalism through application of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship
- Use evidence-based research methods to problem solve and produce performance-improving results
- Communicate effectively as a health-care scholar and practitioner
- Lead organizational priorities to achieve strategic vision
- Drive organizational culture of accountability through outcomes-driven leadership
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.
“Already in my DHA program I’ve gained insights about how I can use this new knowledge in my day-to-day work.”
Nicole Washington – DHA
Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in promotional material for Capella.
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a DHA in General Health Administration.
Related job titles to explore*
- Clinical manager
- Health director
- Compliance officer
- Chief medical officer
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital
- Social advocacy organization
- Health insurance carrier
- Government—federal, state, local
- Ambulatory health service
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Meet your DHA faculty
Our distinguished DHA faculty are industry leaders, bringing real-world relevance into the courseroom to enrich your education and career.
Ben Spedding, DHA, MA
Health Administration Faculty Chair
Susan Collins, PhD, MHA
DHA Core Faculty
Lisa Kreeger, PhD, RN
Interim Dean, School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
The Value of Interprofessional Education in Health Care
Learn what interprofessional education is and why it’s important in the health care field.
Capella’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board
The advisory board keeps the school at the forefront of nursing and health care education.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.