Best Online PhD In Public Health Degrees

Find the best online Ph.D. in public health degrees and take your career in public health to the next level.
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Updated June 15, 2023

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The use of modern-day toilets and plumbing, vaccines, and standard hygienic practices are all examples of improvements in public health.

Public health is a vast field that deals with the health concerns and outcomes of populations as a whole. Public health officials will routinely work with government branches, local non-profits, and education systems. This field encompasses areas such as epidemiology and disease prevention. As the number of people who are living longer is increasing, the need for public health professionals is on the rise. If promoting healthy lifestyles, researching diseases, and policy implementation is your passion, a career in Public Health may be right for you. Those at the Doctorate level of this field are the experts who inform health decisions directly in our community. College Choice has ranked the top 10 online PhD programs in this field in the nation. Read on to discover which program may be the best fit.

What type of PhD degree can you get in public health?

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) and doctorate degree in public health are the highest degrees for this field. Although both programs are very similar, generally the PhD degree is more research-intensive and the Doctorate is geared more toward future practitioners. However, both degrees will prepare adults for future careers in academia if they wish to do so. An online degree may be favorable for those who are already engaged in other time-consuming activities, like a full-time job. Like other online degree programs, an online PhD will consist of either regular class meetings via video or online coursework that can be completed on one’s own time. Students will be required to come to campus a few times a year for sessions, and will need to come when they present their dissertation. Other programs may even require in-person practicum hours at a local institution. Check out the best master’s in public health degrees.

How much money do people with an online PhD in public health make?

According to PayScale, those with a PhD in public health will earn an average salary of $89,000. It is important to note that this is an average number that may be skewed due to outliers. There is no statistical distinction between those who took their degree online or on-campus. This average does not also take into account years of experience, location, and industry. Some of the highest paying jobs within the public health field include health engineer, environmental scientist, healthcare administrator, epidemiologist, or biostatistician. For example, the median salary of a biostatistician as of 2018 is $81,950. The median for an epidemiologist is $70,820. At the peak of one’s career, a six figure salary is quite common.

What can you do with an online PhD in public health?

This advanced degree prepares people for jobs in academia (i.e. researcher or professor) or for senior-level positions within the field of public health. Within the realm of academia, doctors will be required to continuously research and publish new findings. Their research will inform new policies and practices. As a practitioner, work may be more “hands-on” as they will be involved with things like health advocacy, outreach, and marketing. Below are some common skills and everyday tasks that a person in this field at this level may use:

What are the requirements for an online PhD in public health?

Ideally, candidates will possess a master’s in public health with a competitive GPA. Applicants should also have several years of work experience within the field, with a minimum of two. Those who do not meet those requirements may need to take extra courses. In addition, most applications require letters of recommendation and GRE scores from the last five years. Throughout the program, students will take most coursework online. Coursework will consist of foundational classes, electives, and additional classes if pursuing a concentration. There may even be a required practicum. The last portion of the credits is dedicated to completing the dissertation. All students will need to come to campus at some point, either to complete group sessions or to present their final thesis.

What are the best PhDs in public health?

We’ve found that the best degrees are those that offer not only fair prices, but ample flexibility and convenience as well! To find the best degrees for you, we look at the best schools in the country based on reputation, student satisfaction, program quality, and return on investment. Then we review the bottom line - just how much is this going to cost? Check out our methodology page for a more in-depth description of our data. Once we determine all of the above, we curate a list of stellar schools for you! These not only represent the best degrees you can get, but also ones that will fit your budget. Check out our picks below!

#1 Best Online PhD In Public Health Degrees

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

East Carolina University, a public university, offers online doctorates, including a doctor of public health. This online doctorate builds expertise in public health, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, and management. The online format appeals to busy students who require the greatest schedule flexibility.

Study at the doctoral level incorporates advanced public health knowledge, including theories, methodologies, and research. Candidates work closely with a faculty advisor to choose a specialization within the field. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the public health field.

East Carolina University at a Glance:

Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Admission Rate: 79%

Total Doctoral Programs: 22

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 4

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $4,749

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,898

Percent Awarded Aid: 79%

Percent Awarded Loans: 53%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
28,651
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online PhD In Public Health Degrees

Indiana University-Bloomington

  • Bloomington, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Indiana University-Bloomington offers its doctor of public health program online. This online doctorate prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, and leadership through a rigorous curriculum. The online format appeals to working professionals interested in pursuing a doctorate while working.

Doctoral studies emphasizes advanced topics in public health, including theories, methodologies, and research methods. Candidates choose a specialization to focus the program and prepare for specific career paths. At the end of the program, doctoral students defend their dissertation to demonstrate their knowledge.

Indiana University-Bloomington at a Glance:

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Admission Rate: 78%

Total Doctoral Programs: 83

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $9,501

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $31,932

Percent Awarded Aid: 84%

Percent Awarded Loans: 31%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,575
Out-of-state
$35,140
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,501
Out-of-state
$31,932
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
43,260
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online PhD In Public Health Degrees

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Doctoral students in the doctor of public health program at Johns Hopkins University, a private institution, complete their degree online. This online doctorate builds expertise in public health, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, and management. The flexible format appeals to working professionals who want to maintain their work history while pursuing a doctorate.

Doctoral-level courses highlight cutting-edge public health knowledge, including theories, methodologies, and research. Candidates specialize their course of study to prepare for specific career paths after graduation. The program concludes with a dissertation defense that demonstrates mastery in the public health field.

Johns Hopkins University at a Glance:

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Admission Rate: 11%

Total Doctoral Programs: 64

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 12

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $55,350

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $55,350

Percent Awarded Aid: 67%

Percent Awarded Loans: 29%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
27,079
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online PhD In Public Health Degrees

Loma Linda University

  • Loma Linda, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution, Loma Linda University offers its doctor of public health in health education program online. This online doctorate prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, and leadership through a rigorous curriculum. The program's online format provides flexibility for working professionals, and doctoral students may be able to work full time while in school.

Study at the doctoral level investigates theoretical and practical challenges in while building advanced research skills. Candidates work with a faculty advisor to specialize their training. Doctoral students also complete a research-intensive project that contributes to the field.

Loma Linda University at a Glance:

Location: Loma Linda, California

Total Doctoral Programs: 44

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $26,880

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,880

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,680
Out-of-state
$31,680
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$26,880
Out-of-state
$26,880
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,462
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
27% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#5 Best Online PhD In Public Health Degrees

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

  • Omaha, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking an online doctorate in public health policy can enroll in the program at Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health, a private institution. This online doctorate builds an advanced understanding of public health policy and leads to careers in research, academia, and leadership. The flexible format and online classes help doctoral students balance graduate school with work and other responsibilities.

Doctoral-level study trains learners in advanced topics, including theories, practices, and research methods. Candidates specialize their course of study to prepare for specific career paths after graduation. At the conclusion of the program, doctoral students defend their dissertation to demonstrate expertise in public health policy.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health at a Glance:

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Admission Rate: 97%

Total Doctoral Programs: 5

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 5

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $11,955

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,955

Percent Awarded Aid: 100%

Percent Awarded Loans: 70%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,422
Out-of-state
$15,422
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,955
Out-of-state
$11,955
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
1,128
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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