fully funded online phd in public health

Doctor of Public Health Program

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a fully online program designed for professionals who seek to expand their knowledge of evidence-based public health and aspire to excel in leadership roles that impact the complex public health challenges we face, both today and in the future.

Who is the DrPH Program For?

The DrPH program is designed for professionals who are ready for an advanced degree and higher levels of public health leadership.

Applicants typically have:

• An MPH/MSPH or equivalent master’s degree, although it is not required. (Students who have not earned an MPH or MSPH from an accredited institution will be required to complete specific coursework in addition to the regular DrPH curriculum).
• Three years of professional work experience at the time of matriculation. (Students may begin the application process once they have acquired two years of full-time work experience

Is a DrPH or PhD Right for Me?

While both a DrPH and PhD provide rigorous, doctoral-level training in public health, there are important differences to keep in mind as you decide which degree to pursue. Learn more about the differences between a DrPH and PhD below.

DrPH applications are completed through SOPHAS. Admissions requirements can be found here.

What Can I Do with a DrPH?

Our strong, global network of Rollins alumni work in a variety of sectors, from government, to industry, and everything in between.

The DrPH program uniquely positions participants to:

• Shape public health policies.
• Spearhead health promotion initiatives.
• Conduct impactful applied research.
• Build collaborative partnerships.
• Apply sophisticated communication strategies.

Professionals with a DrPH degree are in positions such as:

• Public Health Program Director
• Health Services Director
• Health Policy Advisor
• Global Health Director
• Non-Profit Executive Director

DrPH graduates will obtain a refined skill set and an intricate understanding of methodologies crucial for becoming public health leaders. Their preparation extends beyond academic knowledge, equipping them with the experience and tools to lead and influence with distinction, ultimately contributing significantly to the advancement of public health on both local and global scales.  

Program Overview

The DrPH curriculum cultivates foundational competencies essential for effective leadership in public health, including:  

• Mastery of data and analysis
• Adeptness in leadership
• Understanding of policy, programs, and educating the public health workforce

This fully online program offers two concentrations:

Public Health Preparedness and Response

Implementation and evaluation science.

Public health preparedness and response is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on leading, coordinating, and implementing systems in response to local, regional, national, or global public health threats.

Doctoral training in public health preparedness and response encompasses foundational methods coursework to:

• Assess community risk through appropriate sampling strategies.
• Facilitate rigorous data collection, analysis, and data linkage to emerging health problems.
• Engage in timely and science-driven communication to the public through data dashboards and other visualization methods.

This concentration prepares graduates for leadership roles, providing them with the knowledge and skills to lead teams in times of crisis and to communicate and collaborate effectively with external partners at the local, regional, national, and global level across various industries.

Graduates are well-prepared for careers as directors of public health preparedness at public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the World Health Organization, as well as other leadership roles within hospital systems, private industry, and the military.

Implementation and evaluation science is a multidisciplinary field focused on the systematic study of strategies and processes for effectively adapting, adopting, and scaling evidence-based interventions and assessing outcomes for diverse populations and contexts.

This training encompasses foundational methods coursework to enable the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions, including policies, practices, and programs. The primary goal is to bridge gaps between what we know (research) and what we do (practice and policy) to improve population health.

Students will learn to:

• Identify contextual factors that influence successful design and implementation of evidence-based interventions.
• Employ implementation strategies to increase effective service delivery.
• Apply implementation science and evaluation theories, models, and frameworks.
• Measure implementation outcomes and impacts.
• Inform iterative improvements.

This concentration prepares graduates for leadership roles, providing them with the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively and to scale evidence-based strategies that ultimately amplify effectiveness and improve outcomes in health promotion and disease prevention, public health policies, and health care systems.

Program Structure 

The DrPH is a fully online, 60 credit-hour program that can be completed full-time (8-11 credit hours per semester) or part-time (5-7 crdit hours per semester) in three to seven years, consisting of:

• Foundational courses – 25 credits
• Implementation and Evaluation Sciences
• Applied Practice Experience – 3 credits
• Integrative Learning Experience (dissertation research/project) – 11 credits

Comprehensive Exam

The online, asynchronous format of the DrPH program offers convenience and flexibility for professionals to complete their studies while working full time.

Foundational Curriculum

The foundational curriculum consists of 25 credit hours of coursework which all students, regardless of their selected concentration, must complete.

* Specific course titles and associated credits are subject to change. 

Concentration Curriculum 

In addition to the foundational curriculum, students will complete 11-12 credit hours of coursework within their selected concentration, in addition to 9-10 credit hours of elective courses.

*Specific course titles and associated credits are subject to change. 

Elective Courses

Students will choose elective courses from the options below to align further training with their unique interests (i.e., application of implementation and evaluation science or preparedness and response in the context of global health, environmental health, behavioral/social science, etc.). A minimum of 10 credit hours are required for Implementation and Evaluation Science students and 9 credit hours for Preparedness and Response students. List of elective courses is subject to change.

Applied Practice Experience

The Applied Practice Experience (APE) is a unique opportunity that enables students to apply their knowledge learned through coursework and leadership skills to a professional setting that complements the student’s interests and career goals. The APE can be completed in the student’s workplace when appropriate; however, the project and associated deliverable(s) must be distinct from the student’s daily work responsibilities.  

All DrPH students must complete a 200-hour APE, regardless of their number of years in the workforce or other relevant experience.

Integrative Learning Experience

The DrPH dissertation research or project is the student’s final comprehensive written product that demonstrates mastery of DrPH foundational and concentration competencies.

Students will register for a total of 11 Integrative Learning Experience credits, including:

• Dissertation Research/Project Seminar (first year)
• Dissertation Proposal Planning Seminar (fall of second year)
• Dissertation Proposal Development (spring of second year)
• Dissertation (final year)

The dissertation topic will be selected by the student with guidance from their faculty advisor. Consistent with the nature of the DrPH as an applied degree, we expect that dissertations will apply doctoral-level research and practice skills to address higher-level leadership, policy, and critical public health problems in an evidence-based, methodologically rigorous manner. 

The dissertation can be in one of three formats:

• Five-chapter format: This is the traditional dissertation format consisting of a) the problem statement and specific aims; b) comprehensive literature review; c) data collection and research methods; d) data analyses and results; e) discussion of findings and implications/recommendations for policy and public health practice.
• Manuscript format: A minimum of three manuscripts that must be submitted for publication in a refereed public health related journal following the formatting guidelines of the journal. The dissertation submission must include introductory and concluding chapters synthesizing the work across manuscripts.  
• Public health project portfolio: this format requires selecting one or more practice-based projects in an organization (e.g., organizational assessment, program evaluation, program plan/implementation, economic evaluation). The number of required projects and target deliverables depends on the scope of the projects and will be determined in collaboration with the dissertation advisor.  

Students must complete key foundational methods, leadership courses, and the four required concentration courses before scheduling their Comprehensive Exam (CE). Students will be required to maintain a professional portfolio that will serve as the basis for their CE to evaluate their readiness to advance to candidacy. The CE will consist of a reflective written document and an oral defense.

Recommended Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence for each concentration is based on a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester. Part-time students will take a reduced course load each semester.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of DrPH tuition is $1,311 per credit hour.

Visit our DrPH admissions page for information about requirements and how to apply.

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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

External Fellowships

Doctor of philosophy (phd) overview.

Applications are open

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Doctoral Degree Programs in Public Health

Research, education, impact.

In doctoral degree programs at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, students hone their research and teaching skills as they develop the newest knowledge and discover solutions to public health issues across the field in collaboration with world-class faculty at a leading research university.

Join our Interest List

How to Apply

Doctoral Degrees and Requirements

Funding and financial aid, research areas.

Ready to Apply?

Learn more about our application requirements and deadlines and start your application today. If you’re not ready to apply yet, but would like to receive more information about Michigan Public Health and the program(s) you’re interested in, join our prospective student interest list.

For more information about the doctoral admissions process, email our Recruitment and Admissions team at [email protected] or reach out to the department program coordinator to learn more."

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

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• Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
• Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
• Lingrui Liu ScD MS
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• Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
• Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
• Allison Magnuson, DO
• Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
• Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
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About the PhD in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control Program

The PhD program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, International Health is more applied, multidisciplinary, and internationally oriented than standard infectious disease epidemiology programs. It prepares students to take leadership positions in important global public health settings with strong research components. 

This is a  STEM designated program . Eligible F-1 visa students can receive an additional 24 months of work authorization, beyond the initial 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

PhD in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control Program Highlights

Students will learn to use epidemiologic, immunologic, laboratory and statistical methods to design, implement, and evaluate disease control interventions for diseases of public health importance to underserved populations.

GLOBAL NETWORK

Research opportunities around the world

APPLIED LEARNING

Training in epidemiologic and biostatistical methods

Vaccine Training

From clinical trials to implementation

STEM DESIGNATED

Eligibility for a 24-month STEM OPT extension

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

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

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Coordinator for Prescription Drug Overdose Response, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
• Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer

Interactive Research and Development

• Director, Child Health & Vaccines Program, Pakistan Country Office

International Rescue Committee

• Technical Advisor for Research

National Institutes of Health

• Research Fellow, Division of International Epidemiology and Population Studies, ​Fogarty International Center

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

• Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

World Health Organization

• Scientist, Initiative for Vaccine Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

Students acquire a broad understanding of the methods needed to design studies and gain hands-on experience in the design, conduct and analysis of community and clinical trials and/or laboratory based investigations, including the immunologic and biologic basis of responses to immunizations and other prophylactic or therapeutic interventions.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's  Academic Guides .

• Recent dissertations
• Student timeline
• Core competencies

Courses Available in the Following Areas:

• Infectious diseases
• Vaccinology
• Field trials
• Program implementation and evaluation
• Program design

Admissions Requirements

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

Prior Graduate Degree

A degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry, or a master’s degree or equivalent graduate training in epidemiology, statistics, international health, tropical medicine, microbiology, parasitology, immunology, or virology.

Prior Work Experience

Not required but highly desirable

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores  are required  for this program. This program accepts the following standardized test scores: GRE.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Melissa A. Marx

Melissa A. Marx, PhD ‘02, MPH ’98, evaluates maternal, child, and infectious disease programs, and has led response efforts for outbreaks including SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Anna P. Durbin

Anna Durbin, MD, studies experimental vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, dengue, West Nile, Zika, malaria, and more in human clinical trials and in controlled human infection studies.

Christine Marie George

Christine Marie George, PhD, is an infectious disease epidemiologist who designs infectious disease control programs to promote health equity and prevent infections globally.

Rupali J. Limaye

Rupali Limaye, PhD ’12, MPH, MA, studies how health information can best be communicated to individuals in different contexts and through different channels.

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.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd Academic Program Administrator [email protected]

Compare Programs

• Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Systems

PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health

Prepare for a high-impact academic or research career at the forefront of the biological sciences in public health..

As a student in the PhD in biological sciences in public health program, you will gain expertise in the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect thousands—even millions—of people. Working with leading public health scientists, you will learn both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research, while specializing in one of four areas of investigation:

• The metabolic basis of health and disease
• Immunology and infectious diseases
• Gene-environment interactions
• Inflammation and stress responses

Each area of investigation emphasizes biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches to understanding disease. In your research, whether basic or translational, you will apply cutting-edge tools and techniques to advance the understanding, treatment, and prevention of human diseases that significantly impact global populations today. Current research within our laboratories includes these and other diseases and risk factors:

• Atherosclerosis
• Chagas’ disease
• Environmental exposure to toxins
• Inflammatory diseases
• Kidney disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Tuberculosis

As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared for a career as a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health. You may also choose to pursue a career in research at a government agency, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm.

The program provides broad interdisciplinary knowledge of both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research and prepares graduate students for research careers with courses in the following areas:

• Biochemistry, Genetics
• Biostatistics
• Cell biology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology/Infectious diseases
• Molecular biology
• Toxicology/Cancer cell biology

All students admitted to the PhD in biological sciences in public health program, including international students, are guaranteed full funding, which includes a stipend, tuition, and health insurance for five years, provided they maintain satisfactory progress.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in the sciences.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in biological sciences in public health 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 . The program is located within the Division of Biological Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

OUR COMMUNITY: COMMITTED, ACCOMPLISHED, COLLABORATIVE

As a PhD candidate in the biological sciences in public health program, 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 share ideas outside of the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program. The School fosters those relationships by sponsoring an “informal curriculum” of seminars, journal clubs, retreats, and other opportunities that will broaden your knowledge, hone your presentation skills, and teach you how to critically evaluate scientific literature while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree. Our location in the heart of Boston’s Longwood Medical Area—home to Harvard Medical School, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and many world-class hospitals—makes collaboration with eminent laboratory and clinical researchers a natural part of the educational experience. And when you graduate, you will benefit from Harvard’s unparalleled global network of alumni leaders.

LEARN MORE Visit our website at www.hsph.harvard.edu/biological-sciences for more information or contact [email protected]

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