Educate the Next Generation of Health Workers

JWU’s Health Professions Doctor of Education program (coming Fall 2027) is tailored for those who are currently working in health fields and wish to pursue leading and teaching roles. This unique new program is offered in a hybrid model with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online course sessions, as well as an in-person summer component in Providence, Rhode Island.

The fast-growing healthcare industry has increased demand for workers, in turn creating a need for more qualified faculty and educators to prepare new workers for the field.

To meet this growing need, JWU — one of New England’s premier institutions for educational leadership — is launching the Health Professions Doctor of Education program. This program will equip you with the skills to create effective educational environments that prepare students to work, teach and lead in the healthcare industry.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop high-level competencies in leadership, collaboration, communication, research, critical thinking, problem solving and social responsibility.

Program Structure

  • 60 credits (48 of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation work) while maintaining continuous enrollment and a GPA of at least 3.25
  • Cohort structure for a team approach to studying and solving educational problems
  • Comprehensive assessment to confirm that you are prepared for dissertation work
  • Six-year limit for program completion

Program Sequence

Years 1-2: Complete your Ed.D. coursework (12 credits per semester) to form the foundation for your research and dissertation.
Year 1 Summer: Come to campus for a one-week, in-person course accompanied by additional requirements.
Year 2: Earn the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) with successful course completion, then complete the Comprehensive Assessment.
Year 3: Post-assessment candidates are assigned an advisor to begin their dissertation. Most candidates complete their dissertation in one year.

Admissions & Tuition

The average cost per credit is $700*

*The estimated cost per credit rate is effective for the 2026–27 academic year and is subject to change annually. The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated total amount it will cost a student to attend JWU each year. For more information, contact Student Financial Services.

Learn about the admissions process and tuition for JWU’s graduate programs. 

Advantages of Earning Your Health Professions Ed.D. at JWU

  • Collaboration: Students will have several significant opportunities to collaborate with JWU’s College of Health & Wellness. This program is enriched by JWU programs in physical therapyoccupational therapyphysician assistant studies and public health.
  • Flexible Schedule: Learn remotely through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals.
  • Innovative Program: Students participate in live online learning two weekends a month during the fall and spring semesters, plus a weeklong in-person learning experience at our Providence Campus in the summer between Years 1 and 2.
  • Professional Focus: Students travel through the program at the same pace, bonding through shared synchronous experiences, group/partner work, and feedback and guidance from full-time and practitioner faculty. We focus on problems of practice in your professional context.
  • Accomplished Faculty: Our practitioner faculty work in authentic settings as educational leaders. Their experience enriches the learning in meaningful and authentic ways.
  • Personal Connections: You’ll have access to full-time faculty, program offices, library and other services to augment and support the program. Program administration and faculty have a hands-on and student-focused outlook to speak with and guide students.
  • Network for Life: JWU has more than 400 successful Ed.D. graduates, most of whom are active and connected members of the program’s alumni network.

Supportive, Cohort-Based Learning

As a practice-focused doctoral program, the Health Professions Ed.D. provides students the opportunity to learn with a cohort of talented practitioners while building research, leadership and dispositional skills to support career advancement and impactful change.

A cohort model means that the small group you start with stays together through the duration of the program, forming friendships and growing together. This cohort provides a supportive peer network to discuss, analyze and solve educational challenges collectively. Together, you’ll focus your investigation and discussion around theory, professional practice and research interests.

Career Options

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.

  • Health system administrator
  • Higher education administrator
  • Clinical educator
  • Healthcare policy analyst
  • College president or provost
  • Health curriculum specialist
  • Higher education administrative leadership

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Faculty Contact

Victor Mercurio, Ed.D.
Director of Ed.D. Programs
School of Education
401-598-2434
victor.mercurio@jwu.edu