Skip to Content

School of Health and Medical Sciences

Ph.D. in Health Sciences

hero banner

Advance your career with Seton Hall’s 100% online Ph.D. in Health Sciences. Designed for working professionals, this flexible evening program can be completed in three to four years and offers tracks in Health Professions Leadership, Movement Science and Speech-Language Pathology. 

Seton Hall University’s Ph.D. in Health Sciences strengthens your expertise in evidence-based research, preparing you for leadership or advanced practice research roles in higher education, the pharmaceutical industry, hospital and healthcare administration, health law or health professions.  

One of only two programs of its kind in New Jersey, it is also among the few nationwide offered 100% online in a live, synchronous format that provides flexibility and strong mentorship with a dedicated faculty advisor. Students also shape their own research agenda with guided support, developing a dissertation topic that reflects their academic background and professional goals.

Accreditation & Awards

The Middle States Logo
ACHE Logo
ASAHP Logo

Genevieve Pinto-Zipp

"Our flexible format and broad research opportunities attract Ph.D. in Health Sciences candidates from many fields, including medicine, education, nursing, hospital administration, law, the health professions, the social sciences and the pharmaceutical industry."

Admission Image

Admissions Requirements

  • Completion of the Seton Hall University graduate school admission application
  • Graduate of an accredited college/university with a minimum of a master's degree
  • For those interested in the Speech-Language Pathology specialization, proof of eligibility for licensure to practice in New Jersey is also required.
  • Submission of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate study
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate work
  • And more

Deadlines

  • Fall Semester

    June 1

  • Spring Semester

    November 1

  • Applications for the program are accepted on a rolling basis.

Curriculum Overview

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 and participates in the selection of the dissertation committee. Coursework includes:

  • 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.
  • 3

    Specialization Tracks

  • 1 of 2

    NJ Schools with Health Sciences Ph.D.

  • 170+

    Graduates

Career Opportunities

Seton Hall’s Ph.D. in Health Sciences is designed for professionals aiming to advance in healthcare leadership, academia or research. The Ph.D. is a highly respected credential that opens doors to career growth across health systems, universities and research institutions.

A major strength of our program is our accomplished alumni network — thought-leaders working in health care organizations and universities across the state and the nation. Their expertise and connections are an invaluable resource for current students and faculty alike.

Aerial view of New York City

29%

Projected job growth over 10 years

$117,960

Median Pay

562,700

Total Jobs (BLS, 2024, Medical and Health Services Managers)

Our graduates make an impact at world-class hospitals, rehabilitation centers and leading organizations.

Illinois State University Logo
Houston Methodist Hospital
RWJ Barnabas Health
Northwell Health
Pfizer
Jesus “Jessie” Casida, Ph.D. ’07, RN, APN-C, CCRN-CSC

"My research was the first to investigate the extent to which nurse managers’ leadership behaviors influence a nursing unit’s performance in areas such as patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, cost effectiveness and quality care."

Our Faculty and Students

Seton Hall Ph.D. Program Advances Pfizer Executive’s Work

While leading global pharmaceutical strategy, Amanda Radola completed a Ph.D. in Health Sciences — producing nationally recognized research on patient response to drug ads.

Ph.D. Graduation

Upcoming Events

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits does it take to graduate?

Our Ph.D. in Health Sciences degree is 57 credits beyond the master's degree or 48 credits beyond the clinical doctorate degree. For example, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Law or Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) are all considered clinical doctorates.

Do you allow part-time status?

Yes. Students can complete the program at a full-time (3 ½-year program) or part-time (6-year program) pace.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

Most students are employed full-time while pursuing their Ph.D. degree.

How frequently are the classes offered?

Classes are offered once a week synchronously online and are currently scheduled either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night during the academic year. Program competency exams are administered over the summer semester to facilitate the learning experience. The program's Research Forum Series is offered monthly throughout the entire academic year.

Are all courses offered on campus or online?

All courses follow a synchronous online approach to learning except for speech science and movement science laboratory coursework that may require an on-campus laboratory experience. These laboratory experiences are determined in advanced between the student and advisor and are based upon the student's research interest.

Where can I access additional frequently asked questions?

Additional Resources

School of Health and Medical Sciences

Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) Campus

Request More Information

Office of Graduate Affairs

(973) 275-2892

Loading Ph.D. in Health Sciences ...

About Seton Hall

about1
about2

One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.

Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interpro­fessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • 1856

    Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley

  • 14

    Miles from New York City

  • 90+

    Career-Building Graduate Programs

building img