Health Sciences (Ph.D.)
Program Director: Genevieve Pinto Zipp, PT, EdD, FNAP,
The Department of Interprofessional Health Sciences and Health Administration offers the online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Ph.D. in H.S.) degree. The Ph.D. in Health Sciences is distinguished by its interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary approach to graduate study. The fundamental design of the program is a model of post-professional education that is broadly based on a core curriculum in health sciences and varied specialization tracks. The interprofessional, online Ph.D. in Health Sciences program is unique and forward-thinking in that it develops academicians, scholars, and managers who, in turn, prepare future professionals, leaders, and innovators across the healthcare continuum. Thus, impacting not just one student but generations of students, reaching across professions and diving deep within diverse sociodemographic communities. The program is designed for health professionals interested in pursuing advanced education at the doctoral level.
By design, the Ph.D. employs a strong foundation in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research approaches and associated methodologies, the development of critical thinking and scholarly argumentation skills, persuasive writing skills, evidence-based health care practice and management, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. The curriculum leads to the development of scholars who appreciate the tenets of “team science” and can join in the development of ongoing scholarship needed to advance person-centered health care.
Students complete a core group of courses that provide a basis for understanding healthcare delivery systems, the role and importance of communication skills within organizations, and principles of teaching and learning. Students also complete a core group of courses addressing various types of research approaches, analysis practices, and scientific writing techniques needed to promote scholarly critical thinking skills. Students pursue specialized courses designated for each of the concentration tracks, providing them the opportunity to design an individualized plan of study that meets their needs and interests. The coursework is enhanced through participation in seminars, practica, research projects, research forums, and independent studies on an as-needed basis.
The three tracks (Health Professions Leadership, Movement Science, and Speech-Language Pathology) in the Doctor of Philosophy program are committed to the enhancement of leadership and clinical practice applications by assisting students in the development of basic research skills; the investigation of research questions in the clinical, healthcare services or health professions education environment; and the acquisition and distribution of new information to society.
The program’s part-time or full-time options for synchronous online delivery meet the needs of working professionals who otherwise would not be able to pursue their doctoral education, join the scholarly conversation, and advance change in health care and the Academy.
Specialization in Health Professions Leadership
The health professions leadership specialization track is designed to provide doctoral education for those healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, as well as teaching and research careers. The leadership track prepares these individuals to design and evaluate methodologies for the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and integrated healthcare services and health professions education programs. The specialization also prepares students to apply the theories and functions of healthcare management, strategic planning, finance, budgeting, and marketing in the design and delivery of healthcare services and health professions education programs; influence healthcare policies and regulations that affect the delivery of healthcare and the education of health professionals; and utilize tools for managing healthcare and educational information.
Specialization in Movement Science
A trend toward the multidisciplinary study of human movement and motor control has resulted in a restructuring and redesign of traditional theories of movement. This has contributed to the need for rehabilitation professionals who read and apply new knowledge and findings for clinical or educational practice, and for educators to alter what is taught at the entry level of practice. Students specializing in the Movement Science specialization develop a coherent view of theory, clinical practice, and research in motor learning and control. The study of motor control and learning is directed at both normal and dysfunctional movement. Specialization coursework is further complemented by practicum coursework that provides an even closer match for the individual’s interests and professional goals. The overall goal of this specialization is to prepare students for research and teaching careers. This goal is met by the comprehensive educational program, which is complemented by a mentoring model of graduate education emphasizing research under the direction of experienced faculty.
Specialization in Speech-Language Pathology
The specialization track in speech-language pathology offers a flexible program of advanced study tailored to address the individual needs of doctoral students with a primary interest that can range from basic research in speech, voice, or language science to applied research and/or clinical applications related to speech and language disorders. Doctoral-level courses are offered in the various areas of communication science and disorders, as well as in many related disciplines. This coursework can be combined with independent study to design a program of study that provides an even closer match for the individual’s interests and professional goals. Supervised research and teaching experiences further supplement this comprehensive and rigorous training program which culminates in the completion of the doctoral dissertation.
Program Goals and Outcomes Goals
The overall goal of the online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is to prepare healthcare providers, managers, academics, and health science researchers to assume leadership roles in professional leadership, research, teaching, and practice within the changing healthcare system. To achieve this goal a flexible and diverse curriculum has been designed to develop individuals who:
- exhibit advanced oral and written communication;
- apply ethical principles fundamental to health science practice and research;
- to prepare graduates to apply theory in practice and research in the field of adult education in personal and professional endeavors;
- critically appraise literature and apply the appropriate principles and procedures to the recognition, evaluation, interpretation, and understanding of current issues;
- design, conduct, and interpret findings in health science research using an appropriate research methodology: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods; and
- understand and appreciate the role of social determinants of health in theory, practice, and research.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Doctor of Philosophy program, graduates will, in part:
- demonstrate advanced writing skills related to program competency examinations, chapter development, and final dissertation submission.
- demonstrate advanced writing skills by publishing in peer-reviewed journals and/or peer-reviewed presentations.
- demonstrate advanced oral presentation skills related to the program’s Research Forum and external conference and/or scholarly presentations.
- additional program outcomes may be found in the program’s Student Handbook.
Criteria for Admission
The following are prerequisites for admission to the program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences:
- graduate of an accredited college with a master’s degree. For those interested in speech specialization proof of eligibility for licensure to practice in New Jersey is also required;
- two letters of recommendation indicating that the applicant possesses the aptitude and ambition to complete a course of doctoral study. Preferably, letters should be from current or previous employers and/or from last school attended;
- statement of goals and research career interests;
- virtual personal interview;
- completion of an application for admission along with official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate studies. Applicants with international degrees must have their academic records evaluated by a member agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on most current graduate work;
- curriculum vitae; and
- if English is not the native language, a student must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score Report documenting a paper-based score of 550 or above, a computer-based score of 213 or above, or an Internet-based score of 79 or above. Exception to this requirement may be granted if the applicant is a U.S. resident and a graduate of a U.S. college within the previous two years.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission to the program; however, if GRE scores are available, they should be submitted.
For program admittance consideration, a completed application should be received by:
- June 1 - Application deadline for admission starting in the Fall semester
- November 1 - Application deadline for admission starting in the Spring semester
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Graduation
Students are expected to complete the Ph.D. degree:
- Part-time following a Synchronous Online 6-Year Program Plan*; or
- Full-time following a Synchronous Online 4 -Year Program Plan*
*Effective Fall 2022 and subsequent terms of entry.
Also, effective spring term 2016, in addition to completing all required coursework and successfully defending the dissertation study, to graduate with the Ph.D. in Health Sciences degree, students must also digitally submit and have their dissertation document accepted by the Seton Hall University Walsh Library and ProQuest database.
Curriculum Requirements
This program of study requires a minimum of 57 credits. For students who hold a professional doctorate (for example: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Law or Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), the minimum number of credits is 48. The educational program plan is developed by the student in consultation with and approval by an academic adviser who is assigned to the student upon admission to the program. This adviser serves as the student’s academic adviser while the student is pursuing coursework and participates in the selection of the dissertation committee. All students who require a minimum of 57 credits complete
- 12 credits of foundational core health science courses;
- 15 credits of core research courses;
- 18 credits of specialization courses (which includes 9 credits of Topical Seminar – Research I, II, III coursework); and
- 12 credits of dissertation coursework.
Foundational Core Health Science Courses (12 credits)
The goal of this portion of the program is to provide the basis for an understanding of the healthcare delivery system, scientific inquiry process, the philosophical basis for research and teaching and learning, and an understanding of the importance of professional communication skills (both oral and written) within an organizational structure. All students are required to take these courses. For students who hold a professional doctorate courses may be waived with the academic advisor's direction.
Core Research Courses (15 credits)
The goal of this portion of the program is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, and the methods for communicating those findings to others.
Specialization Courses (18 credits)
Specific specialization courses are selected by the student in consultation with the academic adviser to provide the student with the content knowledge needed to pursue their area of research interest and to ensure a flexible and creative process of continuing personal and professional development in pursuit of their professional goals. Students are required to take, as part of their 18 credits, GMHS 6302 Topical Seminar- Research 1( Chapter 2); GMHS 6311 Topical Seminar - Research 11 (Chapter 1); and GMHS 6310 Topical Seminar - Research III (Chapter 3).
Substitutions for any course must have the approval of the academic advisor, the Program Director, the Department Chair, and the Dean.
Dissertation Coursework
To be eligible for the Dissertation phase coursework, the student must have successfully paid the applicable Qualifying and Candidacy Examination fees, passed these examinations, and completed the 45 credits of pre-dissertation coursework. Students who do not successfully pass either the Qualifying and/or Candidacy examinations must retake the examinations and, once again, pay the applicable fees.
The Dissertation phase requires completion of a minimum of 12 credits of coursework to include GMHS 9504 Dissertation I- GMHS 9505 Dissertation II and GMHS 9506 Dissertation Advisement. Students may be advised to enroll in GMHS 9507 Dissertation Extension Advsmnt (DEA) to support their mentored dissertation work. Students must continually enroll in Thesis Continuation (THCN 8999 Thesis Cont - Doctorate or THCN 9000 Thesis Cont - Doctorate) if dissertation coursework is incomplete in any given semester. The culmination of the dissertation process is the student’s successful defense of their original research investigation to advance the body of knowledge in their field and an accepted dissertation manuscript by the SHU University Library and ProQuest database.
Ph.D. in Health Sciences
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Health Science Core Courses | ||
| GMHS 6110 | Health Serv Iss and Trends | 3 |
| GMHS 6409 | Style Tchng-Lrng-Hlth Prof Ed | 3 |
| GMHS 7403 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| GMHS 7503 | Scientific Inquiry/Writing | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Research Core | ||
| GMHS 7500 | Interm Statistical Methods I (required) | 3 |
| GMHS 7501 | Research Methods (required, -Quantitative Analysis ) | 3 |
| GMHS 7508 | Interm Statistical Methods II (required) * | 3 |
| GMHS 7602 | Research Seminar (required) | 3 |
| GMHS 7605 | Qualitative Research Methods (required) | 3 |
| Survey Dsgn in Health Care | ||
| Registration Continuation | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Dissertation Process | ||
| GMHS 9504 | Dissertation I ** | 4 |
| GMHS 9505 | Dissertation II *** | 4 |
| GMHS 9506 | Dissertation Advisement **** | 4 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Specialization | ||
| Select one specialization track | 18 | |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
- *
Prerequisite: GMHS 7500 Interm Statistical Methods I
- **
Prerequisite: student must have attained doctoral candidacy.
- ***
Prerequisite: GMHS 9504 Dissertation I
- ****
Prerequisite: GMHS 9505 Dissertation II
Specialization Tracks
Health Professions Leadership
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits of the following: | 18 | |
| Curric Devl in Health Prof (required) | ||
| Inst Culture - Human Rela | ||
| Leadership Theory-Practice (required) | ||
| Mgmt-Ldrshp-Health Prof Ed | ||
| Topical Seminar * | ||
| Topical Seminar * | ||
| Topical Seminar * | ||
| Strat Plan-Hlth-Care-Prof-Ed (required) | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Biomedical Ethics-Legal Issues | ||
| Practicum: Teaching Exper | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Movement Sciences
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits from the following: | 18 | |
| Topical Seminar * | ||
| Topical Seminar * | ||
| Topical Seminar * | ||
| Issue-Motor Cntrl Gait-Balance | ||
| Prin of Motor Cntrl -Learning (required) | ||
| Practicum | ||
| Practicum: Teaching Exper | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Speech-Language Pathology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits from the following: | 18 | |
| Independent Study | ||
| Topics-Artic-Phono Devl-Dis | ||
| Topics in Dysphasia | ||
| Topics Neurogenic Disorders | ||
| Topics-Spch and Meth-Instruct | ||
| Topics in Speech Motor Control | ||
| Practicum | ||
| Practicum | ||
| Practicum: Teaching Exper | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- *
Required
Qualifying Examination
All Ph.D. students are required to pass a Qualifying Examination which assesses the student’s understanding of research methodologies. Students are eligible to sit for the exam once they have completed the following research requirements for the program:
- GMHS 7500 Interm Statistical Methods I
- GMHS 7501 Research Methods -Quantitative Analysis
- GMHS 7508 Interm Statistical Methods II
(Note: For students admitted before the academic year 2009-2010, only GMHS 7500 Interm Statistical Methods I and GMHS 7501 Research Methods -Quantitative Analysis are required.)
The examination is an online, written pass/fail examination administered in June annually. Students must pass the Qualifying Exam to proceed in the program. If a “pass” is not achieved on the first exam, a student has up to two qualifying exam remediation opportunities to achieve a “pass” and continue in the program. Failure to do so will necessitate dismissal from the program. Please see the “Dissertation Coursework” section above for fees associated with this examination.
Candidacy Examination
All Ph.D. students are required to pass a Candidacy Examination. The purpose of this examination is to provide students with a mechanism through which they can provide evidence that they:
- Have mastered a knowledge base that reflects a combination of core course work and course work in their area of specialization.
- Can demonstrate critical thinking by integrating their knowledge base with research and the health sciences, and
- Have a sound understanding of the topic they are planning to focus on in their dissertation research project.
Once students pass the Candidacy Examination, they are considered doctoral candidates and are eligible to begin the dissertation process. The examination is an online, written examination administered in June annually. Students may apply to take the Candidacy Exam when they have completed 42 credits of coursework, including completing the required Core courses, Research courses, and Topical Seminar (6302, 6311) (Note: Students who have a professional doctorate may apply to take the Candidacy Exam when they have completed 30 credits of coursework including Topical Seminar 6302, 6311). If a “pass” is not achieved on the first candidacy exam, a student has up to two opportunities to remediate (e.g., re-take part or all of the exam, take additional coursework, etc.) to achieve a “pass” and remain in the program. Failure to do so will necessitate dismissal from the program. Please see the “Dissertation Coursework” section above for fees associated with this examination.
Dissertation Guidelines
With input from the academic adviser, students must select a dissertation committee chair as early as possible in the program. A student must have a designated chair before initiating the dissertation proposal process and should secure the chair's commitment before engaging in GMHS 6302 Topical Seminar. The chair shall hold an earned doctoral degree and a faculty appointment (excluding adjunct positions) at the University. The chair will act as the student’s primary research adviser and advocate throughout the dissertation process and assist the student in the selection of the other committee members.
Proposal Hearing and Dissertation Courses
Dissertation I culminates when the candidate successfully orally defends the proposal. Candidates must receive written approval of the proposal from the dissertation committee. Candidates register for Dissertation II following successful completion of the oral proposal hearing and undertake the research investigation outlined in the proposal following receipt of IRB approval for the dissertation study. Candidates will register for Dissertation Advisement following completion of data collection, results oral presentation and completion of the dissertation results chapter write-up. It is expected that candidates will register for Doctoral Thesis Continuation THCN8999AA or Doctoral Thesis Continuation THCN9000AA if the expectations for completion of Dissertation Advisement coursework are not met during the semester for which registration occurred. Students will maintain doctoral thesis continuation until the dissertation document has been fully approved and accepted by the Dissertation Committee and the study has been defended in the oral dissertation defense and the doctoral degree conferred. Note that faculty mentorship/instruction requires registration in a credit-bearing course and is not available when a student is registered only in a continuation status. Students who do not complete the required deliverables for Dissertation 1, 11, or the Advisement course as outlined in the course syllabus are required to sign up for GMHS 9507 DEA if they would like to receive faculty mentorship until the deliverables have been accepted by the course instructor (dissertation chair). The deliverables for the DEA course are based upon outstanding deliverables from dissertation 1, 11, or advisement coursework. The due dates for such requirements will be established between the student and faculty mentor at the start of the semester to ensure a timely completion of the deliverables within the semester. IMPORTANT: The DEA course requires use of a flipped learning approach to promote independent student learning using periodic interaction with the faculty mentor. The typical schedule for the formal interactions will include the beginning of the course, intermittent progress updates at approximate 3-week intervals and, at the end of the semester to critique the final deliverables.
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation coursework.
Dissertation Defense
The candidate must submit to all committee members a “near” complete (i.e., minimal changes expected post-defense) dissertation manuscript a minimum of two weeks before the scheduled oral defense of the dissertation. Students must submit the application for Dissertation defense at the beginning of the term in which the defense is expected, or a minimum of two months in advance of an expected hearing date that is in the first month of the term. Public notification of the author, title, date, and location of the defense will be made to the Office of the Provost, SHMS faculty, students, and the University community two weeks before the event. A dissertation defense will not be considered approved and accepted until all members of the dissertation committee sign the manuscript’s signature page. A dissertation may be signed only when no revision or only minor revisions to the manuscript are required. Candidates must adhere to all dissertation guidelines as specified by the program and the university.
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