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.

Course Descriptions

DSHS 700: Foundations of Research
This course will introduce students to the process of conducting ethical research in physical and behavioral health sciences. Students will differentiate between various types of research inquiry, design, and statistical approaches. Key tenets of research ethics will be discussed. Students will complete CITI Training through the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges.

DSHS 710: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.  Participants will learn foundational concepts and research processes necessary to conduct such research. Students will complete the course with a firm understanding of the importance of SoTL and the skills to develop meaningful inquiry into teaching and learning practices

DSHS 712: Biostatistics for Physical and Behavioral Health Professions
This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts and methods in biostatistics as applied to physical and behavioral health sciences. Students will apply techniques using statistical software to analyze applied data. Emphasis is placed on interpreting and communicating statistical results and findings accurately and effectively in the context of health sciences.

DSHS 713: Scholarly Writing in Health Sciences
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.  Participants will learn foundational concepts and research processes necessary to conduct such research. Students will complete the course with a firm understanding of the importance of SoTL and the skills to develop meaningful inquiry into teaching and learning practices.

DSHS 720: Landscape of Higher Education
This course will introduce the structure, function and evolving landscape of higher education. Students will explore the history and mission of higher education, key institutional types, and the roles of teaching, research and service across institutions with diverse missions.  Students will analyze current trends and challenges in higher education alongside foundational concepts in learning theory, sustainability, and policy. Through reflection and inquiry, students will consider essential components of making a successful transition from clinical practice to higher education, including the future of the industry and how technological advances and globalization will impact their career path forward.

DSHS 721: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
This course introduces educators to the foundational concepts, ethical considerations and practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Students will develop AI literacy and critical awareness of common misconceptions, biases, and ethical dilemmas related to its use. Emphasis is placed on digital citizenship and the responsible integration of AI tools into teaching and learning.  Students will use AI to enhance instruction and assessment. Students will express the advantages and challenges of AI utilization.

DSHS 722: Learning Assessment and Evaluation in Health Professions Education
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of effective strategies for evaluating and assessing student learning in both classroom and clinical environments. Students will learn to design and implement a variety of assessment methods, including written and performance-based tools, with a focus on developing instruments that are psychometrically sound and aligned with learning outcomes.  Additionally, students will learn how to properly assess affective domains such as professional behavior and communication.

DSHS 723: Simulation Education in Healthcare Professions
This course provides a comprehensive guide to theory, design, and implementation of simulation-based education in the health professions. Students will explore a range of simulation modalities, including high-fidelity manikins, standardized patients, virtual reality, task trainers, and hybrid approaches. Emphasis is placed on the pedagogical foundations of simulation. Students will gain practical skills in equipment setup, technology and environment management resulting in being equipped to design, facilitate, and evaluate impactful simulation experiences for health professions students. A residency component is linked to this course.

DSHS 724: Design and Implementation of Interprofessional Education & Practice
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, design and implementation of Interprofessional Education (IPE). Students will explore the core principles of IPE, with an emphasis on common themes and variables of adjustment. Students will reflect on ways to foster positive team function in the learning environment.

DSHS 815: Mixed Methods Approaches to Research
This course explores the distinctive methodologies, management strategies, and implementation processes of mixed methods research design. Students will learn to evaluate the appropriateness, feasibility, and practical applications of utilizing mixed methods in health sciences research. After acquiring practical skills and techniques, students will design a mixed methods research proposal and reflect on potential challenges and benefits associated with executing the mixed methods proposal.

DSHS 820: Innovative Teaching Strategies & Theories in Health Professions
This course provides a foundational understanding of teaching and learning principles, with a focus on adult learners in health sciences education.  Students will explore evidence-based strategies for designing and delivering innovative, engaging, and effective instruction across diverse learning environments. Through the use of technology, evidence-based methods for content delivery, and innovative tools specific to the health sciences, students will explore methods to achieve student learning outcomes. The course addresses best practices for both in-person and online teaching, with particular attention to inclusive and student-centered approaches.

DSHS 821: Methods in Online Teaching and Instructional Technology Design
This course provides a foundation in theory and practice of designing, delivering and evaluating effective online learning experiences for adult learners. Grounded in the principles of andragogy, heutagogy and student-centered learning, the course explores instructional design models and emphasizes clarity, alignment, and integration for effective delivery and learner engagement. Students will gain tools for increasing their presence as an instructor, fostering student engagement, and promoting student motivation.

DSHS 822: Inclusive Practices in Health Professions Education
This course examines principles and practices for fostering inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning environments in both classroom and clinical settings. Students will explore how intersectional factors influence learner experiences and outcomes, developing skills to recognize and address exclusionary practices. Through analysis of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards, students will learn to design strategies that promote access, belonging, and academic success for all learners.

DSHS 890: Teaching Residency
This course, repeatable 2 times for credit,  provides doctoral students with progressive, mentored teaching experience in the health sciences. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students begin by co-instructing an undergraduate or graduate course within their discipline, gaining hands-on experience in lesson planning, facilitation of class sessions, and assessment of student learning. As the course progresses, students advance to the role of lead instructor, assuming primary responsibility for the design, delivery, and management of a health sciences course. Students will develop a complete syllabus, create and organize course materials within a learning management system, and implement evidence-based, inclusive instructional and andragogical practices. Throughout the experience, students will analyze student feedback and engage in reflective practice, culminating in the development of a personal teaching philosophy that articulates their emerging teaching identity and commitment to effective, equitable teaching.

DSHS 990: Dissertation
This course, repeatable 3 times for credit, guides students through all stages of the dissertation process as they design, conduct, and disseminate an original applied research project in the health sciences under the supervision of a dissertation chair and committee. Students progress from developing Chapters 1–3 and obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, to completing data collection, data analysis, and Chapter 4: Results. The course culminates in completion of Chapter 5: Conclusions, an oral dissertation defense, presentation of findings as a scholarly poster, and preparation of a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

HLAT 813: Quantitative Methods and Research Design
This course will overview the process of conducting original research including: development of research hypotheses, use of dependent and independent variables, disablement models, experimental design, data collection procedures, research methods, and ethical issues associated with the completion of human subjects research.  The course will require completion of a formal Introduction and Methodology for a proposed original research study design.

HLAT 811: Qualitative Methods and Research Design
This course will overview qualitative research methodology and the process of conducting original qualitative research including experimental design, data collection procedures, research methods, and ethical issues associated with the completion of human subjects research.  The course will require completion of a formal Introduction and Methodology for a proposed original qualitative research study design.

SLP 903: Effective Supervision in Professional Settings
This course examines best practices for supervising support personnel, emphasizing the importance of adhering to guiding documents for supervision requirements. Students will explore strategies for fostering supportive supervision relationships and gain skills for navigating difficult conversations with supervisees. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of their supervision practices.

SLP 811: Qualitative Research for the Practicing Allied Health Professional
This course will review different qualitative research approaches and how they apply to allied health professionals. The course will require students to design, implement and analyze a clinically relevant qualitative research project.