University of Kentucky®
Doctorate Degree (DrPH) in
Public Health
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 42
CREDENTIALS DrPH Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$1002.00
Program Alert
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Doctorate Degrees
- Public Health (DrPH)
About this Program
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree is an advanced professional practice degree designed to prepare students as senior level administrators and policy makers, providing leadership to protect and improve the health of the public. The DrPH is the highest degree attainable for the public health practitioner. While public health comprises many clinical and professional disciplines, it has a unique focus on entire populations rather than individual patients.
The Doctor of Public Health is a terminal professional degree. It is designed to produce transformative academic and practice leaders with expertise in evidence-based public health practice and research. Graduates will be able to convene diverse partners; communicate to effect change across a range of sectors and settings; synthesize and translate findings; and generate practice-based evidence that advances programs, policies, services and/or systems addressing population health.
Our program's mission is to empower visionary leaders to address complex public health challenges through impactful solutions.
Designed For
The Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) is ideal for experienced public health professionals and leaders who are passionate about addressing complex health challenges and advancing health for everyone. This program is designed for those who aspire to drive policy, lead organizations, and implement evidence-based solutions to improve population health at local, national, or global levels.
What You’ll Learn
In our Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) program, you will gain advanced knowledge and practical skills to address complex public health challenges from local to global scales. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, policy development, and evidence-based practice, preparing you to design and implement innovative solutions to improve population health. You will explore topics such health equity, data analytics, and the social determinants of health while developing expertise in public health advocacy and program evaluation. Through collaboration with classmates and practitioners, mentorship from experienced faculty, and projects and activities focused on real-world public health issues, you will emerge as a leader equipped to transform practice and policy.
Learning Outcomes
1. Develop strategies to identify and counter public health misinformation
2. Utilize advanced decision-making theory to guide public health organizations or programs
3. Evaluate leadership practices for navigating organizational and societal challenges.
4. Justify approaches to ethical dilemmas in public health practice, research, or policy
5. Enhance advocacy efforts through coalition building, partnership development, or community engagement
CEPH Accreditation
Program accreditation through the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) ensures that our DrPH program meets rigorous quality standards and demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. This recognition not only enhances the program's credibility but also assures potential students that their education will be valued by employers and other institutions.
Course Examples
- CPH 900 Foundations for Online Doctoral Success in Public Health
- CPH 930 Data Reasoning in a Complex World
- CPH 942 Public Health Communication
- CPH 948 Public Health Data & Research
- CPH 950 The Role of the Chief Health Strategist: Creating a 21st Century Public Health Infrastructure
- CPH 951 Applying Management in Public Health Practice
- CPH 953 Developing Public Health Policy
- CPH 956 Evaluation and Policy Analysis for Public Health Impact
- CPH 958 Leading Change in Public Health
- CPH 960 Financial Decision Making for Public Health Leaders
- CPH 996 Doctor of Public Health Applied Practice Experience
- CPH 997 Doctor of Public Health Integrated Learning Experience
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Prior to the start of the admission term, applicants must have obtained a master's degree (Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Public Health, or equivalent preferred) from a fully-accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work, and 3.00 on all graduate work
- Five years public health experience preferred
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics
Application Requirements
Applicants should start the application process by first applying through SOPHAS.
The following will be required:
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- Email addresses of three references
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
I applied to UK using the graduate school app. Is my application complete?
No. We suggest applicants submit the SOPHAS app first and then await word from the College of Public Health about next steps in the application process.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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