Doctor of Public Health
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is designed to prepare public health professionals for advanced leadership roles in academia, healthcare, policymaking, and research. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and service to underserved populations. With an emphasis on refining essential public health skills such as research methods, policy analysis, program design, and public health education, this program equips graduates to address complex public health challenges on both local and global scales.
The following are the Public Health Program goals:
- Provide education, mentorship, and practice opportunities to promote students’ attainment of core competencies of public health practice.
- Contribute to public health knowledge through interdisciplinary research and practice.
- Impact public health practice through responsive and sustainable community engagement and development of a workplace that represents diverse communities.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PUBH 5101 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 5303 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| PUBH 6601 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics I | 3 |
| PUBH 6602 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics II | 3 |
| PUBH 7001 | Advanced Research Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7002 | Leadership and Collaboration in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7003 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7004 | Inclusive Leadership and Resource Management in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7005 | Systems Interventions and Policy Design in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7006 | Public Health Education and Training Stratgies | 3 |
| PUBH 7007 | Data Visualization and Communication for Public Health Impact | 3 |
| PUBH 7008 | Advanced Implementation Science in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7009 | Applied Ethics in Public Health Practice and Policy | 3 |
| NURS 7605 | Advanced Health Policy | 3 |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| PUBH 7902 | Public Health Doctoral Professional Development | 0 |
| PUBH 7971 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development | 2 |
| PUBH 7972 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Research and Data Collection | 3 |
| PUBH 7973 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense | 3 |
| PUBH 7980 | Public Health Doctoral Applied Practice Experience | 1 |
| Master's or Doctoral Elective (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering) | 3 | |
| Master's or Doctoral Elective (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
(57 Credits - Part Time)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PUBH 5101 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 6601 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics I | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 5303 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| PUBH 6602 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics II | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| PUBH 6608 | Research Methods for Public Health and Practice | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 7002 | Leadership and Collaboration in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7009 | Applied Ethics in Public Health Practice and Policy | 3 |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 7006 | Public Health Education and Training Stratgies | 3 |
| Master's or Doctoral Elective (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| PUBH 7005 | Systems Interventions and Policy Design in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7007 | Data Visualization and Communication for Public Health Impact | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 7004 | Inclusive Leadership and Resource Management in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7008 | Advanced Implementation Science in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 7001 | Advanced Research Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7003 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change in Public Health | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| PUBH 7980 | Public Health Doctoral Applied Practice Experience 1 | 1 |
| PUBH 7971 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development 1 | 2 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 7972 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Research and Data Collection 1 | 3 |
| PUBH 7902 | Public Health Doctoral Professional Development | 0 |
| Master's or Doctoral Elective (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering) | 3 | |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 7973 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense 1 | 3 |
| PUBH 7902 | Public Health Doctoral Professional Development | 0 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
- 1
Students requiring additional time to complete PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and/or PUBH 7973 (the three dissertation courses) are expected to enroll in PUBH 7974: Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Continuation (1 credit) in the following semester to continue dissertation work. Upon successfully meeting the requirements of PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and/or PUBH 7973 while enrolled in PUBH 7974, students may register for the subsequent course in the sequence the next semester.
(42 Credits - Part Time)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PUBH 7002 | Leadership and Collaboration in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7009 | Applied Ethics in Public Health Practice and Policy | 3 |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 7006 | Public Health Education and Training Stratgies | 3 |
| Master's or Doctoral Elective (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| PUBH 7005 | Systems Interventions and Policy Design in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7007 | Data Visualization and Communication for Public Health Impact | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 7004 | Inclusive Leadership and Resource Management in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7008 | Advanced Implementation Science in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 7001 | Advanced Research Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| PUBH 7003 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change in Public Health | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| PUBH 7980 | Public Health Doctoral Applied Practice Experience | 1 |
| PUBH 7971 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development 1 | 2 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 7972 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Research and Data Collection 1 | 3 |
| PUBH 7902 | Public Health Doctoral Professional Development | 0 |
| Master's or Doctoral Elective (Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering) | 3 | |
| PUBH 7901 | Public Health Doctoral Residency | 0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| PUBH 7973 | Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense 1 | 3 |
| PUBH 7902 | Public Health Doctoral Professional Development | 0 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
Students requiring additional time to complete PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and/or PUBH 7973 (the three dissertation courses) are expected to enroll in PUBH 7974: Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Continuation (1 credit) in the following semester to continue dissertation work. Upon successfully meeting the requirements of PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and/or PUBH 7973 while enrolled in PUBH 7974, students may register for the subsequent course in the sequence the next semester.
PUBH 5101 Foundations of Public Health 3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce graduate students without a baccalaureate degree in Public Health to the profession and sciences of Public Health. This course will provide an overview of the history and philosophy of Public Health, its core functions and essential services, and its role in understanding and promoting human health.
PUBH 5303 Program Planning and Evaluation 3 Credits
This course prepares students to develop, implement, and evaluate Public Health programs and interventions. Students will learn to conduct a community health needs assessment; prioritize health needs; select appropriate intervention strategies; and develop program goals, objectives, and evaluation plans.
PUBH 6601 Epidemiology and Biostatistics I 3 Credits
This course presents epidemiologic principles and biostatistical methods essential to health research and practice. Data from a variety of public health research studies will be used to draw inferences about the health status of populations (e.g. identify patterns, determinants, and disparities in health outcomes). Biostatistical techniques are used to examine relationships among contributing factors for population health in order to plan and evaluate health services and programs. Epidemiological methods for conducting studies will be discussed in detail, with an emphasis on group and population methods used to inform evidence-based health decision-making, program planning, and policy development. Ethical issues related to the application of biostatistics and data privacy, such as IRB requirements, genomics, population genetics, clinical trials, and public health epidemiological studies are addressed.
PUBH 6602 Epidemiology and Biostatistics II 3 Credits
Prerequisite(s): PUBH 6601.
This course provides an introduction to statistical reasoning and procedures used in Public Health research. Probability theory, descriptive and inferential statistics, and regression and correlation methods will be covered, with applications using statistical software. Student must be enrolled in Master's or Doctorate of Public Health Program.
PUBH 7001 Advanced Research Methods in Public Health 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course provides an in-depth exploration of research methodologies (including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and policy analysis) used to address complex public health issues, from the individual to entire populations. Students will learn how to design and implement research and evaluation projects tailored to specific public health challenges, such as infectious disease outbreaks and management of chronic health conditions, while critically assessing the use of surveillance systems and national surveys. The course emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, evaluating the health policies and programs intended to address public health issues.
PUBH 7002 Leadership and Collaboration in Public Health 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course focuses on developing leadership and collaboration skills to drive health improvements and address health inequities. Students will learn strategies for effectively engaging diverse partners—such as researchers, practitioners, and community leaders—to foster partnerships that support public health initiatives. Emphasis will be placed on communication techniques that influence public behavior and policies across varying levels of health literacy. Additionally, the course explores the integration of multidisciplinary approaches and values from various professions and systems to comprehensively address public health challenges.
PUBH 7003 Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change in Public Health 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course is designed to develop advanced skills in strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational change within public health contexts. Students will learn to create comprehensive strategic plans that address public health priorities, while employing negotiation and consensus-building techniques to facilitate shared decision-making among partners. The course will also focus on the development of organizational change strategies to ensure effective implementation of public health initiatives and long-term improvements.
PUBH 7004 Inclusive Leadership and Resource Management in Public Health 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course explores strategies for promoting inclusion and equity within public health programs, policies, and systems, while emphasizing the importance of self-assessment in leadership development. Students will learn to critically assess their leadership strengths and weaknesses, including cultural proficiency, and propose effective human and fiscal resource plans to meet strategic public health goals. This course will also address the importance of DEIJ initiatives within the public health sphere. The course also provides practical approaches to cultivating new resources and revenue streams to sustain and advance public health initiatives.
PUBH 7005 Systems Interventions and Policy Design in Public Health 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course focuses on designing and implementing system-level interventions to tackle complex public health issues. Students will learn to integrate cultural values and practices into the development of inclusive public health policies and programs. The course also emphasizes the incorporation of scientific information, ethical frameworks, legal and regulatory considerations, and diverse stakeholder interests in policy analysis and development. Additionally, students will explore interprofessional approaches to fostering collaboration among teams to enhance public health outcomes.
PUBH 7006 Public Health Education and Training Stratgies 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course is designed to develop advanced skills in assessing educational needs and delivering effective training experiences within academic, organizational, and community settings. Students will learn to evaluate an audience’s knowledge and learning needs to design tailored educational programs that promote engagement and understanding. The course also emphasizes the use of best practices and evidence-based pedagogical techniques to ensure high-quality learning experiences across diverse public health environments.
PUBH 7007 Data Visualization and Communication for Public Health Impact 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course focuses on developing advanced skills in data visualization and communication to effectively present public health data and evaluation findings. Students will learn to use visualization techniques to translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, grant funders, partners, and the public. The course emphasizes the role of visual storytelling in communicating the impact and effectiveness of public health programs and policies, ensuring that students are equipped to convey critical insights and drive informed decision-making.
PUBH 7008 Advanced Implementation Science in Public Health 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course focuses on advanced principles and frameworks in implementation science, guiding students through the process of translating evidence-based public health interventions into practice. Students will explore strategies to identify and address barriers to the adoption, scaling, and sustainability of interventions in diverse public health settings. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating implementation outcomes, such as fidelity and reach, to assess the effectiveness of interventions in real-world contexts.
PUBH 7009 Applied Ethics in Public Health Practice and Policy 3 Credits
This doctoral-level course explores the application of ethical principles in public health practice, research, and policy development. Students will critically analyze complex ethical dilemmas related to health equity, resource allocation, privacy, and community engagement, with a focus on real-world case studies. The course emphasizes the role of ethics in decision-making processes and challenges students to apply ethical frameworks to contemporary public health issues, including global health, infectious disease control, and health inequities.
NURS 7605 Advanced Health Policy 3 Credits
The focus of this course is on contemporary health policy, its development and implementation, and ways that public health and healthcare system leaders, can influence it. Students will evaluate the impact of health policy on health professionals, consumers, communities, and healthcare delivery systems. Resource allocation, along with the socioeconomic, political, legal, and ethical factors that influence health policy will be examined.
PUBH 7901 Public Health Doctoral Residency 0 Credits
This residency course is designed to foster the professional and academic development of doctoral students in public health, with an emphasis on preparing for dissertation research and equipping students with the skills necessary for successful careers in academia, practice, and policy. The course provides a comprehensive framework for the transition from coursework to independent research, incorporating case studies, guest speakers, and community-engaged learning experiences with public health partners. As a zero-credit course, it is a required component of the program, to be completed three times during the doctoral journey. Class is graded pass/fail.
PUBH 7902 Public Health Doctoral Professional Development 0 Credits
This zero-credit, mandatory course is designed to ensure that doctoral students in public health engage in continuous professional development throughout their academic journey. The course requires students to complete a minimum of 20 continuing education hours beyond their regular coursework, focusing on advanced topics, emerging trends, and skills essential for their professional growth. The course needs to be repeated twice in the final year of study, each time participating in different professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, seminars, or specialized training sessions. Students are expected to provide documentation and reflection of the learning experiences. The course needs to be repeated twice in the final year of study. Class is graded pass/fail.
PUBH 7950 Teaching Practica in Public Health 3 Credits
This course provides doctoral students in public health the opportunity to develop and enhance their teaching skills through guided practice under the mentorship of a faculty member. Students will engage in curriculum design, lecture preparation, instructional delivery, and assessment development for undergraduate or graduate-level courses. Throughout the practicum, students will receive feedback on their teaching methods, classroom management, and student engagement techniques. The course emphasizes reflective practice, pedagogical strategies, and the adaptation of content to diverse learning styles and educational settings.
PUBH 7971 Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development 2 Credits
This course guides doctoral students through the development of their dissertation proposal, focusing on designing a research project that contributes original knowledge to the field of public health, specifically but not limited to policies, programs or systems that address public health. Students will refine their research questions, review relevant literature, and develop a comprehensive methodology that aligns with their research objectives. Emphasis will be placed on crafting a robust proposal that addresses gaps in the literature and adheres to ethical and methodological standards. By the end of the course, students will submit a well-developed dissertation proposal for approval by their dissertation committee. PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and PUBH 7973 satisfy the program’s integrative learning experience requirement. Class is graded pass/fail.
PUBH 7972 Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Research and Data Collection 3 Credits
Prerequisite(s): PUBH 7971.
This course builds on the dissertation proposal developed in the Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development (PUBH 7971) course. In this course, doctoral students will conduct the research outlined in their approved dissertation proposals, focusing on data collection and preliminary analysis. Students will implement their research methodologies, collect data, and ensure adherence to ethical standards and research protocols. This course provides support and guidance on managing research activities, troubleshooting challenges, and maintaining data integrity. Students are expected to make significant progress in their research and prepare for the analysis phase of their dissertation work. PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and PUBH 7973 satisfy the program’s integrative learning experience requirement. Class is graded pass/fail.
PUBH 7973 Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense 3 Credits
Prerequisite(s): PUBH 7972.
In the final course in the dissertation sequence, students will complete the dissertation proposal originally developed in the Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development (PUBH 7971) course. This course supports doctoral students in writing and defending their dissertation, focusing on synthesizing research findings and preparing for the final oral defense. Students will complete their three dissertation manuscripts, incorporating feedback from their committee members and ensuring clarity, coherence, and scholarly rigor. The course includes workshops on dissertation writing, presentation skills, and strategies for a successful defense. Students will schedule and conduct their dissertation defense, demonstrating their ability to contribute original research to the field of public health and engaging in scholarly discussion with their committee. PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and PUBH 7973 satisfy the program’s integrative learning experience requirement. Class is graded pass/fail.
PUBH 7974 Public Health Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 1 Credit
Prerequisite(s): PUBH 7973.
This course is designed to support doctoral students requiring additional time to complete any remaining stages of the dissertation process, such as finalizing data collection, conducting analyses, synthesizing findings, or preparing for the oral defense. The course offers structured guidance from the dissertation committee to ensure that students maintain steady progress, uphold ethical standards in research, and resolve any challenges encountered in their work. Regular check-ins, goal setting, and feedback sessions will help students focus on specific aspects of their dissertation in need of refinement. Enrollment in Dissertation Continuation is on a semester-by-semester basis until the requirements are met for PUBH 7971, PUBH 7972, and/or PUBH 7973. This course is graded as pass/fail.
PUBH 7980 Public Health Doctoral Applied Practice Experience 1 Credit
This doctoral-level course provides students with a practice experience, regardless of prior professional background, in which they complete one or more projects that contribute meaningfully to an organization and demonstrate advanced public health practice. Students will integrate theory into real-world applications by collaborating with external organizations such as governmental, non-profit, for-profit, and industrial settings. Each student will produce a work product that reflects a depth of competence and includes a reflective component, allowing for personal and professional insights into the experience as well as providing the student to develop leadership skills. This course satisfies the program’s applied practice experience requirement. Class is graded pass/fail.