- Official undergraduate transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university. Please provide the official transcripts for each of the undergraduate institutions attended.
- Overall minimum graduate (master’s or doctorate) cumulative GPA of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale verified with official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university
- Evidence of a licensed or credentialed allied health care provider; health, wellness or exercise professional, or two years of recent experience as a practitioner, administrator, educator, clinician, or researcher in health, wellness or exercise discipline. If your MS is not aligned with the allied health, health, wellness, or fitness please contact the program coordinator to determine if you fit the minimum requirements to apply to the program.
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation are required. The letters must be less than one calendar year old; must be on letterhead; signed in ink or signed with a verified digital signature. For these letters to be sufficient for review, they must be sent to Graduate Admissions directly from your recommenders. Please have your recommenders email their letters directly to gradadmissions@pennwest.edu.
- If an applicant has any questions about the two letters of recommendation, please contact the DHSc program coordinator, Marc Federico, federico@pennwest.edu
- Current resume or curriculum vitae including personal, educational, and professional achievements.
- Submission of a personal statement that will be assessed by utilizing a standardized programmatic rubric to determine writing ability and skill at the doctoral level.
- Some suggested additional materials to include to your application packet, which may strengthen your application, includes evidence of a Master’s Thesis; and/or a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal publication; and/or a professional presentation in your field. Please contact the program coordinator if there are any questions about the accepted type of evidence (federico@pennwest.edu)
Health Science and Exercise Leadership
The post-professional D.H.Sc. degree addresses the impact of an aging population and the societal shift from treating disease to promoting wellness and health.
Step to the forefront of promoting health and wellness in our society with PennWest’s online Doctorate in Health Science and Leadership degree. Our post-professional D.H.Sc. degree addresses the impact of an aging population and the societal shift from treating disease to promoting wellness and health.
The 48-credit terminal degree includes courses in health science, adult learning and leadership as well as the construction of an evidence-based research portfolio. The portfolio will create a community of practice through the integration of emerging professional trends in health science, exercise science, and wellness and fitness. It will focus on problem-solving and the implementation of solutions that relate to day-to-day professional practice.
Upon completion of the program, you will be positioned as a leader in exercise, fitness and wellness. Among other skills, you will be qualified to research and use evidence-based resources to solve problems and enact change in the fields of health science, exercise science, and wellness and fitness.
This program is for you if...
- You are passionate about transitioning America’s healthcare from a “sickness-centric” to a preventive health and wellness focus.
- You aspire to become a leader in exercise, fitness, and wellness at both community and corporate levels.
- You are interested in developing and implementing evidence-based health promotion strategies.
- You seek to enhance your research skills and apply them to solve contemporary health, exercise, and wellness problems.
- You want to gain advanced knowledge in adult learning theories, leadership, and curriculum design to improve wellness education.
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Global Online
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48 Credits for DHSc
What You'll Study
In the Doctorate in Health Science and Exercise Leadership (D.H.Sc.) program, you’ll study advanced topics in health promotion, exercise science, and wellness leadership. The curriculum includes courses on adult learning theories, leadership principles, curriculum design, and evidence-based health promotion strategies. You’ll engage in research to address contemporary health and wellness issues, developing the skills to create and implement effective health initiatives. This program prepares you to lead and innovate in the fields of health science, fitness, and wellness at community and corporate levels.
Degrees, Certificates
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
Admission Requirements
Regular Admission Requirements for the DHSc Program
2025 Deadlines:
Priority application deadline for fall admission is March 15th; faculty will continue to review applications until all seats are full.
Concentrations
This program has no concentrations.
What You'll Become
Upon completing the Doctorate in Health Science and Exercise Leadership (D.H.Sc.) program, you will become a leader in health promotion and exercise science, equipped to transition healthcare from a "sickness-centric" model to one focused on preventive health and wellness. You will be skilled in developing and implementing evidence-based wellness strategies, leading fitness and wellness programs in community and corporate settings, and conducting advanced research to address health challenges. Your expertise will position you as an innovator in health science and exercise leadership, ready to influence and improve health outcomes on a broad scale.
Career Paths
- Health Services Manager: Oversees the operation of healthcare facilities, improving efficiency and patient care.
- Exercise Physiologist: Develops and implements exercise programs to improve patient health and fitness.
- Wellness Program Director: Manages corporate or community wellness programs aimed at improving overall health and wellness.
- Public Health Director: Leads public health initiatives and programs to improve community health outcomes.
- Clinical Research Scientist: Conducts research to advance knowledge in health science and develop new treatments or interventions.
- Corporate Health Consultant: Advises organizations on how to improve employee health and wellness through targeted programs and initiatives.
- Fitness Center Manager: Oversees the daily operations of a fitness center or gym, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Rehabilitation Services Director: Manages rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.
- Athletic Director: Manages athletic programs at educational institutions or professional sports organizations.
- Health Policy Analyst: Analyzes and develops policies to improve health outcomes and healthcare delivery systems.
- Sports Performance Coach: Works with athletes to enhance their physical performance through targeted exercise and training programs.
Q&A with Dr. Barry McGlumphy – fitness, wellness, healthcare
What does it take to be a successful fitness and wellness professional?
How We'll Help You Succeed
At Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
Finish in 3 years
Average time to complete the D.H.Sc. degree.
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.