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.
At a Glance: Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs
- Radford University Carilion
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Johns Hopkins University
- East Carolina University
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.
What to Expect from an Online Doctorate in Public Health Program
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:
- Public health leadership
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Public health communication
- Healthcare systems and policy
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to an Online Doctorate in Public Health Program
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.
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Admission Materials
Many Ph.D. in public health programs require that applicants hold a master's degree in public health, but you may be eligible for admission with any graduate degree from an accredited college. Plan to include 2-3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement.
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GPA Requirement
Schools seek applicants with a competitive academic record. Prospective students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and official transcripts for admittance into a Ph.D. program.
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Other Requirements
Applicants also need 2-3 years of post-graduate experience working in healthcare, public health, or a related field.
Why Is Accreditation Important for an Online Doctorate in Public Health Program?
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.
Learn More About the Best Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs of 2023
Radford University
- Radford, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Radford University Carilion offers an online doctor of health science program for working professionals. Students take an average of two classes each semester, but the self-paced curriculum allows for slower or faster progress. The 42-credit program culminates with a capstone project that prepares graduates to conduct evidence-based research.
Enrollees can focus on healthcare administration, community and public health, or education and academia. RUC prefers applicants who have completed master's-level statistics and doctorate-level research methods courses.
- Program(s): Doctor of health sciences
- Campus: Roanoke, Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $394 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Master's degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university; four years of working or teaching experience as a healthcare educator, manager or administrator, professional clinician, or public health practitioner
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years plus one semester
- On-Campus Requirements: No
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs of 2023
University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online doctor of public health leadership program at the University of Illinois at Chicago emphasizes addressing healthcare inequities exacerbated by the pandemic and growing climate emergency.
Designed for mid-career public health professionals, the curriculum focuses on adaptive leadership to help communities and organizations make transformational changes in the face of challenges. Research approaches include engaged scholarship, mixed methods, novel and applied research designs, and systems thinking.
Course delivery is primarily synchronous with daytime and early evening sessions.
- Program(s): Doctor of public health leadership
- Campus: Chicago, Illinois
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $991 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Master's degree from an accredited public health program or related field; at least three years of professional public health leadership experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 4-6 years
- On-Campus Requirements: No
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs of 2023
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Johns Hopkins University offers an online doctor of public health program on a part-time basis with week-long, on-site intensives.
Targeted to early- and mid-career public health professionals, the 57-credit program features concentrations in:
- Environmental health
- Global health
- Health equity and social justice
- Health policy and management
- Implementation science
- Women's and reproductive health
Foundational course content includes leading organizations, the opioid crisis, and environmental and worker health protection. Graduation requires a practicum, dissertation, and written and oral examinations.
- Program(s): Doctor of public health
- Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $1,312 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Master's in public health or a related field; three years of full-time, professional public health experience in applicant's interest area
- Minimum Time Commitment: 4-9 years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs of 2023
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online doctor of public health program at East Carolina University focuses on ensuring safety, equity, and social justice with an emphasis on rural, underserved, and multicultural communities. Students can concentrate in environmental and occupational health (EOH) or health policy, administration, and leadership (HPAL).
EOH courses include environmental and occupational epidemiology and pests and vector borne diseases. HPAL content covers health information systems and quality improvement and cost effectiveness. Both tracks require completion of field experience and a dissertation.
- Program(s): Doctor of public health
- Campus: Greenville, North Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health
- Tuition: $1,236 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Master's in public health or a closely related field from an accredited program (or completion of foundational level courses); two years of professional public health experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: Eight semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes (for final exam and dissertation defense)
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Public Health Programs
What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a DPH?
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.
Can you get a Ph.D. in public health without a master's?
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.
Do I need a Ph.D. to be an epidemiologist?
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).
What is the job outlook for a doctorate in public health?
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.
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