Gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials to help impact public health on a population level. Conduct original research on a topic of your choice and learn to create strategies to improve the health of people and communities.
Personalize Your PhD
Pursue a program that meets your personal and professional goals and interests by choosing one of three specializations.
Work With Expert Faculty
Learn from doctoral scholar-practitioners with experience in their field, preparing you to make an impact.
Move Past ABD
If you have finished everything but your dissertation, our completion program can get you on track to finishing your PhD.
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.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
The cost of your PhD program matters. With several ways to reduce your tuition, Walden is here to help make your goals more attainable. You could reduce costs through:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 68 quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $43,860^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–125† quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,675–$80,625* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,850–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | 4 Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.75-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $61,065 | $136,485*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.75-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 94 quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $60,630^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–110† quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,675–$70,950* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,405–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | 4 Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $78,390 | $143,580*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Required Quarter Credits (min) | Required Quarter Credits (max) | Cost per Quarter Hour | Total (min) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 | 5 | $645 | $3,225 | $3,225 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20 | 55 | $645 | $12,900 | $35,475 |
| Program Fee | $185 | $925 | $2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15 months | 36 months | |||
$17,050 | $40,920 |
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
Career Opportunities
With a PhD in Public Health, you can help drive change and create healthier communities.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, public health agencies, and similar organizations.
Expected growth: 23% (September 2025)
Estimated annual wage: $69,680–$162,420
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
Epidemiologist
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
Expected growth: 16% (September 2025)
Estimated annual wage: $56,950-$106,040
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach community health and public health courses in universities and colleges.
Expected growth: 17% (September 2025)
Estimated annual wage: $51,760–$176,090
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
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
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.
“I feel like I've already been using my Walden degree to effect social change with public health policy.”
Christine Perez | PhD in Public Health ’22
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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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.
Walden’s online PhD in Public Health is designed for maximum flexibility, though it is not 100% online due to its residency requirements. You will take part in:
- Asynchronous coursework: Your primary classes, discussions, and research are conducted in a flexible online environment, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional life.
- Four required in-person residencies: To support your development as a researcher and scholar, this online public health PhD program requires you to complete four PhD residencies. These are essential for engaging with faculty, networking with peers, and refining your dissertation topic.
This blended approach ensures you have the convenience of online learning without sacrificing the mentorship and community that are vital to a successful doctoral experience.
To be considered for Walden’s online PhD in Public Health program, you must have:
- 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 held at the discretion of the dean (or designee). You must also meet Walden’s other general admission standards for its doctoral programs.
We’ve removed GRE and essay requirements for Walden’s public health PhD program, so you can focus on taking that next step. To get started, complete our no-cost online application and provide your official transcripts.
At Walden, we understand that when you’re exploring doctoral programs, cost is a big factor. That’s why we’re committed to making our PhD in Public Health program accessible through various funding and savings opportunities:
- Grants: For select doctoral programs, Walden grants are available to those who qualify.
- Federal financial aid: Students may be eligible for federal aid programs (available to those who apply and qualify) to help cover their degree costs.
- Alumni savings: Graduating from a Walden master’s program can make you eligible for special alumni tuition savings on your PhD in Public Health degree.
See a complete list of tuition and fees for this program.
For a personalized breakdown of your doctoral degree costs, connect with an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.