PhD in Public Health Degrees

The study of public health can be regularly defined as the practice of preventing disease and prolonging health for communities of virtually any scale.

What is this degree/program of study about?

While a PhD in public health may offer candidates the opportunity to promote positive health to entire populations, a number of specializations may be available in addition to the general doctoral degree – namely a focus on community health education or epidemiology.

What does it take to earn this degree, and what will it result in for graduates?

It is a standard requirement for prospective PhD candidates to hold both bachelor’s and master’s degree in related fields, such as psychology itself. Once admitted, students will gain access to a wide variety of coursework relevant to advancing in a career in public health. Such curriculum includes the study of population health and issues in disease prevention, communications, marketing and public relations for public health leaders, health informatics, public health leadership, and social, behavioral, and cultural factors in public health, among other topics. Upon program completion, graduates my find career opportunities as public health officers, policy advisors, or consultants. They may also find careers as health department directors, where they may expect a median annual salary approaching greater than $72,000 (BLS.gov).