View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose this track if you have a master’s in public health or a Certification in Public Health (CPH) credential.
Featured PhD in Public Health Courses
Foundations of Doctoral Success in Public Health
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.
Health Informatics and Surveillance
By addressing current trends and future applications in public health research, students develop advanced competency in health informatics and surveillance in this course. The key informatics issues of data standards and integration, vocabularies and data transmission protocols, natural language or text processing, health information technology, surveillance systems, and the application of geographical information systems to situation awareness are addressed. Through surveillance data analysis, students will use trend data to detect and interpret aberrations in person, place, and time trends. Other topics include information architecture, public health records, electronic medical records, electronic health records, health information exchange, and database design, as well as information storage, security, and privacy.
Public Health Ethics
This course will introduce students to the main values and principles that drive decision-making in public health research and practice. Through a case study approach, students will be exposed to different ethical theories and their application in real-life public health scenarios, such as resource allocation, individual autonomy versus the needs of the community, and protecting vulnerable populations. In addition, principles of research ethics will be discussed and students will be exposed to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) application process.
Advanced Issues in Global Public Health
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.
Fundamentals of Mapping and Geographic Information Systems for Public Health
This course enables students to acquire, manipulate and effectively display spatial data by introducing principles, methods, and techniques used in public health to help foster decision and policy-making based on the visualization of data. Students will further understand how public health researchers and practitioners can increase the impact of their work by using geographic information systems (GIS) to convey information and synthesize data from multiple sources. Using basic GIS concepts, such as coordinate systems, layering, buffering, joining, merging, and aggregating spatial data, conducting spatial queries, and appropriate visualization of spatial data, students will be able to visualize, analyze, and interpret data in an accessible and useful way.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose this track if you hold a master’s degree in an academic discipline other than public health or a bachelor’s degree.
Featured PhD in Public Health Courses
Foundations of Doctoral Success in Public Health
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.
Fundamentals of Biostatistics
Students in this course learn about biostatistical methods and concepts used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and application of concepts rather than statistical formulas. Major topics include identification of levels of measurement, interpretation of narrative and graphical descriptive statistics, and conceptualization of statistical inference, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, sample size and power. Emphasis is placed on application of commonly used statistical tests such as t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and chi-square. Students are required to use the statistical computer package SPSS.
Health Informatics and Surveillance
By addressing current trends and future applications in public health research, students develop advanced competency in health informatics and surveillance in this course. The key informatics issues of data standards and integration, vocabularies and data transmission protocols, natural language or text processing, health information technology, surveillance systems, and the application of geographical information systems to situation awareness are addressed. Through surveillance data analysis, students will use trend data to detect and interpret aberrations in person, place, and time trends. Other topics include information architecture, public health records, electronic medical records, electronic health records, health information exchange, and database design, as well as information storage, security, and privacy.
Applied Leadership and Multicultural Perspectives in Public Health
In this course, students explore various definitions of public health leadership versus public health management. Students apply insights to current and future public health leadership roles, examine the strengths and limitations of the various theories and models of leadership, and consider which most resonates with their personal leadership philosophy. They reflect on the importance of cultural proficiency, apply a multicultural perspective for leadership in public health, consider negotiation and conflict resolution methods and reflect on the value of diversity in research. Students apply a systems thinking approach to public health leadership, and in doing so analyze their own personal leadership characteristics, values, and behaviors, assessing their own attitudes, beliefs, and implicit bias. They explore the importance of ethical decision making for effective public health leadership, engage in professional development planning, and apply public health leadership theory to design a system-level intervention.
Research Theory, Design, and Methods
In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
PhD Completion Program
If you have completed your PhD coursework but not your dissertation, Walden’s PhD completion program is designed to help you finish your degree. A structured pathway, expert faculty, and award-winning Doctoral Degree Coach® help keep you on track.
Featured PhD in Public Health Completion Program Courses
Preparing for Capstone
Welcome to your final ascent on the doctoral journey! This course celebrates your expertise and supports you in clarifying goals, building a scholarly network, and crafting a meaningful research plan. You’ll learn to articulate research problems, review literature, identify gaps, and design impactful studies, all while receiving encouragement and practical feedback from faculty and peers. You will focus throughout the course on building your personalized “My Academic Plan.” You’ll gain the confidence, network, and resources to complete your PhD and to advance the greater public good.
Dissertation
A doctoral capstone (e.g., dissertation, project study, etc.) is required in the final phase of a student’s doctoral journey. During capstone development, students integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration culminating in the completion of a doctoral research study. Students complete the study independently, with the support of a capstone committee, and following the guidance from program capstone resources. and the Doctoral Degree Coach. Once enrolled in the capstone course, students are registered each term until the successful completion of all stages.
Admissions
Work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right program to paying for your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your PhD in Public Health - Community Health specialization is a bold step forward on your professional path. Walden makes it easier with our streamlined admissions process that includes:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
View Admission Criteria
Program Admission Considerations: Master of Public Health (MPH), MS in Public Health, or a CPH (Certification in Public Health) credential 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.
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
Walden offers tuition savings options that can make your goals more attainable. Discover savings opportunities through:
Tuition savings
Transfer credits
Grants and scholarships
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 Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 total quarter credits | $645 per quarter credit | $3,225 | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 22-55 quarter credits | $645 per quarter credit | $12,900-$35,475 | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $925-$2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15 months minimum | 36 months maximum | ||
| $17,050 | $40,920 | |||
Footnotes and legal disclaimers:
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.