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.

Degree Requirements

See the Addendum  to this Bulletin for updates to the requirements for this program.

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 TNDY 430, Transdisciplinary Pedagogy for Ethical Education.

Advanced Practicum. All DrPH students are required to complete an applied practice experience in public health. DrPH students have 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. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

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.

School of Community and Global Health (SCGH) Practical Experience Milestone

Students pursing a public health degree (Master of Public Health or Doctor of Public Health) must meet the Practical Experience Milestone by completing an applied practice experience through an internship or practicum within a public health agency (paid or unpaid, for credit or not for credit).

Students must have their milestone approved by the School prior to the submission of their completed Final Approval Form. This milestone is to be completed during the time to degree at CGU (7 years for doctoral students, 5 years for masters students). Students may have a maximum of 4 years of experience for the Practical Experience Milestone.