At the University of Detroit Mercy, our flexible and fully online programs* are meticulously crafted to assist you in attaining your academic and professional objectives, regardless of your current location. Whether you seek to advance your career, transition to a new field, or embark on lifelong learning, our accredited programs offer the caliber of education, seasoned faculty, and supportive learning environment necessary for your success.
Dive into our wide range of online degrees and certificates and start your exciting adventure towards your dream career today!
* California and international students should click here to review our disclosure page.
Doctor of Medical Science
Doctoral Degree
Advance your healthcare career through the University of Detroit Mercy’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMS), Michigan’s first DMS program. Designed for healthcare professionals, this 30-credit online doctorate prepares you for leadership opportunities in clinical practice, healthcare administration, education, policy, and organizational improvement.
Complete the program in 15 months across four consecutive semesters. Online coursework combines independent learning with scheduled faculty and cohort engagement. An assigned faculty advisor supports your coursework and a capstone focused on a healthcare problem relevant to your professional interests. Grounded in Detroit Mercy’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions, the program emphasizes ethical leadership, service, and health equity.
Michigan's First
Detroit Mercy offers the state's first Doctorate of Medical Science, making it a distinctive opportunity for healthcare professionals who want an advanced doctoral pathway rooted in the needs of Michigan, Detroit and the broader Midwest.
Flexible Online Format
Designed for busy healthcare professionals, DMS courses are delivered online, combining asynchronous learning with meaningful synchronous engagement with your DMS cohort.
Concentration Options
Our program enables you to align your DMS study with your career goals, customizing your degree with concentration options including Leadership and Healthcare Administration.
Mission-Driven
UDM's Mercy and Jesuit traditions help prepare you to lead with not only competence, but compassion, ethics and a commitment to health equity. You'll do more than earn a credential – you'll be ready to lead positive change in healthcare.
Program Outcomes
Concentration in the DMS program
The Healthcare Law concentration prepares you to address the legal and ethical challenges encountered by healthcare professionals and organizations. Students will strengthen their ability to recognize legal risks, navigate conflict, and evaluate complex healthcare decisions. The concentration supports professional goals in healthcare administration, policy, risk management, compliance, and advocacy.
The Leadership and Healthcare Administration concentration prepares you to lead teams, manage change and improve organizational performance. You'll learn to understand and guide the business and operational sides of healthcare, accurately interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to support critical thinking, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and informed decision-making.
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|
DMS Core Coursework |
Credits |
|
DMS 7000 |
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis |
3 |
|
DMS 7100 |
Medical Seminar |
3 |
|
DMS 7200 |
Healthcare Policy and Ethics |
3 |
|
DMS 7300 |
Evidence-Based Medicine |
3 |
|
DMS 7910 |
Doctoral Capstone Seminar I |
3 |
|
DMS 7920 |
Doctoral Capstone Seminar II |
3 |
|
|
Shared Coursework Total |
18 |
Students select one concentration:
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|
|
Leadership and Healthcare Administration |
Credits |
|
HSA 7050 |
|
Population Health |
3 |
|
HSA 7090 |
|
Human Resources in Healthcare Organizations |
1.5 |
|
HSA 7150 |
|
Leadership in Healthcare Organizations |
1.5 |
|
HSA 7010 |
|
Accounting Principles in the Healthcare Profession |
3 |
|
HSA 7780 |
|
Quality Improvement |
3 |
|
|
|
Concentration Total |
12 |
|
|
|
Healthcare Law Concentration |
Credits |
|
DMS 7400 |
|
Healthcare Negotiation and Conflict Resolution |
3 |
|
DMS 7500 |
|
Medical Malpractice, Patient Safety, and Risk Management |
3 |
|
DMS 7600 |
|
Healthcare Law for Medical Professionals |
3 |
|
DMS 7700 |
|
Bioethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare |
3 |
|
|
|
Concentration Total |
12 |
Admissions Criteria
Preferred academic preparation: A healthcare-related master’s degree from an accredited institution and a cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.0.
International credentials: Foreign-trained graduates may receive consideration if they meet University admission requirements.
Program Requirements
- Application materials: A completed application, official transcripts, current CV or résumé, personal statement, and two recommendation letters.
- Personal statement: Explain professional goals, interest in doctoral study, and alignment with the DMS program.
- Interview: Selected applicants may receive an interview invitation.
**Holistic consideration: Applicants without a master’s who have at least 40 post-baccalaureate graduate credits, and applicants below a 3.0 graduate GPA, may receive consideration based on their overall qualifications and relevant experience.
Geographic Enrollment Eligibility: Qualified U.S. Applicants, International applicants may receive consideration, subject to University admission requirements and applicable requirements in their country of residence. Applicants should confirm eligibility with Graduate Admissions before enrolling.