Doctor of Medical Science (DMS)

Description

Doctor of Medical Science

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree program at Detroit Mercy builds on healthcare professionals’ existing knowledge and experience, equipping them with the advanced insights needed to broaden their career opportunities. The DMS program aims to develop advanced practice leaders who will enhance care delivery, inform policy and educate future healthcare providers. Delivered in an online asynchronous (70%) and synchronous (30%) format, the DMS program fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment intended to inspire lifelong learners and scholarly leaders who 1.) critically appraise and apply evidence based research to clinical practice 2.) assume leadership roles in the hospital, clinic, community and educational settings and 3.) embody Detroit Mercy’s values of service, compassion and health equity. The DMS degree builds upon the Master of Science degree.  Courses will be delivered consecutively during the fall, winter and summer academic terms.  It is recommended that students proceed sequentially, as a cohort, through the program.  Individualized plans of study may be approved for students facing extenuating circumstances.  Each matriculant will work closely with an assigned faculty advisor who will guide their coursework and mentor them through the Capstone Project.

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    Accreditation

    The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program is not subject to specialized programmatic accreditation.  The DMS program is offered under the institutional accreditation of the 黑料在线 by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).  The DMS degree is designed for individuals who already hold professional licensure or credentials in a health-related field and does not lead to initial professional licensure.  Completion of the program does not confer eligibility for additional licensure or certification beyond those credentials already held by the student.
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    Admissions Requirements

    Admissions Criteria

    Students entering the DMS program will be required to have:

    • A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • A master’s degree in a healthcare-related field
    • A minimum of 40 post-bachelor graduate credits
    Foreign-trained graduates may be accepted if they meet the University’s admission requirements
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    Academic Policies and Requirements

    To remain in good academic standing and to graduate from the program, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA. All courses in the DMS curriculum must be passed with a B- or better. Students are expected to maintain a mature, professional attitude consistent with that of an effective health care practitioner.

    The performance record of each student is reviewed at the end of each semester. Any student who fails to maintain these standards may not be permitted to progress in the program.
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    Degree Requirements for the Doctor of Medical Science degree (30 credits)

    The DMS degree program comprises of a major in Medical Science (18 credits) and two concentrations delivered online through asynchronous and synchronous formats (12 credits) for a total of 30 credits.

    All students will complete major coursework in Medical Science:

    • MDSC 7000 Statistical Methods and Data Analysis (3 credits)
    • MDSC 7100 Medical Seminar (3 credits)
    • MDSC 7200 Health Care Policy and Ethics (3 credits)
    • MDSC 7300 Evidence-Based Medicine (3 credits)
    • MDSC 7910 Doctoral Capstone Seminar I (3 credits)
    • MDSC 7920 Doctoral Capstone Seminar II (3 credits) 

    Students will also choose one of the following options:

    Leadership/Healthcare Administration

    • HSA 7780 Quality Improvement in Healthcare Organizations (3 credits)
    • HSA 7050 Population Health (3 credits)
    • HSA 7090 Human Resources in Healthcare Organizations (1.5 credits)
    • HSA 7150 Leadership in Healthcare Organizations (1.5 credits)
    • HSA 7010 Accounting Principles in the Health Care Profession (3 credits) 

    Healthcare Law

    • LAW 2251 Public Health Law (3 credits)
    • LAW 3782 Healthcare Negotiation and Tactics (2 credits)
    • LAW 3390 Medical Malpractice (2 credits)
    • LAW 7050 Health Law LFP (3 credits)
    • LAW 4402 Bioethics and Law Seminar (2 credits)

    Total credits required: 30 credits

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    Program Policy Manual

    See College of Health Professions, Policies, Procedures and Handbooks website.
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    Program Contact Information

    Administrative Assistant
    College of Health Professions, 115
    McNichols Campus
    Telephone: 313-993-2474
    Fax: 313-993-1271
    Email:  chpgrad@udmercy.edu

Detroit Mercy Catalogs


Graduate Catalog
2026-2027