Influence programs and policies that save lives, improve the face of global health, and create stronger communities through our PhD in Public Health online degree program.

In our online PhD in Public Health program, you can build upon your skills and expertise to become a more effective scholar-practitioner and make compelling contributions to advancing wellness among diverse populations. Coursework examines issues in disease and injury prevention; health informatics; and the importance of communication, marketing, and public relations in the public health field. In addition to conducting your own original research in a public health topical area of your choice, you can learn how to apply public health research to promote positive social change concerning the health of communities worldwide.

Earning your PhD in Public Health can position you to pursue prominent career roles as a leader, researcher, consultant, or educator in a wide range of settings. Gain the knowledge and credentials to change your world and improve the lives of countless people across the globe.

Why Earn Your Online PhD in Public Health From Walden?

  • Integrate scholarly research with practical solutions that address today’s most pressing health issues through a scholar-practitioner learning model.
  • Earn your PhD in Public Health degree sooner if you already have a Master of Public Health (MPH) or MS in Public Health.
  • Broaden your research skills through an original dissertation that contributes to the field.
  • Learn from scholars, researchers, and distinguished leaders from all over the world who are selected for their academic and public health industry credentials and expertise.

Career Impact

Dramatic changes in our nation’s healthcare delivery system, coupled with a national emphasis on disease prevention and healthy living, are prompting a growing demand for highly qualified public health scholars, researchers, and leaders.

Whether you’re interested in conducting research, raising public awareness of health issues, managing healthcare organizations, or contributing to policy development, the public health field offers an exciting array of career possibilities.

Career options include:

  • Health department director
  • Health officer
  • Public health information officer
  • Biostatistician
  • Epidemiologist
  • Health policy advisor
  • Public health researcher
  • Faculty/professor
  • Post-doctoral fellow
  • Global health professional/consultant
  • Public health consultant
  • Public health policy advisor

Top Public Health Employers

The field of public health touches numerous sectors, from government agencies to business organizations to charities. Some of the major public health employers in America today include:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Academia
  • Managed care organizations
  • State and local public health departments
  • Hospitals and medical facilities
  • Nonprofits
  • Corporate sector

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. employs approximately 100,000 health educators, community health workers, and epidemiologists in traditional public health settings. The first two categories are each projected to grow 21% by the year 2022.1

 

Screened back image of students.

PhD in Public Health

PhD in Public Health
Transcript

Earning your PhD in public health from Walden University allows you to influence policies that save lives in your community and around the world. Through the doctorate program at Walden, you'll enjoy cutting edge, online classroom experience, while broadening your research skills through an original dissertation that contributes to the field. And whether you want to conduct research, raise public awareness, or manage health care organizations, the public health field offers an exciting array of career possibilities. With a PhD in public health from Walden University, you'll gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Walden's doctoral program in public health gives you the skills to influence policy and save lives in your community and around the world. Whether you want to conduct research, raise public awareness, or manage public healthcare organizations, Walden's PhD in Public Health will help you succeed.

Learning Outcomes

Our PhD in Public Health online degree program is designed to prepare graduates to:

  1. Utilize critical-thinking and assessment skills to analyze barriers, assess needs, and advance the knowledge and practice of public health.
  2. Evaluate and apply population-based theories and strategies used in the prevention of disease and disability.
  3. Lead and inform professional communication, marketing, and public relations on key issues in public health.
  4. Apply fiscal and organizational tenets to public health program leadership.
  5. Demonstrate advanced competency in health informatics and surveillance techniques used in public health programs.
  6. Apply public health research to promote positive social change concerning the health of diverse populations.

Additional Learning Outcomes for the Community Health Education Specialization

  1. Engage in scientific inquiry that advances the knowledge base of research and practice in community health assessment and education.
  2. Examine evidence-based community health education and intervention programs and activities designed to improve public health.

Additional Learning Outcomes for the Epidemiology Specialization

  1. Engage in scientific inquiry that advances the knowledge base of research and practice in epidemiology.
  2. Apply epidemiologic concepts and analytical approaches to public health problems.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • You can automatically reduce your required PhD in Public Health credits and coursework if you have completed your Master of Public Health. Reducing required credits in your program will make your education more affordable.
  • You can also complete your required PhD in Public Health coursework sooner by transferring your applicable credits.

Need Help Choosing a Program?

Walden offers three doctoral degree programs in public health and health education designed to meet your career goals. View the chart to help you determine which program is right for you.

Find detailed information for this program including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt. This information will vary depending on whether you (1) hold a MPH or MS in Public Health or (2) hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a field other than public health.

Testimonials

Anita Alston-Ellis

Anita Alston Ellis

PhD in Public Health Graduate / PMP Certificate Student
Immediately after my MPH practicum, I intend to pursue my Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology at Walden. I want to teach as well as pursue epidemiologic research studies to contribute to contemporary issues in public health in the United States and around the world.
Walden’s social change mission was very inspiring and guided me throughout my study.
The most rewarding aspect of pursuing my degree at Walden University is that I am in control of my future.
Edward Irobi MPH Graduate / PhD in Public Health Student
Edward Irobi
Raymond Chimezie PhD in Public Health Graduate
Ray Chimezie
Tira Wallace MPH Student
Tira Wallace

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014–2015 Edition, Health Educators and Community Health Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm (viewed online March 11, 2015). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Note: Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.

Man sitting at latop
Questions about our PhD in Public Health?
Questions about our PhD in Public Health?
We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment advisor for more information today. Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.
We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment advisor for more information today. Please use our Domestic Form if you live in the U.S.
*Required Field
Academic Interests
Required
Required
Contact Information
Required
Required
Invalid email address
Please provide a valid phone number
Required
Please provide a valid zipcode
Required
Additional Information
Required
Get Started

By submitting this form, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. You may opt out at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details.

Required

By checking this box, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. You may opt out at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details.