Earning a doctor of public health degree, or a doctorate degree related to public health, can advance your career. It can also immediately create new leadership opportunities in the healthcare field. The doctorate degree can add credibility to your career. It will also be able to provide an education to support your effort to make a positive and influential difference in the field. Some of the most common positions for those with a DrPH are public health director, health officer, and public health consultant.
The doctor of public health degree is one that is sometimes available online. These online programs are typically offered with intermittent in-class requirements. An extra requirement is often the practicum, capstone and/or dissertation. It is not especially common for DrPH programs to be offered online. Because of this, our ranking additionally included programs that communicated relevance to the public health field and core public health disciplines, opportunities for leadership, and a flexible online format.
While these programs are considered online, many of them do require some element of either in-class or on-site involvement. The doctorate degree helps students develop as a leader and authority in their area of the public health field. Earning a doctorate degree requires a unique level of dedication and flexibility from students. These degrees offer a variety of flexible, affordable, part-time or full-time online opportunities.
These varied program options aim to help students meet their education goals. Depending on your career goals and ambitions, one of these unique online doctoral programs may be right for you.
- #1-Capella University
- #2-Walden University
- #3-John Hopkins University
- #4-The University of Illinois at Chicago
- #5-The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- #6-The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- #7-MCPHS University
- #8- A & T Still University of Health Sciences
- #9-Central Michigan University
- #10-Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
Methodology for Ranking
The initial pool of schools for ranking was developed from the College Navigator website. Programs were ranked based on the amount of the program that is online, relevance to the public health field, and tuition cost. Tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website. Prospective students should discuss tuition costs with their school of interest. These costs are posted here for comparative purposes and are not definitive.
10. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
Online Doctor of Education Leadership in Healthcare
Tuition: $13,086
Nebraska Methodist College offers a Doctor of education program. This program focuses on education and leadership within the healthcare field. It offers students the opportunity to gain skills necessary to impact healthcare and academic organizations. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn about “transforming organizational culture”. This is done through the use of various techniques. These techniques include relationship building, reflection, education, organizational awareness, and accountability. If students study full time, the program can be completed in as little as 24 months.
While the program is online, students are required to attend two intensive learning sessions on campus during the summer. Each of these sessions last three days. Students are not required to complete a dissertation. Instead, students will complete a capstone practice project to apply what was learned in the program. Depending on prospective students’ career goals and ambitions, this degree may be the best fit to help develop as a leader in healthcare. Prospective students can learn more, request information, or begin an application on the school’s website.
9. Central Michigan University
Online Doctor of Health Administration
In State Tuition: $12,870
Out of State Tuition: $18,942
Central Michigan University offers an online doctor of health administration program. This program is for students who are already active in the field. The program is designed to help students become effective leaders in healthcare. The DHA program focuses on several main ideas. These main ideas include policy, ethics, research, healthcare economics, healthcare delivery systems, and leadership. The program requires the completion of 63-credits. These include 15 online courses, six in-person seminars, and an individual dissertation.
The Central Michigan University website provides additional information regarding admission requirements. They also provide more opportunities to get program information. This site also includes a helpful video about the program. Public health impacts a variety of areas, and this program can help advance your career in the healthcare field. It will also help you to become a more effective leader.
8. A & T Still University of Health Sciences
Online Doctor of Health Administration
Tuition: $25,453
ATSU offers students the opportunity to earn a doctor of health administration degree online. The program involves online courses as well as a 20-credit hour dissertation. This dissertation can be either applied or theoretical. Graduates of the doctor of health administration program may take on various leadership roles. These may include administrators, educators, policy makers, and leaders. The program website specifies different career titles that graduates of the DHA program may hold. These titles include Healthcare Consultant, Director of Risk Management, Director of Patient Safety, and Practice Manager.
ATSU educates students in the DHA program to become leaders and problem solvers in the healthcare industry. The program faculty have diverse backgrounds and they are all dedicated to student success. Prospective students interested in the doctor of health administration program at ATSU should check out the website. There they will find the opportunity to learn more about admission requirements and concepts included in the program. They will also learn about career opportunities that the degree can lead to.
7. MCPHS University
Online Doctor of Health Sciences
Tuition: $20,880
The Doctor of Health Sciences degree at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is offered online. This exciting program has multiple concentrations that students can focus on. The school offers four different concentrations for the online DHS degree. Students can focus their studies in one of the following: Leadership in Healthcare Management, Leadership in Health-Professions Education, Healthcare Quality and Safety, and Leadership in Public Health. The Leadership in Public Health concentration is for students who are interested in public health issues and protecting different populations around the world. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to improve public health using research and scholarship. The concentration on Leadership in Public Health focuses on disease transmission. It also focuses on promoting health and wellness in the community. It also places a focus on health equity around the world.
MCPHS offers the program online and part-time. This versatility allows students to continue working while in school. The online DHS program focuses on inter-professional practice, research, and scholarship. These work together to incorporate knowledge into practice. The MCPHS faculty for the DHS program have unique backgrounds and perspectives that they bring to the program. The MCPHS online doctor of health science program has a clear mission. Their mission is to encourage students to have a positive impact on healthcare, health professions education and healthcare delivery. Are you wanting to make a difference in the healthcare field? Or do you have experience in the health-related workplace and are looking for a part time opportunity to advance your formal education? If either of these describes you, then the online DHS program at MCPHS may be right for you. Prospective students can look at the website to learn more about the program concentrations, admission requirements and curriculum.
6. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hybrid Dual Degree PHD/MPH in Psychology
Hybrid Dual Degree PHD/MPH in Sociology
In State Tuition: $7,866
Out of State Tuition: $17,910
The University of Alabama offers students the opportunity to capitalize on their education and earn their PHD while at the same time pursuing the MPH. UAB offers two relevant dual degree programs. Each of these can enhance a career in the public health field. Eligible students who wish to pursue an MPH in Health Behavior can additionally earn a PhD in Psychology or Sociology. The program curriculum is posted on the website.
Most courses are offered in class as well as the online format. This dual degree program is a unique educational opportunity. The dual MPH/PHD degree options from UAB are geared to prepare graduates to participate in program and policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Would you like to learn more about the program opportunities, curriculum, and the admissions process? If so, then follow the link to their website where you will be able to find answers to any additional questions.
5.The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
DrPH Online with Campus Visits
In State Tuition: $9,943
Out of State Tuition: $27,154
The online DrPH program at UNC is a doctoral program in health leadership. The program is for individuals who are committed to improving the public’s health and motivated to become leaders in the field. Applicants can be in the US or international, but all are required to meet on campus during the first two years of the program. These meetings on campus occur in the fall, spring and summer. Applicants for the DrPH program should already be in a leadership position in the health field or an area affecting public health. Students are required to complete a dissertation during the program.
Graduates of the UNC DrPH program will likely have new career and leadership opportunities. These opportunities can be found in agencies, organizations or government roles. This three-year program is designed to prepare current leaders to transition to leadership positions in the public health field. If you are a current leader in the health field and wish to advance your leadership career, the DrPH program at UNC may be a great option and the right fit for you. The school website offers additional program details and application information.
4. The University of Illinois at Chicago
Online Doctor of Public Health in Leadership with onsite visits
In State Tuition: $13,502
Out of State Tuition: $23,742
With a known need for more leaders in the public health field, UIC is preparing leaders through the online DrPH program. Graduates of this online program may take on roles leading research and influencing public health policy. Graduates also may have opportunities to be in leadership roles in the public health community. While in these positions, they will be able to influence at the local, national or international level. The program is for individuals who are committed to being a leader in the public health field.
Students can complete the program in four to six years, and they have the flexibility to be able to take courses part-time and online. However, they must be willing to commit to an annual three-day program each summer. The DrPH program prepares students to take on leadership roles. It also prepares them to use public health concepts and skills to problem solve at an influential level. Prospective students may want to learn more about the mission and vision of the program. They can do this on the website. Additionally, they can learn about admission requirements, career opportunities after graduation, and the application process.
3. Johns Hopkins University
Doctor of Public Health Online with Onsite Requirements
Tuition: $52,170
The DrPH program at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is for eligible students who are motivated to be leaders in the public health field. The program is considered to be an online program. However, students do have onsite requirements to be met during the first two years of the program. Students in the Johns Hopkins DrPH program typically study on a part-time basis. There are some instances when students may be permitted to attend the DrPH program as a full-time student. Students may take between four to nine years to complete the doctor of public health program. This time frame includes all the curriculum as well as the dissertation.
Graduates can expect to be prepared for domestic or international career opportunities. All of these opportunities work together to improve public health. The DrPH program curriculum includes education on leadership, analytical skills, communication, policy, management, ethics, program design, and evaluation. Johns Hopkins additionally offers four concentrations for the DrPH program. These concentrations include environmental health, health equity and social justice, health policy and management, and implementation science. The Johns Hopkins DrPH program website offers prospective students more information about the program, opportunities, and admissions.
2. Walden University
Director of Public Health Online
Walden University offers an exciting Doctor of Public Health program. This program can be completed entirely online. It gives students the opportunity to learn from respected scholars and practitioners within the field of public health. The DrPH program at Walden enables students to build a solid foundation in communication, marketing, public policy and advocacy, and economics. The curriculum for the program includes a capstone project. This project gives students the opportunity to address a pressing problem within the field. They will do this while using a hands-on approach.
There are two entry paths at Walden. These include one for those who hold a Master’s degree in Public Health, and one for those who earned their Master’s degree in another field. Those who have earned a MrPH are eligible for a program track that requires fewer credits and less coursework. This allows students to reach their career goals in less time. The track for those who have earned another degree is similar. This track requires the completion of some extra coursework related to the field. Grants are available to students interested in the DrPH program at Walden. The program is designed for graduates to be prepared to advance into executive level roles. More information can be found at the Walden University website.
1. Capella University
Online Doctor of Public Health Degree
Tuition: $14,365
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Capella University offers eligible applicants an opportunity to earn their DrPH degree online. This top-ranked online program includes a capstone and practicum as part of the curriculum. This allows students to gain practical experience. The program educates students to develop as leaders. Students will also learn to apply research and develop solutions for public health problems.
Capella offers students opportunities to save financially while pursuing the DrPH. These opportunities include scholarships, flexibility with transfer credits, and partnering with employers to offer discounts. The DrPH degree can lead to new opportunities in the public health field. These roles include analyst, advisor, consultant, and manager. These all work to promote healthier and safer communities. The Capella University DrPH program website offers more information. You will find information regarding the curriculum, material students will study, and financial options. You can also learn about student support offered and career opportunities for after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the benefit to earning a doctorate degree in public health?
A doctorate degree offers a unique level of credibility to a professional. The degree can lead to leadership and career opportunities. The doctoral program typically engages students in research, advanced education and practical skill development. A program of this type will prepare students and help them to develop as authorities in their respective field. Most administration and executive positions within the public health field require a doctorate degree.
Earning this degree can make you a top candidate for any job that you would like to pursue. Employment in the healthcare field is projected to grow at a higher than average rate in the next ten years. With this in mind, preparing yourself for a top leadership position in the field is a great way to secure your position as a sought after candidate.
What is the difference between a DrPH and a PhD?
Johns Hopkins and the University of Illinois in Chicago address this question. PhD programs are typically more relevant for research and academia. The DrPH is geared more towards leadership and using the skills learned for problem solving. The degrees covered in this article are for those who are looking to serve in leadership positions within the field of public health.
How long will the program take?
Length of time for program completion is dependent on the program the student is pursuing. It also depends on whether they study with full-time or part-time status. Most of the online DRPH programs listed here take between three to nine years for completion and anticipate that students are part-time.
These programs have different maximum years allowed for students to complete the program. For example, students in the Walden University program have up to 8 years for completion or can apply for an extension. One program, Nebraska Methodist College: Education & Leadership in Healthcare, EdD, advertises that full-time students can complete the program in 24 months.
Is there financial aid available?
Each program offers different levels of support. Some programs may collaborate with employers. This collaboration works to promote advancing education and offer a scholarship. Some schools have scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Many of the schools offer grants, as well.
Are programs 100% online?
The public health doctoral programs listed here offer online courses. These courses vary in delivery format depending on the program. They typically involve a practicum, capstone and/or dissertation. Some of the programs also require on-site education at some point in the course of study. Each program is unique in the amount of material that is online.
A few of the programs are very committed to the online element. Others of them require intermittent days of onsite attendance. This program ranking of top online DrPH programs considered the amount of the program that is online in the methodology for ranking.
By Erin Padden RN, BSN
Erin graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 with a BSN. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Thomas Jefferson University (an online/hybrid program).
MPH staff