Public Health Doctor of Public Health Degree Program (DrPH)
The DrPH is the professional doctoral degree in public health and prepares students to be public health leaders with expertise in evidence-based practice and research. Graduates of the program have acquired skills in data and analysis; leadership, management and governance; policy and programs; and education and workforce development. Because of our partnership with the New York State Department of Health, students have the opportunity to work with experienced public health practitioners and gain extensive high-level, real-world experience. The program leading to the DrPH degree requires 66 credit hours of course work (including 15 MPH credits).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the general University requirements students should have an MPH degree from an accredited school or program of public health, or a master’s degree in a related field. At least two years of professional experience relevant to public health is required.
Students may apply for admission with advanced standing, based on previous graduate work, and be allowed up to 30 credits for courses applicable to the DrPH. Courses presented for transfer must be appropriate to the student's graduate program, must be graduate-level courses and have been given by an accredited institution authorized to grant graduate degrees. Courses presented must be completed with grades of B or better. Courses presented for transfer credit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAM OF STUDY AND RESEARCH (66 credits)
MPH Courses (15 credits)
Introductory graduate-level courses providing foundational public health knowledge for those without an MPH degree from an accredited school or program. Students with a previous MPH degree from an accredited school or program will be able to transfer in the appropriate credits.
- Epi 501 Principles and Methods of Epidemiology I (3 credits)
- Epi 503 Principles of Public Health (3 credits)
- Epi/Sta 552 Principles of Statistical Inference I (3 credits)
- Hpm 500 Health Care Organization, Delivery and Financing (3 credits)
- Hpm 525 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3 credits)
DrPH core courses (30 credits)
- Sph 711 Advanced Topics in Public Health Research and Practice I (3 credits)
- Sph 712 Advanced Topics in Public Health Research and Practice II (3 credits)
- Sph 713 Translating Research Into Public Health Policy & Program Implementation (3 credits)
- Sta 553 Principles of Statistical Inference II (3 credits)
- Hpm 501/PAD657 Health Policy Analysis (3 credits)
- Hpm 571 Public Health Leadership (3 credits)
- Hpm 641 Principles of Health Organization Management (3 credits)
- Hpm 727 Program Development in Health Promotion (3 credits)
- Hpm 750 Strategy & Leadership Applications in Health Management (3 credits)
- Ehs/Sph 629 Protocol Development and Grant Writing or Hpm 628 Grant Writing in Public Health (3 credits)
Additional Course Requirements (9 - 12 credits)
- Epi/Hpm 514: Computer Programming for Data Management and Analysis in Public Health (3 credits), or equivalent. This course fulfills the research tool requirement.
- Sph 780 DrPH Professional Development Seminar (0 credits) - must be taken at least twice (fall and spring)
- Elective courses: two or three courses (6 - 9 credits) chosen in consultation with advisor, that meet the student's goals and interests
Practicum Requirements (9 - 12 credits)
- Sph 790 - DrPH Practicum (9 credits)
- Sph 791 - DrPH Teaching Practicum (0 or 3 credits)
Study In Residence Requirement
Full-time study is encouraged. Most grants and scholarships are available only to full-time students. Part-time study is permitted. However, in accordance with University guidelines, all students enrolled in doctoral programs must maintain continuous registration for each fall and spring session (except for periods of official leave of absence prior to candidacy) until they have completed all program requirements. Minimum registration consists of 3 credits of approved course work or practicum, or 1 credit of registration for dissertation work after advancement to candidacy (899 courses only).
Research Tool
The research tool requirement for the doctoral degree is met by satisfactorily demonstrating computer literacy. Satisfactory completion of Epi 514 (i.e. a grade of B or better), or the equivalent, fulfills this requirement.
Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive examination will be required after all core DrPH coursework is completed. This exam tests mastery of the core curriculum. The exam is graded pass/fail. If a student fails, he/she can retake it once. A second failure will result in dismissal from the program.
Doctoral Dissertation
A dissertation based on significant practice-based research is required. The dissertation must demonstrate synthesis of DrPH competencies, and make a significant contribution toward influencing programs, policies or systems addressing public health. In preparation for the dissertation, a written dissertation proposal must be orally defended before the dissertation committee and approved.
Admission to Candidacy
A student will be admitted to candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) upon completion of the following:
- Satisfactory record in all course work and practicum placements with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Satisfaction of the University's residency requirement.
- Satisfaction of the research tool requirement.
- Satisfactory completion of the comprehensive qualifying examination.
- Approval by the dissertation committee of a dissertation proposal.
Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.
