health phd programs

PhD in Population Health Sciences

Prepare for a high-impact career tackling public health problems from air pollution to obesity to global health equity to the social determinants of health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a multidisciplinary research degree that will prepare you for a career focused on challenges and solutions that affect the lives of millions around the globe. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and conducting field and/or laboratory research projects of your own design, you will gain the deep expertise and powerful analytical and quantitative tools needed to tackle a wide range of complex, large-scale public health problems.

Focusing on one of five complementary fields of study at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and drawing on courses, resources, and faculty from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you will become well-versed in a wide variety of disciplines while gaining specialized knowledge in your chosen area of study.

As a population health sciences graduate, you will be prepared for a career in research, academics, or practice, tackling complex diseases and health problems that affect entire populations. Those interested in pursuing research may go on to work at a government agency or international organization, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm. Others may choose to pursue practice or on-the-ground interventions. Those interested in academics may become a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a four-year program based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the world-renowned Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. The degree will prepare you to apply diverse approaches to solving difficult public health research issues in your choice of one of five primary fields of study:

• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Social and behavioral sciences
• Global health and population

In your first semester, you and your faculty adviser will design a degree plan to guide you through the program’s interdisciplinary requirements and core courses, as well as those in your chosen field of study. After successfully completing the preliminary qualifying examination, usually at the end of your second year, you will finalize your general research topics and identify a dissertation adviser who will mentor you through the dissertation process and help you nominate a dissertation advisory committee.

All population health sciences students are trained in pedagogy and teaching and are required to work as a teaching fellow and/or research assistant to ensure they gain meaningful teaching and research experience before graduation. Students also attend a special weekly evening seminar that features prominent lecturers, grant-writing modules, feedback dinners, and training opportunities.

All students, including international students, who maintain satisfactory progress (B+ or above) receive a multiyear funding package, which includes tuition, fees , and a competitive stipend.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone with a distinguished undergraduate record and a demonstrated enthusiasm for the rigorous pursuit of scientific public health knowledge is encouraged to apply. Although a previous graduate degree is not required, applicants should have successfully completed coursework in introductory statistics or quantitative methods. Preference will be given to applicants who have either some relevant work experience or graduate-level work in their desired primary field of study.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in population health sciences is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system located at gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply.

OUR COMMUNITY: COMMITTED, ACCOMPLISHED, COLLABORATIVE

As a PhD in population health sciences candidate, you will be part of a diverse and accomplished group of students with a broad range of research and other interests. The opportunity to learn from each other and to share ideas both inside and outside the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program for any successful candidate. The program in population health sciences provides these opportunities by sponsoring an informal curriculum of seminars, a dedicated student gathering and study area, and events that will enhance your knowledge, foster interaction with your peers, and encourage you to cooperatively evaluate scientific literature, while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree.

As members of both the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences communities, students have access to the Cambridge and Longwood Medical Area campuses. Students also qualify for affordable transportation options, access to numerous lectures and academic seminars, and a wealth of services to support their academic and personal needs on both sides of the Charles River.

LEARN MORE Population Health Sciences Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health www.hsph.harvard.edu/phdphs

Best Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs

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When it comes to making a significant impact on the public health field, a doctorate in public health (DrPH) can be a game-changer. With opportunities to specialize in various areas, learning flexibility, and potential for higher earnings, an online doctorate in public health can be a worthwhile investment.

Let’s delve into the specifics of this degree, the benefits it offers, and how you can choose the best online program to suit your career goals .

Featured Online Public Health Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

University of Illinois at Chicago

• Campus + Online
• In-State $11,924
• Out-of-state $26,224
• In-State $13,276
• Out-of-state $23,850
• Retention Rate 79%
• Acceptance Rate 73%
• Students Enrolled 32,324
• Institution Type Public

Johns Hopkins University

• In-State $55,350
• Out-of-state $55,350
• Retention Rate 97%
• Acceptance Rate 11%
• Students Enrolled 27,079
• Institution Type Private

East Carolina University

• In-State $4,452
• Out-of-state $20,729
• In-State $4,749
• Out-of-state $17,898
• Retention Rate 82%
• Acceptance Rate 79%
• Students Enrolled 28,651

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022 or 2023. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies .

Why Should You Get a Doctorate in Public Health Online?

Online learning has revolutionized higher education, opening doors for those who wish to continue their studies without disrupting their careers or personal lives. Pursuing an online doctorate in public health is no exception.

There are myriad reasons, both personal and professional, that make earning a DrPH online an attractive option .

Reasons to Get Your DrPH Degree Online

Maintain your career, earn your degree from anywhere, enjoy flexibility, reduced costs, benefits of earning a drph degree, enhanced career opportunities, practical application, diverse specializations, what to expect in an online drph program.

An online doctorate in public health program is designed to provide you with comprehensive knowledge and skills to become a leader in the field of public health. But what exactly can you expect when you enroll in a DrPH program?

In a DrPH program, you’ll delve into a curriculum that prepares you for leadership roles in public health , policy, and practice. The program is designed for early- to late-career professionals and comprises courses focusing on foundational competencies such as leadership, analytical skills, policy, management, and program design and evaluation.

The duration of a DrPH usually ranges from 3-7 years. This is often dependent on the program’s structure and whether you enroll part-time or full-time . DrPH programs typically require a minimum of 45 credits of coursework, plus an additional 3-15 credit hours of doctoral research and advanced fieldwork .

Looking for Other Healthcare Degrees? Explore Your Options

Doctorate in public health specialization options.

DrPH programs offer a wide variety of specializations , like epidemiology and health policy. You may also find programs that offer more niche specializations like maternal and child health or women’s and reproductive health.

Each specialization provides unique insights into the complexities of public health, equipping you with the expertise needed to address specific public health challenges. Let’s look at five of the more common specializations in more detail.

Public Health Specializations

Epidemiology.

This specialization focuses on the study of diseases within populations. It’s ideal if you’re interested in researching and preventing disease outbreaks.

Environmental Health

This field deals with the effects of environmental factors on health. It’s a great fit if you’re passionate about tackling environmental health issues.

Biostatistics

Biostatistics involves data analysis for health outcomes. If you have a knack for numbers and data, this could be the right choice for you.

Global Health

Global Health addresses health issues across different cultures and nations. If you’re interested in working on health problems on a global scale, consider this specialization.

Health Policy and Management

This specialization is for those interested in leadership and the management of health services. You’ll learn to make policy decisions and manage health services.

How Much Does an Online DrPH Cost?

The cost of an online doctorate degree in public health can vary depending on the number of credits and time taken to complete the degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition for online health-related programs at the doctoral level was $19,365 in 2020.

However, these costs can change and do not include books , materials, or potential tuition increases over time .

Average Annual Tuition Cost for Online Doctorate in Health-Related Programs

Public Institution $17,082

Private Institution (Nonprofit) $28,906

How to Choose an Online Doctorate in Public Health Program

Choosing the right online doctorate in public health program involves careful consideration of several factors. These include researching the program’s accreditation, evaluating the cost, understanding any in-person requirements, and considering the program format.

All these factors can significantly influence your learning experience and career trajectory.

Accreditation

Program format, frequently asked questions about online doctorate in public health programs, what can you do with a doctorate in public health.

A DrPH opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities. You might choose to teach public health courses at a college or university , become a public health researcher, or work as an epidemiologist. You could also consider a career as a biostatistician, public health consultant, or global health professional.

Alternatively, you could take on leadership or administrative roles in various sectors, such as a public health director, health officer, or public health consultant.

How much money can you make with a doctorate in public health?

Earning a doctorate in public health can significantly enhance your earning potential. According to Payscale, professionals with a doctorate in public health earn an average annual salary of about $98,000 as of April 2024, which is about $25,000 more than those with an MPH.

However, salaries can vary widely based on the location and industry, as well as your experience. For example, public health directors working in Boston, Massachusetts, earned an annual salary of approximately $125,000 in 2023, while those working in Washington, D.C., earned approximately $99,000 , as reported by Payscale.

Is a doctorate in public health degree worth it?

A doctorate in public health is a significant investment in your public health career. For this reason, whether a doctorate in public health is worth it depends largely on your professional goals.

If you’re driven to tackle big issues on a national (or global) scale, like disease prevention, environmental health, or health policy, a doctorate could be highly beneficial.

There’s a high demand for public health professionals, and a doctorate can open doors to advanced career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

What’s the difference between a Ph.D. in public health and a DrPH?

A Ph.D. in public health prepares you for advanced research careers and academia, while a DrPH program typically focuses on policy and leadership, equipping you with skills to develop solutions to public health concerns and evaluate program effectiveness. When deciding between the two degree types, consider your career and personal goals.

What are the admission requirements for an online doctorate in public health program?

Admission requirements for an online doctorate in public health program typically include a master’s degree and some form of professional public health experience.

Other requirements may include submitting an application fee, a personal statement, official graduate transcripts, a résumé or CV, and letters of recommendation. An interview conducted by the Admission Review Committee may also be required.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 25, 2024.

Explore More College Resources

Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs of 2024

An online bachelor’s in public health offers students the potential for a thriving career. Learn more about these programs.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated April 10, 2024

Best Online Master’s in Public Health Programs of 2024

Public health jobs report high demand. Learn about the top master’s in public health programs to launch your career in public health.

Updated April 15, 2024

What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?

Earning a public health degree can lead to meaningful careers in diverse fields. Learn more about public health careers.

by Staff Writers

Updated March 28, 2024

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.

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Doctor of Philosophy

The primary mission of the PhD program is to provide scholars with the disciplinary background and skills required to contribute to the development of our understanding of better ways of measuring, maintaining, and improving the public’s health. Examples of research conducted by PhD students includes but is not limited to: cancer epidemiology, clinical trials, cardiovascular disease, molecular epidemiology, vector-borne diseases, parasitology, mental health epidemiology and HIV/AIDS. Students are encouraged to work with faculty throughout the university since much of the work done in EPH is interdisciplinary.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences .

Select program: "Public Health" and your Concentration: Biostatistics (PhD or MS), Chronic Disease Epidemiology (PhD or MS), Environmental Health Sciences (PhD), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (PhD) or Epidemiology Infectious Disease (MS), Health Informatics (MS) Health Policy and Management (PhD) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (PhD).

The GRE and TOEFL code for Yale GSAS is: 3987. A writing sample is not required.

The deadline is December 15th.

PhD Program

All PhD students are guaranteed five years of 12-month stipend and tuition support in the form of YSPH fellowships, teaching fellowships, traineeships and research assistantships. In addition to support for tuition and living costs, students receive a health award to covers the full cost of single-student Yale Health Plan Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage.

Faculty Advisors

PhD applicants are not required to secure a faculty mentor prior to applying to the program.

We expect applicants to provide information in their personal statement about the research they hope to conduct if admitted and to state the faculty in our department whose research aligns with their interests.

Diversity Research Awards

The PhD program in Public Health enhances commitment its PhD students who identify as underrepresented minority students, first-generation college graduates and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering research awards to the top candidates admitted to the program. Each year a minimum of two PhD admitted students will be offered $2,000 each for research funds in addition to their financial aid package. Recipients have up to 2 years to spend these funds, which can be used for books, computers, software, conference travel, research travel or research supplies.

This funding is offered upon acceptance into the program. The criteria for the award is:

• Previous involvement in diversity-related initiatives in their community and/or volunteer activities helping underserved populations.
• Research interest in serving an underserved population

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

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• Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
• Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
• Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
• Susan D. Brown, PhD
• Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
• Theresa Hoft, PhD
• Wynne E. Norton, PhD
• Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
• A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
• Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
• Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
• Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
• Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
• Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
• Justine Wu, MD, MPH
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• Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
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About the PhD in Epidemiology Program

The doctoral program in Epidemiology is anchored in public health and population research and analysis. Students approach research using epidemiologic methods to understand complex human health problems. The PhD requires two years of coursework followed by two (or more) years of research. Students are required to complete a teaching training curriculum and serve as a teaching assistant for methods and topical courses. Additionally, students must complete a written comprehensive exam, a practice oral exam, a preliminary exam, multiple oral and poster presentations, and a final dissertation including presentation and defense.

PhD in Epidemiology Program Highlights

Train with renowned faculty.

100+ faculty across 8 research tracks in epidemiology

Access to wide range of coursework

Explore your interests with a wide variety of courses taught by our faculty

Write and publish

All of our doctoral students get training in writing papers and proposals through didactic learning and mentoring

Participate on research teams

The School is the leading recipient of NIH research funding among U.S. schools of public health, providing robust hands-on research opportunities

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Epidemiology?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Epidemiologist
• Faculty Member
• Science Director
• Health Commissioner

Curriculum for the PhD in Epidemiology

Browse an overview of the requirements for this doctoral program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory .

Current students can view the PhD in Epidemiology requirements in the student handbook on the Epidemiology portal site.

Research Tracks

The Department's current research tracks in the PhD program include:

Cancer Epidemiology offers a rich, vibrant and dynamic environment for masters and doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows to actively participate, learn, explore and conduct cancer-related population-based and clinical research. The track has a long and successful history of training masters and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. Past students continue to conduct population-based cancer research and have made successful transitions to positions in academia, government and private sector organizations.

Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology focuses on the use of epidemiologic methods in clinical research and practice as well as interdisciplinary training on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease. The program integrates knowledge on all aspects of the disease: biology, behavior, treatment, and prevention. Training emphasizes active participation in research and translational epidemiology using a collaborative approach, which is enhanced by the close relationships between the Department of Epidemiology and clinical departments of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis offers students a unique educational experience in clinical trial and evidence synthesis methodology. Methods are applied to a variety of clinical areas including respiratory-, eye- and infectious diseases, and mental health. Student-faculty discussions, journal clubs, research-in-progress meetings, seminars and active participation in research add to both the depth and breadth of the program.

Environmental Epidemiology concentrates on the impact of environmental exposures on health and disease states in human populations. This track integrates epidemiological methods, assessment of environmental exposures and understanding of specific disease processes to identify the health consequences of environmental exposures. Environmental Epidemiology provides basic information for risk assessment, risk communication, and environmental health policy decisions and has a central role in identifying, implementing and evaluating strategies for the prevention and control of environmental exposures. Training in Environmental Epidemiology emphasizes active participation in large population research projects, with close collaborations across the School and with national and international collaborators.

Epidemiology of Aging focuses on the determinants of physical and cognitive health, disease, and function in older adults. Offers multidisciplinary training in methods and theories needed for the study of older populations. Strong ties exist with several multi-departmental training grants and programs. This training program also is connected to numerous large research projects.

General Epidemiology and Methodology offers research and training opportunities in almost all areas of chronic disease epidemiology, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diseases of childhood and includes advanced methodology training in epidemiologic methods as well as providing individualized or customized training in statistical epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology and social epidemiology.

Genetic Epidemiology focuses on the study of genetic and environmental factors, and their interaction in disease and normal variation. Emphasis is on understanding the methodology and approach to designing, executing and analyzing genetic studies. Training is broad-based and collaborative and encourages participation in research from faculty in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Institute of Genetic Medicine, and the School of Medicine.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology provides training in the fundamentals of infectious disease epidemiology with an eye toward preparing graduates to work in teaching, research and practice. The program emphasizes principles and methods that can be used to understand the dynamics and control of transmissible diseases by all classes of organisms. The curriculum builds on the faculty's extensive and diverse experience researching and combating infectious diseases, ranging from hospital acquired infections, to neglected tropical diseases and sexually transmitted infections.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

College-level math through pre-calculus, a biology course, and one additional science course

Prior Graduate Degree

Not required, but highly recommended

Prior Work Experience

One year of full-time work experience in a related field

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are  not required and not reviewed  for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms. Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

Senior Academic Program Manager Frances S. Burman [email protected]