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I am currently completing the Doctor of Health Administration program at the University of Phoenix. I entered the program as an experienced health care leader and adult learner, expecting a structured doctoral pathway that would progressively prepare students for dissertation development. The program offers valuable flexibility for working professionals, and the core coursework covers relevant areas such as health care leadership, policy, research, organizational change, quality improvement, and... Read More operational performance. I have gained useful knowledge from those courses. However, the dissertation-development process has caused significant frustration and needs substantial improvement.

The lack of continuity between the core doctoral courses and the dissertation phase represents the program’s greatest weakness. The early courses required students to develop a research topic, problem statement, purpose statement, research questions, conceptual framework, and supporting literature. Faculty members frequently deferred substantive guidance by explaining that the dissertation Chair would address those issues later. DOC/715 then revealed that much of the work developed and approved throughout the preceding courses required extensive revision or redevelopment. The process created avoidable rework because students spent considerable time developing materials that did not consistently meet the expectations applied during the dissertation phase. A doctoral sequence should progressively build a defensible study rather than postpone critical guidance until students are expected to begin writing formal dissertation chapters.

Faculty feedback has also varied considerably in quality, specificity, and timeliness. Several faculty members provided detailed and constructive guidance that improved my scholarly writing and strengthened the alignment among my research problem, purpose, questions, framework, methodology, and design. Other faculty members offered limited interaction, delayed grading, or comments that identified deficiencies without clearly explaining the required correction. The inconsistencies are not minor because one unresolved alignment issue can affect every subsequent section of a dissertation. Students should not have to determine which standards apply based on the faculty member assigned to a particular course.

The university changed my dissertation Chair midway through DOC/723, Doctoral Seminar II, causing an additional and substantial disruption. The new Chair required major revisions to my already approved Chapter 1, even though the material had already progressed through previous courses and faculty reviews. I was effectively required to substantially rewrite Chapters 1 and 2 within approximately one week. That volume of work is ordinarily developed and refined over two separate eight-week courses. The experience was exhausting, unnecessarily stressful, and professionally frustrating. I understand that leadership changes can occur, but the university should have provided a documented transition, reconciled the previous and current expectations, and established a reasonable revision timeline. A student should not bear the full consequences of inconsistent guidance from the program.

The standard DHA courses remain one of the program’s stronger components. Assignments related to leadership, health policy, research, organizational performance, quality, and health care administration are relevant to contemporary health care practice. Many projects allow students to connect academic concepts with real organizational challenges. The weekly discussion structure, however, becomes repetitive because most courses require a similar cycle of an initial post and peer responses. Greater use of complex case analysis, policy evaluation, operational problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making would better reflect doctoral-level professional practice. The valuable subject matter would be more effective if the instructional design required progressively deeper analysis rather than repeating the same participation format each week.

The doctoral seminar courses raise a different concern because they rely heavily on repetitive discussions about dissertation barriers, weekly progress, time management, stress, and waiting for feedback. Reflection can support doctoral development, but repeated conversations about feeling overwhelmed offer limited value when students need direct assistance with their studies. Seminar time should focus on structured chapter reviews, research alignment, literature synthesis, methodological decisions, conceptual framework integration, committee feedback, and clearly prioritized revisions. Students should receive milestone-based evaluations that explain what meets expectations, what requires revision, and what must be completed before advancing. Regular engagement with the dissertation Chair and research methodologist would provide considerably more value than another weekly discussion about general challenges. A doctoral seminar should actively advance the dissertation rather than primarily document how difficult the process feels.

The peer-learning environment has also been disappointing at times. Students enter the program with diverse professional and academic backgrounds, but the range of scholarly writing and analytical readiness is broader than I expected in a doctoral program. Some discussion posts and peer responses do not demonstrate doctoral-level analysis, evidence synthesis, grammar, or professional communication. Faculty members then spend substantial time repeating basic instructions, clarifying foundational writing expectations, or providing extensive step-by-step directions. Academic support is important, but the level of remediation sometimes makes the environment feel less rigorous than a doctoral classroom should. I expected peer engagement to challenge my thinking and expose me to advanced perspectives. Too often, required responses become compliance tasks because the original posts provide little substance for meaningful scholarly discussion.

The University of Phoenix DHA program can strengthen a motivated student’s knowledge of health administration, leadership, research, and organizational performance. The program’s flexibility is valuable, and much of the core curriculum is relevant and educational. However, success requires an unusually high degree of self-direction, independent research, persistence, and tolerance for shifting expectations. Stronger alignment among courses, earlier dissertation committee involvement, consistent standards, timely faculty feedback, more rigorous seminar content, and a formal process for leadership transitions would significantly improve the program.

I intend to complete the degree because I have invested substantial time and effort in the program and remain committed to my research. I cannot recommend the DHA program in its current form without serious reservations. Prospective students should understand that the core health administration coursework offers meaningful value, but the dissertation pathway may involve inconsistent guidance, extensive rework, repetitive seminar activities, and uneven academic rigor. The issues impose an unwarranted burden on adult learners who are already managing demanding professional, academic, and personal responsibilities.

As a DHA student now halfway through the program at the University of Phoenix, I have found the experience to be both rigorous and deeply rewarding. The curriculum remains timely, relevant, and intentionally designed to build the skills needed for success in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. Each course reinforces critical thinking, leadership development, and practical application, creating a strong foundation for advanced practice. The professors have been exceptional—knowledgeable, patient,... Read More and genuinely committed to student growth. Their guidance, accessibility, and real‑world expertise consistently elevate the learning experience. At this midpoint, I feel confident in the progress I’ve made and grateful for the high‑quality education the program continues to provide.

Becoming the leader my patients and community deserve.

I am currently taking online courses at the University of Phoenix, and my overall experience has been outstanding. The course format is intuitive and engaging, and the instructors in every class—except one—have been knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. I have learned so much and feel truly prepared for my future goals.

The only exception was the statistics class, where the instructions were confusing and difficult to follow. The instructor's expectations differed from... Read More what we received, resulting in more challenging assignments. Additionally, I noticed some errors in the test answers. Although I could prove they were incorrect, I did not expect my grade to be changed.

Despite this setback, my overall experience at the University of Phoenix has been excellent. I am excited to continue my studies and look forward to finishing my degree so I can use my education to help improve the lives of veterans. I would highly recommend the University of Phoenix to others, especially for its flexible online learning environment and dedicated faculty.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME I am a Vice President at a large health system with over 25 years of experience and elected to begin the doctoral journey. I should have realized there was a problem when acceptance to the school was based on nothing more than an introductory phone call. Initially staff were very attentive. My advisor contacted me frequently for the first 2-3 months. Now I only hear from my advisor (who change frequently) when I lodge complaints. Very inconsistent faculty. Feedback in one class... Read More contradicts the next creating havoc for my dissertation. The courses specific to healthcare administration are a bit better than research classes. However, for the most part you will be teaching yourself. I have excellent grades in all classes and truthfully dont know how, especially in statistics. I am sorry to say that the school is one notch above a diploma mill at best. If I werent so far along, I would stop and go elsewhere.

UOP using WAR VICTIMS & REFUGEES ("ACTORS") = Disgrace What a disgrace! I just saw [another] UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX pathetic TV commercial using war crime victims (actors) and refugees (actors) as to attract/entrap prospective students to enroll in UOP's fraudulent, expensive "education" (really...lack there of) - - AS IF this [CORRUPT] "school" (lack there of) would improve "their" lives and gain them career advancement. PATHETIC! LIARS! CORPORATE GREED! This "school" has been sued successfully bit... Read More its [former] students, in addition to UOP loosing over 50% of its students in the past years, AND - - its investors/shareholders having successfully sued this SCAM, CORRUPT SCHOOL (a/k/a for-profit [greedy] CORPORATION)!

University of Phoenix is a great school for health care and business studies. Professors are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They are available for student assistance, questions and concerns via instant chat when on-line, email and student have direct contact numbers. I really enjoy the online experience and ability to interact with other students from all over the world. The degree programs provide excellent information that is applying in education, professional and personally aspects of life.... Read More I have been a student with the University of Phoenix since 2009 and I have obtained several degrees. I have taken both on campus and on-line course and for me I enjoy the on-line aspects more. On-line courses are easy for some and difficult for others, it is all about finding what works best for you. I have the necessary discipline to complete my assignment in timely fashion, so it was not hard for me, versus having to be in a classroom at a certain time. I also enjoyed the time difference as online courses are in Phoenix time. When taking on-line courses assignment are due by midnight on the assigned due date, this was wonderful and worked great for me. Depending on where you live the time difference is a bonus as you have a little more time to study for exams and submit assignments. Interactions with professors are always positive, supportive and motivating. 95% of my experiences with the professors at the University of Phoenix have been positive. I would definitely highly recommend attendance to this university to anyone as the learning and educational experiences have no limits.

I attend and still attending University of Phoenix Online because it fits my lifestyle. I can log on anytime day or night to access my classes either by my smartphone or by my personal computer. If you have a demanding career and not able to attend a regular college class, University of Phoenix is for you. They offer too many degrees to list. From my enrollment advisor, academic advisor they have assisted me greatly and my financial advisor has provided me many references to help me along the way.... Read More It's never too late to go back to school. I'm 50 years old and pursuing my doctoral degree. #universityofphoenixirise

As a graduate student who is taking online courses, I can say at first it was a scary thought, wondering if I can do online classes, or will I even pass my next course, or will I lose interest in doing my online studies? But, I realized I had so much determination and motivation I was committed to completing my classes on time, making sure my assignments are written out as instructed, as well as my grades were above a 90%. With the support of my family, friends, and the University of Phoenix faculty,... Read More I am more determined to complete the Doctoral Program in Healthcare Administration. Good luck, it can be done!

I re-started my education years back. My career at that given time was diagnostic medical radiographer. Within a decade or so, I was promoted to the Supervisors position. This promotion was most sincere to me. I did my job holistically, positively, providing and delivering excellent quality care to many of my native families, near and far. My dream was to retire, when I was ready. But, this turned out to be the worst experience that would have happened to anyone. Even though I went through mental... Read More pain/anguish, and agony and defeat. In May 2010, I retired. My letters of why with an early retirement, went as far as the President of United States, Barack Obama. I thought he was going to be supportive, apologetic and take action. Nothing came out of that. I think back now, experiencing all the negativity at work was not repairable. I was looking for the golden horizon and positive rewards. Needless to say, I was on the right track. I had just completed my Associate of Arts degree program in Health Administration with University of (Apollo) Phoenix and my first year of my Bachelors degree program. To this date, Ive obtained three degrees, AA, BS and MS. I was also accepted into the Doctorate program in Health Administration in 2015. This is one tough journey and with maintaining my dignity and spirits, in what I had learned in the past with UoP, has helped me to continue my journey. God bless you all. V.B.

I am a single mother who wanted to study for my Bachelors degree but did not have the time as I worked two jobs. I tried enrolling in the traditional collages where physical class attendance was mandatory but this did not work out. I googled colleges that had online courses and a number of colleges came up with University of phoenix among them. I submitted my online applications to all of the three colleges. After 10 minutes an enrollment advisor called me. Unlike the traditional college where I... Read More had to make an appointment to meet with an enrollment advisor, the University enrollment advisor called me to start the process of enrollment. In addition, there was no long wait to speak to the enrollment adviser personnel. The University of phoenix enrollment adviser was very professional and offered very intelligent advice. The University of Phoenix has frequent admission that enables students to start their classes when they are ready. The university instructors had vast Knowledge and experience in the field of the courses they taught. I received the theoretical and practical parts of the courses subject matter. The group work prepared me to deal with different personalities in real work situation. When I got a job as a new graduate, I did not need many days for orientation because I knew what to do from the practice I received in the University of Phoenix group work and instructors advice. Most of the existing work mates in the facility I was employed in came to me for advice and could not believe that I had just graduated. My Level of experience did not match the chronological years in the field. My academic advisors called me on every week to check how I was doing and encouraged me to continue the good work. This was a good motivator because when I had some difficulty in a course he or she redirected me to where I receive help. The standard of the material taught are very high as manifested in knowledge I displayed at work and frequent questions asked by some of my coworkers who attended traditional schools. The University of Phoenix has enrolment advisors who are quick to respond to the applicants, have the patience to accommodate new students concerns, and thoroughly walk students through the process of the financial aid application. The University of phoenix has frequent admission circle that accommodates new students schedule. The instructors have vast knowledge and experience in the subject taught. The Student team work is a good preparatory experience for student to apply in their workplace after graduation. The academic advisors' frequent checks on students a month add to the many quality services the University of Phoenix offer.

I graduated from this University in 2011 with a master’s degree in health administration. I decided to continue to pursuit my doctoral degree. I regret that I wasted my time and money enrolled in University of Phoenix. The instructors all have a diverse way of teaching. They do not have a structure for teaching or ethics. They make their own set of rules for each class. This was a confusing experience. The structure of the doctoral program requires you to solicit your own chair and committee member.... Read More You can only submit your dissertation work if you are in a current class. You are not allowed to submit if you have taken all of your required course work. Additional classes will be added at additional cost. Once you have secured your chair or committee member they are subject to bail out on you without warning and therefore you are left to do your search all over. They have various rules regarding the APA format and not all of the rules are the same from class to class. This was a very frustrating experience for me and I would not recommend this school to anyone. This is a for-profit organization and they are out for money. Your education and learning does not matter. I was 15 credits away before completing my DHA and I place on a six months hold because of plagiarism. My paper was cited as it should have been as instructed and because the percentage of the turn-it-in report was higher, than 10 percent the instructor cited me for plagiarism. The instructor stated that if I took the plagiarism course that he would give me half points for the paper. I did exactly what he said and because I dropped his class, he turned me in anyway. I was permitted to drop and was given a (W) for withdrawal for the class. However, the class ended about four weeks later and they decided to change my (W) to an (F) and place me on a scholastic suspension for six months. I decided to enroll in another university to complete my degree. The transfer caused me to loose credits as well as lengthen my time in school. I addressed all of my concerns to the Dean as well as the enrollment advisor but nothing happened except I was left with the short end of the stick. Avoid going to this school at all cost.

I believe that obtaining an education makes a big difference in advancing your career. The program I am in is very demanding and rewarding at the same time. The instructors do a wonderful job of encouraging the students and helping us learn the most information in a short amount of time. I am a returning student to the university of Phoenix. I had a great experience with the first degree I obtained from them, so I returned for my Doctorate degree from them as well. Financial aide has been an issue... Read More for me, so now I am seeking out scholarships to help off set some of the cost.