The doctoral program in Public Health (DrPH) offers advanced training in public health leadership and management. 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 20 courses. Students complete 40 units of core courses, 24 units of concentration coursework, 4 units of pedagogy courses, one 4-unit transdisciplinary course, and an advanced practicum (0 units).

Tools. One research tool and one teaching tool.

• Research Tool. 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.
• Teaching Tool. A teaching tool is completed with a grade of B or better in PFF 520, Foundations of Inclusive Teaching and Course Design and PFF 521, Teaching Practice and Demonstration.

Advanced Practicum. All DrPH students are required to complete an advanced practicum experience in public health that 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 an advanced public health practice project that is of particular interest to the sponsoring agency and the student.  The advanced practicum is part of the culminating experience for the degree. No waivers are granted for this requirement. 

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 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.