Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW): Comparing Top Programs

Inside Online Public Health PhD Programs

Along with preparing students to fill top-tier jobs in advanced research and postsecondary education, online PhD programs in public health and closely related disciplines offer working professionals a convenient platform to pursue their doctoral studies. Many programs present their didactic coursework entirely online, in some cases through asynchronous formats that allow students to log on and attend to their coursework at any time. It is common, however, for these programs to include some in-person components, often in the form of short-term campus residencies.

Unfortunately, the number of online PhD public health degree programs today is extremely limited. As an alternative, prospective students can opt for a PhD in a closely related field such as health sciences or health services. Many of these alternative programs are available online and offer coursework in public health topics.

Below are spotlights of three current public health related online PhD programs to give you a more detailed understanding of what you can expect in terms of academic content, curriculum requirements, and course delivery formats.

Public Health PhD vs. DrPH: What’s the Difference?

There are two types of doctoral degrees in the field of public health: the PhD (the subject of this guide) and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Both types prepare graduates to take on top-level positions within the public health profession, and there are some similarities between the two in regard to academic subject matter as well. But there are also foundational differences in terms of purpose and career options for graduates, as detailed in this chart:

Answering Online Public Health PhD Program Questions

What are the admissions requirements for public health and public health-related online PhD programs?

As you might expect, admissions requirements for public health-related PhD programs vary somewhat from program to program. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review the specific requirements for each program you consider. Nevertheless, you should expect to find a number of foundational admissions requirements similar to the following:

• Previously-earned degree. A master’s degree in public health, health sciences, or closely-related field from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university is a standard requirement. However, some programs offer admission to applicants with only a bachelor’s degree in public health or related major. Those students will complete additional master’s level coursework and, in most cases, an in-person practice experience before proceeding to their doctoral-level curriculum requirements. Additionally, many programs require applicants meet a given minimum GPA on their previously-earned degree’s coursework.
• Competitive GRE scores. GRE test scores may or may not be required, or may be accepted on an optional basis. Minimum score requirements vary by program.
• Professional experience. Work experience is typically not required. However, some programs require or consider heavily an applicant’s experience in academic research, particularly in public health. Research experience may be demonstrated by a master’s thesis, conference abstracts, peer-reviewed publications, etc.
• Additional application requirements. Other items often required include a current resume or CV, letter(s) of recommendation, a written personal statement or statement of purpose, and personal interview.

How are public health PhD programs accredited?

You’ll want to confirm the proper institutional accreditation of the college or university offering any public health related PhD program you consider. Institutional accreditation of U.S. colleges and universities is overseen by several U.S. Department of Education recognized regional and national accrediting agencies. You can confirm current institutional accreditation by using this DOE search engine. Additionally, PhD programs in public health and other health science fields may themselves be accredited. For example, many campus-based public health PhD programs are programmatically accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Is financial aid available for my online PhD in public health program?

Absolutely. In fact, you’ll find the full range of financial aid resource types available to public health PhD students regardless of whether they pursue their degrees on campus or online. Those resource types include student loans (like those administered by the federal government), scholarships and grants, doctoral assistantships and fellowships, employer tuition assistance and work-study programs, VA benefits (for active and veteran military), and more.

It’s also common for colleges and universities themselves to offer generous financial aid packages to their doctoral degree students. Be sure to contact a program or financial aid representative at each school you’re considering as early as possible in your public health PhD program search.

Do public health PhD programs offer specialization or concentration tracks?

Many do: for example, the Online PhD in Public Health program at Walden University (spotlighted above) offers specializations in Community Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Epidemiology. Other common specializations options available from public health and related PhD programs include biostatistics, global health, health informatics, health management, and health policy. If a program doesn’t offer any specialization tracks (or any that you’re interested in), you may be able to tailor your studies to a specific area of the public health field through your elective course choices.

What careers will a PhD in public health qualify me for?

A public health related PhD prepares its holders for professional careers primarily in advanced research and academia. Specific careers and job titles vary depending mainly on the degree holder’s chosen area of specialization. Nevertheless, here are a few of the most popular jobs often filled by public health related PhD graduates:

• Postsecondary Teacher: Postsecondary teachers (aka professors) instruct and advise students on the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. They additionally develop and review curriculum content and often conduct original research.
• Senior Public Health Researcher: Senior public health researchers oversee the conception and development of new knowledge in the public health field through the conducting of evidence-based scientific research.
• Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists investigate the causes of diseases and physical injuries and (through research, health policy development, and community education efforts) seek to eliminate or reduce the risks of those diseases and injuries.

Other common job titles for public health PhD graduates include:

• Behavioral Scientist
• Biostatistician
• Chief Science Officer
• Public Health Analyst
• Research Director

Common Classes for Public Health PhDs

Curriculum content for public health PhD programs varies from program to program, particularly in regard to coursework in specializations or concentrations. Regardless of the particular program, there are a number of core public health subjects you’ll encounter in courses similar to the following:

Biostatistics Fundamentals

Introduction to basic concepts, methods, and vocabulary of biostatistics with an emphasis on data science and statistical reasoning and interpretation. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, random variables, hypothesis testing, sample size, and the use of digital statistical systems and applications.

Ethics in Public Health Research and Practice

Introduction to the foundational principles and values related to decision-making in public health research and practice. Students explore the application of an ethics framework in the identification and clarification of a posed ethical dilemma. This is followed by the consideration of alternative courses of action and their consequences, and proposed resolution of the dilemma.

Issues in Global Public Health

Examination of the complex interrelationships between the cultural, social, political, and economic factors that impact global public health practice. Students identify and analyze the full range of determinants of global health challenges, including environmental pollution, urbanization, industrialization, inequities between populations, and more. Also considered are issues of health policy and law, global governance, and international cooperation.

Public Health Leadership and Management

Introductory survey of the key concepts, principles, and practices of management and leadership in the public health field. Students explore the pros and cons of various leadership theories and models in relation to their own personal philosophies as they are applied to modern leadership roles in public health and healthcare organizations.

Research Methods in Public Health

Comprehensive review of the theories, design, and methods of evidence-based public health research. Basic methods and approaches of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research in clinical and academic settings are covered. Specific focus is given to research design, data collection and analysis, and the application of ethical principles to research practice.

Best Online Options for DSW Training

If you’re interested in reaching the top echelon of the social work field, you’ve likely determined you need a DSW degree to do so. Additionally, getting your DSW online may be the best way to get there. But how do you know which online DSW program is right one for you? Start by taking a look at our list of the best online DSW programs. Programs were ranked on critical factors like affordability, accreditation, study flexibility, and academic quality.