Pursuing higher positions in public health can be beneficial for individuals with leadership qualities. Those in public health who seek the most from their degree should consider enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program across the country.

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and the PhD in Public Health are advanced terminal degrees in public health, intended for experienced public health professionals who already have a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or a similar degree. Specific degree nomenclature varies based on the university and the specific public health school. Some offer DPH degrees, while other universities name the terminal degree PhD in Public Health, a Doctorate in Public Health, or a Doctoral in Public Health.

These terminal degree programs in public health can prepare learners for careers in research, education, or even management within the public health sector. Graduate-level public health specialists are in great demand across the country to assist with nationwide epidemic research and the implementation of vital government programs.

A PhD in Public Health will be focused on developing the skills needed to become an advanced researcher. Understanding research theories and methodologies is an important part of this degree. Even though a PhD in Public Health is more narrowly focused, it lends itself to careers across various health sectors, including academia, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.

A DrPH is an advanced graduate-level degree that focuses on the professional and practical elements of the field, rather than the academic. It is designed for public health practitioners and is geared towards practice and fieldwork. It is multidisciplinary and will cover everything from communications and marketing to advocacy and economics. It was developed to train students and practitioners for careers in public health leadership. 

Both the DrPH and PhD offer career options in academia. These two degrees are suited for individuals who have earned an MPH or another graduate-level degree and have worked in their field for several years. The DrPH is ideal for the public health practitioner looking to advance their career into positions that require additional education. The PhD may suit an individual earlier in their career who is looking to embed themselves in a research career.

Prerequisites for DrPH and PhD programs vary. Many DrPH programs require a relevant master’s degree and often expect professional public health experience, while PhD programs may require or prefer a master’s but are often more flexible depending on the applicant’s research background. For some programs, applicants without an MPH or another public health degree may need prior graduate coursework in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, or other core public health subjects. Official transcripts are commonly required, but GRE policies now vary widely by program: some schools still require scores, some make them optional, and others no longer use them at all. Most doctoral programs also require a statement of purpose or personal statement, and many ask for letters of recommendation and a CV or résumé. 

The degree options for a DrPH or a PhD become more specialized within those concentrations. Those receiving their PhD in public health will have to pick a program in the department in which they wish to specialize and conduct research. This could be Health Policy and Administration, Health Economics, Health Systems, etc. A DrPH will also specialize by department, but will often pick from the core public health concentrations (Epidemiology, Environmental Health, etc.) along with a few additional departments (i.e., International Health and Social and Behavioral Sciences).

Choosing the right educational program is important to career success. Students interested in earning their degree online should research their chosen school’s accreditation status before applying. Since this program is highly research-oriented, learners are expected to engage in extensive independent learning in an online environment.

Online Doctoral programs will have the same requirements and courses as traditional degrees. Online programs allow for greater flexibility with work and family life, but also require self-discipline and accountability. Some online programs will require site visits to the campus or alternate sites for orientations, leadership development, adviser meetings, etc. Classes will be taught online either through live streams or recorded videos. Online discussion forums and group work are also key components of the online curriculum. A dissertation is still a requirement for online doctorate programs, and it may be required that it is presented in person.

In general, the DrPH degree curriculum will consist of core courses, research courses, and a culminating project such as a capstone course, dissertation, or thesis. The core courses, much like the MPH, will cover the main concentrations in Public Health (Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Policy, etc.) and will also include statistics and data management. Each of these classes are taught with a focus on Leadership and Organization. Additional classes may include:

These will guide the degree’s focus. A Dissertation or thesis is often required at the end of each semester, year or at the end of the program.

The PhD in Public Health is much less straightforward and will vary significantly from program to program and within degrees. A PhD in Public Health is much more research-oriented and covers topics ranging from disease and injury prevention to health informatics and communication. Many schools do not offer a PhD in Public Health per se, but in Health Policy, Bioethics, Environmental Health Sciences, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, etc. Each of these is rooted in public health, but is much more focused in its scope. Because of this, classes and the curriculum will be much more focused on research.

After completing a DrPH or Ph.D. in Public Health, graduates may seek out positions in government agencies, healthcare facilities, or even community organizations. Professionals at this level have the capacity to become instructors of public health at universities, researchers for public health associations, and directors of nonprofit agencies.

Having a doctoral degree in this discipline provides learners with the most advanced education available in this field. With a Ph.D. in Public Health, professionals in the field may have opportunities to work with government organizations on the planning, implementation, and training of important public health procedures. Organizations, such as the American Public Health Association, accept members who are in public health careers and who wish to share their research and policies across different platforms. Getting involved with a society like this one can help professionals share their work in educational and professional settings across the country.

Information last updated: March 2026