Online DrPH Program

Choose the Path That Is Right for You

TRACK I: Choose this track if you have a Master of Public Health (MPH). It allows the student to forgo foundational public health courses and complete the program in a shorter amount of time.

TRACK II: Choose this track if you have a master’s degree in a discipline other than public health.

My Master's Is an MPH

Curriculum

Minimum Degree Requirements

• 82 quarter credits
  • Foundation course (5 cr.)
  • Core courses (55 cr.)
  • Research courses (5 cr.)
  • Applied Practice Experience (2 cr.)
  • Capstone courses (minimum 15 cr.)
• Two residencies to equal a minimum of 8 days

Walden students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
	DOCTORAL WRITING ASSESSMENT
DRWA 8880	Doctoral Writing Assessment Show This course is part of Walden's commitment to help prepare students to meet the university's expectations for writing in courses at the doctoral level. In this course, students write a short academic essay that will be scored by a team of writing assessors. Based on the essay score, students will complete or be exempted from additional required writing support needed to meet writing proficiency standards. This required assessment course is free. Students will be enrolled automatically in it at the beginning of their doctoral program.	(0 cr.)
	CORE COURSES
PUBH 8007	Public Health Essentials Show In this self-paced modular course, students will be exposed to foundational public health knowledge. Public health history, philosophy, and values will be addressed, along with its core functions and essential services. Data-driven methods for describing and assessing a population's health will be explored, as well as the importance of science in prevention and advancing public health knowledge. Factors affecting public health will be addressed, including those that are biological, genetic, behavioral, psychological, and environmental. Contributors to health inequities, including social, political, and economic factors, as well as globalization, will be explored. Connections between human, animal, and ecosystem health will also be addressed. Note: This self-paced modular course must be completed within the first two quarters of enrollment.	(0 cr.)
PUBH 8004	Foundations of Doctoral Success in Public Health Show 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.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8051	Advanced Issues in Global Public Health Show 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.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8410	Fundamentals of Leadership, System Evaluation, and Interventions in Public Health Show In this course, students learn how to describe a system and identify its core components, how to assess system effectiveness and efficiency, how to identify system deficiencies and gaps, and how to design system-level interventions to address a public health issue and create organizational change strategies. The role of multicultural leadership and systems thinking in addressing public health problems is explored in detail. Students assess their own strengths and weaknesses in leadership capacities, including cultural proficiency and discuss shared decision-making through negotiation and consensus-building methods.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8510	Doctoral Seminar I Show This seminar introduces students to the doctoral study and its components, providing information about the doctoral study process and expectations at Walden. Resources available for completion of the doctoral study and appropriate scholarly topics will be discussed. Students will also examine success strategies including time management. Prerequisites PUBH 8004	(1 cr.)
RSCH 8110	Research Theory, Design, and Methods Show 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. Prerequisites Doctor of Social Work SOCW 8110 or SOCW 8110W PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision COUN 8001 COUN 8110 RESI 8801C PhD in Social Work SOCW 8110 or SOCW 8110W All Other Programs RESI 8401	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8512	Doctoral Seminar II Show This Seminar continues the discussion on appropriate topics for the doctoral study from the previous Seminar, and introduces the basic elements of a research study, including the literature review, problem statement, purpose of the study, research question(s), methodology, alignment, and ethical considerations. Using this information, students will begin drafting their DrPH Prospectus Form. This course is taken with Research, Theory, Design and Methods (RSCH 8110) so that students may apply learning to their own research design ideas as they develop. Prerequisites PUBH 8004 PUBH 8510	(1 cr.)
PUBH 8040	Advanced Public Health Policy and Advocacy Show In this course, students examine the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through health policy and law. Consideration is given to contemporary policy, law, and regulatory issues arising in public health practice, as well as to the economics and financing of public health programs. The advocacy, political, and creative process in the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy are examined and discussed. Students also learn how to structure and write a health policy brief, which will provide students with experience integrating scientific information, legal, and regulatory approaches, ethical frameworks, and varied stakeholder interests in policy development and analysis.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8211	Research Methods for Public Health Show In this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods public health research at the doctoral level. Students explore ecological and systems approaches to public health problems at the individual, group, organization, community and population levels. They also explore and learn to apply commonly used methods for developing research questions, research designs and approaches, data collection and data analysis, including statistical tests used in public health research. Students explore the ethical and rigorous conduct of research and consider the public health practice implications of conducting research. Prerequisites PUBH 8004 PUBH 8510 PUBH 8512 RSCH 8110R RESI 8501	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8044	Advanced Program Evaluation Show The course provides students interested in pursuing a public health doctoral-level degree with the advanced competencies necessary to evaluate public health programs. This course will emphasize public health practice and is designed to assist students in understanding how to plan, conduct, and report on a program evaluation. Students will learn the importance of abiding by the program evaluation standards and evaluator guiding principles. These are fundamental to ensure students complete evaluations with integrity and utility.  Students will learn the importance of evaluation theory and the relationship between evaluation theory, program theory, and public health change theories.	(5 cr.)
	RESIDENCY 1 - AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PUBH 8004; REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ADVANCE INTO PUBH 8048
PUBH 8048	Research Applications of Theories, Models, and Conceptual Frameworks in Public Health Show This course presents a comprehensive look at public health and behavior change theoretical and conceptual models that apply to public health research and practice. Students review and assess predominant social and behavioral principles at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels. Students learn to integrate knowledge on different public health theoretical and conceptual frameworks, research approaches, methods, values and potential contributions from multiple professions and systems in addressing public health problems. Finally, students learn to apply theories to public health quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research and practice.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8317	Financing Public Health Systems Show In this course, students will discover the importance in inter-organizational collaboration in the identification and resolution of public health concerns within communities. To this end, students will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge, approaches, methods, values and potential contributions from multiple professions and systems in addressing public health problems. Going a step further, the students will propose an inter-professional team approach to improving public health. The importance of ensuring strategic alignment with public health programs and services will be covered. Students will become familiar with sources of grant funding, common grant jargon and acronyms, types of grants, and best practices and red flags in grant writing. Students will apply a systematic approach to grant writing, which will culminate in the drafting of a public health Mock Grant Proposal. The proposal will address human, fiscal, and other resource needs to achieve strategic goals while creating new resources and revenue streams for the grantee. Prerequisites PUBH 8004	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8514	Doctoral Seminar III Show This Seminar focuses on presenting research ideas, receiving and responding to academic feedback, and working collaboratively in an academic research setting. This course is taken after successful completion of Research Methods for Public Health (PUBH 8211) so that students may apply learning when further refining research methods design for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) doctoral study. Students will submit a draft DrPH Prospectus Form during this final Seminar, which will be used to assign the Doctoral Study committee chair and committee member and to inform a final DrPH Prospectus Form. Prerequisites PUBH 8004 PUBH 8510 PUBH 8512 RSCH 8110R PUBH 8211	(1 cr.)
PUBH 8546	Public Health Surveillance and Advanced Data Analysis Show In this course, students will evaluate the use and limitations of surveillance systems and national surveys in monitoring and preventing health issues. Topics include measuring and identifying data sources, analysis of data on selected determinants of health status and health services use, complex sampling, and power calculations. As students address health issues in their research, they will learn to analyze, interpret, and explain quantitative surveillance data by combining individual and group level variables to analyze multilevel regression modeling. Students will develop an understanding of statistical methodology to utilize secondary data and review the use of Geographic Information Systems data in public health. Students will propose public health policy recommendations based on the evaluation of graphic information systems mapping data. Students will communicate clear, concise, and accurate public health information to a targeted audience through a scholarly presentation. The implications of surveillance systems for public health and social change will be analyzed.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8132	Communication and Social Marketing Strategies for Public Health Leaders Show This course provides to students an overview of communication and social marketing strategies as they relate to public health, highlighting theoretical concepts that are commonly used in health communications and research. Topics include using communication theory, social marketing techniques, promoting health literacy, developing community partnerships, and creating culturally sensitive and appropriate promotional materials. Students focus on developing, implementing, and evaluating an abbreviated Public Health Communication Campaign by applying basic social marketing principles, such as the use of social media techniques, to identify and advance public health interests and address public health problems. Through their Public Health Communication Campaign, which is this course's Scholar Practitioner Project, students examine how they can use marketing and communication practices to translate health research into social action and behavioral change.	(5 cr.)
PUBH 9010	Prospectus Development Forum Show The final doctoral capstone/project demonstrates students' scholarly ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge and experience, so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. Doctoral students can integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area, culminating in the completion of their capstone/project in this course. Students complete the capstone/project independently, with the guidance of a Supervisory Committee Chair and committee members. Students complete a Prospectus, Proposal, Research Ethics Review (IRB), and a final written capstone/project and oral presentation. The order and format of the various steps vary based on the professional doctoral program and capstone/project type. This course is designed to be a DrPH Integrative Learning Experience. The doctoral study component of this course is considered an integrative learning experience. DrPH candidates are required to generate field-based products consistent with advanced practice designed to influence programs, policies, or systems addressing public health. The products must demonstrate synthesis of foundational and concentration-specific competencies. Students are required to produce a high-quality written product. The integrative learning experience is completed at or near the end of the program of study. Prerequisites PUBH 8004 PUBH 8510 PUBH 8512 PUBH 8514 RSCH 8110R PUBH 8211	(1 cr.)
PUBH 8248	Advanced Research Methods in Public Health Practice Show The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of public health approaches to complex problems at multiple levels (individual, group, organization, community and population), including advanced quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research methods. Students undertake a scholar-practitioner project to plan a Community Health Assessment, and the course covers stages of this project, including ethical and cultural considerations, community participation, data collection and analysis, and using data to plan and develop programs. Prerequisites PUBH 8004 PUBH 8510 PUBH 8512 PUBH 8514 RSCH 8110R PUBH 8211 PUBH 8545 PUBH 8440	(5 cr.)
PUBH 8990	Applied Field Experience in Public Health Show Students in the practicum are provided with the opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program of study and to further develop key professional and leadership competencies. Students engage in a field experience in an approved public health setting, which they align to their professional goals. Throughout the course, students will explore pertinent workplace topics including safety, sexual harassment, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, leadership traits, and social change. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the practicum. The on-site supervisor and the course Instructor monitor and evaluate students' performance throughout the entire practicum experience. Students also participate in the accompanying online course and develop an ePortfolio based on five agreed upon competencies. One of the five competencies must be related to leadership, management, and governance. Student are required to complete at least one project that is meaningful for an organization and to advanced public health practice. Students are required to complete a minimum 80 hours of practicum work. Prerequisites PUBH 8248 PUBH 8132 PUBH 8545 PUBH 8514	(2 cr.)
PUBH 9010	Prospectus Development Forum Show The final doctoral capstone/project demonstrates students' scholarly ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge and experience, so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. Doctoral students can integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area, culminating in the completion of their capstone/project in this course. Students complete the capstone/project independently, with the guidance of a Supervisory Committee Chair and committee members. Students complete a Prospectus, Proposal, Research Ethics Review (IRB), and a final written capstone/project and oral presentation. The order and format of the various steps vary based on the professional doctoral program and capstone/project type. This course is designed to be a DrPH Integrative Learning Experience. The doctoral study component of this course is considered an integrative learning experience. DrPH candidates are required to generate field-based products consistent with advanced practice designed to influence programs, policies, or systems addressing public health. The products must demonstrate synthesis of foundational and concentration-specific competencies. Students are required to produce a high-quality written product. The integrative learning experience is completed at or near the end of the program of study. Prerequisites PUBH 8004 PUBH 8510 PUBH 8512 PUBH 8514 RSCH 8110R PUBH 8211	(1 cr.)
	RESIDENCY 2 - COMPLETE AFTER PUBH 8048 AND PRIOR TO PUBH 9100 – PUBLIC HEALTH CAPSTONE
PUBH 9100	Public Health Capstone Show The purpose of this forum is to assist students in making steady progress toward earning a doctoral degree. Doctoral students are offered the opportunity to synthesize knowledge of their program of study and complete an in-depth exploration of a practice, issue, or problem within their discipline. Students will engage in regular scholarly discussions with a faculty chair and fellow doctoral students and submit Quarterly Plans and products toward completion of the doctoral degree. Information and resources related to the doctoral study, residencies, research, writing, and doctoral program expectations are provided for guidance. Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their doctoral study with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their doctoral study on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the doctoral study process in the Doctoral Study Guidebook. Prerequisites All other courses in the Doctor of Public Health program	(5 cr. per term for a minimum of 3 quarters until completion)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

To complete a doctoral dissertation/doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the Chief Academic Officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation/doctoral study process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

8-Year Maximum Timeframe
Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements. See the policy in the Walden University Student Handbook. Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe, but an extension is not guaranteed.

Note: 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.

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum	Requirements	Cost	Total *
Tuition-Coursework	67 quarter credits	$590 per quarter hour for coursework credits	$39,530^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project	15–130† quarter credits	$590 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits	$8,850–$76,700*
Technology Fee		$160 per quarter	$1,600–$5,120*
Residency Fee	Two Residencies	$1,375 each (virtual) $1,475 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)	$2,750–$2,950
Estimated Range:			2.5-Year	8-Year
			$52,730	$124,300*+
			(assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe)	(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

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 2.5-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.

My Master's Isn't an MPH

Admission Requirements

To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.

Gain the Confidence to Lead

Designed for public health practitioners, Walden's online DrPH program prepares you to advance into executive-level roles. You’ll enhance your leadership and critical thinking expertise while exploring 21st-century public health problems from both a domestic and global perspective. Apply current public health knowledge to create effective programs and policies that have a positive, measurable impact on entire populations.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of Walden’s online Doctor of Public Health program, you will be prepared to:

What’s the Career Impact of Earning a Doctor of Public Health?

The nation is shifting its healthcare focus from sick care to wellness, prevention, and chronic disease management. As a result, there is a growing need for qualified public health leaders to manage complex agencies, institutions, and community organizations.

Whether you’re seeking a promotion at your current organization or looking for new opportunities, earning a doctorate can open doors you never imagined. Go further in your career and attain a new level of credibility, respect, and influence with Walden’s online DrPH program.

What Can I Do With a DrPH?

A Doctor of Public Health program can help prepare you to work as a leader or administrator in a variety of practice-based settings within the public, private, or academic sector. Career options include:

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

FAQ About Walden’s Online Doctor of Public Health