Explore an online doctorate in public health (DrPH)

What is a DrPH degree? 

Public health workers protect and advance community health and safety as health educators, administrators, technicians, scientists, and analysts. A doctor of public health online reflects the highest level of academic achievement and qualifies an individual to perform expert-level work in this field. 

Admission requirements for an online doctorate in public health

Admissions requirements for online DrPh programs vary by school. As with most accredited master of public health programs, online DrPH programs typically require you to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A majority of programs prefer a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; however, this is not always a requirement.

Doctorate programs in public health seek applicants with master's or bachelor's degrees in the same field, such as an online MPH. Many also accept individuals with nursing, communication, statistics, and related backgrounds. Professionals who lack the appropriate educational background can make up for it with relevant work experience.

A statement of purpose with evidence of personal characteristics and goals that align with the public health profession are also usually preferred, if not required.

The best way to learn about the specific requirements for any given program is to request information from the universities you are interested in, or visit their admissions pages to learn more.

How to apply

Visit each online DrPH program to explore specific application instructions.

DrPH online curriculum

Online DrPH programs teach leadership practice and theory through core courses, in-person immersions, and practical experience. You will learn public health and how to develop, implement, and evaluate effective public health programs and policies. Upon graduation from one of the online doctorate degrees, you’ll be prepared to resolve complex public health issues at the systemic level. 

As part of an online DrPH program, you will: 

• Elevate your public health leadership and management skills

• Connect with prominent public health leaders around the world

• Receive mentorship and personal support from practice-based faculty

• Collaborate with diverse peers during live online evening classes

Advance your career with doctor of public health jobs

Those who complete an online doctorate in public health have come from and continue on into industries such as: 

• Healthcare

• Engineering

• Public policy 

• Epidemiology

• Community health  

• Research 

• Business or nonprofit work 

• Education

Doctorate in public health salary

In a growing discipline like public health, a doctorate in public health salary remains competitive in the evolving market. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an epidemiologist in state or local government can earn an average of above USD66,000 all the way to the highest-earning 10% of epidemiologists who earn more than USD126,000 a year. ^{Footnote 1}

Career outlook

Potentially available doctor of public health jobs include:

• Health department director

• Public health information officer

• Health policy advisor

• Public health consultant 

• Health officer

• Epidemiologist

• Public health program director

• Community health manager/director

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of epidemiologists will grow 26% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.^{Footnote 1}

Growing and changing populations call for an evolving generation of public health practitioners, thought leaders, and policy influencers.