Core Courses:
DMSc 701 – Health Policy & Advocacy for the PA | 3 credits
This course examines the formation, implementation, and evaluation of health policy at local, state, and national levels. Students will analyze how political, economic, and ethical forces shape healthcare delivery and access. Emphasis is placed on the clinician’s role as advocate, leader, and policy influencer in advancing effective healthcare systems.
DMSc 703 – Leadership in Healthcare | 3 credits
This course explores leadership principles, organizational theory, and systems-based approaches to management in healthcare. Students will examine how effective leaders create high-performing teams, drive innovation, and implement strategic change.
Capstone Courses:
DMSc 741 – Introduction to Research Methods & Project Proposal | 3 credits
This course introduces foundational research design, methodology, and ethical principles relevant to applied doctoral scholarship. Students critically appraise literature, identify a practice gap, and develop a structured doctoral project proposal. Emphasis is placed on feasibility, methodological rigor, and IRB considerations.
DMSc 743 – Doctoral Project Implementation | 3 credits
In this course, students implement their approved doctoral project within a clinical, educational, leadership, or industry setting. Students collect and analyze data, apply evidence-based strategies, and evaluate outcomes. Faculty mentorship supports project execution and scholarly refinement.
DMSc 745 – Capstone Dissemination & Professional Presentation | 3 credits
This course focuses on scholarly dissemination of doctoral work to professional audiences. Students prepare a written manuscript and deliver a formal presentation of project outcomes. Emphasis is placed on clear communication, professional presentation skills, and knowledge translation.
Clinical Leadership Track Courses
DMSc 721 – Clinical Leadership Foundations: Leading Self & Teams | 3 credits
This course develops advanced self-awareness and leadership capacity within healthcare teams. Students explore leadership styles, conflict management, coaching strategies, and high-performing team dynamics. Emphasis is placed on leading with emotional intelligence and professional accountability.
DMSc 723 – Clinical Leadership in Healthcare Systems and Operations | 3 credits
This course examines healthcare systems structure, operational management, and financial decision-making. Students analyze workflow efficiency, quality improvement strategies, and performance metrics. The course prepares clinicians to influence operational outcomes within healthcare organizations.
DMSc 725 – Strategic Innovation and Organizational Change | 3 credits
This course explores innovation frameworks and change management strategies in healthcare settings. Students assess organizational readiness, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning. Emphasis is placed on leading sustainable change that improves quality and organizational performance.
Health Professions Education Track Courses
DMSc 740 – Curriculum Development in Health Professions Education | 3 credits
This course introduces principles and best practices in curriculum design for health professions education. Students will conduct needs assessments, define learning outcomes, and align instructional methods with program competencies. The course emphasizes backward design, assessment planning, and evaluation of curriculum effectiveness.
DMSc 742 – Instructional Methods & Teaching Strategies | 3 credits
This course examines evidence-based instructional methods that support effective teaching in clinical and academic settings. Students will explore adult learning theory, simulation-based instruction, and feedback strategies that promote learner engagement and performance. Practical application includes developing and refining teaching sessions tailored to diverse audiences.
DMSc 744 – Educational Assessment & Programmatic Evaluation | 3 credits
This course examines formative and summative assessment methods in health professions education. Students develop tools to evaluate learner performance and analyze program effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on data-driven improvement and accreditation alignment.
Clinical Research & Medical Affairs Track Courses
DMSc 731 – Clinical Trials, Study Design, and Regulatory Oversight | 3 credits
This course provides an overview of clinical research design, regulatory frameworks, and ethical conduct. Students will analyze phases of clinical trials, investigator responsibilities, and standards for data collection and reporting. Emphasis is placed on Good Clinical Practice (GCP), participant protection, and the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring research integrity.
DMSc 733 – Translating Clinical Evidence into Scientific Communication | 3 credits
This course develops students’ ability to synthesize and disseminate clinical evidence for scholarly and professional audiences. Students will evaluate biomedical literature, construct clear and persuasive scientific narratives, and tailor communication for publication, presentation, or policy contexts. Emphasis is placed on clarity, ethical authorship, and effective knowledge translation into practice.
DMSc 735 – Fundamentals of MSL Practice | 3 credits
This course introduces the role, competencies, and professional expectations of the Medical Science Liaison. Students explore stakeholder engagement, compliant scientific exchange, and cross-functional collaboration within industry settings. Emphasis is placed on ethical communication and strategic relationship development.