university of florida phd public health

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College of Public Health

Quick links, doctoral training, doctor of philosophy (phd).

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed to prepare public health professionals to make substantive contributions to public health inquiry and practice. Public health professionals are focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and programs aimed at specific problems that disproportionately affect minority and economically disadvantaged groups. The PhD is a research degree and is granted after the student has shown proficiency and distinctive achievement in a specific field, has demonstrated the ability to do original, independent investigation, and has presented these findings with a high degree of literary skill in a dissertation.

• Granted in recognition of high attainment in a specified field of knowledge.
• Is a research degree and is not conferred solely upon the earning of credit or the completion of courses.
• This degree requires a minimum of 55 credits post-masters.

Doctoral Milestones are a set of target activities that PhD students work towards during their 4-5 years of training. Starting with the most basic levels of achievement in each category, students gain experience and skills in Research, Teaching and Professional Development to prepare them for their next steps after completing their PhD. This may be a post-doctoral fellowship, an academic position as an Assistant Professor, or an entry position in a research or corporate setting. Students who graduate from the USF College of Public Health doctoral program are better prepared for these next steps because they have built a consistent and impressive portfolio of Doctoral Milestones – and our program helps them achieve these skills right from their first day of the program!

Examples of Doctoral Milestones:

Research skills – Grant writing, manuscript preparation, authorship of published manuscripts, presentations at professional conferences, experience on research studies

Teaching skills – Teaching assistantships, Instructor of Record experience, extensive teaching preparation and skill-building programs

Professional development – Preparation of materials for post-graduate positions, such as professional CVs, teaching and research statements, research presentation materials, cover letters, interviewing skills

The College of Public Health PhD students are supported by fellowships, which include tuition waivers and health insurance, research assistantships and graduate teaching assistantships, for which they apply and are appointed.

Additional opportunities are available for graduate students to obtain funding for graduate education. These options can typically be classified into three areas:

• National Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants:  These are funds that are awarded by national, regional, or private agencies to individual graduate students.
• College, Department or Program Scholarships and Fellowships:  Students are also encouraged to review their specific college website, and also the USF Foundation Scholarships page.
• USF Office of Graduate Studies Scholarships and Fellowships:  The USF Office of Graduate Studies offers fellowship opportunities for new and continuing students. Some of these fellowships are only available to students through nominations by their Major/Department, while others are available by direct submission from students who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.

For more information on these and other funding opportunities please visit the Office of Graduate Studies website .

On average, the doctoral program requires four to five years for completion following the Master’s or other advanced degree. The College of Public Health PhD program is delivered primarily on-campus. Students are required to be in or regularly commute to the Tampa for the duration of their program.

Concentrations

Below are concentrations in the College of Public Health in which a PhD can be earned.

• Biostatistics
• Community and Family Health
• Environmental and Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Communicable Disease
• Health Services Research

Associate or Full Professor

Apply now Job no: 531529 Work type: Tenure-Track Faculty Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) Categories: Biology/Life Science, Allied Health, Social/Behavioral Science, Health Care Administration/Support, Physical/Mathematical Sciences Department: 33080000 - HP-HEALTH SERVICES ADMIN

Advertised: 12 May 2024 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close:

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University of Florida

Public Health (M.P.H.)

Program information.

Director : Julia Varnes, PhD

The Master of Public Health degree is offered as a non-thesis program and is designed to prepare students to become effective public health practitioners, scientists, and educators. Students select one of six concentration areas:

• Biostatistics
• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Population health management
• Public health practice 
• Social and behavioral sciences

Both a 48-credit program for students without terminal health science degrees and a 42-credit program for students with a terminal degree are offered. A combination bachelor’s/master of public health program is available, as well as a 15-credit college certificate program. Students interested in collaborative programs may pursue joint MPH and DVM, MD, JD, PharmD, DPT, or DMD degrees, or concurrent master’s and PhD programs. The MPH degree program and the Public Health certificate are available on campus and online. For program descriptions and information on applying, visit the website: www.mph.ufl.edu . 48-credit Master of Public Health: Students who do not hold a terminal degree in a health science discipline are eligible to apply for the 48-credit program. The program provides comprehensive coverage of core public health content and allows selection of a concentration. Students must complete 18 credits of core public health course work, 12 to 15 credits of concentration core courses, up to 12 credits of elective courses, and three credits of applied practice experience. The course work representing these requirements is described below. 42-credit accelerated Master of Public Health: Students who hold a terminal degree (usually a doctoral degree) in a health science discipline may be eligible for the 42-credit accelerated program. This program requires completion of 16 credits of core public health course work, 21 credits of concentration and elective course work, and a five-credit internship. Combination degree program: The College offers a combination degree program to allow qualified undergraduates to earn both a bachelor’s degree and the Master of Public Health degree efficiently. Seniors with any undergraduate major are eligible for the combination degree program as long as they have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 and competitive scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE, and their career interests match the MPH program. Students accepted into the combination degree program complete 15 credits of public health course work while still undergraduates, leaving only 33 credits after admission to graduate school. Students must achieve a B or better in public health courses taken as an undergraduate and be accepted to graduate school to complete the program. Core Courses: All MPH students take five public health core courses. The core courses in environmental health, epidemiology, public health management and policy, and social and behavioral sciences are taken by all students. The core biostatistics course varies across concentration areas. Students in the biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology and social and behavioral sciences concentrations must take PHC 6052: Introduction to Biostatistical Methods.  All other MPH students must take PHC 6050: Statistical Methods for Health Sciences Research I.  In addition, all students must take a three-credit Master of Public Health Capstone course and three credits of PHC 6946: MPH Applied Practice Experience.

Applied Practice Experience (APE): Each student completes an internship during their APE course, which provides an opportunity to apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to a real public health problem in a practice setting.  Students may engage in many activities during an internship, but each student must produce at least two portfolio products that demonstrate achievement of at least five Public Health Competencies.

MPH Capstone: This course serves as the required integrative learning experience for students in the MPH program. Students will demonstrate synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies through an individual or group project that addresses the needs of a public health agency. Students will produce a high-quality written report for their agency and present their project on Public Health Day near the end of the semester.

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Biostatistics

The contribution of biostatisticians is far reaching and includes both core public health research and consultation with other health professionals. The biostatistics concentration is designed primarily for students with a previous graduate degree (particularly in the health sciences) who want to obtain a solid background in quantitative and analytical methods for public health research. The course work exposes students to methodology typically used to analyze different types of public health data and gives them opportunities to apply these methodologies themselves. Graduates of the MPH program with a concentration in biostatistics return to their careers with an improved understanding of quantitative methods for public health research. This increased knowledge will facilitate their own research programs and will enhance their ability to critically read the literature in their field. The biostatistics concentration requires completion of four concentration core courses: Regression Methods for the Health and Life Sciences, Epidemiology Research Methods I, Public Health Computing, and Survival Analysis. Remaining courses include the public health internship and electives in statistics and public health. Visit the biostatistics concentration website for the most up-to-date information about course options: http://mph.ufl.edu/programs/master-of-public-health/biostatistics.

See the department Biostatistics website for information about other programs offered by the department: http://biostat.ufl.edu/ .

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Environmental Health

Professionals trained in environmental health study the impact of our surroundings on our health. They understand how environmental risk factors can cause diseases like asthma, cancer, and food poisoning. Environmental health professionals make up approximately half of public health personnel and the field accounts for about half of public health expenditures. Students interested in environmental health typically have a background in biological or physical sciences, engineering, nursing, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Prior experience in chemistry, biology, statistics, and Microsoft Excel software is desirable. Please note the prerequisites for Environmental Health courses and speak with the instructor if you have not successfully completed the prerequisites. The following courses are required for all students pursuing the environmental health concentration: Environmental Toxicology Applications in Public Health, Environmental Policy and Risk Management in Public Health, Exposure Measurement and Assessment, Environmental Ecology of Human Pathogens, Global Health and Development I, and MPH Capstone. Students may also choose from elective course work listed on the department website below. Environmental health students complete their programs with an internship and electives on a wide variety of environmental health and public health topics.

Visit the environmental health concentration website for the most up-to-date information about course options: http://mph.ufl.edu/programs/master-of-public-health/environmental-health . And visit the Website of the Department of Environmental and Global Health for information about other academic programs and activities in the department: http://egh.phhp.ufl.edu .

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Epidemiology

Epidemiology focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of health in populations and communities. It is the scientific foundation of public health research that seeks to reduce risk factors and improve health. The discipline also contributes to public health practice and policy, and research in other health-related fields such as medicine and pharmacy. This concentration area is designed to train professionals to apply the principles and methods of epidemiological investigation in a broad range of settings. The required concentration core courses in epidemiology are Epidemiology Research Methods I, Epidemiology Research Methods I, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology of Chronic Disease, and MPH Capstone. Epidemiology concentration students complete their programs with an internship and electives in epidemiology and public health.

Additional detail and options for epidemiology elective course work are at the website: http://mph.ufl.edu/programs/master-of-public-health/epidemiology . Please also visit the website of the Department of Epidemiology for up-to-date information about other epidemiology programs and activities: http://epidemiology.phhp.ufl.edu .

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Population Health Management (PHM)

This concentration focuses on the structure and administration of health organizations and the policies that impact health programs and reimbursement of health services. The concentration encompasses two of the major roles of leaders in public health. Essential skills for managing a health agency or organization include accounting, financial management, human resource management, strategic and program planning, operations research, economics, and monitoring outcome measures. Development, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of government policies require analytical skills and social skills, as well as a deep understanding of politics.

The required concentration core courses in PHM are Evidence-Based Management of Public Health Programs, Health Economics, Public Health Quality & Outcomes, Survey Research Methods, Systems Thinking and Public Health, and MPH Capstone. PHM students complete their programs with an internship and electives in population health management. Visit the population health management concentration website for the most up-to-date information about course options: http://mph.ufl.edu/prospective-students/mph/traditional-mph-degree/concentrations/public-health-management-and-policy/.

The website of Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy provides additional information about activities and other academic programs in the department: http://hsrmp.phhp.ufl.edu .

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Public Health Practice

This concentration provides the opportunity to develop breadth in public health by taking coursework in two, three, or four of the core public health concentrations. Such breadth is often required of professionals who assume positions of leadership in public health. It is available to students in joint and concurrent degree programs, medical and other health scientists, and working professionals. The Public Health Practice concentration is available on-campus and online.

The campus curriculum for this concentration follows the same model as the other concentrations. Students pursuing public health practice begin their programs with the five core courses required of all MPH students. Instead of a specified set of concentration core courses, however, these students may choose two or more courses from advanced course options in two to four of the other concentrations. Students complete their degree with a capstone course and an internship. All students in this concentration must hold a prior health professional degree or be enrolled in a joint or concurrent graduate program. To be eligible for the accelerated option, applicants must hold a terminal degree in a health or health-related field.

The online Public Health Practice curriculum begins with the five core courses and then offers two or more courses in epidemiology, environmental health, public health management and policy and social and behavioral sciences. Students complete their degree with a capstone course and an internship. Online students are not available to pursue the MPH on campus in Gainesville, either due to employment or geographic distance.

Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The social and behavioral sciences concentration is based on the understanding that health and health behavior are influenced by multiple psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural factors. Central to addressing health problems and eliminating health disparities and inequalities, these factors must be understood and addressed using a framework exploring multiple levels (individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and population) and the interactions among them. Through classroom instruction, research, and field practice, MPH students who concentrate in social and behavioral sciences explore the unique issues faced by diverse groups and populations and acquire skills to achieve social and behavioral change. Students in the social and behavioral sciences concentration are required to take six courses: Assessment and Surveillance in Public Health, Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation, Social and Behavioral Research Methods, Public Health Information for Diverse Populations: Theory & Methods, Theoretical Foundations of Public Health, and MPH Capstone. Social and behavioral science students complete their programs with an internship and elective courses in public health or related fields.

Visit the social and behavioral science concentration website for the most up-to-date information about course options.

Campus program: http://mph.ufl.edu/prospective-students/mph/traditional-mph-degree/concentrations/social-and-behavioral-science/.

Online program: http://mph.ufl.edu/prospective-students/mph/online-mph-degree/concentrations/social-and-behavioral-sciences/.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Public Health

• without a concentration
• with a concentration in Biostatistics
• with a concentration in Environmental Health
• with a concentration in Epidemiology
• with a concentration in Public Health Management
• with a concentration in Public Health Practice
• with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Public Health Courses

Environmental health courses, epidemiology courses, public health management and policy courses, social and behavioral sciences courses, college of public health and health professions courses, public health (mph)      .

SLO 1: MPH Core Knowledge & Skills Demonstrate competence in the practice of public health.

SLO 2: Public Health Concentration Knowledge Communicate a thorough understanding of one public health core discipline

SLO 3: Professional Behavior Display professional conduct

SLO 4: Public Health Integration Demonstrate synthesis of core and concentration competencies. 

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Karen Ruiz-Ayala, MPH . (Photo courtesy of Ruiz-Ayala) 

The voyage of one COPH alumni through public health

• Liz Bannon, College of Public Health
• May 10, 2024
• Alumni & Development

Originally from Puerto Rico, Karen Ruiz-Ayala, a USF College of Public Health alumna, moved to Spring Hill, Fla. when she was young and discovered her passion for public health through reading.

“I was very interested in medical history and stories. An important introduction to the topic of public health was the book “Deadly” by Julie Chibbaro. It’s a fictionalized story about a young girl working as a lab assistant in New York at the turn of the century investigating a strange illness outbreak that would later be known as the famous Typhoid Mary case.,” she said.

Ruiz-Ayala’s decision to attend the COPH was influenced by its emphasis on research opportunities, notably the COPH Activist Lab , where she served as a student board member.

 " Dr. Karen Liller , the director of the Activist Lab, was a big inspiration,” Ruiz-Ayala said. “She made me feel like I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and was a role model for me."

Amidst her academic pursuits, Ruiz-Ayala faced the challenge of adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on this experience, she shared, "We were sent home just a few weeks into my first semester at USF, and it was surreal learning about public health and its history while living through a pandemic as well.It was one of the best lessons about socioeconomic determinants of health and well-being that I could have ever had.”

Transitioning from academia to practical application, Ruiz-Ayala began her public health career at Hillsborough County Mosquito Management, where she worked as a mosquito control technician. In 2023, Ruiz went on to earn her master of public health, with a concentration in epidemiology from the University of Glasgow, in the United Kingdom.

Currently, Ruiz-Ayala is the public health officer for Carnival Cruise Lines, working onboard the Carnival Paradise.

As part of her integrated pest management duties, Ruiz-Ayala waits for ship clearance from local port authorities in order to go outside and check that the rat guard was placed properly to ensure the ship can avoid rodents coming onboard via the mooring lines. (Photo courtesy of Ruiz-Ayala)

In her role, Ruiz-Ayala said she ensures compliance with disease prevention and control measures, including COVID-19 protocols, and participates in outbreak management teams. She also oversees vessel compliance in areas such as sanitation and pest management, conducting audits and inspections to uphold public health standards.

“A passenger once asked me what I do onboard. I started to answer with a generic, ‘I’m the public health officer and my main responsibility is ensuring we prevent any illness outbreaks,’” Ruiz-Ayala said. “But our senior doctor cut in and said ‘She’s like the doctor for the whole boat. When people come to see me for something I can only ensure that individual is healthy, but she ensures the entire boat stays healthy’.” 

Ruiz-Ayalya also said she is involved in all departments including management both shipboard and shoreside.

"Effective communication for all departments is key to addressing public health concerns and maintaining a safe environment onboard," she said. "This means that I am involved in recreational and portable water, to the engine room, bridge, deck, housekeeping, food service and integrated pest management, as each one plays a different role in the health and safety of everyone onboard."

Despite the demanding nature of her work, Ruiz-Ayala said she finds fulfillment in the diverse responsibilities of her role.

"From disease prevention and control to vessel sanitation compliance and integrated pest management, I get to experience a wide range of public health practices," she said. "This diversity allows me to continually learn and grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the health and safety of guests and crew."

Ruiz-Ayala is in front of the ship Paradise docked in Nassau, Bahamas in April 2024. (Photo courtesy Ruiz-Ayala)

She also pointed to travel as being one of the best perks of this job. “On my current itinerary, I travel in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Seeing beautiful islands that so many people only dream of visiting in my everyday life is a special memory that I will always have.”

“Public health allows us to look at things from the bigger picture, address systemic issues, implement preventive measures and ultimately improve the overall well-being of communities and populations, making a lasting impact beyond individual health outcomes,” Ruiz-Ayala said. “By understanding the broader factors influencing health, we can create more effective interventions and policies that promote health equity and sustainable change.

In the future, Ruiz Ayala said she would like to transition to working more with integrated pest management. “That was my master’s thesis and one of my specialties with my previous work experience,” she said. “Most public health officers have a specialty such as water, sanitation, medical and mine just happens to be pest management.”

What did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor.

Where can we find you on the weekend? Working. I work 4 months at a time, 10 hours a day, with no days off. I usually don’t know what day of the week it is, only if we are in Bimini or Cozumel.

What is a superpower you would want to have? Teleportation so I could be with the people I love more easily while I’m working onboard. 

What is the last book you read? “Done and Dusted” by Lyla Sage.

What is your all-time favorite movie? “Mamma Mia”. 

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Karen Ruiz-Ayala

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Doctor of Public Health

Get the advanced training you need to take a leadership position in public health with a DrPH degree from UNMC.

Get the training you need to take a leadership position in public health with a DrPH in public health practice.

Why Get a Doctor of Public Health Degree?

Are you an experienced public health practitioner who wants to move into a leadership position? Consider a DrPH degree, which trains you to develop, implement and evaluate national and global public health policies and programs.

Designed for individuals with an MPH, the DrPH differs substantially from a PhD. The purpose of a DrPH is to prevent disease or injury and to improve health within a specific community through the lens of leadership. A PhD degree focuses on the skills needed to make research-based contributions to the field of public health.

Why Get a DrPH at UNMC?

UNMC has a history of meeting unprecedented global health challenges, from the Ebola outbreak to the spread of COVID-19. At UNMC, experienced faculty train you at the forefront of health sciences research.

Our DrPH program is fully online and asynchronous. This allows you to work while completing your degree in as few as three years without ever being required to visit campus. Designed for public health professionals with three or more years of experience, our program offers you the flexibility to design an individualized educational experience to meet your career goals. Students also have the options to complete the practicum and practice-based dissertation in their own work setting, if that fits with their career goals.

You'll gain skills in data analysis; leadership, management and governance; policy and programs; and education and workforce development. In addition, you'll receive advanced training in epidemiology, emergency preparedness, or advocacy and leadership.

Program Snapshot

Program highlights, concentrations.

We offer three concentrations. The epidemiology concentration is designed to develop public health leaders skilled at identifying factors that affect the health of a population and developing, implementing and evaluating disease control and prevention strategies. The emergency preparedness concentration will enhance the practice of disaster planning and response for health care, public health, humanitarian and private sector emergency managers. The advocacy and leadership concentration is designed for public health practitioners who want training and skills in communication, community organizing, evaluation, and leadership theory.

Dissertation

DrPH students complete a practice-based dissertation consistent with advanced practice to influence programs, policies or systems addressing public health issues.

DrPH Concentrations

Careers and outcomes.

DrPH graduates advance programs, policies and systems to improve population health in the United States and globally.

Job Opportunities

• Local, county, state or federal health agencies
• Nonprofit organizations and foundations
• Health-related startups
• International organizations
• Research institutes
• Community organizations
• Consulting firms
• Universities
• Health Department Director
• Health Policy Analyst
• Public Health Program Director
• Community Health Manager
• Senior Policy Fellow

Related Programs

Students who are interested in the Doctor of Public Health degree may also wish to explore:

Public Health Centers

Our centers work at the forefront of public health policy, education and research. They provide, planning, training and analysis across a wide range of areas, including biopreparedness, global health and rural health research.