Doctor of Whole Health Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
What is the Doctor of Whole Health Leadership (DrWHL), and is it right for me?
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.
Am I a good fit for SCU’s Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program?
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.
Is this an entry-level degree, or is it for professionals already established in their field?*
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.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
You’ll move through seven terms, taking two to four courses at a time. For the current term structure, check the Program Overview page.
Do I need to relocate, or is this program online?
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.
What are the Weekend Intensives, and do I have to attend them?
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.
What is the Capstone project I'll need to complete?
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.
When can I start the program?
You can find current start dates and cohort timing on the Program Overview page.
Will I be able to work while I'm in the program?
Yes. The program is designed for working healthcare professionals, with a course load built to fit around your job.
Admissions
What do I need to qualify for admission?
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.
What do I need to submit with my application?
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.
Can I transfer in credits I've already earned, or get credit for prior experience?
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.
Is there a deadline I need to meet to apply?
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.
Can I apply if I live outside the U.S.?
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.
What is the difference between the U.S. Track and the Non-U.S. Track?
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.
Tuition & Financial Aid
How much will this program cost me, and will my tuition change over time?
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.
Is the cost of this program worth it compared to the career outcomes?
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.
What scholarships are available to me?
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
Is SCU accredited?
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.
Is this the same as a PhD, and will I be able to use Dr.?
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
What can I do with this degree?
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.
What kind of salary can I expect?
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
Who do I contact with questions about the program?
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.
Integrative, Whole Health Approach
Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?
Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.
Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?
Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.
Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?
No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.
Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?
You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.