Doctor of Science in Health Sciences Curriculum

Our curriculum blends theory with practical application, featuring courses under the topics of research methodology, innovative teaching practices, and the evolving landscape of higher education. Students will be mentored through teaching residencies and supported as they complete a dissertation that addresses a research question relevant to their area of interest. Find a list of the program’s courses in Moravian’s course catalog.

Required Courses

Electives

Summer Residencies

DSHS 723: Simulation Education in Healthcare Professions

The summer residency component of this course includes:

• Two intensive days in multiple simulation laboratories
• Collaborative group work and hands-on learning
• Structured opportunities for students to teach a simulation-based instructional unit using course concepts and laboratory equipment

Students will convene on Moravian University’s historic campus to engage in hands-on teaching practice within the Interprofessional Simulation Center. During this immersive experience, students will learn to design, implement, and evaluate simulation-based education while gaining practical experience with advanced simulation technologies.

The experience is led by Deb Halliday, PhD, RN, an expert in simulation education who holds a certificate in simulation from Drexel University and has conducted and presented original research on student evaluation in simulation-based learning. Dr. Halliday is an active member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation. While her professional background is in nursing, her approach to simulation pedagogy and educator training is intentionally interprofessional.

DSHS 713: Scholarly Writing for Health Sciences

The summer residency component of this course includes:

• Two days of guided instruction and collaborative group work
• Access to the Moravian University Writing Center
• Faculty and staff expert feedback

Writing is a core component of scholarly dissemination and is inherently collaborative and multidimensional. Students will engage in guided instruction and collaborative group work in partnership with the Moravian University Writing Center to strengthen their academic and scientific writing skills.

In addition, students will have opportunities to orally present their written work, gaining experience communicating research findings and scientific concepts to peers in preparation for professional and academic dissemination. Faculty and staff experts from across the University will provide structured guidance and feedback to support the development of students’ written and oral communication competencies for effective scholarly dissemination.

DSHS 822: Inclusive Practices in Health Professions Education

The summer residency component of this course consists of:

• Two days
• Offered in summer of odd and even years
• Held in conjunction with the other summer residency course, so students are traveling in just once for instruction

Students will engage in collaborative group work and interact with expert faculty to explore principles of inclusion in education and research. Sessions will include various group activities centered on the topic of inclusion. These experiences will support students in articulating and integrating principles of inclusion into their teaching, research, and professional leadership roles.