Department of Health & Health Sciences

The Department of Health & Health Sciences: Advancing Excellence in Healthcare Leadership and Innovation

Introduction

The Department of Health & Health Sciences is a leading academic division committed to advancing knowledge, leadership, and innovation in the healthcare sector. Through a strong foundation in science, management, and policy, the department equips students with the skills and insight necessary to address today’s most pressing health challenges and to lead healthcare organizations toward better outcomes.

Offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, as well as several accredited professional diplomas, the department blends rigorous academic learning with hands-on experience. Students engage with expert faculty, industry professionals, and research projects that prepare them to shape the future of healthcare delivery, administration, and policy at both national and international levels.

Graduates of the Department of Health & Health Sciences emerge as ethical, knowledgeable, and innovative leaders capable of transforming healthcare systems, improving patient care, and promoting community well-being.

Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Management

The BS in Healthcare Management program provides students with a strong foundation in healthcare systems, business operations, and organizational leadership. Students study subjects such as healthcare policy, medical ethics, health economics, and management principles, gaining a deep understanding of how healthcare organizations function.

This program prepares graduates to manage hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities efficiently while ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. Students develop practical skills in budgeting, strategic planning, and healthcare operations—making them valuable contributors to both public and private health organizations.

Graduate Program

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is designed for professionals seeking advanced leadership roles within healthcare organizations. It focuses on developing strategic thinking, decision-making, and policy analysis skills required to navigate today’s complex healthcare environment.

Students explore topics such as healthcare finance, human resource management, health informatics, and quality improvement. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and data-driven management, preparing graduates to lead hospitals, health systems, and public health agencies with competence and integrity.

Doctoral Program

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

The Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) is a terminal professional degree that prepares senior-level executives, researchers, and educators to lead transformational change in healthcare systems. The program focuses on advanced topics such as health policy development, strategic governance, healthcare innovation, and organizational leadership.

Through applied research and evidence-based practice, students develop the ability to solve complex health management challenges and to influence policy decisions that improve population health. Graduates of the DHA program are well-positioned for leadership roles in academia, hospital administration, consulting, and government healthcare organizations.

Professional Diploma

Professional Diploma in Hospital Management (PDHM)

The Professional Diploma in Hospital Management (PDHM) offers focused, practical training for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their administrative and leadership skills. The curriculum covers areas such as hospital operations, quality assurance, patient safety, and resource management.

This diploma is ideal for physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators who wish to strengthen their managerial expertise and advance their careers in hospital and clinical administration. The PDHM program bridges the gap between clinical practice and management, ensuring efficient, ethical, and patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Vision of the Center

To be a leading international center recognized for advancing educational and psychological research that enhances health education, promotes well-being, and strengthens global health systems through innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.

Mission of the Center

The mission of the Center for Educational Studies and Research is to:

• Promote interdisciplinary research linking education, psychology, and health sciences.
• Support innovative teaching, learning, and professional development in health-related fields.
• Foster collaboration among educators, healthcare professionals, and researchers.
• Generate research that informs health education, public health policy, and patient care strategies.
• Disseminate knowledge that bridges academic research and practical application in global health contexts.

Role of the Center

The Center plays a vital role in supporting the academic, research, and community engagement objectives of the Department of Health & Health Sciences by:

• Overseeing research projects focused on education, psychology, and health behavior.
• Organizing academic seminars, workshops, and professional training for faculty and students.
• Publishing research findings and promoting scholarly exchange in educational and health science fields.
• Facilitating partnerships with hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, and educational institutions.
• Providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research across WGU departments.

Units of the Center

The Center is composed of specialized units that focus on key areas of educational and health research:

1. Health Education and Promotion Unit – Conducts studies and training in public health education, disease prevention, and community wellness.
2. Behavioral and Psychological Health Unit – Focuses on psychological aspects of health, mental well-being, and behavioral change interventions.
3. Professional Development and Training Unit – Offers continuing education, certifications, and workshops for health educators and practitioners.
4. Research and Innovation Unit – Coordinates interdisciplinary research projects and publications across education, psychology, and health sciences.
5. Policy and Systems Unit – Engages in policy analysis and applied research related to healthcare systems, educational leadership, and workforce development.

Programs Supervised by the Center

The Center for Educational Studies and Research supervises a range of academic and professional programs that align with the Department of Health & Health Sciences, including:

• Master’s in Health Education and Leadership
• Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion and Behavior
• Diploma in Psychological Health and Community Wellness
• Workshops and Continuing Education Courses in research methods, healthcare communication, and applied psychology.

These programs prepare students and professionals to become leaders in health education, research, and management, combining educational expertise with scientific and community-based approaches.

Membership and Joining the Center

Membership in the Center for Educational Studies and Research is open to academics, researchers, practitioners, and graduate students with an interest in the intersections of education, psychology, and health sciences.

Prospective members are invited to apply by submitting a completed membership form, an academic profile, and a brief statement of research interests to the Center’s Membership Committee.

Benefits of Membership

We welcome academics who wish to become members of the Center for Educational Studies and Research and benefit from special member privileges, including:

• Membership Card – Official recognition as a member of the Center for Educational and Psychological Studies.
• Priority Invitations – Members receive priority access to all Center activities, conferences, and academic events.
• Publication Opportunities – Members may publish research and scholarly articles on the Center’s official website and affiliated platforms.
• Research Collaboration – Members receive priority consideration for participation and contracting in the Center’s projects, studies, and research initiatives.

Membership fosters academic collaboration, professional recognition, and access to a global network of researchers and educators committed to advancing knowledge and practice in education and health sciences.