Joshua Merson
DMSc, MS-HPEd, NHDP-BC, PA-C
Associate Clinical Professor; Program Director, Extreme Medicine Medical Sciences
YOU ARE BOUVÉ
Unlike other DMSc programs that are tailored almost exclusively to physician assistants, this degree is available to any individual in a healthcare field who shares an interest in healthcare leadership and administration, and wishes to expand their knowledge and skills to advance their career.
The DMSc program is intended for working healthcare professionals in various time zones, with students from across the globe. It is fully online* and asynchronous, meaning students can view and complete coursework on their schedule while meeting weekly assignment deadlines.
The program comprises a series of core courses centered on developing proficiency in healthcare systems and leadership. Once students have completed the core courses, they progress into one of seven concentrations, each designed to hone knowledge and skills specific to individual interests and career goals.
Students complete courses in research methods and thesis writing to prepare for a final problem-based thesis project that addresses a healthcare issue through the lens of the concentration.
(*The Health Informatics Research concentration is the only in-person track at Northeastern’s Boston campus.)
Degree type:
– DMSc in Healthcare Leadership
Study options:
– Fully online, mostly asynchronous
– Full-time or part-time
Application deadlines:
Spring entry: Dec 1
Fall entry: Aug 15
Cost: Cost of tuition per credit | 36 credit hours
GRE: Not required
F-1 Eligibility:
Due to the online nature of this program, Northeastern University cannot support students who require F-1 non-immigrant status to study within the United States. However, students who wish to pursue this program from their country of residence are welcome to apply.
Have questions? Sign up for one of our upcoming information sessions and get answers.
The curriculum is designed for a 24-month schedule; however, the program can be completed in 12 months or more than 24 months. Student cohorts start in the fall and spring semesters.
All DMSc candidates must earn at least 36 credits by completing core and concentration courses. Students may take elective classes that are targeted toward their career goals with the program director’s approval.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.
A grade of B- or higher is required in each course.
Up to 2 courses or 6 credit hours may be repeated to satisfy the degree requirements. The last grade earned in the repeated courses stands in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.
Join us to learn more about the DMSc program and have your questions answered. Find dates and times of upcoming DMSc info sessions on our graduate admissions events page.
Curriculum subject to change.
For the most up-to-date information please refer to the university’s academic catalog.
Applicants to the DMSc must have a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a healthcare-related field. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must also have at least 3 years of experience in a healthcare-related field, in a leadership/management role, with evidence per their CV and a supervisor’s letter detailing duties that support significant/progressive leadership and responsibilities.
To apply, applicants must also have:
Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended*
Cumulative GPA of 3.0
Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Purpose – The doctoral thesis project is a rigorous course taught over two semesters. It requires students to analyze a healthcare issue in clinical practice, research, or policy and provide recommendations or solutions to fill that gap. Please write a statement of purpose on an area of interest for your thesis topic, the general direction you would like to take with it, and how the DMSc program and thesis will contribute to your career goals.
Documentation of current licensure/certification or Emeritus status in respective field if applicable.
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English.
Please reach out to us.
Mary Walton, DMSc, PA
Program Director
202 Robinson Hall,
360 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115
Office: 617-373-3195
Fax: 617-373-3338
DMSc, MS-HPEd, NHDP-BC, PA-C
Associate Clinical Professor; Program Director, Extreme Medicine Medical Sciences
DMSc, PA
Director, Doctor of Medical Sciences Program; Assistant Clinical Professor Medical Sciences
DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Associate Clinical Professor; Associate DMSc Program Director Medical Sciences
All application questions should go to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management:
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Once your application is complete (including all letters of reference), the university typically sends a decision within 2–3 weeks.
If you have been out of school for a number of years, you may submit 2 professional/work references in place of an academic reference.
No, a PA background is not required for admission into the Northeastern DMSc program. The program is open to working professionals from across the healthcare industry. Students come from around the world, primarily the U.S., and range in age from their 20s to 70s. For example, students in our program are clinicians and providers, medical science liaisons, public health officials, C-suite executives, researchers, psychologists/behavioral therapists, healthcare administrators, lawyers, educators, and regulators.
Yes. In addition to defined concentrations, the DMSc offers an interdisciplinary track that allows students to mix and match courses from different DMSc concentrations for up to 12 credit hours.
Students may also take online, asynchronous graduate-level courses within Bouvé College of Health Sciences, provided permission is granted from the program director and space is available. Courses outside of Bouvé are not allowed. Explore the Bouvé Graduate Catalog.
The DMSc requires 36 credit hours for completion, so it does not accept transfer credits.
Due to already reduced tuition rates, no additional scholarships are offered. However, if you’re a Northeastern alum, you may qualify for the Double Husky Scholarship (a 25% tuition discount).
