Doctor of Health Sciences in the Field of Leadership in Clinical Practice and Education, Educational Leadership Concentration (STEM)

In the doctor of health sciences, or DHSc, in leadership in clinical practice and education program students gain mastery of the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare programs, lead interprofessional teams, and evaluate evidence to advance healthcare. The program prepares those in clinical health positions from a range of backgrounds who seek to build competencies in advanced professional practice, whether that be in clinical or academic environments. The program offers two concentrations in either clinical or educational practice.

The curriculum is delivered primarily online, which means students can continue in their profession full-time, determining when and where learning works within their personal schedule. Two residencies are required over separate weekends, and the program culminates with a finalized manuscript ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. 

By graduation students should be able to:

• Design strategies to improve clinical practice guidelines, clinician performance, and improved outcomes in a healthcare environment.
• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to address a common goal such as improved efficiency and effectiveness, or improved satisfaction among patients and healthcare providers.
• Analyze gaps between the outcomes of best practice and current practice in healthcare practice environments.
• Advance knowledge through action-oriented research and scholarship.

Visit the program website for additional information. 

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Standardized Test Scores:	Not required
Application:	Completed GW Application
Recommendations required:	Two (2) letters of recommendation. Evaluators who can attest to your work ethic and/or academic performance are recommended. Recommendations from family members and friends are not acceptable.
Prior Academic Records:	Official transcripts from every college and university attended. All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential agency. Please find the list of member organizations here: https://www.naces.org/members
	If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English language translation must be provided in addition to the original transcripts; translations alone will not be accepted.
Personal Statement:	Please include a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at the George Washington University, your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities relevant to your program of interest.
	Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
Degree and GPA Requirements	Students are required to have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculation into the program.
	Applicants must have an entry-level professional or clinical degree in a biomedical or health science discipline.
	Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Requirements:	Resume/CV
	Applicants must provide evidence of at least one year of clinical or health-related practice or health administration/leadership.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 48 credits, including 24 credits in core courses, 9 credits in seminars, 6 credits in elective courses, and 9 credits in concentration courses.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
Core courses
HFR 8101	Interprofessional Collaboration in Practice
HFR 8102	Health Professions Practicum I
HFR 8103	Health Professions Practicum II
HFR 8107	Program Theory and Health Innovations
HFR 8116	Academic and Clinical Leadership in the Health Professions
HFR 8203	Bioethical Implications of Health Research
HFR 8270	Research Methods in the Health Professions I
HFR 8271	Research Methods in the Health Professions II
Seminars
HFR 8996	Seminar I
HFR 8997	Seminar II
HFR 8998	Seminar III
Electives
At least one research course selected from the following:
HFR 8123	Qualitative Methods for the Health Professions
HFR 8225	Applied Research Design and Analysis
HFR 8227	Survey Methods for Health Professionals
HFR 8272	Mixed Methods in Translational Health Sciences
THS 8127	Systematic Reviews of Healthcare Innovations
One additional concentration-related or research course selected from above with the advisor’s approval or one course selected from the following:
COHM 6220	Finance for Healthcare Operations
HSCI 6241	The Health Care Enterprise
HSCI 6297	Independent Study for Health Professionals

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Educational leadership concentration requirements
Required course
HFR 8212	Teaching Strategies in the Health Professions
Electives
Two courses selected from the following:
HFR 8213	Curriculum Development in the Health Professions
HFR 8214	Assessment in Health Profession Education
HFR 8215	Technology and Education in the Health Professions