Most Affordable Online PhDs In Public Health Degrees

Overview

East Carolina University in Greenville, NC is a public research university serving more than 28,000 students. The university’s mission is to develop tomorrow’s leaders to foster positive change and be of service to others. It is also devoted to transforming healthcare, reducing health disparities, and promoting wellness. ECU’s online programs are recognized as some of the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report. The university counts an online DrPH among these esteemed programs.

Program Features

ECU’s Doctor of Public Health program offers concentrations in Environmental & Occupational Health and Health Policy, Administration, & Leadership. The program aims to educate leaders who will transform the healthcare system into one that provides high-quality, affordable care, reduces health disparities, and improves population health. The degree requires field experience and a dissertation. Students also complete coursework such as:

• Organizational Theory and Leadership
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Ethics and Research: Humanities and Basic Medical Sciences
• Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
• Ethics and Law in Public Health

Notables

Students who already have a master’s degree in public health can bypass the foundational course requirements. Those who do not have a relevant master’s degree will take both master’s and doctoral level courses. Relevant experience is strongly preferred.

Overview

Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university and the flagship institution of the eight-campus Indiana University System. Founded in 1820, the university currently serves more than 43,000 students who choose from over 550 well-regarded academic programs. Many of these programs are ranked in the Top 10 or higher nationally. Known for innovation and collaboration, IU Blooming also offers a cost-effective online DrPH.

Program Features

IU Bloomington’s online program in Public Health and Global Health Leadership culminates in a Doctor of Public Health. The three-year program is designed for full-time professionals who have the ability to impact the health of populations. During the first and second year, three annual face-to-face gatherings are required. Additional degree requirements include:

• Leadership courses (15 credit hours)
• Public health courses (7 credit hours)
• Research courses (14 credit hours)
• Dissertation or field-based, culminating project courses (9 hours)

Notables

Applicants should have strong academic records, a master’s degree (public health not required), and leadership experience in a public health setting. Accepted students are divided into two cohorts based on experience: an advanced cohort of 12-15 scholars and a junior cohort of up to 25 scholars recognized as emerging leaders.

Overview

America’s first research university, John Hopkins University was founded in 1876. The private university in Baltimore continues to introduce revolutionary discoveries to the world and innovate higher education. John Hopkins is ranked one of the Top 10 universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The school enrolls over 24,000 students in nine academic divisions. Students have over 260 renowned programs to choose from, including an affordable online Doctor of Public Health.

Program Features

The Doctor of Public Health program at Johns Hopkins is intended for students with a Master’s of Public Healthor equivalent degree. Students should plan to pursue leadership roles as public health professionals. The program begins with foundational competencies taught through a sequence of problem-based learning classes addressing recent challenges in public health. Students then complete a concentration or a customized program of study, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Courses include:

• The Opioid Crisis: Problem-Solving Seminar
• Teaching, Learning and Leading: In the Classroom, in the Workplace, and in the Community
• Effective Presentations and News Media Interviews
• Advanced Data Analysis
• Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Notables

It takes a minimum of four years to complete this program, with students allowed a maximum of nine years. Concentration options include Environmental Health, Health Equity and Social Justice, Health Policy and Management, and Implementation Science. Students who are not interested in these concentrations design a customized course of study with their advisor.

Overview

Founded in 1910, Kent State University in Kent, Ohio is a public research university with over 38,000 students. It’s ranked a top tier university nationally by U.S. News and World Report. Kent State has earned recognition for its award-winning teaching, leadership, and personal growth. The university’s eight-campus system boasts academic sites throughout the region and across the globe as well as a variety of distance learning programs. Online offerings include a Ph.D. in Public Health.

Program Features

Kent State University provides a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health specializing in Health Policy and Management. It equips students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to meet the challenges of public health research. Students learn advanced quantitative methods and hone the ability to design and implement studies on critical health issues. The degree consists of prerequisites, core courses, requirements for HPM specialization, electives, and a dissertation. Courses include:

• Biostatistics in Public Health
• Public Health Administration
• Emerging Issues in Public Health Policy and Management
• Methods of Evidence Based Public Health
• Directed Research in Health Policy and Management

Notables

Students benefit from wide-ranging faculty research agendas, including health systems research, reproductive health, substance abuse, and access to health care. Program graduates work as leaders and scholars in policy and research institutes, academic health centers and hospitals, federal and state health agencies, health planning organizations, and other settings.

Overview

Based in Southern California, Loma Linda University is a private Seventh-Day Adventist health sciences university. It’s made up of eight schools, and the campus is shared with six hospitals where students benefit from hands-on training. LLU enrolls over 4,400 students. Established in 1905, the university has always focused on its mission of providing teaching and healing, offering whole-person care to every patient. Loma Linda has more than 100 programs, including distance education options like an affordable DrPH in Health Education.

Program Features

Loma Linda’s Doctor of Public Health in Health Education develops students’ abilities in leadership, management, writing, and research. Students learn to plan and evaluate health behavior changes, advocate and communicate, and critically analyze public health issues. The curriculum consists of coursework and a dissertation, with a visit to campus for the dissertation defense. Students also write a publishable research paper. Courses include:

• Overview of Research Methodologies
• Intermediate Biostatistics
• Health Policy Analysis and Research
• Concepts and Practical Issues of Secondary Data
• Building Healthy Systems

Notables

Applicants must have a master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field. The program typically takes 3-5 years to complete. Graduates are prepared to manage and evaluate health programs and teach and plan at the university level. They typically work in leadership positions in academic, government, or private settings.

Overview

Nebraska Methodist College is one of the nation’s top nursing and allied healthcare colleges. The private college provides expert faculty committed to student success, a highly supportive environment, and a cutting-edge education, both on the Omaha, NE campus and online. Established in 1891, the university enrolls just over 1,000 students. NMC aims to develop students who will positively impact the health and well-being of their communities through offerings like the DNP Public Health program.

Program Features

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health produces nurses who are experts in evidence-based practice, enabling them to serve as mentors, consultants, and researchers who become change agents in public health policy. Nurses in the program complete at least 50 credit hours and 960 clinical practice hours. Courses include:

• Health Systems, Informatics, and Leadership
• Advanced Public Health
• Healthcare Policy
• Public Health Ethics
• Community Health Program Planning

Notables

Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students can finish in 3-4 years. One on-campus weekend is required during the program. The program concludes with a capstone project based on the application and assessment of a healthcare topic in a patient or community practice.

Overview

Northeastern University is a Boston-based private research university established in 1898. It’s a tier-1 research university and the leader in experiential learning, providing students with immersive hands-on experiences and real-world challenges. Northeastern has four regional campuses, corporate partners in 90 nations, and a robust selection of online programs. Across over 60 online programs, Northeastern offers flexibility, customization, and challenges that propel careers forward. One online degree option is a PhD in Population Health.

Program Features

Northeastern’s Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health trains public health leaders and researchers who grasp the complex factors impacting the health and well-being of populations. Students complete 33 credits consisting of core research courses, a concentration, and electives and directed study courses. A dissertation is also required. You’ll take courses such as:

• Social Epidemiology
• Advanced Methods in Biostatistics
• Health Education and Program Planning
• Public Health Policy and Administration
• Qualitative Methods in Health and Illness

Notables

The program integrates topics including the five pillars of public health: social determinants of health, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health program evaluation. Students choose a Social/Environmental concentration or a Health Services/Policy concentration. They conduct research on determinants of health like environmental risks, economic stability, education, community contexts, and more.

Overview

Based in the coastal community of Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is ranked one of the Best Southeastern schools in the nation by Princeton Review. ODU is considered a forward-thinking public research university and enrolls more than 24,000 students. It has three extended campuses and a diverse selection of online learning opportunities. ODU’s online doctorates provide comprehensive theory, research, and practical knowledge delivered by supportive faculty. One online option is a PhD in Public Administration and Policy.

Program Features

ODU’s Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and Policy provides a foundation in theory and research as well as the practical knowledge to lead organizations and influence decision-makers. Students learn to design and conduct research and policy analyses, make informed decisions, report research findings, assess policy issues, and teach courses in public administration and policy. A dissertation is required. Courses include:

• Policy Theory
• Public Administration I and II
• Research Design
• Quantitative Research Methods in Health Care
• Policy and Program Evaluation

Notables

The program consists of 37 hours of doctoral-level coursework and a 12-hour dissertation. To advance to candidacy, students must successfully complete written and oral comprehensive exams. Applicants must submit transcripts indicating completion of a master’s degree, GRE scores, and a 3-6 page essay outlining professional and academic goals.

Overview

Penn State World Campus is the online campus for the distinguished Pennsylvania State University. With an established history in distance learning and innovation, Penn State launched the World Campus in 1998. Its mission is simple: to provide the Penn State educational experience to anyone at any time. The focus is on quality, flexibility, and convenience. Online courses are the same courses offered on campus, and students choose from 150 programs. One option is an affordable DrPH program.

Program Features

The Doctor of Public Health degree prepares graduates for advanced evidence-based practice and effective leadership. Students complete 45 credits of coursework, 15 credits of doctoral research, and field experience beyond a master’s degree. A comprehensive exam is required to advance to candidacy. In this program, you’ll take courses like:

• Integrative Public Health Leadership
• Statistical Methods in Public Health
• Policy Analysis and Planning
• Policy and Program Evaluation
• Health Care Law

Notables

Within their required credits, students complete specialized study in an area such as public health preparedness, social marketing, and behavior, or evidence-based public health administration. The doctoral research integrative experience consists of two publishable manuscripts and a doctoral portfolio, which includes a CV and leadership philosophy.

Overview

Based in the heart of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago is deeply embedded in the technological, educational, and cultural fabric of the city. It’s recognized as having one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation. 30,000 students attend classes at the public research university’s 15 campuses or online. The university is committed to expanding access to excellence and opportunity. UIC offers 94 master’s and 62 doctoral degree programs, including an online Doctor of Public Health Leadership.

Program Features

The Doctor in Public Health Leadership degree at UIC develops student leadership skills specific to the public health arena. Students explore the latest in research, theory, and practice. A minimum of 96 semester hours is required, including 28 hours minimum for the dissertation. Students complete at least eight hours of elective courses designed to build skills for the dissertation. In this program, you’ll take courses like:

• Introduction to Epidemiology Principles and Methods
• Leadership in Public Health Policy Development
• Personal Leadership Development
• Public Health Leadership Tools
• Quantitative Methods for Leadership in Public Health Practice

Notables

Students may receive credit for up to 32 hours for Master’s of Public Health or related degrees. Field experience is required for students who have no prior experience upon matriculation. Several forms are acceptable for the dissertation: a traditional research study, an intervention design, an evaluation of a complex policy or program, or the formulation and analysis of policy.