What is the difference between a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and a PhD in Public Health?

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.

Why should you earn your PhD in Public Health degree online

Online education makes it more possible than ever to earn your doctoral degree while continuing to work full time. When you enroll in a PhD in Public Health degree program online, you can learn alongside students from all over the world, gaining new perspectives on public health issues and best practices. It’s also convenient. You can earn your advanced degree from home or anywhere with an internet connection. 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 it can even save you time and money.

How do you choose the best PhD in Public Health program?

PhD in Public Health 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 flexibility, diversity, and support. First, flexible scheduling can be key for working professionals, which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice. It’s also important for you to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your doctoral experience. 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 PhD.

What are some potential PhD in Public Health focus areas?

Top PhD in Public Health programs will often offer you a choice of focus areas so that you can align your program with your interests and career goals. At Walden, students can choose between two specializations: Epidemiology and Community Health Education. 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 Education specialization may be right for you.

What career options might you choose from with a PhD in Public Health?

Public health PhD program graduates often become: Biostatisticians Public health researchers Postdoctoral fellows Public health consultants Biotech/lab researchers Epidemiologists Faculty members or professors Global health professionals or consultants Public health policy advisors Health policy advisors Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

What is the job outlook for public health

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that more than 120,000 health educators and community health workers are employed in the U.S.—many in public health settings—with employment projected to grow 11% by 2028. 1 However, the pandemic has certainly changed the public health landscape, highlighting the need for highly trained and educated experts in the field. This will likely drive an even greater need for public health professionals in the near future. 1 Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm#tab-6

PhD in Public Health

Request Information

Build your skills and conduct important research in your field with our online PhD in Public Health degree program.

Next start dates

Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 01, 2021

Transfer Credits

Up to 43 Credits

Influence programs and policies that save lives, improve the face of global health, and create stronger communities

In our online PhD in Public Health program, you can build upon your skills and expertise to become a more effective scholar-practitioner and make compelling contributions to advancing wellness among diverse populations. Coursework examines issues in disease and injury prevention; health informatics; and the importance of communication, marketing, and public relations in the public health field. In addition to conducting your own original research in a public health topical area of your choice, you can learn how to apply public health research to promote positive social change concerning the health of communities worldwide.

Earning your PhD in Public Health can position you to pursue prominent career roles as a leader, researcher, consultant, or educator in a wide range of settings. Gain the knowledge and credentials to change your world and improve the lives of countless people across the globe.

Scholarly Research

Integrate scholarly research with practical solutions that address today’s most pressing health issues through a scholar-practitioner learning model.

Accelerated Journey

Earn your PhD in Public Health degree sooner if you already have a Master of Public Health (MPH) or MS in Public Health.

Dissertation

Broaden your research skills through an original dissertation that contributes to the field.

Expert Faculty

Learn from scholars, researchers, and distinguished leaders from all over the world who are selected for their academic and public health industry credentials and expertise.

Program Savings

Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Get Started Now

Walden's doctoral program in public health gives you the skills to influence policy and save lives in your community and around the world. Whether you want to conduct research, raise public awareness, or manage public healthcare organizations, Walden's PhD in Public Health will help you succeed.

Specializations

TRACK I: Choose this track if you have a Master of Public Health (MPH) or an MS in Public Health.

TRACK II: Choose this track if you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an academic discipline other than the public health field.

Community Health Education

The Community Health Education specialization addresses how to assess and improve the well-being of communities and public health systems.

Track I Track II

Epidemiology

Study how the prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes can stress communities and learn to create education programs that can help prevent the spread of chronic disease.

Track I Track II

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations: Master of Public Health (MPH) or MS in Public Health for Track 1 or bachelor’s degree or higher for Track 2

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Learning Outcomes

Our PhD in Public Health online degree program is designed to prepare graduates to:

Utilize critical-thinking and assessment skills to analyze barriers, assess needs, and advance the knowledge and practice of public health.
Evaluate and apply population-based theories and strategies used in the prevention of disease and disability.
Lead and inform professional communication, marketing, and public relations on key issues in public health.

Apply fiscal and organizational tenets to public health program leadership.
Demonstrate advanced competency in health informatics and surveillance techniques used in public health programs.
Apply public health research to promote positive social change concerning the health of diverse populations.

Career Impact

Dramatic changes in our nation’s healthcare delivery system, coupled with a national emphasis on disease prevention and healthy living, are prompting a growing demand for highly qualified public health scholars, researchers, and leaders.

Whether you’re interested in conducting research, raising public awareness of health issues, managing healthcare organizations, or contributing to policy development, the public health field offers an exciting array of career possibilities.

Career options include:

Health department director
Health officer
Public health information officer
Biostatistician
Epidemiologist
Health policy advisor

Public health researcher
Faculty/professor
Post-doctoral fellow
Global health professional/consultant
Public health consultant
Public health policy advisor

Top Public Health Employers

The field of public health touches numerous sectors, from government agencies to business organizations to charities. Some of the major public health employers in America today include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Academia
Managed care organizations

State and local public health departments
Hospitals and medical facilities
Nonprofits
Corporate sector

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. employs approximately 100,000 health educators, community health workers, and epidemiologists in traditional public health settings. The first two categories are each projected to grow 21% by the year 2022.¹

Testimonials

I was offered support outside of ofifce hours when needed. I was heard and given opportunities to succeed. Walden became and still is a place I will always feel at home.

Maria del Carmen Goodwin PhD in Public Health Graduate

My interests, which have been largely instilled by my studies at Walden, range from healthcare and medicine to physics and mathematics and philosophy.

W. Sumner Davis PhD in Public Health Graduate

I hope to effect change in the public health community with the skills I have gained and research I have done through Walden University.

Deirdre Moyer PhD in Public Health Graduate

Resource Articles

Choosing the PhD in Public Health Specialization That's Right for You

Resource Articles

The Facts Behind the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA)

Resource Articles

What Is Epidemiology?

You May Also Be Interested In

Questions about our PhD in Public Health?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our if you live outside of the U.S.
Please use our if you live in the U.S.

Contact Information

Location

Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member living outside the United States? *

Yes No

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member? *

Yes No

By submitting this form, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. You may opt out at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details.

* By checking this box, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. You may opt out at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details.

PhD in Public Health