Frequently Asked Questions | NYU School of Global Public Health (2024)

The Doctor of Public Health degree is the highest professional degree awarded in the field of public health. It is an advanced practice degree for public health professionals who want to move up to major leadership positions in public health. A PhD is a research-oriented degree, and prepares students for careers in research.

The focus of the DrPH program in NYU’s School of Global Public Health (GPH) is public health leadership. The program uses an interdisciplinary and inter-departmental approach, with training in the areas of data and analysis; leadership, management, and governance; policy and programs; and education and workforce development. The GPH program has a specialized focus on communication, collaboration, leadership practice, implementation science, and ethics.

Applicants must have an MPH or a related graduate degree (e.g., in medicine, nursing, dentistry, epidemiology). Students without an MPH will need to complete up to 5 MPH-level core courses in public health before enrolling in DrPH courses.

The DrPH is an advanced practice degree in public health, and applicants are expected to have public health experience. Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of full-time public health or related work experience, post MPH or other graduate degree. For applicants without an MPH, substantial work experience in the field of public health is highly desirable. Individuals with no public health experience are encouraged to seek an MPH degree.

The program is designed primarily for working professionals. Most classes are offered late afternoon and evenings, but some classes are held during the day. Students should be prepared to adjust their work schedules when necessary.

It is critical that students have the full support of their workplace for pursuing the degree. Completing a doctoral degree requires a much greater investment of time and energy than a master’s program. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate that they have the support of their workplace.

While some courses are offered online, most courses are in-person only, and the expectation is that students will be present on-campus during the coursework phase, with periodic visits as needed during the Applied Practice Experience, qualifying exam, and dissertations stages.

Full-time students (those not working full time) are expected to complete the program in 5-6 years. Part-time students are expected to complete the program in 6-7 years. Completion includes a successful dissertation defense and depositing of the final dissertation. For recommended program schedules, please view the Program Sequence tab on our website.

Requirements include the following:

-42 credits of courses (27 credits of required courses and 15 credits of electives)
-Professional development workshops in communication and in instructional design
-An Applied Practice Experience with a leadership component
-An Applied Practice Portfolio, which also serves as the comprehensive exam
-Dissertation

Students may take electives in most other NYU schools. Prerequisites and other requirements may need to be met.

Faculty mentors provide guidance and advice to students to help them meet their academic and professional goals. We strongly recommend identifying potential faculty mentors in the application, and explaining your interest. Applicants can find School of Global Public Health faculty bios on our website.

Applicants are expected to have earned an MPH or another relevant graduate degree (e.g., in epidemiology, medicine, or nursing).As noted above, a minimum of 3 years of full time work public health or related work experience is required.

Applicants must submit a writing sample (e.g., report, published paper, manuscript, etc.) that demonstrates their critical and analytical skills and facility in writing. The applicant should be the primary author of the writing sample, or the primary author of important sections of the document.Applicants should be prepared to explain their role in producing the document in the application.

Applications are due by December 1st. Admissions decisions are made the following March. Decisions are made by a committee of GPH faculty members.

All applications are submitted through the SOPHAS system. We only accept application materials submitted through SOPHAS.

No institutional financial aid (program scholarship) is available for this degree program. Tuition and fees vary based on term of admittance and number of credit hours taken. Federal financial aid may be available for students who qualify. For further information, please contact the GPH Admissions Office.