Top Online PhD in Public Health (DrPH) Programs - MPH Online (2024)

Top Online PhD in Public Health (DrPH) Programs - MPH Online (1)If you’ve already earned an MPH or related degree and are interested in research, teaching, or consulting in the field of public health, a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) may be a good investment. According to the Association of Schools of Public Health, the demand for public health workers, advisers, teachers, and consultants is at an all time high, and the need for public health leaders with doctoral-level degrees is great.

The DrPH is an advanced professional degree centered around the practice of public health. Designed for students with a master of public health (MPH) degree, or its equivalent, the DrPH degree is for individuals pursuing leadership roles as public health professionals. The DrPH degree provides comprehensive leadership training in all areas of public health, exposing students to the latest in research, practice, and theory.

As with the best online MPH programs, earning a DrPH online can reduce the time and expense required for a traditional campus-based Ph.D. program. Currently, there are only a few online DrPH programs, and most require a once a year on campus residency for 2 to 4 days. Five of the best online DrPH programs are profiled below, based on academic reputation, cost, and overall value.

#1. Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University is a private research university founded in 1876 in Baltimore, Maryland by Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins is a world-renowned institution boasting more than 260 degree programs in humanities, arts and music, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, business, education, and the health professions. In 2015, Johns Hopkins was ranked #1 in Best Graduate Public Health Programs and #7 in Best Health Care Management Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

Online DrPH Program Details
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health began offering the online DrPH program in June 2017. The DrPH program at Johns Hopkins is practice-oriented and designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions. DrPH program core and concentration courses can be completed entirely online, and are supplemented by required in-person course work in summer and winter institutes. Summer institutes require one week in residence in Baltimore in June. Winter institutes will run for five days in January and will be similar in format to the Summer Institutes. The DrPH degree confers with a minimum of 64-semester credits.

AccreditationCouncil on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Cost:$1,091 per semester credit

Residency Requirement
Students are required to attend Summer and Winter Institutes in Baltimore one week each June, and five days in January.

#2 University of South Florida

Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida is a public institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,111. The University of South Florida (USF) is a research institution based in Tampa with regional campuses in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of South Florida #159 for “National Universities” in the 2017 Best Colleges.

Online DrPH Program Details
The University of South Florida’s College of Public Health offers the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) – Advanced Practice Leadership in Public Health degree that emphasizes advanced public health education and training with a focus on evidence-informed public health practice. The DrPH prepares students for leadership roles in practice-based settings such as community organizations, health departments, and non-profit organizations. The DrPH degree is completed through online classes and three on-campus DrPH Institutes. The current Institutes offered are in Fall (Institute 1), and Summer (Institutes 2 and 3) and consist of 4 days on-campus over a long weekend. Students who live near the USF campus can take courses on-campus as well as online. The DrPH degree confers with a minimum of 43-semester credits.

Accreditation
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS). The College of Public Health degree programs are accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH).

Cost:$877.17 per semester credit -Tampa, out-of-state

Residency Requirement
Students are required to attend three, four-day on-campus DrPH Institutes at one of the USF campuses in Florida.

#3 University of Illinois – Chicago

Founded in 1965, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a public institution located in Chicago. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Illinois at Chicago #152 for “National Universities” in the 2017 Best Colleges. Founded in 1970 the UIC School of Public Health was an expansion of the University of Illinois Medical Center and was later consolidated into the University of Illinois at Chicago. The School of Public Health is now one of the 15 colleges of UIC and ranked seventeenth in public health programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Online DrPH Program Details
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health offers a Doctor of Public Health designed for public health professionals who want to expand their knowledge and practice of public health. The majority of UIC’s DrPH students complete the program in four to six years on a part-time basis. The program courses are delivered using synchronous internet technology to create a virtual classroom experience. The virtual classes are scheduled for the day and early evening participation. The DrPH curriculum can be completed with a minimum of 64 semester credit hours. Individuals already holding a Masters of Public Health, or related degree may be granted up to 32 semester hours of credit toward the DrPH. Also, students are required to attend on-campus annual Summer Institutes.

Accreditation
The University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Cost: $830 per semester credit hour

Residency Requirement
Students are required to attend annual, three-day on-campus DrPH Summer Institutes in August through their third year.

#4. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University (LLU) was founded by the Adventist Church in 1905 in Loma Linda, California. LLU offers over fifty-five degree programs, many of them online. The university’s student body is comprised of national and international learners from more than eighty countries.

Online DrPH Program Details
LLU’s School of Public Health offers a Doctor of Public Health online degree program with specializations in Nutrition, Epidemiology, Health Education, Health Policy and Leadership, and Preventative Care. The Nutrition specialization program provides education in anatomy and physiology, behavioral science, advanced biochemistry, and quantitative proficiency. The Epidemiology programs focuses on increasing knowledge about various diseases. In the Health Education program, students can prepare for leadership roles in higher education, program planning, and research. The Health Policy and Leadership program is based on leadership development, and the Preventative Care program aims at helping students prepare for career roles that assist others in maintaining their health. Students should expect to complete the Doctor of Public Health online degree program in three to five years with the completion of 89-95 quarter credits. The curriculum consists of online courses, synchronous learning, blended courses, and a visit to the campus for defense of a dissertation.

Accreditation
Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Cost: $950 per quarter credit

Residency Requirement
Students are required to visit the campus one time during the research process for defense of proposals, dissertations, and for graduation.

#5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A highly ranked, major research university, located in one of the most picturesque and lively college towns in the nation, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill presents students a challenging, yet pleasurable academic environment. The Gillings School of Global Public Health has an outstanding faculty and student body reflected in its consistent ranking by U.S. News and Report as the top public university in the field of public health.

Online DrPH Program Details
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health offers a DrPH in Health Leadership to train professionals in public health for executive leadership positions.This three-year, cohort-based program begins with two years of courses in the leadership concentration. Then, students spend their third year in the program taking a comprehensive examination, choosing a dissertation topic and completing the dissertation. All classes are taught via Internet video one evening a week. Students are also required to visit the campus in August, January, and May for 3-4 days per visit.

Accreditation
The School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Cost: $1,545.00 per semester credit, out-of-state

Residency Requirement
Students are required to make six, on-site visits over the first two years of the program. One overseas trip or a trip to a site outside North Carolina may replace one of the six required on-campus visits.

all images sourced from institution’s website

Top Online PhD in Public Health (DrPH) Programs - MPH Online (2024)

FAQs

Top Online PhD in Public Health (DrPH) Programs - MPH Online? ›

Simply stated, a PhD is designed for a career in research, most often in academia (i.e. being a professor), while a DrPH is designed for practitioners who seek to work in leadership positions in 'the field. ' A DrPH is the “practitioner doctorate,” for public health.

Is a DrPH as good as a PhD? ›

Simply stated, a PhD is designed for a career in research, most often in academia (i.e. being a professor), while a DrPH is designed for practitioners who seek to work in leadership positions in 'the field. ' A DrPH is the “practitioner doctorate,” for public health.

Are online PhD programs respected? ›

There are plenty of reputable, regionally accredited institutions taking their doctorates online. They are an easy way to earn a doctorate. While the program may require less face-time or physical presence on a campus, accredited programs are by no means a shortcut to earn your degree.

What is the acceptance rate for public health PhD? ›

The College of Public Health is considered extremely selective with an 11% acceptance rate. The average GPA of grad school students is 3.72. Prospective applicants must submit their overall GPA and Science GPA separately.

What is the fastest PhD to get online? ›

One-Year Online Doctoral Programs
  • Doctorate in Behavioral Health. ...
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision. ...
  • Doctorate Ethereal Degree in Grief Counseling. ...
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy. ...
  • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy. ...
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice. ...
  • Doctorate in Social Work.

Do you need mph for DrPH? ›

The DrPH degree is a school-wide, advanced professional degree program designed for the student who has a master of public health (MPH) degree or its equivalent and who intends to pursue a leadership career as a public health professional.

How much does a DrPH earn in the US? ›

Drph Salary. $56,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $105,000 is the 75th percentile.

Can I be a professor with an online PhD? ›

When you earn a doctorate or Ph. D. in online teaching, you'll be qualified to teach both online and in-person at the highest levels. You'll also be prepared to work in school administrations, do education research, and much more.

Can you get a job with an online PhD? ›

An online Phd in Education degree can prepare students for influential positions that help drive positive changes in corporate settings, nonprofit organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Some career choices might include: Vice president of human resources. Corporate training director.

What is the easiest PhD program to get into? ›

To be sure, at the Ph. D. level, no program could be considered “easy,” but there are certain programs designed to be “easier” than others. Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.

What is the acceptance rate for Harvard DrPH? ›

Things You Have to Know About Harvard Acceptance Rate
20192020
Harvard College3,43%5,2%
Harvard Ph.D. acceptance rate5,7%7%
Harvard MPH acceptance rate49%45%

What is a good GPA for PhD? ›

With GPA, it is recommended that students have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and around a 3.5 discipline-specific GPA to remain competitive for Ph. D.

Are PhD programs harder to get into than medical school? ›

Getting into medical school is generally considered to be harder than getting into grad school or a graduate program in other fields. This is particularly true of prestigious medical schools. This is because medical school is highly specialized, with a rigorous curriculum and demanding admissions criteria.

What is the hardest PhD to get? ›

1. Boarded Medical Doctor: After spending about eight years to earn your first degree, you are faced with between three and six years of residency. This is the most competitive field in education which means you must have passed through a very rigorous process to earn this certificate.

What is the shortest PhD thesis? ›

“The world record for the shortest doctoral dissertation is held by a mathematician: nine pages for a PhD obtained from MIT in 1966.” Mr. Roy also discovered that titles have become longer over time.

Can you complete a PhD in 2 years? ›

A select group of students complete their PhDs in two years, while a tiny number of elite students can get it done in 12 months. It's hard to overstate how rare and impressive this is, but it is always a possibility. The key to a fast-track PhD is building up a strong academic CV before you even start.

Does a DrPH require a dissertation? ›

Original and independent research in the form of a dissertation is not always required in a DrPH program. Some DrPHs, however, culminate in a doctoral dissertation. PhD programs delve deeply into research methods.

Can you be a professor with a DrPH? ›

A number of graduates of the DrPH have gone on to accept university teaching positions or positions as full time researchers in academic or other scholarly settings.

Can you be an epidemiologist with a DrPH? ›

The DrPH in Epidemiology is a research degree program designed to provide clinicians and public health professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in epidemiologic research methods. The department is committed to teaching students who will be leaders in academic research and public health practice.

What public health field makes the most money? ›

Highest Paid Public Health Jobs
  • Doctorate Degree Holders. $80,560.
  • Emergency Management Director. $76,250.
  • Environmental Scientists. $73,230.
  • Epidemiologist. $74,560.
  • Health and Safety Engineer. $94,240.
  • Medical and Health Services Managers. $104,280.
  • Public Health Attorney. $126,930.
  • Social and Community Service Manager.

What is the highest paid doctor field in USA? ›

Neurosurgeons are the highest paid physician specialists, earning an average of $788,313 annually, according to Doximity's "2023 Physician Compensation Report." The results were drawn from survey responses from 190,000 physicians over the last six years, including 31,000 in 2022.

Is public health lucrative in USA? ›

Salaries for Public health range from $31,500 to well over $100,000 annually, depending on the specific area of interest. Find out what salary you can expect from the career you want to pursue in the public health field. One of the best sites for finding that information is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How hard is an online PhD? ›

One of the biggest myths about online doctorate programs is the amount of work involved. Contrary to this widespread myth, online courses can be just as difficult as classes offered in a traditional college setting. Many requirements for an online doctorate degree are the same as those for a PhD earned on campus.

What PhD can I do online? ›

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph. D. Programs
  • Training & Development.
  • Computer Science.
  • Criminal Justice. Juris Doctorate.
  • Assessment & Measurement. Educational Counseling. Educational Leadership. Educational Technology. Higher Education. Reading & Literacy.
  • Philosophy.
  • Educational Psychology. Psychology.

Do you direct a PhD professor as doctor in an email? ›

If you are writing to an instructor or professor, address them as “Professor [Lastname].” If your instructor or professor who has a PhD or DA, you may address them as Dr. [Lastname],” but using “Professor” is also fine.

What is the difference between online PhD and on campus PhD? ›

The main difference is the delivery method. Online doctoral students complete coursework virtually, while in-person students take classes face-to-face. Doctoral students may also notice a cost difference between online and in-person programs. An online format can help doctoral students save money on their degrees.

Can you finish your PhD remotely? ›

And the great thing is it means you can study your PhD from literally anywhere! Online study is a great way to get a PhD, but of course, online study isn't suited to everyone, so before committing you need to make sure that a distance learning PhD program is right for you.

Should I get my PhD online? ›

One of the most frequent questions they ask is: “Are online doctorates credible?” The short answer is yes, they can be credible and that is very good news for busy professionals who want a doctoral degree, but can't accommodate a traditional course of study. However, a few factors make all the difference.

What PhD does not require a dissertation? ›

Some fields and programs that may not require dissertations can include: JD (Juris doctorates, law degree) DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) EdD (Doctor of Education)

What is the easiest and fastest PhD to get? ›

Subjects like the humanities, education, theology, and psychology are generally considered the easiest, mostly because they involve less quantitative research and rely on qualitative study methods.

What is the fastest anyone has gotten a PhD? ›

BANGALORE: While his classmates struggled to solve a simple mathematical problem, Tathagat Avatar Tulsi would solve it in a jiffy. This child prodigy completed his high school when he was just nine years old. Continuing the trend, Tulsi completed a doctoral degree at 21 from the physics department, IISc.

How do I get into Johns Hopkins DrPH? ›

In addition to standard School application materials, DrPH applicants should also possess:
  1. MPH or equivalent degree*
  2. Work experience: a minimum of 3 years of professional, full-time public health experience in the applicant's area of interest by the Dec. 1st application deadline.

How much is the public health stipend for PhD in Harvard? ›

All students receive full tuition and stipend support while they are enrolled and making satisfactory progress toward the Ph. D. degree. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the stipend support is $44,376 or $3,698 per month.

Is Harvard mph hard to get into? ›

Getting into Harvard's MPH program is easier than some applicants may think. The overall acceptance rate for Harvard University is about 3.24 percent. However, the acceptance rate for the MPH program is about 49 percent.

Is 3.4 GPA bad for PhD? ›

Yes, your undergraduate GPA is taken into account when you apply to graduate programs. Most colleges like to see at least a 2.5 or a 3.0 from master's program applicants. Some programs set their minimums at 3.3 or higher. The minimum GPA for a doctoral program may start at 3.3.

Do you need a 4.0 GPA for a PhD? ›

While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs. The reason for this is that PhD programs are a lot of work.

Can I get into PhD with 2.5 GPA? ›

Yes, many students get into grad school with a 2.5 GPA. While the GPA on your college transcripts is an important consideration for graduate admissions at many schools, it's only one factor among many in terms of your overall applicant profile.

Is a PhD more prestigious than a doctorate? ›

Is a PhD Higher Than a Professional Doctorate? No, a PhD is not a higher degree than a professional doctorate. If you're wondering what's better than a PhD, both PhDs and professional doctorates are the highest level of college education that can be earned. Both degrees are doctoral degrees.

Does everyone with a PhD go by DR? ›

A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master's degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor.

Is MD-PhD harder than med school? ›

Overall, it's fair to state that MD-PhD admissions are more difficult than MD admissions. However, because MD-PhD programs so heavily emphasize your research track record, you may be more or less competitive for them depending on your stats and extracurricular profile.

How old are most PhD graduates? ›

The average age of a PhD student varies depending on the field of study and individual circ*mstances but generally ranges from late 20s to early 30s. The average age upon graduation across multiple fields, in the US, is 31.5 years old.

What is a good salary after PhD? ›

$80,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $171,000 is the 75th percentile.

What is the highest paying job with a PhD? ›

#1 Political Science

As a political scientist, your career will be greatly enhanced by a PhD. Your doctorate may include political science itself, as well as public administration. While you can get by with a master's degree, a doctorate will bring your career to greater heights and help you command larger salaries.

Can I write my PhD thesis in 3 months? ›

If you have been organised (see below), it should not take 3 months to write a PhD thesis. It certainly shouldn't involve leaving the lab 3 months before your hand-in date to write up. Theses can have one results chapter or they can have more. How many chapters depends on your project, and your results.

Can I write my PhD thesis in 3 weeks? ›

It's doable. Even make it 500 words a day. If you start with three weeks to go, you can write 10,000 words in twenty days. But some days you will write more than others and your word count will be more like 15,000 by deadline day.

Can I finish my PhD thesis in a month? ›

The answer to this question is yes! You absolutely can write a thesis in 30 days. And you can write your thesis, from start to finish, without the emotional distress that often comes with such a monumental task.

Can a PhD take 10 years? ›

It usually takes many part-time PhD students around 6 to 10 years to complete their PhD. This is longer than the typical three-year duration for full-time PhDs, but it allows students to keep their job and other commitments while working on their degree.

What is an ethereal doctorate? ›

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Grief Counseling is a professional doctoral degree program that focuses on providing students with advanced training in the field of grief counseling.

What are the benefits of having a DrPH? ›

A DrPH program can equip you the skills and knowledge to work as a leader or administrator in a variety of practice-based settings within the public, private, and academic sectors. Career options for professionals with a DrPH include but are not limited to: Health department director. Public health information officer.

Is DrPH a professional degree? ›

The DrPH is an advanced professional degree that prepares individuals for leadership roles in community public health across a variety of settings, such as health departments, communications, health advocacy, community organizations, marketing and others.

Is there anything better than a PhD? ›

No, a PhD is not a higher degree than a professional doctorate. If you're wondering what's better than a PhD, both PhDs and professional doctorates are the highest level of college education that can be earned. Both degrees are doctoral degrees.

How long does it take to complete DrPH? ›

Students must complete their coursework, comprehensive exams and preliminary oral exams within five years of matriculation, and have up to nine years, if needed, to complete the full program requirements. Is funding available for the part-time DrPH Program?

How do you address a DrPH? ›

'(Full Name), Ph. D. ' is the official form of her name. You will use it on the envelope, or in the address block of a letter, when you write to her with regard to her professional pursuits.

Why do you want to pursue a DrPH degree? ›

DrPH graduates advance programs, policies, and systems to improve population health in the United States and globally. The DrPH is substantially different from a PhD. The purpose of a DrPH in Public Health Practice is to prevent disease or injury and to improve the health within a specific community.

Why public health is the best major? ›

Those with public health degrees keep communities healthy, protect workers, prevent and address pandemics, pursue social justice, drive public policy, spearhead disaster relief, ensure access to healthcare, and so much more.

What is the difference between a DrPH candidate and student? ›

A doctoral student is an individual who's been accepted into a doctoral program and is working through classes and coursework. A doctoral candidate has completed the coursework portion of a doctoral program and is focused on writing a dissertation or equivalent project.

What is the most recognized professional degree in public health? ›

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree programme is the highest professional degree for individuals focusing on Public Health practice. It is intended for leaders and future leaders in public health who want a flexible career which combines high-level leadership, management and research.

What is a doctorate in public health called? ›

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a first-of-its-kind, multidisciplinary degree that provides advanced education in public health along with mastery of skills in leadership, management, communication, and innovative thinking.

What is the hardest field to get a PhD in? ›

1. Boarded Medical Doctor: After spending about eight years to earn your first degree, you are faced with between three and six years of residency. This is the most competitive field in education which means you must have passed through a very rigorous process to earn this certificate.

What is the hardest thing to get a PhD in? ›

  • Music.
  • Finance/Economics.
  • Medicine/Biology/Molecular Biology.
  • Social Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Area Studies)
  • Humanities (English, History, Geography etc)
  • Education.
  • Engineering (Electrical, mechanical, Chemical)
  • Computer Science/ Theoretical Physics/ Mathematics.
Jul 3, 2022

Does a PhD pay more than a Masters? ›

A master's degree program provides students with industry-specific knowledge, and earning one may be a requirement in some industries, including mental health social work. A Ph. D. may earn you a higher salary and make you a more competitive candidate since fewer people have them.

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