Online PhD in Public Health

by Sandra Wrangell

phd in public healthSearching for an Online PhD in Public Health?

What is public health?

Simply defined, public health is the science of preventing disease and prolonging life. As the name implies, public health looks at the overall health of a community rather than individuals.

If you are currently in the medical profession and are looking for a new challenge, you can now earn an online PhD in public health.

Online PhD in Public Health

There are a number of different Public Health programs, and they will vary slightly depending on the university you choose.

In general, public health programs focus on the medical, political, and economic factors that influence a community’s health. A typical program will include both coursework and research. Depending on the program, you may also be required to perform an internship or practicum.

Currently, the only two accredited universities offering an Online PhD in Public Health are Walden University and Capella University. Both universities are regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, both universities offer accelerated online classes; Walden University offers 8-week online classes, Capella 10-week online classes.

Compare Walden and Capella now to see if either one is a good fit for you?

Walden University – Online PhD in Public Health

online phd in public health

Walden University offers accelerated classes: 8 week online classes.

Currently, Walden offers over a dozen online doctoral programs with over 100 specializations/concentrations available, giving you the opportunity to tailor your doctorate degree to suit your professional goals and interests.

By understanding the medical, social, ethical and economic factors that affect community health, you’ll be able to develop solutions to public health problems. With a theory-to-application model and diverse network of experienced faculty and students, this online degree program will prepare you to influence social policy and empower citizens.

 

Capella University - Online PhD in Public Health

online doctor of public health

Capella University offers accelerated classes: 10 week online classes.

Many higher education faculty positions require a PhD, which can also prepare you for leadership, research, or consulting positions in a variety of fields. For students of business, the Doctor of Business Administration is also available. Career paths for people with DBAs include business leadership, consulting, and teaching positions.

Online Doctoral Programs are also available in a wide-range of fields including:

The curriculum emphasizes leadership theories and principles; public health program and policy planning, implementation, and evaluation; factors that contribute to population-based health disparities, nationally and globally; and communication, collaboration, advocacy, and leadership strategies used to address public health issues.

Doctorate in Public Health – Curriculum

The coursework portion of the curriculum is typically 100 percent online. It consists of approximately 100 to 120 credit hours and includes foundation, core, and specialization courses.

Some foundational courses include topics such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy. Specialization courses might include community action for health, health awareness and promotion, and community trials.

doctorate in public health degreeDuring the core courses, you will begin to learn about research theory and methods in anticipation for your research project. Upon successful completion of your coursework, you may be required to take a comprehensive exam before you begin your research project.

Residencies

Some programs may require you to perform a few short, campus based residencies. This will allow you to meet your dissertation adviser and other members of the faculty. You can also network with your peers during the small group sessions.

Most likely, the first residency will occur as soon as you enroll in the program. It is important to note, however, that not all PhD in Public Health programs require residences.

PhD Dissertation and Research

As with all PhD programs, a doctoral program in public health also requires that you perform an original research project. You will have an adviser that will help you with the prospectus and proposal development. Once approved, you will conduct your research and write a dissertation of your findings.

You will likely have to orally defend your findings in front of a university committee. In many instances, your dissertation will be published in a professional journal.

Summary

A career in public health can be very rewarding. You can work to help prevent and eradicate a disease within your community. You can work with all ages to help promote healthy behavior such as vaccination, safe sex, and hand sanitization. With the number of online PhD in public health programs, you are certain to find one that will suit your needs.