phd degree in healthcare

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Healthcare leadership.

Northeastern University's Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership (DMSc) is an innovative, 100% online doctoral degree that is open to all medical professionals seeking to expand their career potential in healthcare leadership, administration, education, and advocacy.

Healthcare leadership careers are rising, with jobs for medical and health services managers estimated to grow 32% by 2030.

Northeastern's Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership (DMSc) fills the need for medical professionals of all kinds to advance their education. The program is delivered 100% online and is the first degree of its type to be offered by an R1 research institution. You'll graduate ready for new career opportunities in healthcare leadership, administration, education, and advocacy.

The degree creates a path to leadership for individuals with varied healthcare backgrounds and career goals. Here's what you can expect:

• Gain perspectives and visibility into challenges and opportunities across the medical sciences.
• Engage in a curriculum comprising core courses centered on healthcare systems and leadership skills, a specialized concentration, and a problem-based thesis project related to your concentration.
• Advance your career with a degree developed in cooperation with healthcare leaders and designed to create leaders with both technical proficiency and in-demand management skills.
• Customize your degree with a choice of nine available concentrations.

Register for our open forum webinar to meet with the Program Directors, ask questions, and get information about the program.

More Details

Unique features.

Northeastern’s DMSc degree is an innovative pathway for all healthcare degree holders to advance their education toward leadership—other universities limit admissions to physician assistant graduates.

Earn your degree part-time with maximum flexibility and a 100% online curriculum open to a broad range of medical professionals working in a clinical healthcare setting. 

Gain the career advantage of a degree developed in cooperation with healthcare leaders and employers and designed to create leaders with both technical proficiency and in-demand management skills.

Specialized concentrations add career flexibility to a rigorous core curriculum. Concentrations include Health Informatics (Practice); Health Informatics (Research); Health Law; Business Management for Healthcare; Public Health; Patient Safety; Extreme Medicine; Exercise Science; and Interdisciplinary Healthcare Leadership.

Northeastern's Doctor of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership is the first DMSc program of its kind offered by a leading R1-rated research university. 

Career Outlook

Healthcare leadership careers are rising, with jobs for medical and health services managers estimated to grow 32% by 2030. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

Median annual wage for medical and health services managers is $101K. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

Median annual wage for medical scientists in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences is $102,210. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

Testimonials

- mary jo bondy, dhed., mhs, pa-c, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal statement
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in a healthcare-related field plus at least 3 years of experience in a healthcare-related field and is in a leadership/management role with evidence (a supervisor letter) of duties that supports significant/progressive leadership and responsibilities will be considered.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the accredited program

Learn More Access the program page on the Bouvé College of Health Sciences website.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Fall term deadline: August 1

Spring term deadline: December 1

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern's experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. Your Northeastern education can be a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Mary Jo Bondy

Bianca Belcher

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Related Articles

5 Alternative Careers For Psychology Majors that Aren’t Counseling

5 Research Careers With a Master’s in Psychology

Is Getting a DPT Worth It?

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Program

Wharton’s PhD program in Health Care Management and Economics provides rigorous training in applied economics and management coupled with advanced training in health care systems and health services research.

Faculty members engage in a broad range of research related to health care management, economics, and policy. Major areas of research currently include: the impact of insurance status on medical expenditure and reported health status; potential sources of disparities in cardiovascular care; effects of Medicare Part D; adoption and diffusion of medical innovations; effects of pharmaceutical safety events on stock prices; programs for reducing losses from natural disasters and providing funds for recovery following catastrophic events; and issues of biopharmaceutical product variety and innovation.

Doctoral students have opportunities to work closely with faculty at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, the Wharton Center for Health Management and Economics, and the world-leading University of Pennsylvania Health Care System.

Health Care Management doctoral students predominantly come from a business, math, or social science background, and also include physicians, future physicians, and clinically trained professionals.

Course Information View the Health Care Management course information, descriptions, and schedule with links to syllabi. Program Information Find out more about the Health Care Management requirements, students, dissertations, admission policies, and financial aid and fellowships. Students

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health and Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Management
• Health, Behavior and Society
• International Health
• Mental Health
• Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Program Finder
• Admissions Services
• Course Directory
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Campus
• Lecture Series
• Convocation
• Strategy and Development
• Implementation and Impact
• Integrity and Oversight
• In the School
• In the Field
• In Baltimore
• Resources for Practitioners
• Articles & News Releases
• In The News
• Statements & Announcements
• At a Glance
• Student Life
• Strategic Priorities
• Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
• What is Public Health?

Doctoral Degrees

The Bloomberg School’s doctoral degree programs target students with specific career goals in public health research, teaching or leadership, and typically require a longer time commitment. We offer two different doctoral degree programs.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program at the Bloomberg School, students focus on the creation of new and innovative knowledge – it’s primarily a degree for individuals with goals in public health research or teaching. Generally, the program consists of one to two years of full-time coursework, followed by two to five years of full-time, independent research. PhD programs are based within individual departments, so students should explore and contact their department of interest for more information.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree program at the Bloomberg School is designed for the student who already has an MPH or equivalent degree and who intends to pursue a leadership position as a public health professional.

Through the integration and application of a broad range of knowledge and analytical skills in leadership, policy, program management and professional communication, coupled with preparation in a specific public health field, graduates of the DrPH program are prepared for either domestic or international careers in public agencies or private sector settings that emphasize improving population health.  

• PhD in Health Policy

In This Section

• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in Political Economy & Government
• PhD in Social Policy
• Job Market Candidates

The PhD in Health Policy is a highly interdisciplinary program that will develop the specialized skills you need for a research and teaching career in health policy.

The program is collaborative at its core, with its curriculum drawing from six Harvard schools:

• Harvard Business School
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard Kennedy School
• Harvard Law School
• Harvard Medical School
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

With more than 100 Harvard faculty members from these schools integrated in the program, you have access to the insights of leading experts across the full academic and professional spectrum.

Balance broad and specialized knowledge.

As a PhD in Health Policy student, you take courses throughout Harvard’s specialized schools. This allows you to become familiar with the conceptual frameworks, vernacular and perspectives of researchers from other disciplines.

At the same time, developing specialized skills in a discipline is a hallmark of the program, which is why you specialize in one of five concentrations:

• Decision Sciences
• Methods for Policy Research
• Political Analysis

The PhD in Health Policy degree is awarded by the  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Our graduates leave the program well equipped to make an impact in academia, government agencies, research institutes, think tanks, foundations, and multinational corporations. 

Doctorate in Healthcare Management Online

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Degree Options & Potential Careers

An online Ph.D. in healthcare management provides the advanced research and leadership skills healthcare professionals need to take on administrative and management roles in the public and private sectors. Doctoral candidates pursue a variety of career paths after graduation, becoming healthcare administrators, college and university professors, healthcare consultants, and health information managers. Graduates enjoy a generally positive employment outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for medical and health services managers is projected to  increase by 20%  by 2026 — much faster than all other occupations combined.

The following guide explores everything prospective students need to know about earning a doctorate in healthcare management online, including career options, salary information, degree requirements, and common course offerings.

Should I Earn an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management?

There are many professional and personal reasons why individuals choose to earn a doctorate in healthcare management online. Some candidates want to pursue advanced healthcare roles that directly involve patient care and staff. Other students may seek a research-focused path that allows them to contribute to scientific progress, scholarship, and education. Below are just a few reasons why healthcare management professionals choose to pursue a doctorate.

What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management?

Many professionals who earn a doctorate in healthcare management online hold positions at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Serving in leadership roles, they work directly with patients and staff, making crucial decisions that affect facility employees, daily operations, and the quality of patient care.

Some graduates seek careers outside of healthcare facilities, working in healthcare consulting and private industry management after they earn a doctorate in healthcare management online. Using specialized knowledge, they help private companies, individuals, and other entities make informed business decisions.

A doctoral degree also prepares graduates for public sector jobs with local, state, and federal government or nonprofit groups. These healthcare professionals work closely with communities and governing officials to develop and fund public programs, social services, and community organizations.

Most doctoral programs center heavily on research, allowing candidates to build a strong analytical skill set as they contribute original scholarship to the field. Doctoral students who are interested in research careers often take positions in academia and research facilities. Most universities and colleges prefer to hire professors with advanced degrees.

Career Profiles

Health information management manager.

These  managers  ensure that hospitals and private practices uphold ethical, medical, and legal standards. They maintain complex databases that contain patient information and legal records, prioritize patient safety, and comply with legal stipulations. Most oversee a team of information technicians and office workers.

Healthcare Consultant

Consultants  typically work for private healthcare organizations, where they study and evaluate hospital management systems and facility efficiency. Many professionals in this area hold additional work experience outside of healthcare; usually in marketing or business. They must be able to synthesize large amounts of data, work independently, and effectively communicate statistical findings.

Healthcare Administrator

Administrators  work in a wide variety of facilities, including primary care medical practices, nursing homes, hospitals, and specialty clinics. They handle staff training, conduct performance reviews, and ensure their facilities receive attention from accrediting agencies. Many healthcare administrators hold registered nurse licensure.

Social and Community Service Managers

Working on behalf of human services or social organizations, these  managers  collaborate with community members to develop and implement health-related programs and services. They oversee administrative duties, plan outreach activities, and write funding proposals. Some work with large agencies to address issues such as mental health needs, chronic hunger, and substance abuse.

Finance and Healthcare Managers

Finance and healthcare managers  ensure that healthcare facilities adhere to budget restrictions, reduce spending, and increase revenue. These managers must thoroughly understand the costs associated with healthcare facility operations.

Healthcare Management Doctoral Degree Overview

Applying to graduate school is a daunting task for many prospective healthcare management students. Differences between programs are often subtle and difficult to identify, making it challenging to find a degree that best serves your academic and professional needs. The following section covers some important factors to look for as you research healthcare management and administration programs, including application and admission requirements, common course offerings, and desired program outcomes.

Types of Doctoral Degrees in Healthcare Management

Distance learners  interested in pursuing a doctorate  in healthcare management can choose from two degree options: a doctoral degree in healthcare management (Ph.D.) or a doctor of healthcare administration (DHA). Both degrees offer similar training and emphasize research; however, the Ph.D. best serves students interested in developing original research projects and contributing to existing scholarship. Students interested in using research to improve applied healthcare practices and patient care may prefer a DHA program.

Required courses for each degree vary between programs. While the Ph.D. and DHA require similar introductory coursework, advanced courses and electives options can vary greatly between the two degrees. Although most Ph.D. and DHA programs require candidates to complete a dissertation, the intention behind this research-driven endeavor may differ based on degree type. A Ph.D. dissertation typically focuses on contributing new information to an existing body of work, while DHA dissertations use existing information to solve immediate problems in healthcare.

Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

While application requirements differ between schools, most institutions request similar materials. Contact an admissions advisor at your prospective schools to ensure you satisfy all application requirements. Admissions committees often discard incomplete applications.

Candidates applying to doctorate in healthcare management online programs must submit their official transcripts from all previously-attended undergraduate and graduate programs. Many schools require applicants to demonstrate a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. Additionally, prospective students may need to demonstrate experience working in a healthcare administration setting or related area.

Some schools also request letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your professional and academic abilities. These letters should come from your previous professors or job supervisors. Other common application materials include a resume, professional statement, writing sample or an example of original research, and GRE scores. In addition, candidates are typically required to pay a handling fee when they submit their application.

Every doctoral program features a slightly different curriculum, and curricula can vary considerably between departments and schools. Candidates who wish to earn a doctorate in healthcare management online should consider any prospective department’s faculty members, as course offerings often depend largely on faculty specialties.

Most Ph.D. and DHM curricula include a series of core courses. These classes typically address general topics in healthcare management and administration such as human resources, research ethics, policy compliance, and quality management. Core classes typically take up over half of a degree’s required credits. Most students who earn a doctorate in healthcare management online complete 60-75 credits.

In addition to classroom study, candidates usually complete multiple supervised residencies at approved healthcare facilities. Distance learners may also complete capstone courses, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation before graduating. These components allow doctoral students to demonstrate their applied knowledge and skills. Doctoral students often take one or more of the following classes:

Program Outcomes

Students who earn a doctorate in healthcare management online master a spectrum of desirable competencies. In addition to possessing top-notch research and writing skills, graduates are excellent leaders, managers, and communicators. In-depth study of national and global healthcare organization and practices helps graduates understand and serve diverse populations.

Individuals with a doctoral degree find success in a variety of healthcare careers and related jobs in both the public and private sectors. Both Ph.D. and DHA degrees require students to absorb information in specialized subject areas, develop strong decision-making skills, master budget analysis and financial planning, and synthesize large amounts of information for research projects. These valuable skills help graduates find lucrative and fulfilling positions in today’s competitive job market.

Accreditation for Doctorate in Healthcare Management Online Programs

It is important to select an accredited college or university if you wish to earn a doctorate in healthcare management online. During the accreditation process, organizations known as accrediting bodies evaluate and ensure that an institution upholds quality standards. Accrediting bodies, in turn, are monitored by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

While colleges and universities hold regional or national accreditation, some healthcare management programs possess programmatic accreditation. The field’s top programmatic accrediting body is the  Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education  (CAHME). CAHME ensures that a program meets academic standards specific to healthcare management.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

• Online Degrees
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Transferring Credit
• The Franklin Experience

Request Information

We're sorry.

There was an unexpected error with the form (your web browser was unable to retrieve some required data from our servers). This kind of error may occur if you have temporarily lost your internet connection. If you're able to verify that your internet connection is stable and the error persists, the Franklin University Help Desk is available to assist you at [email protected] , 614.947.6682 (local), or 1.866.435.7006 (toll free).

Just a moment while we process your submission.

Popular Posts

Doctorate Degrees In Healthcare: Becoming a Healthcare Leader

When you think of healthcare doctorates, a Doctor of Medicine is probably the first degree that comes to mind. Yet, in today’s complex and evolving healthcare industry, an MD isn’t the only way to create a thriving career in healthcare.

A doctoral degree is becoming the in-demand credential for healthcare leaders across a variety of organizations and specialties. To meet this demand, there are multiple doctoral education paths you can pursue. Let’s look at the different types of doctoral-level healthcare degree programs and how they can help you achieve your goals of becoming a healthcare leader.

The Demand for Healthcare Leaders

When considering doctorates, you want to ensure you’re making a solid investment in your future. Healthcare, as an essential service, provides long-term job stability. The healthcare industry is also benefiting from changing demographics and accelerating technological advancement, which positions the industry for extensive growth. 

As the industry evolves, it will need highly qualified leaders in both clinical and administrative roles to navigate change, advance business success and improve patient outcomes.

The demand for medical and health services managers is particularly noteworthy—projected to grow by 32% by 2029. The medical and health services manager job category encompasses many leadership roles in both clinical and administrative settings. 

Let’s look at leading doctoral degrees that can help you capture this momentum and advance your career.

Doctorates for Non-Clinical Healthcare Leaders

Healthcare administrators make up a large portion of non-clinical careers in healthcare. These professionals direct the operation of hospitals, health systems and other types of healthcare organizations. Depending on the size and type of organization, they may work within specialized departments or oversee operations as a whole.

According to leading labor market analytics firm EMSI, from June 2020 to June 2021, 62,541 unique positions were posted for medical and health services managers that required a doctoral degree. Even if a role doesn’t require a doctorate in healthcare, it can be a major differentiating factor in a competitive job market.

Let’s look at the doctorates in healthcare that are the best fit for those interested in non-clinical leadership positions.

Advance your career in Healthcare Administration while you advance patient care. Download your free career guide.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

The Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) is a professional doctorate that focuses on putting theory and research into practice. It’s perhaps the most versatile doctorate degree for aspiring non-clinical healthcare leaders. Today’s healthcare administration leaders are taking on a dual role as an innovator and educator, bringing forth new ideas for policy, practice and patient improvements.

This degree is ideal for aspiring healthcare leaders who want to pioneer change to propel the healthcare system forward. Whether on the ground in healthcare organizations or in the classroom training next-generation leaders, a DHA will prepare you with the research, communication and expanded technical capabilities to solve real-world healthcare challenges.

Popular career paths for graduates:

• Hospital chief executive
• Nursing home administrator
• Healthcare consultant
• Health system director
• Full-time or part-time faculty

Ph.D. in Healthcare Services Management and Policy

A Ph.D. in Healthcare Services Management and Policy is an academic degree focused on furthering scholarly research in the healthcare administration and policy field. A Ph.D. program in this field includes research in areas like healthcare management, health policy analysis, health services, quality-of-care measurement and improvement.

This degree is ideal for aspiring healthcare scholars. Many Ph.D. graduates will work in academia or public policy, conducting original research and writing peer-reviewed studies to help advance the field. 

• University faculty
• Health policy researcher
• Epidemiologist
• Healthcare agency director
• Health services consultant

Doctoral Degrees for Clinical & Community Healthcare Leaders

Clinical and community healthcare leaders work directly with patients, study patient populations and consider the societal impacts of healthcare delivery. Popular career paths in clinical and community health at the doctoral level are in patient care, healthcare education and public health. Advanced education is typically a requirement for these positions.

Let’s look at two different doctorates that are popular in this sector of healthcare.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a versatile professional doctorate for nurses. It may even become a requirement for advanced practice nursing roles in the near future . A DNP program will prepare you ​​to help the field evolve for the betterment of safe, efficient and high-value care using principles of evidence-based practice.

This degree is ideal for nurses who want an advanced practice nursing role as a primary care provider or clinical administrative leader. As a nurse with a DNP, you will be able to help close the gap between research and practice, helping to improve patient care and outcomes.

Popular career paths for DNP graduates:

• Chief Nursing Officer 
• Nursing policymaker
• Nursing administrator 
• Clinical leader
• Clinical instructor

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

A Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a professional doctorate that specializes in the societal impact of healthcare delivery, policies and regulations. This degree can help you advance your skills in fields like epidemiology, biostatistics, community and environmental health and more. 

This degree is ideal for healthcare leaders who want to fuel positive change in the health and wellness of communities. Many DrPH graduates work in the government and nonprofit sectors, working to improve public health by developing and implementing healthcare programs and policies.

Popular career paths for DrPH graduates:

• Health officer
• Public health consultant
• Health policy analyst
• Health department director
• Community health manager

Choosing the Right Healthcare Doctorate For You

Earning a doctorate in healthcare is a lifetime achievement and will prepare you to join an elite class of healthcare leaders. Choosing the right doctoral program can set you on the path to a flourishing career in a thriving healthcare industry. To find the right program, you will need to consider your personal career aspirations, preferred academic setting and program structure that will empower you to succeed.

Franklin University offers two terminal healthcare degrees: the Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) . Franklin University works one-on-one with prospective doctoral students to find the right healthcare degree for their needs. 

Through generous transfer-credit policies, online programs and a no-fear, integrated dissertation process, Franklin’s DHA degree helps working professionals succeed at the doctoral level. 

The DNP degree offers 100% online coursework, built-in practicum hours and opportunities to customize the degree by choosing between a leadership or FNP track.

Explore our healthcare doctorate programs can help you achieve your administrative or clinical leadership goals.

Related Articles

Franklin University 201 S Grant Ave. Columbus , OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700 Toll Free: (877) 341-6300 [email protected]

Copyright 2024 Franklin University

Online Doctorate Degree in Health Care Administration

Online Health Care Administration Degree: An Overview

• Health care systems, quality and improvement.
• Leadership.
• Operations and finance.
• Public health administration.
• Information technology management.
• Health care policy and regulations.

Jobs for Doctorate in Health Care Administration Degree-Holders

Degree requirements, prerequisites for an online doctorate in health care administration degree, online coursework.

• Regulatory compliance for health care leaders.
• Health economics.
• Communication, marketing and public relations for health administration leaders.
• Innovative business practices in health care.
• Strategic vision and planning in health care.

How long does an online doctorate in health care administration degree take to complete?

Cost and return on investment (roi), how much does a health care administration doctorate degree cost, how to estimate the roi of your degree, job outlook and salary, example courses.

• Health policy, law and regulation
• Population health
• Health economics
• Leading organizational change
• Research design and analysis

What Health Care Administration Doctorate Degree-Holders Have to Say

"I pursued a Doctor of Health Administration degree because I was deeply passionate about advancing health care systems and improving patient outcomes. With a background in health care administration and health information management, I wanted to enhance my expertise and contribute more effectively to the field. For students considering a Doctor of Health Administration degree, I recommend thoroughly researching different programs to find one that aligns with their career aspirations and learning objectives. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience, whether through internships, practicums or research projects, as these experiences are invaluable for practical skill development. Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of networking and building relationships within the health care industry."

"I have long understood that leadership in health care matters, but it became apparent that it was crucial when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I instantly felt how much my team and those we served depended on me. Having completed my degree, I am better equipped to approach my work, my team and my colleagues across the health care spectrum. I understand clearly and accept that it is my responsibility as a leader to continue my education, to actively invest in the development of others and to strengthen the professional health care network so that meaningful partnerships may continue to grow in the service of others. Careers in health care are demanding and can present many logistical challenges, but pursuing a terminal degree with proper planning and self-management is possible."

"Recognizing the increasing demand for effective leadership in health care, I saw the DHA as a pathway to expand my skill set and advance my career within the industry. As a result, I am better equipped to contribute significantly to the improvement of health care delivery and patient outcomes. My advice to potential students considering this degree route would be to research the program and assess whether it aligns with their professional aspirations. Ultimately, while the journey towards earning a DHA may present challenges, the sense of accomplishment and the enhanced opportunities for career advancement make it a rewarding investment in one's professional development and future success."

Public Health

About public health.

Public Health focuses on preventive care for populations rather than curative care for individuals. Public Health comprises 5 core areas including Behavioral and Social Science, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Health Policy Management. However, the field has expanded dramatically in the past 10 years with subspecialties emerging around intersections of these areas with health equity and education. People with degrees in public health work for academic institutions, state, local, and federal governments, non-profit (and for-profit!) organizations and health agencies and hospitals.

Combined Degree Programs

Many areas of healthcare now offer combined degrees with public health including medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant training, nursing, and more! The rise of dual degree programs reflects the knowledge that individual health is influenced by the social, economic, environmental and political fabric in which that person lives and these factors occur at the population level. In short, we can’t treat the person without understanding where they come from. 

Dual degree programs are usually accelerated, and compress two years of work into one year. Schools achieve this in different ways: some schools add one year onto the end of your degree, while others build it into your curriculum. 

Public Health Degree Paths

The Master’s in Public Health is a two year program where you focus on courses in your first year and do research and write your thesis in your second year. People often work in a field related to their research. For example, if your research was in child/maternal health outcomes in Ojibwe women, you may look for a job in a public health office that serves this community.

The doctorate in Public Health allows you to take a deep dive into an issue and become an expert! Most PhD programs are 5-6 years with the first two years focused on highly specific coursework selected to give you essential background for your research and the remaining three years is focused on research and publications.

Explore Your Interest in Public Health

Shadowing & Informational Interviewing

An excellent way to explore your interest in public health is by talking to people in public health. Check out the faculty page at UW-SMPH and contact people doing work you find interesting and ask for a 20 minute Zoom chat!

Volunteering

Graduate programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Getting a job is a great way to learn about the practical aspects of the field and confirm that this work is something you enjoy! The CPHA newsletter and Instagram are great ways to find summer programs and internships. The newsletter from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) also has great information on public health and opportunities for students!

Preparing for a Program in Public Health

Public Health programs use a process called holistic review to weigh personal factors, academic preparation, and professional experience when reviewing an applicant’s “readiness” for graduate school. Put together, these create a picture of you as a whole person. 

In addition to having a clear motivation for the field,shadowing, experience in clinical and community settings, and hobbies and interests, are common admissions factors for public health programs. You may also need to take the GRE depending on the program. Unlike other health professions, there isn’t a list of required courses, though there are courses that are recommended. 

• Required Coursework
• Community Involvement
• Completing the GRE

Requirements vary from school to school, so it’s always necessary to consult program websites. Unlike other health professions, there isn’t an exhaustive list of required courses, though there are courses that are recommended.   Pre-requisite courses may include:

Public Health Required Coursework

Graduate programs in public health look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others in community settings, specifically related to public health. This may be through volunteering, internships, or paid experience. Remember, public health is a broad topic so working with individuals around an issue that has community impact is relevant to your application! Some examples include gun violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, breastfeeding, cancer screenings, mental health, awareness campaigns just to name a few!

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

Research is an important way to develop skills that help you hone your capacity to learn and begin to contribute to the generation of new knowledge in fields of inquiry. Working in a research lab also gives you the opportunity to cultivate relationships with faculty who can serve as letter writers when you apply to a graduate program.

Explore Research Opportunities

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by some, but not all, MPH programs. The GRE is not a content exam meaning you do not need specific classes to take it. The GRE evaluates your writing, reasoning, and basic quantitative reasoning skills. Enroll in CPHA’s Applying to Health Professions self-paced course to learn more about the GRE.

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized content exam designed to assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The GRE is an adaptive exam meaning that the difficulty of the questions you see are based on the number of correct responses you provide. Raw scores are scaled on a range of 130-170 for the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections and 0-6 for the written section. 

• Verbal Reasoning (27 items) asks you to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author’s assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, summarize text; understand the meaning of individual words, and relationships among words and among concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning (27 items) includes algebra, data analysis, quantitative comparison, probability, statistics, and math word problems.
• Analytical Writing requires you to provide a focused response and assesses the clarity, focus, relevance, and your command of English of that response. 

GRE Exam Overview

The Analytical Writing section will always be first. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. Section 1 of the verbal and quantitative reasoning section provide the baseline for the difficulty of questions you see in section 2.

GRE Timelines

After completing the GRE, you get an unofficial score and will receive an official score within a month. Since the GRE is not a content-based exam and scores are valid for 5 years, you can take the exam when it suits you. Many students choose to prepare and take the exam during the summer a year before they apply. The GRE is offered year-round at ETS testing sites across the country so finding a test date typically is not a problem. 

Studying for the GRE

There isn’t one “right” way to do well on the GRE, but people who are successful do these things:

• Your attention span and the breaks you need
• Your test stress – you will need longer to prepare if you have high test stress
• The types of resources that work for you. It’s okay to try new study techniques and tools, but you cannot use all of them. If you convince yourself that you must complete everything in one section before you can move on, you will not make progress. 
• If you have low test stress (exams are your superpower!), carve out 10-12 hrs/week over 4-6 weeks
• If you have normal test stress, carve out 10-12 hrs/week over 8-12 weeks
• If you have high test stress, carve out 10-12 hours/week over 16-20 weeks
• You might take a course if you know you need the structure of a course and want some tutoring that often comes with it. However, you do not need a course to do well on the GRE  if you can structure your time. 
• Practice reading online so you get faster at reading passages; refresh math through pre-calc
• Take practice exams! Taking a practice exam before you start studying shows you your strengths and weaknesses and allows you to prioritize content. 
• The module “Prepare for the GRE” on “Applying to Health Professions” has more information on study plans, resources, and tips. Enroll in CPHA’s Applying to Health Professions course – it’s free!

Application Process

You can look for graduate programs in public health through the Program Finder on ASPPH . Many graduate programs in public health use a central application called SOPHAS , similar to the Common App, to collect biographical information, academic information, experience, and letters of recommendation in one place for schools to review. Most schools have an early deadline in December; if they do interviews, they would be in February or March. If you are accepted to a program, you can often attend second-look weekends to meet faculty and students and schools (and applicants) finalize their decisions in March/April. You usually begin your program in August. The application process takes a full year!

Learn more about Applying

Related CPHA Canvas Courses

Enroll in Pre-Health 101

Our most important advising resource for first year students is Pre-Health 101, our online orientation on Canvas. It provides an overview of pre-health classes, activities, application timelines, and more.

Enroll in Applying to Health Programs

CPHA runs a Canvas course called Applying to Health Programs, a non-credit course designed to help you with the process of applying to public health programs. In this course, you'll learn about the application, getting organized, writing essays, preparing for the GRE, school selection, paying for the application and more.

Career Resources

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is a professional organization that works to enhance the field of public health by disseminating scholarly research and actively working to influence federal policy. The APHA publishes the American Journal of Public Health . It also helps to organize the APHA Student Assembly , a national organization for Public Health Students. The APHA also hosts a variety of topic and identity-based caucuses .

The Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) is the professional organization for all accredited Public Health programs. It works to support and promote Public Health education and research. The ASPPH also provides resources on its website for prospective and current Public Health students. The ASPPH also provides resources on its website for prospective and current Public Health students. Try using the Academic Program Finder to help you find a program!

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the organization that accredits Public Health programs. In its role, it collaborates with the APHA and the ASPPH, which appoints members to its governing board.

Professional Associations

• Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAFH) More
• CDC Tribal Support More
• National Council of La Raza Health & Wellness Initiatives More
• Society for the Analysis of African American Public Health Issues (SAAPHI) More
• ASPPH’s Financial Aid resources More
• Public Health Online's Scholarships Page More
• Public Health Programs Lists's Scholarships Page More

Mariana Quinn, MPH, B.S. ’19

What does public health mean to you?

To me, public health means that everyone, no matter who you are or where you live, has the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible. A healthy life isn’t only about diet and exercise, but also the social and mental well-being, such as the neighborhood you live in and what your social network support looks like.

C. Nickel, MPH, B.S. ‘20

What resources or next steps would you suggest to people who want to learn more about public health careers?

Experiment, explore, and get involved in your community! Many of the experiences that I’ve taken part in I’ve found by being active in my local community and finding organizations that work to improve the lives of community members. Try out a variety of classes and find ways to connect them to health, get involved in volunteering and student orgs, talk to the people around you (other students, your professors, people you volunteer with, etc), and reach out to people on LinkedIn.

Welcome to the  Harvard University PhD in Population Health Sciences  (PHS). Our full-time doctoral degree is a joint collaboration between the  Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)  and the  Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health   and offer s a  Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)  in  P opulation Health Sciences .   Our research program is designed to allow students to benefit from connections between public health disciplines and a broader range of academic disciplines represented across the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).  

A  PHS   PhD   offers advanced doctoral-level research and training that builds on multiple disciplinary perspectives to understand the origins and determinants of health and disease across populations. Our students are based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and belong to one of the following department-based   Fields of Study :  

• Environmental Health (EH)
• Epidemiology (EPI)
• Global Health & Population (GHP)
• Nutrition (NUT)
• Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)

This  PhD in Population Health Sciences (PHS)  is intended for students who are looking to pursue careers in academia in one of five   Fields of Study   as well as in organizations related to population health or research-related positions beyond academia. In addition to nurturing the development of the next generation of population health researchers and scientists , PHS provides tremendous opportunities for students to build scientific communication and mentoring, and teaching skills – while all along, building lasting connection s ac ross students, alumni, and faculty at our world- r enown ed Harvard University .  

Harvard University and the PHS PhD program do not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

News from the School

At Convocation, Harvard Chan School graduates urged to meet climate and public health crises with fresh thinking, collective action

Graduation 2024: Award winners

Once a malaria patient, student now has sights set on stopping the deadly disease

Providing compassionate care to marginalized people

Skip to content

• Our Faculty

Educational Programs

News & events, epidemiology, drph student profiles, vanessa jaelle dor.

• [email protected]

I am a first-year candidate in the DrPH Epidemiology program. I received my medical doctoral degree and pediatric specialization from the State University of Haïti and my Field Epidemiology Training from the FETP-Haïti/CDC program. Then, I completed my MSc in Global Health at Harvard Medical School. As a medical provider and coordinator, I planned and managed maternal health, pediatric health, and infectious disease services and interventions. With the FETP program, I conducted outbreak investigations, infectious disease surveillance, health system monitoring and evaluation, and worked on research projects focusing mainly on vaccine-preventable diseases and healthcare-associated infections. During my training in Global Health, my research projects became more focused on health equity and social determinants of health. Currently, I am eager to use implementation science and a mixed-method approach to explore research domains of interest such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, social and political determinants of health, and global health. 

Research Interests

• Maternal and Child Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Equity
• Social and Political Determinants of Health
• Global Health

Sarah Francis

• [email protected]

I am a fourth-year student in the DrPH program in the Epidemiology department. I received my BS in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my MPH in Epidemiology from Columbia University. In my work with local, state and federal governments, I have focused on projects ranging from synthetic drug use to high school sports-related concussions. My research currently focuses on evaluating infectious disease surveillance systems. My research interests include infectious diseases, surveillance systems and evaluation.

• Surveillance systems
• Infectious diseases
• Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI)

Tameir Holder

• [email protected]

I have been engaged in public health research and practice for over 15 years. My professional background is largely based within the non-profit sector, where I remain engaged in research pertaining to health services, comparative effectiveness, and patient-centered outcomes. Particularly, I have contributed to a range of studies that are designed to support medically underserved communities that traditionally have high rates of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This work involves collaborating with federally qualified health centers and safety-net hospitals, in New York and throughout the U.S., to understand barriers to care while examining intervention implementation and effectiveness.

Currently, I am exploring the intersection of care management and health policy. I plan to use mixed-methods approaches to ascertain how federal and state policies, evidence-based care models, and quality improvement initiatives impact health outcomes among patients with complex medical needs. My experience with program evaluation, data analysis, and project management will facilitate this endeavor. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesleyan University and completed a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology, with a certificate in Chronic Disease, at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. My interests include choreographing, dancing, and creating pencil illustrations.

• Chronic Disease Management
• Quality Improvement
• Health Policy
• Care Models
• Implementation Science

Rachel Gruver

• [email protected]

I am a doctoral candidate in Epidemiology. My research is focused on sexual/ reproductive health and mental health in vulnerable populations, both in the US and globally. I am interested in the intersection of public health research and practice: implementation science and research that directly informs policies and programs.

Currently, I work on the Asenze study, a longitudinal cohort of children/adolescents in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, studying the long-term impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV) in families to identify ways to prevent or minimize harmful impacts on children and adolescents. I also work on HIV-focused research, and recently led an evaluation of an ICAP HIV/TB program in Eswatini.

Prior to the DrPH program, I earned my BS from Cornell University in 2008, and my MPH in Sexuality and Health from the Department of Population and Family Health at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health in 2012. In my work at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab research center, and the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, I managed research projects and conducted analyses on maternal & child health and access to health care. I also worked in community health in NYC for several years.

• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
• Mental Health
• Program Evaluation

Erica Lee Argov

• [email protected]

I am a pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology. I received my BA in Biology, with a minor in Medical Sociology from Tufts University and my MPH in Epidemiology from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. In my prior work at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Director of the Quality Improvement Unit in the Bureau of Vital Statistics, I worked largely on surveillance data and methods to assess and improve the quality of large datasets, which included birth, death, and pregnancy outcome data. This work included cleaning and analyzing large scale datasets, developing and implementing training materials for citywide hospitals, and managing data validation studies involving medical record abstraction. My current work at Columbia focuses on breast cancer, where I work with data from mammography screening cohorts from Columbia on a variety of aims, including the impact of policies around notifying women of their breast density, and data from nationwide breast cancer cohorts and national and regional cancer registry data. My research interests include maternal and child epidemiology, reproductive epidemiology, and women's health, and specifically the optimization of surveillance data and its application to inform and evaluate policy.

• Women's Health
• Reproductive Epidemiology
• Perinatal epidemiology
• Surveillance Data

Psychiatry's new frontiers

This new issue of Stanford Medicine magazine reports on emerging research and innovative treatments to improve mental health.

Follow Stanford Medicine

Health Care

Healing through compassion and world-class science

Fueling discovery and innovation to advance human health

Empowering tomorrow's leading physicians and scientists

School Leadership

Academic Affairs

Continuing Medical Education

Faculty Development and Diversity

Faculty Profiles

MD Admissions

PhD Program

Dual-Degree Programs

Masters Programs

Community Engagement

Clinical Trials

High School & Undergraduate Programs

News, Events and Resources

Stanford Medicine leaders' message regarding Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious university admissions

About Stanford Medicine

A leader in the biomedical revolution, Stanford Medicine has a long tradition of leadership in pioneering research, creative teaching protocols and effective clinical therapies.

Night owl behavior could hurt mental health, sleep study finds

In a new, large-scale study of sleep behavior, Stanford Medicine scientists found that night owls don’t really thrive late at night.

Speech impairment in Parkinson’s

 New research by Stanford Medicine scientists uncovers the brain connections that could be essential to preserving speech.

In the age of fentanyl, factual drug education can save teen lives

Toolkits designed by Stanford Medicine researchers are helping teens think critically about the choices they make around substance use.

Could the avian flu be our next pandemic threat?

What does it mean that H5N1 bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza A, is spreading among dairy cows?

Symposium tackles AI’s role in medicine

Trust, human-centered AI and collaboration the focus of inaugural RAISE Health symposium.

Welcome to Harvard Online

Harvard Online presents curated online courses that combine faculty and disciplines from across the University, connecting learners around the globe with the world’s most urgent issues.

Outsmarting Implicit Bias

Designed for individuals and teams, this Harvard Online course taught by preeminent Harvard Professor Mahzarin Banaji teaches the science of implicit bias and strategies to counter the impact of bias in the workplace.

What are you interested in?

Health care leadership.

Deepen perspectives and advance insights into the strategic issues facing health care organizations today.

Harvard on Digital

Approach new digital and data strategies with an eye toward people, mindsets, and systems.

Leadership, Communication, Transformation

What kind of leader will you be?

Law in Practice

Keep up on moral, ethical, and legal arguments and continue your education beyond the classroom.

Explore Learning Paths

Benefit and Discount Programs for Organizations and Individuals

Experience Harvard Online by utilizing our wide variety of discount programs for individuals and groups. 

Past participant discounts.

Learners who have enrolled in at least one qualifying Harvard Online program hosted on the HBS Online platform are eligible to receive a 30% discount on this course, regardless of completion or certificate status in the first purchased program. Past-Participant Discounts are automatically applied to the Program Fee upon time of payment.  Learn more here .

Learners who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the  edX platform  are eligible to receive a 30% discount on this course using a discount code. Discounts are not available after you've submitted payment, so if you think you are eligible for a discount on a registration, please check your email for a code or contact us .

Non-profit, Government, Military, and Education Discounts

For this course we offer a 30% discount for learners who work in the nonprofit, government, military, or education fields. 

Eligibility is determined by a prospective learner’s email address, ending in .org, .gov, .mil, or .edu. Interested learners can apply below for the discount and, if eligible, will receive a promo code to enter when completing payment information to enroll in a Harvard Online program. Click here to apply for these discounts.

Gather your team to experience Harvard Online courses and to enjoy the benefits of learning together: 

• Single invoicing for groups of 10 or more
• Tiered discounts and pricing available with up to 50% off
• Growth reports on your team's progress
• Flexible course and partnership plans 

Learn more and enroll your team ! 

Trending Courses

Health care strategy.

Learn from HBS Professor Leemore Dafny how to align the principles of business strategy with the unique challenges and structures of health care organizations to capture value, define your mission, and lead your organization to success.

Big Data for Social Good

Using real-world data and policy interventions as applications, this course will teach core concepts in economics and statistics and equip you to tackle some of the most pressing social challenges of our time.

Innovations in Teamwork for Health Care

In this course, experts from Harvard Business School and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health teach learners to implement a strategy for organizational teamwork in health care.

Explore All Courses

Learner Testimonials

On Data Privacy and Technology

"The course was informative on both current and future data privacy and technological innovation trends—the need for data privacy without inhibiting innovation. The team and instructors prompt critical thinking while broadening the understanding of data privacy beyond the frontiers. At the end of the course, I concluded that there was a need for a mass cultural shift towards ethical use of technology."

Joanita Nagaba Co-founder, ANJ Data Management Solutions Africa Ltd.

On Health Care Economics

“This is an amazing course. The professor did a fantastic job dissecting the complexities of healthcare into chewable chunks." 

Howard H. Dinh, MD, FACC Medical Director, Cardiac Services, Greater Sacramento The Permanente Medical Group and Chief, Cardiology Kaiser Permanente, South Sacramento

"I love the way the course is structured with real-world examples and the critical thinking sessions. It forces us to reflect upon what is happening around us. People who have an interest in cybersecurity, as well as those that would like to gain more general knowledge, would greatly benefit from this course."

Anand Narayan Account Executive, Lenovo Canada

On Data Science Principles

"This is a topic that people in any industry should have at least basic knowledge of in order to create more efficient and competitive businesses, tools, and resources."

Carlos E. Sapene Chief Executive Officer

On Data Science For Business

"This course had an amazing instructor, amazing examples, and an amazing user interface that made it easy for me to grasp the material and learn simultaneously with others around the world."

Shawn Carrington, Jr. Senior Executive Officer Perspecta, Inc.

• Homes for sale
• Foreclosures homes
• New construction for sale
• All new construction
• New home construction
• Housing market
• Recently sold homes
• Property records
• Home buying checklist
• Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home'
• First-time home buyer resource center
• More home buying insights
• Success stories
• Seller's marketplace
• See what your home is worth
• Learn how to sell your home
• How to select an agent
• Compare agents & pick the right one
• Selling your home? Don't neglect these 6 maintenance tasks - or else
• More home selling insights
• Apartments for rent
• Manage rentals
• List your rentals
• Screen tenants
• Create a lease
• Collect rent online
• Renters resource center
• Should I rent or buy?
• Debunked! 8 myths about renting you should stop believing immediately
• Rental report
• More renting insights
• Get pre-approved
• Mortgage rates
• Home equity financing rates
• Refinance rates
• Finance advice
• For veterans

Mortgage calculator

Refinance calculator.

• How much house can I afford
• Rent vs. buy
• 6 ways home buyers mess up getting a mortgage
• Mortgage guide
• Learn about home insurance
• More finance insights
• Search for real estate agent
• 6 reasons you should never buy or sell a home without an agent
• Difference between agent, broker & Realtor ®
• Listing vs. buyer agent
• How to find a REALTOR ®
• Real estate agents reveal the toughest home buyers they've ever met
• More news around REALTORS ®
• The latest news
• Housing trends
• Real estate news
• Celebrity real estate
• Unique homes
• Corporate blog
• Home improvement
• 2024 housing market predictions
• 2023 hottest zip codes
• Complete guide on how to sell your home
• Veterans home buyer guide
• USDA home loan guide
• Home insurance guide
• Real estate videos
• Housing resources

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage tools, affordability calculator, rent or buy calculator, veteran home loan center, mortgage tips.

5 Most Common Questions About Mortgages—Answered

Learning the Lingo: Mortgages Explained, From ARMs to Points

Expert Home-Buying Advice for Our Nation's Veterans

How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit (Yes, You Can)

Mortgage Rates by State

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Mortgage Rates by Loan Type

• 30 year fixed
• 20 year fixed
• 15 year fixed