Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs

Do you want to support doctors and nurses who work on the frontlines to treat and prevent diseases? A Ph.D. in public health offers opportunities in academics, research, and policy to improve healthcare for people and communities.

With a Ph.D. in public health, you can dissect research data to provide healthcare solutions, develop more effective healthcare delivery models, identify patterns to find causes of diseases, or fight climate change.

Explore our ranking of the best Ph.D. in public health programs to learn more about admission requirements, program curriculum, and career opportunities.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best Online Doctorate in Public Health programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or, go straight to our full ranking of online doctorate in public health programs.

Many online Ph.D. in public health programs offer convenient remote courses for professionals with 2-3 years of industry experience. Each program has a different format. For instance, you may take courses part time on your schedule or full time during the day.

Learners complete 40-60 credits over 3-4 years, gaining leadership and communication skills and the perspective to influence policy. You can expect the same curriculum as schools offer on campus. Programs may include a practicum experience or dissertation. Courses commonly cover:

If you hold a master’s degree in public health or a related field, you generally meet the minimum academic requirements to apply for an online Ph.D. in public health. That said, each school sets specific admission requirements with varying deadlines, application fees, and supplemental materials. Be sure to check the admissions requirements prior to submitting your application.

Doctoral students should attend an accredited Ph.D. program, which is an indication of academic quality. Colleges earn accreditation from independent accrediting agencies the same way programs receive accreditation.

The Council on Education for Public Health accredits Ph.D. in public health programs by reviewing the curriculum, organizational and administrative process, student engagement, and graduation rates and outcomes. When you attend an accredited Ph.D. in public health program, you can know your education meets industry standards. This ensures your future employers that you have received a quality education.

A Ph.D. is a research heavy degree, whereas a doctor of public health (DPH) emphasizes experiential learning. Ph.D.-holders commonly pursue careers in academia and research. DPH-holders become public health program directors and health policy advisors.

You do not always need a master’s degree to enter a Ph.D. in public program health. Some schools accept applicants with an accredited undergraduate degree. Although most programs prefer Ph.D. candidates who hold a master’s in public health or a similar major.

If you want to work as a professor or lead research projects in colleges and universities, you will need a Ph.D. However, employers may hire epidemiologists with a master’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

There are in-demand jobs available to professionals with a Ph.D. in public health. According to the BLS, employment for epidemiologists could grow by 26% from 2021-2031. Additionally, growth for college professors — another popular profession after completing a Ph.D. in public health — may increase by 12% in the same time frame.