Executive Doctor of Science (ScD) The Executive ScD program is offered in a non-residential format for practicing health care executives and leaders in public health. The program, also referred to as the EDOC program, is based on health management, policy and health services research principles in order to improve the health of populations through the application of advanced analytical and research knowledge and skills. It is a professional doctorate degree program designed to expand the horizons of professionals in the changing world of health systems. Students are admitted into the program every other year. About the Executive ScD program... The Executive ScD program is designed for mid-career professionals from a spectrum of health services backgrounds who desire joining a group of fellow students and faculty in pursuit of new skills and the development of new knowledge in health systems management. A prime objective of the program is to recruit students with diverse health administration backgrounds and experiences from across the United States and beyond (including health services administrators, health care clinicians, health scientists, and public health leaders). Students can remain employed while undertaking this academic program. What does the curriculum consist of? The curriculum features three major learning themes: research methods, application of analytical skills to current problems, and a seminar series in contemporary health management issues. These content areas are designed to provide the student with the skills required to undertake successful independent research and to help identify health services research issues which merit further analysis and evaluation. The course of study consists of 36 credits of coursework, followed by 9 credits of dissertation research. When are classes held? On-campus classes are held the first four semesters of the Executive ScD program. Students will meet in New Orleans five times during each of the four semesters (June and July are exempt) for a total of 20 sessions. Each session will consist of a three-day weekend with two full days (Friday and Saturday) and a half-day (Sunday). 
dissertation defense.
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What are the dissertation requirements? Students will take a qualifying examination (comprehensive exam) during the fifth semester to assess their readiness for advancement to the dissertation phase of the program. The preparation and defense of a dissertation is required for completion of the program. The research may focus on opportunities, which exist in the students' home organization. The dissertation presents an ideal opportunity to address an actual health system problem and apply research skills to its solutions. This dissertation allows the student to make a contribution to his/her own organization as well as to the broader academic and practice community. Each student will work closely with a Tulane faculty advisor and dissertation committee. The University policy allows a maximum of seven years to complete doctoral studies. What does the program cost? The comprehensive cost for the ScD program is $7500 per semester for five semesters (a total of $37,500). Included in this fee are registration, academic fees, books and printed materials, parking and five meals per weekend session. The program cost is subject to change. Whenever increases become necessary, the university will make every effort to keep them to a minimum. Application Deadlines The next cohort begins January 2009. The deadline for applications is October 15, 2008. Application Requirements Each prospective student applying for the ScD degree must have the following: - A minimum of three years health professions experience;
- Completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate level course work in a related field, or the requirements for the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Public Health, Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Master of Health Administration or a terminal clinical degree;
- Official transcripts of all baccalaureate and graduate course work (Note: transcripts should be sent directly from each College or University attended to the Office of Admissions); a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 point scale is required for admission in the doctoral program within the Department of HSM;
- GRE, GMAT, MCAT or other graduate entrance test scores. A GRE combined score of 1200 in verbal and quantitative sections is preferred;
- Statement of career goals and research ideas. This statement/essay should be between 500 - 1000 words;
- A resume or curriculum vitae;
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the academic and/or professional performance of the applicant; at least one of the recommendations must be from a person with an earned doctoral degree;
- For applicants from non-English speaking areas, TOEFL score is required
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