DrPH in Global Health Leadership

DrPH in Global Health Leadership

This exciting new doctoral degree will prepare students to be knowledgeable and innovative leaders capable of effectively addressing the challenging and complex public health issues facing the world today. Based in the school’s Health Policy and Management department, the degree is a three-year, cohort-based distance program offered online. Classes will be delivered in real time via internet video. Students will meet face-to-face three times each year in Year One and Year Two. Most in-person sessions will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, although some may take place elsewhere in the U.S. or around the world. Students will complete their dissertations in Year Three.

Some international students admitted into the DrPH program may need visas to enter the United States for the three short residential visits in program years one and two. For those who require it, the IUPUI Office of International Affairs will assist with issuance of a form I-20 required for an F-1 visa.

Who Will Benefit From This Program?

The target audience is mid- to senior-level professionals who are working full-time in organizations in which they have the ability to influence the health of populations anywhere in the world. We seek students from a wide range of backgrounds, including non-profit and for-profit health care settings, NGOs, non-profit organizations, pharma, government agencies, Ministries of Health, and foundations, as well as non-traditional settings.

A hallmark of the program is the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and home bases of our students. Our goal is to admit cohorts of 12 to 15 students who are as different from each other as possible, since diverse cohorts of learners inspire each other to think creatively.

Successful applicants will have strong academic records, at least a master’s degree (not necessarily in public health), and a minimum of several years of experience in a wide range of healthcare settings in roles with substantial management responsibility. 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.

A Focus On Leadership Development

The program builds on a successful University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill model which Dr. Suzanne Babich helped design and which she led for 10 years. Leadership skills are cultivated through diverse experiences and exposure to a wide range of perspectives. Learning is achieved experientially, through highly interactive debates and discussions. Small class sizes and live internet video allow for rich exchanges in real time, regardless of where in the world students are located.

The Fairbanks School of Public Health program will adapt this model, expanding and updating it to offer unique advantages, including:

  • Global curriculum. All courses will be internationalized. Competencies gained will be applicable whether individuals live and work in Indiana, the U.S., or anywhere in the world.
  • Global faculty. In addition to U.S.-based faculty, program faculty will include international faculty based in other parts of the world.
  • Global network. The program will leverage relationships with other schools and programs, including opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students based around the world.

Admissions

Students start the program in the fall semester. For detailed admissions criteria and instructions for applying to the DrPH in Global Health Leadership degree visit the Admissions page.

Before applying, please note that successful applicants will meet the following criteria:  

  • Prior master's or doctoral level degree (does not have to be in public health);
  • Strong record in prior academic work (3.0 grade point average in graduate work);
  • Working full-time in an organization associated with the public's health;
  • Mid- to senior-level leadership role with substantial management responsibility;
  • At least five years management experience post master's degree;
  • Practice-oriented career goals;
  • Passion to improve the health of the public;
  • Ambition for top jobs for maximum influence;
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities.
DrPH Admission Criteria

Curriculum

All DrPH candidates must satisfactorily complete a 45 credit, online curriculum.

DrPH in Global Health Leadership Curriculum

Competencies

The DrPH in Global Health Leadership competencies are aligned with the CEPH foundational competencies. 

DrPH Competencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the DrPH in Global Health Leadership with our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

DrPH Frequently Asked Questions