The Online Doctor of Public Health from the George Washington University

The 48-credit online DrPH program teaches leadership practice and theory through core courses, an in-person immersion, and practice experience. You will learn how to develop, implement and evaluate effective public health programs and policies, and you will graduate ready to resolve complex public health issues at the systematic level. 

As part of the online DrPH program, you will: 

• Elevate your public health leadership and management skills

• Connect with prominent public health leaders in D.C. and around the world

• Receive mentorship and personal support from practice-based faculty

• Collaborate with diverse peers during live online evening classes

• Core courses (35 credits)

  Using practice-based curriculum and applied research, the program includes the following core courses:

  • Leadership Principles and Practice (I and II)

  • Applied Public Health Methods (I and II)

  • Public Health Project Management and Social Entrepreneurship

  • Public Health Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation

  • Education and Workforce Development Approaches for Public Health Leaders  

  • Public Health Communications and Marketing

  • Social Change and Collective Impact

  • Public Health Policy Analysis

  • Organizational Leadership and Change Management

  • Doctor of Public Health Immersion*

• Practice experience and dissertation (13 credits)

  In addition to preparing a dissertation portfolio and defense, you will complete the DrPH Applied Practice Experience (DAPEx) in partnership with GW and a sponsoring practice organization. During the DAPEx, you’ll apply a wide range of DrPH competencies, including public health leadership, management and governance. The Dissertation Portfolio includes the following courses:

  • Doctor of Public Health Seminar and Doctor of Public Health Applied Practice Experience

  • Independent Study I for Doctor of Public Health Applied Practice Experience Proposal Development

  • Independent Study II for Doctor of Public Health Applied Practice Experience Proposal Development

  • Dissertation Portfolio Proposal Defense Planning

  • Dissertation Portfolio Proposal Defense

  • Doctor of Public Health Applied Practice Experience

  • Dissertation Portfolio Dissertation 

  • Dissertation Portfolio Dissertation Defense

• In-person immersion* (2 credits)

  The online DrPH program begins with a mandatory four-day immersion in late summer/early fall on the George Washington University campus in Washington, D.C. This immersive experience introduces you to your peers and faculty and serves as a jumping-off point for your doctoral program.

The estimated tuition for the online Doctor of Public Health program as of the 2023-24 academic year is $88,080. The average cost per credit is $1,835. A $300 non-refundable deposit is required upon enrollment. 

Please note that tuition does not include out-of-pocket expenses such as books, additional course materials, immersions or other fees.

Financial aid

There are a number of resources that may be available to help you finance your doctoral degree. Resources include private loans, employer tuition assistance, scholarships and veteran benefits.

Applying for federal student aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , using the George Washington University’s code, 001444.

• Sign the FAFSA electronically with your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.

• Apply for financial aid at the same time as you complete your program application.

The Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH) seeks motivated candidates with a clear vision of their academic and professional goals. You must have a master’s degree, and at least four years of professional public health experience to apply to this program. GPA 3.0+ preferred. No GRE scores required.

 Application deadlines

Application requirements

To complete your online application, you will need to submit the following materials: 

• Application fee

  Waivers are available for GW alumni, military-affiliated candidates and applicants who submit by the early priority deadline.

• Personal statement

  You are required to submit a personal statement of no more than 1,500 words. The statement should cover your professional background; why you are interested in the DrPH program and GWSPH; your personal/professional objectives for applying to the program; and your interest areas.

• Official transcripts

  Please send official transcripts reflecting your graduate education. Undergraduate transcripts are not required.

• Résumé or CV

  Include all professional and volunteer experience as well as educational background, and explain any gaps in your employment history. 

• Letters of recommendation

  You must submit three letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references.

• English language proficiency

  All GW applicants must demonstrate excellent English language skills. If you earned your postsecondary degree from an institution outside the United States, you may be required to submit your score from TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo. Scores may not be more than two years old.

  Minimum score requirements:

  • TOEFL: 100 on the Internet exam (iBT)

  • IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0

  • Duolingo: 125

  Applicants who earned a postsecondary degree from an institution in the United States or select English-speaking countries are exempt from providing these scores.