The doctoral program in Public Health (DrPH) offers advanced training in the fundamental skills and knowledge central to each of the five core areas of public health—social and behavioral health, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health systems, with a leadership and management concentration. The DrPH program provides students with opportunities to achieve public health competencies in the full range of academic or professional roles within community practice, research and teaching.

For admission requirements, please see the Admissions  section of this Bulletin.

Degree Requirements

Coursework.  The program requires 72 units, consisting of 19 courses. Students complete 52 units of core courses, 12 units of elective coursework that constitute a minor, 4 units of one transdisciplinary course, and an advanced practicum (0 units).

Minor. Students must successfully complete 12 units (three courses) in one minor field of study. Students may select from courses in the School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation (Advanced Evaluation, Policy, or Economics), Drucker School of Management (Leadership & Management), Center for Information Sciences & Technology (GIS or Health Informatics) or Arts & Humanities (Applied Women Studies).

Research Tools. In lieu of a specific language requirement, demonstrated proficiency in one research tool is required. A research tool in public health must be completed with a grade of a B or better in CGH 402, Advanced Research Methods.

Advanced Practicum. All DrPH students are required to complete an advanced practicum experience in public health.  The advanced integrative practicum in public health is comprised of three incremental practice experiences which engage students in health system leadership and management and complement the DrPH didactic curriculum. The integrative practicum begins with an introduction to the health system, continues with interactive instruction from experts in public health, and culminates in a high-level practice-based project. The advanced practicum is intended to provide DrPH students an opportunity to synthesize, integrate and apply the skills, knowledge and training acquired through courses of study; to gain professional experience in a public health work environment; and to work on advanced public health practice projects that are of particular interest. The advanced practicum is part of the culminating experience for the degree. A waiver out of the integrative practicum and into a standard practicum is based on years and level of professional experience. 

Qualifying Examination. Oral and written examinations center on didactic coursework and the dissertation proposal and are intended to assess the depth and breadth of a student’s knowledge and aptitude in approaching and solving fundamental research issues in public health. Successful completion of the qualifying exam is required for advancement to candidacy.

Dissertation. Each candidate must submit acceptable dissertation project conducted with the approval of an advisory committee.  An oral examination is scheduled upon submission of the dissertation.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Student Information section of the Bulletin apply, including the Transdisciplinary Course and other University requirements disclosed in the Doctoral Degrees section.

Transfer Credit.  The University’s policy on transfer credit  applies. The DrPH program permits the transfer of up to 24 semester units from prior graduate work completed outside of CGU with advisor approval.