A Guide to Online DrPH Programs: Mastering Public Health Leadership

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment within the healthcare field is projected to grow at a much faster rate compared to other industries within the next 10 years. With an increasing demand for strong public health leadership, more professionals in the field are considering pursuing an advanced degree. One option for an advanced degree that trains professionals to grow as leaders in public health is a Doctorate in Public Health, or a DrPH. Rather than a degree that focuses purely on conducting research, like a PhD, a DrPH focuses on training working professionals to develop the skills and competencies needed to grow as leaders and decision-makers. Given that those pursuing a DrPH are most likely working professionals in the field already, it is becoming increasingly common for this type of doctorate program to be offered fully online. 

Pursuing an online program opens up a world of opportunities and resources for students without the need to relocate, and with the capacity to create a schedule that accounts for any existing commitments. If you see yourself advancing your career into a leadership role that focuses on applying public health principles to real-world situations, pursuing an online DrPH may be the right next step for you.

A DrPH, or a Doctorate in Public Health, is an advanced degree that focuses on effective implementation of skills and knowledge, preparing students for leadership roles within public health organizations. An important distinction is that a DrPH is not the same as a PhD in Public Health — which is a Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Health. While a PhD has a greater focus on generating new research and knowledge within the field, a DrPH focuses more on the application of that research in practice. DrPH programs can be offered both in-person and online. The Center for Education on Public Health (CEPH) has a full list of accredited DrPH programs and the format in which they are offered.

An online DrPH program is one option for pursuing this doctorate degree. While an accredited online doctorate program must ensure that graduates receive the same high-quality education to succeed in the field of public health, it can allow greater flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to maintain existing professional commitments while working towards this advanced degree. 

While it is not always a requirement to be actively working while pursuing an online degree, online programs are often designed to cater to working professionals who may be looking to advance their careers without relocating or leaving their jobs. This may look like offering greater flexibility in class meeting times, such as more options for evening courses, or even taking courses asynchronously. 

Completing a DrPH program online also means that students have the opportunity to attend programs located anywhere in the world. This grants them access to a wide network of faculty, course and research options, as well as collaboration opportunities with individuals in diverse and unique settings — without having to relocate. On top of that, relocation can be expensive and often unattainable, but there may not be DrPH programs in an area where a student lives. This makes online programs an ideal option for students who seek these opportunities but may not have the opportunity to relocate, whatever their reasoning may be.

The common curriculum of DrPH programs, whether online or in person, is typically centered around foundational competencies established by the Center for Education on Public Health (CEPH) — ensuring that graduates are proficient in evidence-based public health practice and research. While a full list can be found below, such competencies include developing expertise in leadership and management settings, data analysis, communication across diverse sectors, and program design and evaluation.

If you already have an MPH, the curriculum and timeline of the program may also differ. For example, pursuing an online DrPH at Walden University with an MPH requires 82 additional course credits, while not having a Master’s in Public Health would require 102 credits. However, all accredited online DrPH programs ensure that graduates meet a set list of necessary skills in health communication and marketing, health policy and advocacy, and health financing. Additionally, most programs will require students to complete a capstone project or Applied Practice Experience (APE), where these hands-on skills are used through in-depth projects and practicums. 

Below are the 20 foundational competencies thatall accredited DrPH programs must meet, per the Center for Education on Public Health:

Examples of specific course options within various DrPH programs include:

A noteworthy component of deciding on an online doctorate program is their accreditation status. Accreditation is the process by which higher education programs are thoroughly evaluated by specific criteria to ensure they meet a rigorous standard of high quality. In other words, accreditation serves as an at-a-glance way for prospective students, employers, and external agencies and organizations to ensure that graduates from a public health program have received an education that meets the current needs and expectations of the field. With the differences in specializations, concentrations, and research that exist between programs, accreditation can serve as a confirmation that the programs are meeting the same benchmark of high quality. 

While the process of accreditation applies to all higher education programs, public health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). As of now, there are 92 CEPH-accredited public health doctorate programs across different schools and institutions. Out of those 92, 38 are online doctorate programs — 19 of which are only offered online and housed in 17 different schools.

For those who have only experienced learning in an in-person environment, it may seem daunting to consider pursuing a degree online. While it’s true that there are distinct differences between completing an education online versus in person, understanding what an online format looks like is the first step in breaking down any barriers that may exist. Once given the chance to learn about what opportunities exist through online learning, it can become an easier adjustment. Below are a few tips on how to adapt to the online learning environment:

When selecting a program, it is important to understand what support and resources will be available to you as an online student. Just because you may be pursuing the degree virtually does not mean that there are not the same resources offered as there are for students of an in-person program. Most online programs will have their version of peer mentoring programs, tutoring programs, study groups, training, mental health support, and even remote social events. A lot of programs may also create Facebook or WhatsApp groups to connect students and encourage collaboration. Knowing what these resources are is a crucial step in selecting a program, as it is important to have a strong support network when embarking on the next step in one's academic journey.

Professional development is one of the most important aspects of public health. Many programs will have options to join research labs and opportunities to apply for grants and scholarships to attend public health conferences. Many programs also have partnerships with notable public health organizations — which students can work with during Practicum requirements or other opportunities for real-world application. Pursuing any of these opportunities not only complements learning experiences from inside the classroom, but they can lead to internship and job opportunities after graduation or down the line. With how collaborative the field of public health is, you may even be meeting colleagues that you find yourself working with during future endeavors.

Graduates from DrPH programs go on to pursue a variety of careers in the public health field. Most often, graduates pursue leadership roles that focus on applying public health principles in practice — whether that be in program development and management, or health policy, among others. For example, below is a list of different organizations and careers that graduates from Johns Hopkins and Columbia DrPH programs have gone on to pursue:

While this is surely not an exhaustive list, it can show that there are a myriad of high-level careers that graduates can go on to pursue. When it comes to a difference in salary, data from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health note that the median salary for a DrPH graduate from their program is $140,000 while the median salary for an MPH graduate from their program is $72,750.

An online DrPh program can ensure that students still have access to a myriad of unique opportunities, including incredible resources and opportunities that work to support students in their academic and professional careers while granting the flexibility of location, specializations, expenses, and more. For more information regarding online Doctorate of Public Health programs, you can visit the CEPH website and contact schools directly to learn more about what may be the next best step in your public health career.