Sharing diverse experiences, learning and developing together, and exchanging ideas that move the industry forward.
Now Accepting Applications for the Fall 2026 Cohort…Apply Today!
The Executive Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership is a practice-oriented, academic program designed for experienced healthcare executives who currently occupy or who are preparing to enter senior leadership positions.
Why Choose UAB’s Executive Doctoral Program?
- UAB’s Executive Doctoral Program is an established program with a strong track record of producing practitioner-scholars who are leading organizations and contributing to the body of knowledge.
- The program’s blended delivery format—distance learning with only three intensive on-campus sessions per year—allows you to earn your doctoral degree while maintaining your executive responsibilities.
- The cohort model develops a network of senior healthcare leaders who create a learning community that lasts well beyond the three years of the program.
- Our faculty are committed to your success and dedicated to offering a structure of support throughout your doctoral education journey. Faculty represent a variety of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds, drawing on their diverse expertise and engaging students as partners in learning.
- The curriculum blends practical, relevant topics with an emphasis on evidence-based decision-making: Featuring course content in areas such as organizational strategy & leadership, implementation science, strategic management & operations, policy, applied research, and more! Now includes a new course on Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Healthcare Leaders! Click here to see our full course list.
- The program is housed in UAB’s Department of Health Services Administration, home to the Master of Science in Health Administration that is ranked #1 nationally by U.S. News and World Report.
"The executive doctoral program at UAB provided access to world class faculty, as well as a cohort of healthcare leaders from around the world, providing insights that are both industry changing and professionally transformative."
—Charles Hagood (DSc, ’17)
President/Partner, Press Ganey
UAB's Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership program is a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
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International Students
One of the best things about UAB is its amazing variety of its scholars — we are home to more than 2,000 international students, scholars and visitors annually. We want you to have every opportunity to succeed in your course work and college life. Here are some easy tips for you to follow:
- Visit the UAB International Student and Scholar Services website. They have all sorts of forms, guides, and helpful links to make your life easier.
- Don’t be shy. Let your instructors know that English is your second language.
- Meet regularly with your professors. They are experts and can help!
- Visit the UAB English Language Institute. They will give you assistance with both oral and written English.
- Visit the UAB Writing Center. They have tutors and instructional workshops.
- Consider Graduate School classes for professional development.
- Make friends with fellow graduate students and work in your campus office.
- Frustrated and out of options? UAB counselors are there for you.
We invite you to explore all of the programs and services offered to international students. International Student and Scholar Services will be able to advise you about how to apply and who to contact for information. Please visit their website, or send general questions to
And remember — you are not alone! There are other international students/non-native English speakers in graduate programs across campus.
Our graduate programs prepare students to assume leadership positions across a variety of disciplines in health services administration. Our Master of Science in Health Administration is the top-ranked program by US News & World Reports. What’s more, our combination of graduate degree offerings in Healthcare Leadership, Quality and Safety, Informatics, and Simulation do not exist in any other department in the country. Our graduate faculty teach across multiple programs so that our students learn directly from subject matter experts. Wherever you want your healthcare leadership career to go, our unique graduate degrees will help you get there.
Your place in the rapidly growing healthcare leadership workforce is waiting. Our programs can train you for an exciting career of helping others.
