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Leah Fullman Named Inaugural Dean of the School of Speech-Language Pathology in the Pepperdine University College of Health Science

As Pepperdine prepares for the impending launch of the College of Health Science , the University announced the appointment of Leah Fullman as the inaugural dean of the School of Speech-Language Pathology.

During her tenure as the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences at Faulkner University, Fullman guided the strategic planning and development of seven health science programs, including a bachelor's in health sciences, master's in speech-language pathology, master's in physician assistant studies, doctor of physical therapy, and doctor of occupational therapy. She also led the creation of an online master's in speech-language pathology and PhD in health sciences. Fullman oversaw the construction and interior design of the 85,000-square-foot Health Science Center at Faulkner, including a 15,000-square-foot interprofessional clinic. At the time of her departure, Fullman was in the process of developing a nursing program.

A key member of the Faulkner advancement team, Fullman was dedicated to acquiring grants to fund the College of Health Sciences and managed multi-million-dollar budgets successfully. During her tenure, Fullman exceeded student enrollment goals and formed relationships with a diverse network of healthcare professionals.

An alumna of the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Fullman also serves as a trustee at her alma mater, where she contributes her expertise in administration, accreditation, and assessment as she navigates the needs of for-profit education and serves a wide variety of constituents. She has become a sought-after accreditation consultant for developing programs in the health sciences and a legal consultant for cases within her scope of practice. 

Fullman also has extensive experience in clinical settings and has contributed her expertise to medical centers, private clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, serving a diverse caseload from NICU to geriatrics.

Fullman received her doctor of science from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and master of science in speech-language pathology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She received her bachelor of science in liberal arts from California State University, Fullerton. She also completed special training and research in the speech/language and feeding/swallowing needs of medically complex patients, including trach/vent and feeding tubes.

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Faulkner PhD in Health Sciences, 18 Months Min

Discussion in ' Nursing and medical-related degrees ' started by Jonathan Whatley , Aug 21, 2023 .

Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

Faulkner University, a Christian non-profit B&M in Alabama, offers an online PhD in Health Sciences it states can be completed in 18 months. The program intends to prepare graduates for "administrative, academic, and clinical settings." The first phase of 10 courses x 3 = 30 sh can be completed in one year. Then the 15 sh dissertation phase "can be completed in six months, depending on the student." Courses are 5 weeks with rolling admissions and 10 entry points each year. Admissions requires a graduate degree in health sciences or related, minimum GPA 3.0. (780 per sh tuition + 75 per sh online course fee) x 45 sh = 38 475, plus general fee of 350 per semester (or 250 if 5 sh or less). Faulkner University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ [Restoration movement], the same denomination as Amberton, Pepperdine, and others.  

chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

The program director holds a DPT and is pursuing a DHsc. at Liberty University.  

Dustin Well-Known Member

chrisjm18 said: ↑ The program director holds a DPT and is pursuing a DHsc. at Liberty University. Click to expand...

Dustin said: ↑ A dissertation in 6 months, to earn a PhD? Run by a guy who didn't write a dissertation in his first doctorate and won't write one in his second? Doesn't that grind your gears? Click to expand...

siersema Active Member

Healthcare seems to be the common theme with many of these fast paced doctorates as of late.  

siersema said: ↑ Healthcare seems to be the common theme with many of these fast paced doctorates as of late. Click to expand...

That’s a good point. Other than the self paced CBE South College EdD , are there many other EdDs marketing this speed? Selfishly, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this in the DIT space.  

siersema said: ↑ That’s a good point. Other than the self paced CBE South College EdD , are there many other EdDs marketing this speed? Selfishly, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this in the DIT space. Click to expand...

Oh absolutely, two years is easy to find. Those marketing 18 month doctorates stand out.  

sanantone Well-Known Member

TESU was supposed to eventually offer an 18-month track for their DBA. It looks like they've given up on that. OSU does not advertise that their Doctor of Forensic Science is 12 months or 18 months, but if you're transferring in 30 credits, it should be possible to finish in 12 months. I posted a DMin that can be completed in fewer than 1.5 years; that was South College's CBE program. Colorado State University has a 42-credit doctor of engineering, but I don't know what the typical completion time is.  

Xspect Member non grata

sanantone said: ↑ posted a DMin that can be completed in fewer than 1.5 years; that was South College's CBE program. Click to expand...

bigposse New Member

Hi, Cody Thompson, director of the Faulkner PhD HS program here. I actually get the questioning looks as people "pass by". It isn't a "normal" or traditional program or "normal" completion time. But I encourage each and any one of you to fire away questions to me if you have interest. Find some of our students on LinkedIn and see what they say. We are into the first 12 dissertations in the 6 month process, and so far so good. Dustin, your comments about me are unfortunate. My completion of a dissertation (I'm finishing my EdD elsewhere other than LU after a bad experience there attempting to finish my dissertation) has nothing to do with the quality of the program, as our dissertation director has completed a dissertation and has served on multiple dissertation committees, so she has a well-oiled machine with the dissertation process. My qualifications (along with completion of the terminal degree) were and are more than enough for this role for SACSCOC, so that really should be sufficient. No need to criticize. I know, less than traditional things often make us uncomfortable. I would encourage you to ask questions that come to mind. Cody  

Welcome to DegreeInfo, Dr. Thompson! Please read skeptical notes from Dustin as others here as constructive. Every participant here is a supporter of high-quality distance, hybrid, and nontraditional higher ed. Most participants here are consumers and a good number are educators. We're also open-minded to delivery models, schedules, etc. that push traditional edges. Participants will raise issues and questions, sometimes tough ones. If your program delivers outcomes where it matters equivalent to its peers, I think the community here would love to see it succeed.  

bigposse said: ↑ Dustin, your comments about me are unfortunate. My completion of a dissertation (I'm finishing my EdD elsewhere other than LU after a bad experience there attempting to finish my dissertation) has nothing to do with the quality of the program, as our dissertation director has completed a dissertation and has served on multiple dissertation committees, so she has a well-oiled machine with the dissertation process. My qualifications (along with completion of the terminal degree) were and are more than enough for this role for SACSCOC, so that really should be sufficient. No need to criticize. I know, less than traditional things often make us uncomfortable. I would encourage you to ask questions that come to mind. Cody Click to expand...

Thanks for the responses, Dustin and Jonathan. I completely get it; no hard feelings at all. And thanks for the welcome!  

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Online DHSc in Health Sciences in AL – Faulkner University

Faulkner University

A Christian University

Months Time to Completion

Credit hours

Weeks a new course starts

Rolling Admissions Throughout the Year

Program Info

Plan of study, course descriptions, doctor of health science.

Enroll in the online Doctor of Health Science degree program at Faulkner University. This fully online doctoral program examines in detail the current state of local and global healthcare so that graduates can analyze scenarios and help organizations find the best solutions to healthcare challenges.

Find out more about this program and how it helps prepare graduates for advanced leadership roles in administrative, academic, and clinical settings.

CHS Mission Statement

As with all Faulkner University degree programs, a DHSc in health sciences trains students to be competent and compassionate professionals proficient in contemporary practices of their fields while being grounded in the Christian faith.

Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Health Science

Prospective students who wish to enroll in the Doctor of Health Science program at Faulkner University must meet the following admissions  requirements:

• Graduate degree from an accredited institution in health sciences or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Official, unopened transcripts from all prior higher education institutions
• Full resume with relevant education and professional experience
• A letter of intent summarizing career goals, reasons for pursuing a DHSc in health sciences from Faulkner University, and research interest areas
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors and professional supervisors
• Completed  graduate application

Students who have questions about specific admission requirements, scholarships, and  financial aid  should contact Faulkner University.

DHSc in Health Science Curriculum

This online Doctor of Health Science degree program is highly flexible and caters to working healthcare professionals who have existing commitments. Classes initiate every five weeks and rolling admissions are welcome all year round. The program is designed so students can begin the program at 10 different entry points during the year. Students from all over the U.S. are attracted to this Faulkner University online Doctor of health sciences degree because they can complete the program in as little as 14 months.

This fully online graduate program consists of 10 didactic courses, totaling 36 credit hours, which can be completed in one full year. The courses for each semester are as follows:

TOTAL HOURS    36

Academic Calendar

Click Here to See the 5-Week Academic Calendar

Health Sciences DHSc Program Objectives

The goal of the online DHSc in health science program is to teach students sophisticated and current knowledge of health science practices in the United States and globally. Graduates will be prepared to contribute rigorous and scientifically sound healthcare literature to their core discipline, lead organizations and institutions with a strong Christian faith compass, and design and conduct original research in interdisciplinary healthcare. The program is geared toward healthcare professionals who will be able to complete their online Doctor of Health Sciences while continuing to work.

HS8301 Evidence-based Practice

This course provides a working knowledge of evidence-based practice in an interdisciplinary environment. Cases will be used as the backbone of this course to assist the student in analyzing data to justify the treatments used in clinical practice. Students will also learn to critically appraise the literature, evaluate diagnostic test performance, design clinical pathways and standard of care, and implement evidenced based practice findings in their own clinical or administrative setting.

HS8302 Bioethics in Clinical Practice and Research

This course introduces students to ethical concepts as they apply to clinical practice and conducting research with human subjects. The aim is to increase students' awareness of and ability to reason through ethical issues that arise in human subjects research and clinical practice. The course will draw upon historical examples, codes, declarations, and other sources of ethical guidance. 

HS8303 Single Subject Research Designs

This course will focus on applications and interpretations of single-case research designs and the analysis of human behavior in academic, healthcare, and community settings. It will cover a number of specific topic areas, including behavioral measurement, single subject research designs, data analysis methods, critical analysis, and evaluation of single-case research articles. Practiced skills will include designing single-subject research projects using various single-subject research designs. 

HS8304 Clinical Statistics

The course will cover statistical concepts used by healthcare practitioners and academicians in both appraising literature and conducting research. This will include descriptive statistics, parametric group comparison statistics, basic non-parametric statistics, linear modeling, probability, ANOVA, regression analysis, and chi-square tests. The focus of this course is on understanding, interpreting, and accurately applying statistical tests, such as selecting the correct test when designing a research project and appraising research literature using the given statistics. The relationship between statistical significance vs clinical significance is also stressed.   

HS 8305 Quantitative Research Methods

The course will cover the basic methods and approaches used in quantitative research in clinical and academic settings. A major emphasis of the course will be on the conceptualization and design of research studies, including theoretically underpinnings and application of concepts. Students will learn formulation of research questions, study design, reliability, validity, sampling, measurement, and interpretation of research findings. Practiced skills will include appraising published quantitative literature and designing quantitative studies related to health issues.

HS8306 Leadership in Healthcare and Academia

This course explores the various methods of leadership and management, both in academia and healthcare environments, and their impact on productivity, profitability, and employee satisfaction. Students will demonstrate competency of the various types of leaders and systems, as well as critique various leadership and management theories. Practiced skills will include applying leadership theories and concepts to their own personal growth and in their employment settings.  

HS 8307 Public Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

This course develops the knowledge and skills needed to work with communities to improve health status of the community. Students will examine the concepts of health and wellness, the determinants of health behavior, national health status, the history of health education, and the role of health promotion for disease prevention. 

HS8308 Grants and Publication

This course is designed to provide writing experiences which prepare the learner for manuscript and grant proposal submissions. This introductory experience into the grant process will include identification of funding sources, proposal writing, project management, and funding challenges. The course will also cover the process of publication, including selecting a journal, preparing the manuscript, submission, revision, and acceptance. Other course topics include writing abstracts, responding to a call for papers, and constructing poster presentations. 

HS8309 Qualitative Research Methods

This course will focus on the knowledge and skills needed to conduct qualitative research in clinical and academic settings. Students will explore the epistemology, theory, ethics, methodology, and procedures of qualitative research.  Practiced skills will include appraising qualitative research articles and conceptualizing and designing qualitative research studies related to health issues.

HS 8310 Healthcare Professionals as Academic and Clinical Instructors

In this course, students examine theoretical principles of teaching and learning for adult learners. Students will explore a variety of teaching methods with a particular emphasis on the educational roles health care professionals assume in both academic and clinical settings. Practiced skills will include formulating instructional plans for adult learners and apply instructional skills in real contexts. 

HS9307 Doctoral Capstone 1: Research Review and Design

This course advances knowledge of research design including research topic selection, literature search techniques, critical review of the literature, and research ethics. This course series aligns the development through execution of a doctoral project suitable for peer-reviewed publication or presentation. Prerequisites: Admission into the Doctor of Health Science program, OR permission of instructor. 

HS9308 Doctoral Capstone 2: Research Methods and Presentation 

This course provides an overview of research methodology including concepts employed in quantitative and qualitative research. This course series aligns the development through execution of a doctoral project suitable for peer-reviewed publication or presentation. Prerequisites: Admission into the Doctor of Health Science program, OR permission of instructor. 

Benefits of Doctor of Health Sciences

There are several advantages to earning an online DHSc in Health Sciences from Faulkner University. One benefit of the program is that it’s fully online, so students can study on their own time, at their own pace, and from virtually anywhere. At the same time, online students enjoy full access to all student resources , services, and libraries that on-campus students do. Also, enrolled students can integrate the degree program into their schedules while maintaining existing personal and professional commitments.

An additional benefit is that Faulkner University is fully accredited by the  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) , so students feel confident they're receiving a high-quality education. Professionals take courses that have been carefully crafted to add to their prior knowledge of healthcare fields with up-to-date research and practices grounded in science while learning about the university’s history and Christian values.

Pursue a Doctor of Health Sciences

Earning an online Doctor of Philosophy in health sciences can be great for advancing your career as you begin or continue to conduct research, publish, or lead organizations in the healthcare field. Faulkner University, which has four campuses located in Alabama, imbues all degree programs with Christian faith and service. To take the next step toward your advanced degree,  request information  or fill out an application online today.

DHSc in Health Science Department

Cody Thompson

• Graduate Degrees at Faulkner
• Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
• Executive Master of Business Administration
• Master in Counseling
• Master in Curriculum Instruction
• Master in Elementary Education Class A Certification
• Master in Elementary Education Alternative A
• Master in Humanities
• Master in Justice Administration
• Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS)
• Master of Science in Management
• Master of Education School Counseling
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD HS)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities Graduate Degrees
• Faulkner Clinical Center
• Academic Program – MSLP
• MSLP Online Leveling Courses
• Clinical Experiences – MSLP
• Admissions – MSLP
• Mission, Vision, Outcomes – MSLP
• SLP – Specialized Training

UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin continues to be one of the premier schools for graduate studies, according to U.S. News & World Report’s partial release of its most recent “Best Graduate Schools.” UT made gains in several disciplines, including the College of Education’s jump into the top 10.

U.S. News has delayed release of its engineering, medicine and clinical psychology rankings, areas in which the University has historically achieved No. 1 and top 10 rankings.

Even with the partial release of the graduate rankings, UT maintained its top 10 spot for five colleges and schools: the College of Education (No. 8); the School of Information (No. 5); the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (No. 8); the College of Pharmacy (No. 6); and the Jackson School of Geosciences (No. 7), ranked under Earth Sciences. Three specialties ranked No. 1 in the country: Accounting, Latin American History and Sociology of Population. Overall, the University has 42 graduate schools and specialty programs ranked in the top 10 when combined with previous years.

“These rankings are striking and reflect our ability to continue to attract exceptional faculty and students. Our excellence is evident in our set of more than 40 schools, programs and specialties ranked in the top-10 in this partial release alone, including several that are the best in the country, if not the world,” said President Jay Hartzell. “Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society.”

Among the highlights in this year’s rankings:

• The College of Education is now ranked in the top 10, moving up eight spots to No. 8.
• The McCombs School of Business moved up four ranks to No. 16 overall.
• The Information Systems MBA program in the McCombs School of Business is ranked No. 4 this year, marking 31 years that it has ranked in the top 5. Accounting has been ranked No. 1 for 18 years.
• The College of Pharmacy moved up one spot to No. 6. Computer Science moved up one rank to No. 7.
• The Nursing master’s program rose six spots to No. 14.

U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings, which are published separately from the yearly ranking of undergraduate programs, are considered the gold standard of graduate and professional rankings. They are based on surveys of academic leaders and, for select programs, additional quantitative measures including placement test scores, student/faculty ratios, research expenditures, salary by profession and job placement success.

The publication updates some of its specialty rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. The rankings for engineering, medicine and psychology will be released at a later date, according to U.S. News.

Graduate schools, programs and specialties that U.S. News ranked in the top 25 are listed below.

Business – 16

• Accounting – 1
• Business Analytics – 8
• Entrepreneurship – 10
• Finance – 13
• Information Systems – 4
• Management – 11
• Marketing – 11
• Production/Operations – 15
• Project Management – 4
• Real Estate – 8
• Supply Chain/Logistics – 16
• Executive MBA – 15
• Part-Time MBA – 7

Education – 8

• Counseling – 15
• Curriculum/Instruction – 12
• Education Policy – 9
• Educational Administration/Supervision – 5
• Educational Psychology – 6
• Elementary Teacher Education – 10
• Higher Education Administration – 14
• Secondary Teacher Education – 10
• Special Education – 7

Health Disciplines (other than Nursing)

• Audiology – 12
• Pharmacy (College of Pharmacy) – 6
• Social Work (Steve Hicks School of Social Work) – 8
• Speech-Language Pathology – 14
• Business/Corporate Law – 17
• Constitutional Law – 11
• Contracts/Commercial Law – 15
• Criminal Law – 20
• Intellectual Property Law – 15
• International Law – 25
• Tax Law – 13

Library and Information Studies Schools (School of Information) – 5*

• Archives and Preservation – 4*
• Digital Librarianship – 7*
• Information Systems – 8*
• Master’s – 14

Public Affairs – 13

• Public Policy Analysis – 15

The Sciences

Biological Sciences – 25*

• Ecology/Evolutionary Biology – 8*

Chemistry – 16*

• Analytical – 4*
• Inorganic – 14*
• Organic – 20*
• Physical – 14*

Computer Science – 7

• Artificial Intelligence – 9
• Programming Language – 7
• Systems – 10

Earth Sciences (Jackson School of Geosciences) – 7*

• Geochemistry – 13*
• Geology – 2*
• Geophysics and Seismology – 5*
• Paleontology – 3*

Mathematics – 13*

• Algebra – 19*
• Analysis – 8*
• Applied Math – 7*
• Topology – 8*

Physics – 13*

• Cosmology/Relativity/Gravity – 10*
• Condensed Matter – 22*

Statistics – 27* 

Social Sciences and Humanities

Economics – 22*

English – 17*

• American Literature After 1865 – 18*

History – 11*

• African American History – 10*
• Latin American History – 1*
• Modern U.S. History – 16*

Political Science – 19*

• American Politics – 20*
• Comparative Politics – 18*

Psychology – 23*

• Behavioral Neuroscience – 8*
• Social Psychology – 9*

Sociology – 11*

• Sociology of Population – 1*
• Sex and Gender – 6*
• Social Stratification – 13*

Fine Arts – 23*

• Sculpture – 6*

*Ranking not revised for 2024-25. Based on latest available ranking.

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