Nova Online DHSc. Degree

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by Robert_555, Sep 7, 2005.

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  1. Robert_555

    Robert_555 New Member

    I was looking through Nova Southeastern University's programs and I noticed they had a Doctor of Health Science online. One does not write a disseratation in this program. I found that odd. Is this common amongst doctoral programs?
     
  2. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    That would depend on how the DHS is regarded. If the DHS was regarded as a research degree similar to a PhD, then of course it should have a dissertation. If, on the other hand, the DHS were regarded as a first professional degree more akin to an MD, then there should be no problem with it being offered as a non-dissertation doctorate.
     
  3. PatsFan

    PatsFan New Member

    IMO it is a program weakness to not have some kind of dissertation or major project. A similar program at the University of Sydney includes a practice-oriented thesis: http://www2.fhs.usyd.edu.au/hscd/
    A DMin, for example, requires a major project of 200 or 300 pages. It appears that Nova's PsyD also does not have a dissertation or major project requirement. These programs really seem to lack rigor. They are more like masters degrees.
     
  4. Gregory Gulick DO

    Gregory Gulick DO New Member

    Hi there, Robert. I'm always glad to hear that someone is interested in my alma mater. :)

    I stumbled across the website for the DHSc recently. I am curious what your professional goals are?

    There are a number of professional doctoral programs out there that don't require a dissertation and, obviously, are not PhDs. This program states that it requires a practicum, an internship, and a doctoral analysis (basically, a capstone project that many masters programs use). I would find out what these practicum and internship involve, as these can sometimes be quite extensive.

    However, I would like to add that I was very pleased with NSU when I attended their medical school. The campus is very nice and they are always expanding. So as far as the school goes, I highly recommend it. But as for the particular program, I guess it is going to depend on your career goals.
     
  5. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    The DHS www.nova.edu/dhs/ is a post-professional degree for candidates who are already master's-qualified. No dissertation is required as it is NOT a research degree. The PsyD www.cps.nova.edu is likewise a professional degree and requires practicum, supervision, and internship in lieu of the dissertation.
     
  6. PatsFan

    PatsFan New Member

    Ted,

    I understand what you're saying. I guess I'm more familiar with professional doctorates that DO require a practice-oriented dissertation or extensive project. The PsyD at Mass. Professional School of Psychology and Antioch New England require dissertations AND internships. What I saw on the Nova website did not look too rigorous IMO.

    Tom
     
  7. PatsFan

    PatsFan New Member

    Just curious, besides medical field degrees like MD, DO, DDS, DDM, OD, DPM, DC, DPT and PharmD degrees, etc. what other doctorates don't require major papers, i.e. dissertations or projects? Perhaps I'm being too rigid?
     
  8. Robert_555

    Robert_555 New Member

    Thanks for your responses all. I was just courious about the program. Now that I understand it is meant to be a professional degree and not a research degree. I found the same kind of program at Colorado Technical University but in computer science or management. http://www.ctucoloradosprings.com/programs/index.asp
    However Colorado Technical University is extremely expensive at around $50,000 for their program. I know Nova also has programs in Business and Computer science. I would have to contend if one is going to spend big cash, then he or she should go with a school that has quite a bit better reputation.
    Career wise, I dont need a doctorate degree for the career I wish to pursue (as public health educator). Instead I am pursuing a third master's degree in biology online from the University of
    Maryland at College Park.
    http://www.life.umd.edu/grad/mlfsc/ There some limitations to this program. But I am happy with it cause it suits my needs. I dont have interests in doing research or teaching at a university. Maybe someday I will teach at a local junior college as an adjunct, but that is not for quite awhile.
     
  9. Gregory Gulick DO

    Gregory Gulick DO New Member

    I visited the site and that is a pretty interesting program! Now, if they only had one in the physical sciences for me! :) (I regret not studying additional physics in college)
     

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