Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Online and Onsite | Part-Time | 4–7 Years
About the Doctor of Public Health Program
As the most advanced professional qualification in public health, the DrPH prepares early- to mid-career domestic and international public health professionals to excel in leadership roles in policy, practice, and health services delivery.
The DrPH allows professionals to continue improving health and saving lives while pursuing their studies wherever they are in the world.
The program can be completed fully online, with part-time study designed to allow students to maintain full-time employment while progressing at a pace that fits their schedule.
Students may choose the traditional Online Only format or the Online Plus option, which includes a short on-campus experience during a Summer or Winter Institute. International students or Online Plus participants complete onsite coursework during the Institute, while all other students may take courses fully online or opt to take available courses onsite as their schedule allows. Additional details about program formats are available on our FAQ page.
For international students:
- F-1 I-20 applications are possible for four or more credits taken during a Summer or Winter Institute in Baltimore.
- I-20 applications require four or more credits completed over two consecutive weeks for each visit.
- I-20s cannot be issued for instruction during 8-week terms.
Doctor of Public Health Program Highlights
30+
countries represented in the program
220+
faculty advising students
8
departments offering courses in the program
90-110
students in a cohort
Program Outcomes
Our DrPH graduates advance into senior leadership across government, nonprofits, health systems, and global health, using evidence to drive population-level impact.
98% of graduates are employed or in a fellowship/internship, and 75% report higher earnings after graduation. Explore alumni career paths and employment outcomes.
Sample Careers and Employers
DrPH graduates hold roles such as policy advisors, senior analysts, public health directors, faculty, data scientists, and program leaders.
They work in organizations including CDC, NIH, WHO, state and local health departments, hospitals, universities, NGOs, and private sector leaders.
More specific career outcomes are available on each Concentration's page.
Curriculum for the Doctor of Public Health
The DrPH curriculum develops advanced competencies in leadership, communication, data and analytics, management and ethics, policy and program design, and education and workforce development—preparing graduates to lead across complex public health systems.
Students select one of 12 concentrations or tracks at the time of application to align their studies with their professional goals.
The program requires a minimum of 64 total credits, comprised of the following components:
- 31 Foundational Credits
(including at least 6 credits in data analysis, aligned with CEPH competencies) - 26 Concentration Credits
Specialized coursework within the selected concentration or track - Applied Practice Experience & Dissertation
Includes a required applied practicum and a minimum of 7 dissertation credits focused on real-world public health challenges
For more detail, visit our Curriculum page and explore each concentration page below to see learning goals, career outcomes, and student profiles. The complete DrPH curriculum, competencies, and degree requirements are available in the University E-Catalogue.
12
concentrations and tracks
57
minimum credits of coursework
7
minimum credits for proposal and thesis
1
practicum and dissertation
Concentrations and Tracks
- Customized Program of Study
- Environmental Health Concentration (2 tracks available)
- Environmental Health Track
- Health Security Track
- Global Health: Policy and Evaluation Concentration
- Health Equity and Social Justice Concentration
- Health Policy and Management Concentration (4 tracks available)
- Healthcare Management and Leadership
- Health Policy
- Public Health Informatics
- Quality and Patient Safety
- Implementation Science Concentration
- Indigenous Health Concentration
- Women's and Reproductive Health Concentration
Admissions Requirements
For general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The DrPH program also requires:
Prior Graduate Degree
Applicants must hold an MPH or another graduate-level degree in a related field by the time of matriculation in August.
Graduate-level biostatistics and epidemiology are not required for admission but serve as prerequisites for certain core DrPH courses. Students without recent coursework in these areas may need to complete additional prerequisite courses alongside the 57 didactic credits required for the DrPH. These prerequisites do not count toward the degree. Additional details are available on our Admissions page.
Prior Work Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of full-time professional experience in public health or a related field by the December 1 application deadline.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.
Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.
Renee M. Johnson, PhD, MPH
Renee M. Johnson is Deputy Chair of the schoolwide Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program. She is also Associate Professor & Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Mental Health. She co-directs NIH-funded Drug Dependence Epidemiology Training Program and previously served on the MPH Executive Board. Her work addresses substance use, injury and violence, overdose prevention, and adolescent health.
Renee M. Johnson is serving as the Acting Chair of the DrPH program.
Tuition and Funding
Part-time DrPH students pay by the credit and finance their graduate studies through a variety of funding options ranging from paying out of pocket, to utilizing employer tuition remission benefits, financial aid, external scholarships, and military funding.
Bloomberg American Health Initiative- DrPH Fellowships
The Bloomberg American Health Initiative offers 8-10 highly competitive fellowships for incoming DrPH students currently working with U.S. organizations on the front lines of one of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative’s five focus areas: addiction and overdose, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, risks to adolescent health, and violence. A separate application process is required for consideration. Please note that only about 12% of fellowship applicants receive an award. It is important that applicants consider additional funding means prior to applying for the DrPH Program.
For further details regarding eligibility and the application process, please visit the Bloomberg American Health Initiative website.
Contact Us
Questions about the program? We're happy to help.
DrPH Program Office:
Katie Cruit, MS
DrPH Program Manager
Madison Nuzzo, MPH
DrPH Academic Coordinator
Katie Herbst, M.Ed
DrPH Administrative Coordinator
Karla Bunz, BA
Program Adviser
Janet Carn, M.Ed
Program Adviser
Sheryl Flythe, MLA
Program Adviser
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