Build critical competencies in communication and leadership. Use these abilities to connect your advanced research skills to actionable community strategies that aim to improve health for all.
ACCELERATED JOURNEY
Earn your online PhD in Public Health degree sooner if you already have a Master of Public Health (MPH), MS in Public Health, or a CPH (Certification in Public Health) credential.
IMPACTFUL SPECIALIZATIONS
Choose one of three specialization areas: Epidemiology, Community Health, or Environmental and Occupational Health.
EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from scholars, researchers, and leaders chosen for their academic research and public health credentials and expertise.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Take a Closer Look
Are you ready to pursue the ultimate personal, academic, and professional achievement? Walden’s online PhD in Public Health program is designed to remove barriers and put your doctoral goals within reach.
STREAMLINED ADMISSION
Walden has simplified the online PhD in Public Health admissions process. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll pay no application fee—and you won’t have to write an essay.
SIMPLE CREDIT TRANSFER
We've made the credit transfer process easy, allowing you to potentially save time and money. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist to learn the specific guidelines for our online PhD in Public Health.
TWO PROGRAM TRACKS
Choose one of two online PhD in Public Health program tracks depending on where you are in your education journey.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a PhD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track your PhD in Public Health milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and get support when you need it.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
In-person PhD residencies allow you to discuss your research interests, gain valuable insights, and form lifelong bonds with faculty and peers.
Career Opportunities
Earning a PhD in Public Health can qualify you for opportunities in a number of in-demand occupations.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Plan and direct health services in public health agencies, hospitals, or similar organizations.
Expected growth: 28%1
Estimated annual wage: $67,900–$157,6401
Epidemiologist
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
Expected growth: 27%2
Estimated annual wage: $54,950–$103,9802
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach community health and public health courses in universities and colleges.
Expected growth: 19%3
Estimated annual wage: $52,300–$172,9903
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Learning Outcomes
Our online PhD in Public Health degree program is designed to prepare graduates to:
Apply ethical decision-making in public health research.
Design public health research proposals that are evidence based and competitive.
Critically evaluate scholarly literature in public health and related disciplines.
Demonstrate leadership skills to facilitate evidence-based public health solutions.
Conduct original public health research that has the ability to promote positive social change in diverse populations.
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills necessary to deliver complex public health research and information to professional audiences.
Meet Your Academic Team
Below are some of the faculty members who bring vast expertise and a passion for public health to the Walden classroom.
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Online PhD in Public Health FAQ
A PhD in Public Health can open up a number of professional avenues. Depending on which program specialization you choose, potential career options include:
- Medical and health services manager
- Epidemiologist
- Health specialties educator, postsecondary
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
The amount of time it takes to complete your doctorate will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your dissertation. Walden’s online PhD in Public Health degree program offers a Track I for those entering with a master’s degree in public health or a CPH (Certification in Public Health) credential, and a Track II for those entering with a bachelor’s degree or with a graduate degree that is not in public health.
The minimum amount of time required to complete the coursework and dissertation is 2.75 years. Students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral degree requirements.
In the simplest terms, a PhD in Public Health is designed for scientists while a DrPH is designed for public health professionals. If you want to conduct research into issues affecting public health, the PhD in Public Health 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. If you want to work in the field, enacting programs and policies, the DrPH can help you acquire the top-level knowledge you’ll need to be an effective leader.
Online education makes it more possible than ever to earn your doctoral degree while continuing to work full time. When you enroll in Walden’s online PhD in Public Health degree program, you can learn alongside students from all over the world, gaining new perspectives on public health issues and best practices. Online learning also offers you the flexibility to complete your coursework on whatever days and times are convenient you. That makes it easier to balance your education with your work and personal commitments.
Those exploring a doctorate in public health online programs have many options. However, a few key factors should always be considered before deciding, including research opportunities, entry points, specializations, and faculty. For instance, Walden offers:
- The opportunity to engage in actionable research that can be applied to address critical public health problems facing communities and populations.
- An accelerated degree path that allows you to earn your online PhD in Public Health sooner if you already have a Master of Public Health (MPH) or MS in Public Health degree.
- Compelling program specializations that let you customize your program of doctoral study. Walden offers three specializations: Epidemiology, Community Health, and Environmental and Occupational Health.
- Expert faculty that includes distinguished scholars, researchers, and public health leaders selectively chosen for their breadth of knowledge and expertise.
Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed as you work toward earning your online PhD in Public Health degree.
Top online PhD in Public Health programs often offer a choice of focus areas so that you can align your program with your interests and career goals. At Walden, students can choose between three specializations: Epidemiology, Community Health, and Environmental and Occupational Health.
The Epidemiology specialization centers on infectious and chronic diseases, how these diseases affect community health, and the strategies used to maintain the health of communities. If you’re more interested in improving the overall health of communities by examining available resources, living conditions and environment, and public health systems, the Community Health specialization may be right for you. If you want to gain a holistic view of how environmental and occupational factors affect human health on a local, global, and national scale, choose the Environmental and Occupational Health specialization. You’ll cover innovative solutions to the complex environmental health challenges impacting your community and beyond.
There are numerous potential careers paths in the public health field, and demand in many of these areas is growing at a steady rate. For example, the demand for epidemiologists, who investigate the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes, is expected to grow by 27% through 2032. Jobs for health specialties educators in postsecondary settings are expected to grow by 19% in that same time frame. These educators teach public health courses at colleges and universities and conduct academic research in the field. An online PhD in Public Health degree from Walden can qualify you to pursue these and other types of opportunities in the public health sector.