Doctor of Whole Health Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
This program is built for working healthcare professionals like you who want to lead the shift toward Whole Health, care that treats the whole person, not just a diagnosis. You’ll learn from Cornerstone Collaboration for Societal Change, the team behind the VA’s Whole Health initiative. See the Program Overview page for the current description and who leads it.
You’re a good fit if you’re an administrator or educator with a master’s and leadership experience, a licensed clinician with a master’s (or 30+ graduate credit hours), or another professional deeply committed to Whole Health. For the current eligibility criteria, check the Admissions Requirements page.
This is not an entry-level credential. You’ll need an existing master’s degree (or equivalent graduate coursework) and, in most cases, a license or leadership role already under your belt. It’s designed to add leadership training on top of the clinical or administrative credential you already hold, not to grant you a new one.
You’ll move through seven terms, taking two to four courses at a time. For the current term structure, check the Program Overview page.
No. Your coursework is online and asynchronous. Depending on your track, you’ll also travel periodically for in-person Weekend Intensives. See the Program Details page for the current format.
If you choose the U.S. Track, you’ll attend four in-person Weekend Intensives. If you choose the Non-U.S. Track, those are replaced with two non-credit courses, and intensives become optional. Compare both on the Program Details page.
You’ll gather in person during Fall and Summer terms at rotating locations around the country, focused on community-building, self-reflection, and hands-on Whole Health practice. Attendance is required if you’re in the U.S. Track and optional if you’re in the Non-U.S. Track. See the Weekend Intensives page for current locations and what to expect.
It’s your culminating, real-world project: a pilot program, research study, policy initiative, or advocacy effort tied to your own professional interests, supported by a Capstone Coordinator and faculty. See the Capstone Overview page for how it’s structured across the program.
You can find current start dates and cohort timing on the Program Overview page.
Yes. The program is designed for working healthcare professionals, with a course load built to fit around your job.
Admissions
You’ll generally need a qualifying background as either an administrator/educator or a licensed clinician, plus English proficiency if you’re applying to the Non-U.S. Track. For the current full list, check the Admissions Requirements page.
You’ll need to submit an application, resume/CV, personal statement, and official transcripts. An interview may also be requested. See the Admissions Requirements page for the current checklist.
Yes, toward your elective credits. Certain fellowships and certifications pre-qualify for block transfer credit, and separate Prior Learning Credit is available for your relevant work and life experience. See the Transfer and Prior Learning Credits page for what currently qualifies.
Admission is generally rolling, but enrollment is limited, so you’re encouraged to apply early. Check the Admissions Requirements page or contact admissions for current cohort timing.
Yes. You would apply to the Non-U.S. Track, which is built for students residing outside the United States. See the Program Details page for track-specific requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
SCU offers a Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee, which locks in your per-term rate for your program’s scheduled duration. Please check the Tuition and Scholarships page for current rates and total program cost.
This is a personal financial decision that depends on your circumstances, career goals, and other options, so it’s worth thinking through carefully. It can help to compare total program cost against the leadership roles and compensation you’re aiming for, factor in the value of the fixed tuition guarantee and any scholarships, and talk with the Financial Aid Office about realistic repayment scenarios before you commit.
You may qualify for the Whole Health Leader Scholarship, along with other institutional aid SCU offers. Award criteria and availability can change, so check the Tuition and Scholarships page for what’s currently offered.
Accreditation & Credential
Yes. SCU holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can find more on our Accreditation and Affiliations page.
It’s a professional doctorate, like SCU’s other “Doctor of” programs, rather than a research PhD, with a Capstone project in place of a traditional dissertation. Once you graduate, you’ll be able to use the “Dr.” title, the same way DNP, EdD, or DC graduates do.
Careers
You’ll be positioned for healthcare leadership roles such as hospital or health system administrator, Chief Wellness Officer, policy director, healthcare transformation consultant, or academic faculty. See the Program Overview page for more on program outcomes.
Compensation for Whole Health leadership roles varies widely by experience, location, and employer. SCU doesn’t guarantee any specific salary or employment outcome, so it’s worth researching current data for the specific roles and markets you’re targeting.
Contact
You can email Admissions@scuhs.edu or call 562-475-4604. You can also attend a DrWHL Program Webinar and get a chance to meet with our faculty, ask questions, and learn more about whole health leadership.