Complete key deliverables in each course, progressing toward your capstone project in a structured process that supports your academic and professional growth.
Career and Community Impact
Develop the knowledge, skills, and network to impact your community by leading public health initiatives in real-world settings.
Residencies
Collaborate and network with other Walden students, staff, and faculty members in two residencies—either virtual or in person.
Structured Support for Success
Get step-by-step guidance and accountability throughout your doctoral journey with Walden’s Doctoral Degree Coach®
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Doctoral students who already have an MPH degree can forgo foundational public health courses and complete the program in a shorter amount of time. Career-focused coursework and a guided capstone project help prepare you for public service.
Featured Online DrPH Courses
In this course, students will explore the field of public health and analyze foundational components of the discipline, including philosophies and values, from the viewpoint of what it means to become a scholar-practitioner in the field. They will also examine literature in public health including information on emerging issues and trends and technologies used. Students will learn about the public health doctoral programs and the resources that are available to improve scholarly voice, writing, and communication. In addition, students will examine the skills that are needed to complete a doctoral study program with regards to time management, self-discipline, and academic integrity.
Students in the applied practice experience are provided with the opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program of study and to further develop key professional and leadership competencies. Students engage in a field experience in an approved public health setting, which they align to their professional goals. Throughout the course, students explore pertinent workplace topics including safety, sexual harassment, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, leadership traits, and social change. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the applied practice experience. The on-site supervisor and the course instructor monitor and evaluate students’ performances throughout the applied practice experience. Students also participate in the accompanying online course and develop an ePortfolio based on five agreed-upon competencies. One of the five competencies must be related to leadership, management, and governance. Students are required to complete at least one project that is meaningful for the organization and advances public health practice. Students are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of applied practice work.
This seminar introduces students to the doctoral study and its components, providing information about the doctoral study process and expectations at Walden. Resources available for completion of the doctoral study and appropriate scholarly topics will be discussed. Students will also examine success strategies including time management.
In this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods public health research at the doctoral level. Students explore ecological and systems approaches to public health problems at the individual, group, organization, community and population levels. They also explore and learn to apply commonly used methods for developing research questions, research designs and approaches, data collection and data analysis, including statistical tests used in public health research. Students explore the ethical and rigorous conduct of research and consider the public health practice implications of conducting research.
The purpose of this forum is to assist students in making steady progress toward earning a doctoral degree. Doctoral students are offered the opportunity to synthesize knowledge of their program of study and complete an in-depth exploration of a practice, issue, or problem within their discipline. Students will engage in regular scholarly discussions with a faculty chair and fellow doctoral students and submit Quarterly Plans and products toward completion of the doctoral degree. Information and resources related to the doctoral study, residencies, research, writing, and doctoral program expectations are provided for guidance.
Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their doctoral study with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.
To complete a doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their doctoral study on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the doctoral study process in the Doctoral Study Guidebook.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Doctoral students who do not have an MPH degree will take this pathway, developing the knowledge and abilities they need for a future career in public health leadership through a guided capstone project and career-first curriculum.
Featured Online DrPH Courses
In this course, students will discover the importance in inter-organizational collaboration in the identification and resolution of public health concerns within communities. To this end, students will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge, approaches, methods, values and potential contributions from multiple professions and systems in addressing public health problems. Going a step further, the students will propose an inter-professional team approach to improving public health. The importance of ensuring strategic alignment with public health programs and services will be covered. Students will become familiar with sources of grant funding, common grant jargon and acronyms, types of grants, and best practices and red flags in grant writing. Students will apply a systematic approach to grant writing, which will culminate in the drafting of a public health Mock Grant Proposal. The proposal will address human, fiscal, and other resource needs to achieve strategic goals while creating new resources and revenue streams for the grantee.
In this course, students examine the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through health policy and law. Consideration is given to contemporary policy, law, and regulatory issues arising in public health practice, as well as to the economics and financing of public health programs. The advocacy, political, and creative process in the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy are examined and discussed. Students also learn how to structure and write a health policy brief, which will provide students with experience integrating scientific information, legal, and regulatory approaches, ethical frameworks, and varied stakeholder interests in policy development and analysis.
This course provides an in-depth review and analysis of the leading global health problems, and the primary methods used to measure those problems. Students analyze the social and environmental determinants of global health problems, including urbanization, global industrialization, environmental pollution, and their role in health inequalities within and between populations. In addition, students evaluate population-based approaches to improving global public health, including culturally inclusive and sensitive primary health care, and policies that promote health literacy, health equity and positive social change. Emphasis is placed on strategies to advance inclusion, cultural humility and health equity in public health research, policies and programs. The course takes a cross-disciplinary, ecological approach, enabling students to examine the complex inter-relationships between economic, social and environmental factors, and health.
Students in the applied practice experience are provided with the opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program of study and to further develop key professional and leadership competencies. Students engage in a field experience in an approved public health setting, which they align to their professional goals. Throughout the course, students explore pertinent workplace topics including safety, sexual harassment, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, leadership traits, and social change. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the applied practice experience. The on-site supervisor and the course instructor monitor and evaluate students’ performances throughout the applied practice experience. Students also participate in the accompanying online course and develop an ePortfolio based on five agreed-upon competencies. One of the five competencies must be related to leadership, management, and governance. Students are required to complete at least one project that is meaningful for the organization and advances public health practice. Students are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of applied practice work.
Students will use SPSS to conduct either a logistic regression or a linear regression to determine the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables. These relationships will be used to design an evidence-based public health intervention plan.
Students will develop a public health intervention using the information from the previous inquiry courses. Students are allowed to create a plan for any one of these intervention types: Screening Programs, Vaccination uptake, Health Promotion and Education, Food and Water Supplementation, Environmental Interventions, Vector Control, Policy and Legislation, Community-Based Programs, Surveillance, Referral and Follow-up, Social Marketing, Case Management, or Advocacy.
At the completion of this course, students will have conducted either a logistic regression or a linear regression to determine the relationship between variables in their study. Students will develop a public health intervention plan using the information from the previous inquiry courses. During each of the Scholar-Practitioner Inquiry courses, the student will be encouraged to continue collecting, analyzing, and summarizing the current literature on the health issue. Students will discuss any potential ethical issues that may arise during the intervention.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning an online DrPH degree is no easy task—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
This personalized digital resource helps you find support when you need it and stay on track throughout your online DrPH program.
Structured Capstone Project
Create a real-world capstone project that demonstrates your ability to turn data into actionable plans that drive sustainable change.
Admissions
Talk to a Walden Enrollment Specialist to get answers to your all your questions—whether you want help choosing a program or need options for funding your degree.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Applying to Walden’s online DrPH program is simple and efficient. Take the next step to enhancing your impact with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No test scores or essay required
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
We know costs are a big consideration when you’re exploring online DrPH programs. Walden offers several ways to reduce your total tuition through:
Transfer credit opportunities
Scholarships and federal/state grants for those who qualify
Alumni tuition savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 50 quarter credits | $695 per quarter credit | $34,750 |
| Tuition - Capstone | 15 quarter credits | $695 per quarter credit | $10,425 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,665 | |
| Residency Fees | Two residencies | $2,840 | $2,840 |
$49,680* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE® SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,475 | ||
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion (10 quarters). Tuition and time to complete vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 5 transfer credits for the Doctor of Public Health program. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist.
†Represents minimum time to completion and Believe & Achieve Scholarship®. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship® based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 71 quarter credits | $695 per quarter credit | $52,185 |
| Tuition - Capstone | 15 quarter credits | $695 per quarter credit | $10,425 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,220 | |
| Residency Fees | Two residencies | $2,840 | $2,840 |
$64,830* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE® SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,475 | ||
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion (10 quarters). Tuition and time to complete vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 5 transfer credits for the Doctor of Public Health program. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist.
†Represents minimum time to completion and Believe & Achieve Scholarship®. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship® based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Career Opportunities
Earning your online DrPH degree can help prepare you to become the public health leader and change agent you want to be.
Epidemiologist
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
Expected growth: 16%1
Estimated annual wage: $56,950–$106,0401
Medical and Health Services Manager
Plan and direct health services in public health agencies, hospitals, or similar organizations.
Expected growth: 23%2
Estimated annual wage: $69,680–$162,4202
Community Health Worker
Promote wellness, implement programs, and advocate for people who may have limited access to resources.
Expected growth: 11%3
Estimated annual wage: $37,930–$63,1503
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online Doctor of Public Health degree program, you will be prepared to:
Critically evaluate the interdisciplinary role of stakeholders in the application and evaluation of population-based public health strategies.
Evaluate approaches to inform and influence public health interventions and strategies.
Apply research methods in the investigation of public health problems.
Critically evaluate evidence-based research, theories, and models used in public health.
Apply systems-thinking skills and strategies for the promotion of public health policy and advocacy.
Apply evidence-based research and practices to promote positive social change.
Examine the application of economic theories in relation to public health systems across diverse community settings.
Apply community health assessment techniques to identify, prioritize, and formulate solutions to community public health problems.
Apply ethical principles in public health practice.
Meet Your Academic Team
Below are some of the distinguished DrPH faculty members who bring diverse public health expertise and a passion for teaching to the Walden community.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other Walden online degree programs related to public health.
Doctor of Public Health FAQ
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree is a top credential for practitioners and administrators within the public health arena. Specifically, it’s a degree for professionals interested in advancing their careers and positively influencing public health issues within a community, regardless of its size. Candidates for Walden’s online DrPH degree program typically have professional experience in addition to having already earned their master’s degree
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree-seekers have many options when it comes to choosing the program that is right for them. However, a few key factors should always be considered before deciding, including accreditation, experiential learning opportunities, alternative points of program entry, and student support.
First, look for a program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)—like Walden’s online DrPH program. CEPH accreditation provides assurance that a program has been evaluated and met accepted public health profession standards in practice, research, and service.
As you explore different programs, be sure to select one that gives you the opportunity to gain practical skills. For instance, in the final capstone study in Walden’s DrPH program, students build hands-on experience by using their newfound knowledge to address a real, pressing problem in the field.
Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed. At Walden, you’ll benefit from personalized guidance from Enrollment Specialists, faculty, peer mentors, and academic writing coaches all during your online DrPH degree program. We also offer the Doctoral Degree Coach(R), a digital resource to help you stay on track toward the doctoral finish line.
A Doctor of Public Health degree can open the door to a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings. Walden DrPH program graduates are academically prepared to pursue roles such as:
- Epidemiologist
- Medical and health services manager
- Community health worker
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
In the simplest terms, a DrPH is designed for public health professionals, while a PhD in Public Health is designed for researchers. If you want to work in the field, enacting programs and policies, Walden’s online DrPH degree program can help you acquire the top-level knowledge you’ll need for effective leadership.
If you want to conduct research related to issues affecting public health, Walden’s PhD in Public Health program can help you focus on a research specialty, kick-start your research career, and put you on the path to making important contributions to our understanding of public health problems and solutions.
Coursework in Walden University’s online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is delivered asynchronously, allowing you to access recorded lectures and participate in discussions on your own time without fixed weekly class hours.
There are some in-person components for the online DrPH program: Walden requires two residencies . These residencies can be completed virtually or in person, offering a high degree of flexibility that allows you to maintain your professional and personal commitments while advancing your scholarship.
The DrPH program also includes a required Applied Practice Experience, which provides a hands-on opportunity to apply your doctoral-level skills in a real-world public health setting.
Walden’s online DrPH program stands out through its entry tracks and recognized quality standards:
- Dual entry paths: The program offers two distinct tracks based on your academic background—one for those with a Master of Public Health (MPH) and another for those with a master’s in a different discipline.
- Shorter MPH track: Students who already hold an MPH can bypass foundational public health courses, allowing for a more streamlined path to graduation.
- CEPH accreditation: The DrPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This accreditation signifies the curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Walden’s Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is designed with flexibility in mind, and the time to completion depends on your prior academic background and individual progress:
- MPH Track (30 months to completion): For those with a Master of Public Health, the program requires 65 quarter credits. This streamlined path focuses on core leadership and capstone work.
- Traditional Track (42 months to completion): For those with a master’s in a different field, the program requires 86 quarter credits. This track includes additional foundational public health coursework to ensure you are fully prepared for doctoral-level research.
Your actual timeline may vary based on factors such as transfer credits, your chosen credit load per term, and the time needed for your doctoral study.
In Walden’s online DrPH program, simple, up-front pricing ensures you know what your degree will cost from the beginning. See complete list of tuition and fees.
We are committed to making the DrPH program accessible through various funding and savings opportunities:
- Scholarships and grants: Walden offers savings opportunities like the Believe & Achieve Scholarship®, which provides progress-based tuition reductions as you hit milestones in your program. This scholarship is available to eligible students in select programs, including the DrPH program.
- Federal financial aid: Students may be eligible for federal aid programs (available to those who apply and qualify) to help cover educational costs.
- Alumni savings: Graduating from a Walden master’s program can make you eligible for special alumni tuition savings on your Doctor of Public Health degree.
For a personalized breakdown of your degree costs, speak to an Enrollment Specialist.
Yes, Walden’s Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This specialized accreditation signifies the program meets the high standards required to prepare competent public health professionals.
Walden has streamlined its online DrPH program admissions process to help you move forward without the usual hurdles. To be eligible, you need:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.
- At least three years of related professional/academic experience (preferred).
Telephone interviews may be conducted at the discretion of the dean (or representative). You must also meet Walden’s other general admission standards for its doctoral programs.
We’ve removed GRE and essay requirements for the DrPH, so you can focus on taking that next step—just complete our no-fee online application and provide your official transcripts to get started.
Accreditations
Walden University’s Doctor of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. For a copy of the final self-study document and/or final accreditation report, please contact the dean of the College of Health Sciences and Public Policy ([email protected]).
For any questions about Walden’s accreditation, please visit our accreditation page.
Note on Certification: The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential as a voluntary core credential for public health professionals. As the eligibility criteria may change periodically, students should visit www.nbphe.org/eligibility for more information about certification in public health. It is the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification. Walden makes no representations or guarantees that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification or practice as a public health professional in the state where they intend to practice.