This unique and exciting doctoral program prepares you to be a knowledgeable and innovative leader capable of effectively addressing the world’s most challenging and complex public health problems.
The three-year, cohort-based distance program is designed for diverse professionals working full time in field-based settings around the world. Classes are delivered in real time via internet video. You will meet face-to-face for a few days three times per year in years one and two of the program.
Most in-person sessions take place in Indianapolis, Indiana; other times, the program meets elsewhere in the U.S. or around the world. You will complete dissertations or field-based, culminating projects in year three.
Some international scholars admitted into the DrPH program may need visas to enter the United States for the three short residential visits in years one and two. For those who require it, the Office of International Affairs assists with issuance of a form I-20 required for an F-1 visa.
View the DrPH frequently asked questionsThe DrPH program hosts an annual lecture to launch the executive visit in August. Previously, the program welcomed Dr. Ken Coburn who presented "Advanced Preventive Care for chronically ill older adults; a 19-year innovation story told in reverse order."
The target audience is mid- to senior-level professionals anywhere in the world working full time in organizations in which they have the ability to influence the health of populations. We seek scholars from a wide range of backgrounds, including nonprofit and for-profit health care settings, NGOs, nonprofit organizations, pharma, government agencies, ministries of health, foundations, as well as non-traditional settings.
A hallmark of the program is the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and geographic locations of our scholars. Our goal is to admit cohorts of scholars who are as different from each other as possible, since diverse cohorts of learners inspire each other to think creatively.
Successful applicants will, at minimum, have strong academic records, a master’s degree (not necessarily in public health), and leadership experience in positions with substantial management responsibility in varied public health settings.
We admit scholars into two separate cohorts each year depending on level of experience. Mid- to senior-level practitioners with at least several years of experience post-master’s degree in positions with substantial management responsibility comprise an advanced cohort of 12-15 scholars.
A second cohort of up to 25 scholars who are more junior, with at least a few years of experience post-master’s degree in positions with substantial management responsibility, comprise a cohort of emerging leaders.
For both cohorts, we seek individuals who aspire to practice-oriented careers and leadership roles in organizations in which they can have maximum influence on the public’s health.
The program builds on a successful University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill model that Dr. Suzanne Babich helped to design and which she led and refined for 10 years. Leadership skills are cultivated in the program through diverse experiences and exposure to a wide range of perspectives.
Learning is achieved experientially, through highly interactive debates and discussions. Rich exchanges happen in real time, regardless of where in the world scholars are located.
With the Fairbanks School of Public Health program, we have adapted this model, expanding and updating it to offer unique advantages, including:
All DrPH candidates must satisfactorily complete a 45 credit, online curriculum. The doctoral program in global health leadership (DrPH) competencies are aligned with the CEPH foundational competencies. Program graduates are expected to apply a global perspective to their mastery of all program competencies.
Learn what you must complete in order to be admitted to this degree program.
View the admissions criteriaOur associate director of graduate affairs, Shawne Mathis, is available to meet with you virtually or in-person.
Contact Shawne
