online phd in health

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

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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.