Health Professions Ed.D.

START

Fall 2027

CAMPUS

Online

CREDITS

COST

$700 per credit*

Educate the Next Generation of Health Workers

JWU’s Health Professions Doctor of Education program (coming Fall 2027) is tailored for those who are currently working in health fields and wish to pursue leading and teaching roles. This unique new program is offered in a hybrid model with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online course sessions, as well as an in-person summer component in Providence, Rhode Island.

Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the U.S., and the increased demand for workers in healthcare has created a need for more qualified faculty and educators to prepare new workers for the field.

To meet this growing need, JWU — one of New England’s premier institutions for educational leadership — is launching the Health Professions Doctor of Education program. This program will equip you with the skills to create effective educational environments that prepare students to work, teach and lead in the healthcare industry.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in seven major areas: leadership, collaboration, communication, research, critical thinking, problem solving and social responsibility.

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_{*The estimated cost per credit rate is effective for the 2026–27 academic year and is subject to change annually. The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated total amount it will cost a student to attend JWU each year. For more information, contact Student Financial Services.}

Program Structure

60 credit hours (48 of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation work) while maintaining continuous enrollment and a GPA of at least 3.25
Cohort structure for a team approach to studying and solving educational problems
Comprehensive assessment to confirm that you are prepared for dissertation work
Six-year limit for program completion

Program Sequence

Years 1-2: Complete your Ed.D. coursework (12 credits per semester) to form the foundation for your research and dissertation.
Year 1 Summer: Come to campus for a one-week, in-person course accompanied by additional requirements.
Year 2: Earn the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) with successful course completion, then complete the Comprehensive Assessment.
Year 3: Post-assessment candidates are assigned an advisor to begin their dissertation. Most candidates complete their dissertation in one year.

Advantages of Earning Your Health Professions Ed.D. at JWU

Collaboration: Students will have several significant opportunities to collaborate with JWU’s College of Health & Wellness. This program is enriched by JWU programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and public health.
Flexible Schedule: Learn remotely through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals.
Innovative Program: Students participate in live online learning two weekends a month during the fall and spring semesters, plus a weeklong in-person learning experience at our Providence Campus in the summer between years one and two.
Professional Focus: Students travel through the program at the same pace, bonding through shared synchronous experiences, group/partner work, and feedback and guidance from full-time and practitioner faculty. We focus on problems of practice in your professional context.
Accomplished Faculty: Our practitioner faculty work in authentic settings as educational leaders. Their experience enriches the learning in meaningful and authentic ways.
Personal Connections: You’ll have access to full-time faculty, program offices, library and other services to augment and support the program. Program administration and faculty have a hands-on and student-focused outlook to speak with and guide students.
Network for Life: JWU has more than 400 successful Ed.D. graduates, most of whom are active and connected members of the program’s alumni network.

Supportive, Cohort-Based Learning

As a practice-focused doctoral program, the Health Professions Ed.D. provides students the opportunity to learn with a cohort of talented practitioners while building research, leadership and dispositional skills to support career advancement and impactful change.

A cohort model means that the small group you start with (your “cohort”) stays together through the duration of the program, forming friendships and growing together. This cohort provides a supportive peer network to discuss, analyze and solve educational challenges collectively. Together, you’ll focus your investigation and discussion around theory, professional practice and research interests.

Sample Courses

Andragogy and Curriculum Development in Higher Education
Law and Policy in Higher Education
Strategic Planning, Policy and Leadership in Health Education
Outcome Assessment and Accreditation in Health Education
Designing and Leading Interprofessional Education in Health Professions

_{A JWU Catalog link will be added once it becomes available.}

Career Possibilities

Health system administrator
Higher education administrator
Clinical educator
Healthcare policy analyst
College president or provost
Health curriculum specialist
Higher education administrative leadership

_{Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.}

Financial Assistance

Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page to learn about the financial aid process, tuition and fees, loan options and how to connect with your personal Financial Planner.

Explore Graduate Financial Aid

Faculty Contact

Victor Mercurio, Ed.D.
Director of Ed.D. Programs
401-598-2434
Email