Welcome to the Department of Health Services Administration
For over 50 years, our top-ranked and innovative programs have been developing leaders to shape tomorrow’s healthcare.
Whether you are a member of the next generation of health care leaders, in a position to elevate yourself to executive status, or in the C-Suite and looking for a distinct advantage – we have degree options to meet your needs.
Sharing diverse experiences, learning and developing together, and exchanging ideas that move the industry forward.
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.
“We provide students the opportunity to develop valuable analytical and strategic management skills and an opportunity to perfect those skills by conducting action learning assignments and applied research." —S. Robert Hernandez, DrPH, DSc Program Director
As the scope of healthcare delivery systems becomes increasingly complex, the demands on senior leaders to possess highly sophisticated management skills are growing. Our program’s blended delivery format—distance learning with only three intensive on-campus sessions per year—allows you to obtain these skills and your DSc degree while maintaining your executive responsibilities.
The DSc program is paced so you can complete your doctoral degree in only three years: two years of coursework and one year of dissertation research.
"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
One of the best things about UAB is its amazing diversity of its students — we are one of the top most diverse campuses in the United States. 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:
Are you an international student interested in attending UAB? Explore the INTO UAB initiative.
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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.
Find Your Program Today
Doctor of Philosophy in Administration-Health Services
Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership
Health Administration - Executive Format
Health Administration - Residential Format
Health Informatics
Healthcare Quality and Safety
Healthcare Simulation
Graduate Certificate in Applications of Mixed Methods Research