Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

The Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) in Health Policy and Management will prepare you for leadership positions in public health practice. This program trains you to lead health initiatives at the local, state or national level and in both the public and private sectors. As part of the Dr.P.H. program, you’ll become an expert in:

• The socioeconomic influences on health, including how public and private investments affect infrastructures and health care
• The dynamic changes underway in financing, health education and access to health care services
• How these changes affect national and global health and economic policies
• How to manage public health programs and develop health care policy

Is a Dr.P.H. Degree Right for Me?

This program is designed for the mid-career professional and public health practitioner. Your experience in health departments, hospitals and other health care settings will prepare you for the coursework and research in this rigorous Dr.P.H. program. If you want to take on a leadership role in health care and influence health policy decisions, a doctoral degree is a must.

Candidates for the Doctor of Public Health Program need an M.P.H. or closely related degree and extensive experience in the field. View our full list of admissions requirements.

Doctor of Public Health: Program Format

The Dr.P.H. program is offered both fully online in a synchronous format, as well as in a in-person, with classes meeting in the late afternoon and evening. Most on-campus courses are hybrid, meaning a combination of on-campus and live Zoom sessions. The online program has no residency requirement and is offered fully online with courses meeting via Zoom.  

Our program has three main components: two years of coursework, a one-year internship and a dissertation. In total, 54 credits are required to earn the degree. Our small class sizes, evening schedule and flexible format allows you to build the leadership and management skills needed for a high-level role.

Our Dr.P.H. candidates usually work full-time while enrolled in the program, and typically take classes one day per week. While there is no traditional coursework during the summer, your dissertation or internship will continue into the summer months. During your first summer in the program, you’ll also take a comprehensive exam. We are flexible with your internship; it can be completed at your current job, as long as the work is different than your usual day-to-day schedule.

Program Features

The program has a special emphasis on the socioeconomic forces influencing the health care industry. As part of the program, you’ll explore pressing issues in the field today, especially access and equity in health care. You’ll also have opportunities to conduct and publish applied research. Our faculty is made up of internationally renowned public health leaders to work closely with during your studies.

Explore the program's core competencies and curriculum.

What Positions Can You Get with a Dr.P.H.?

A doctorate in public health helps you qualify for high-level roles that have an impact on policy decisions. You have many options when it comes to your work setting; program graduates can work in local or federal government, the pharmaceutical industry, health care practice settings like hospitals, NGOs and more. Common leadership and consultant positions include:

• Public Health Director
• Community Health Director
• Public Health Consultant
• Health Policy Advisor

Depending on your Master’s specialization and experience, a doctorate will also help build your career as an epidemiologist, research analyst or principal investigator.

Dr.P.H. and Ph.D. — What’s the Difference?

While a Dr.P.H. focuses mainly on implementing and leading policy changes, a Ph.D. in public health is focused on scientific research. If you’re looking to build your career in government or practice-based settings as an administrator or director, a Dr.P.H. is the right fit for you. If you’re not interested in influencing health care policy, a Ph.D. is usually the better choice. A Ph.D. focuses more on discoveries that impact public health.