Transform Research into Public Health Policy

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The Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) in Epidemiology program at the School of Public Health (SPH) prepares students to become leaders in the field of public health, equipping them with advanced skills in resiliency, epidemiologic methods, and data analysis to address complex health challenges on a global scale. Built for passionate individuals seeking to make a significant impact in public health, this program provides advanced skills and knowledge needed to become a catalyst for change, addressing critical issues such as disease outbreaks, chronic health conditions, and global health disparities. 

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Connect with Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, Program Director, at rspencer@llu.edu.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership roles such as:

  • Epidemiology Leader in organizations like the CDC, WHO, and global NGOs
  • Research Director at universities, spearheading health innovations
  • Public Health Consultant, advising communities worldwide

This program will prepare Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) graduates for career options, including public health practice, teaching, and epidemiological research. The program is 62 units and the average time frame is 3-5 years. Students are responsible for gaining the commitment of an appropriate faculty member to serve as their research mentor.

Program Details

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of the Dr.P.H. degree in Epidemiology, you will be able to:

  • Design appropriate studies or epidemiologic investigations to answer important health-related questions about the disease, health distribution, or determinants.
  • Analyze complex data using appropriate statistical methods and computer software resources to answer epidemiological questions.
  • Interpret public health information from epidemiologic field investigations and propose recommendations for control and prevention.
  • Effectively communicate epidemiologic science to the scientific community and the public to advance the field and promote public health.
  • Critically review and interpret public health and other scientific literature in a public health area, identify gaps in evidence and propose further epidemiologic investigation.
Story
I went into the DrPH program in Epidemiology with the intention of honing my research skills. I was able to not only expand my skillset in research and epidemiologic methods, but also feel confident that I can be a leader in public health epidemiology. The School of Public Health is a very unique place with wonderful faculty who invest in your success.
Christine Do, DrPH

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Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for doctoral degree programs described below are in addition to the University admission requirements and program requirements. The minimum eligibility requirements for admission to a doctoral degree program include the following:

  • An M.P.H. degree or master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution, with a G.P.A. of 3.5 or above. Applicants with a master’s degree in another field may indicate their relevant training, research and/or practice experience, or educational background comparable to the M.P.H. or the M.S. degrees. Dr.P.H. and Ph.D. degree applicants who are admitted without a CEPH accredited M.P.H. degree will be required to take PHCJ 606 Public Health Fundamentals, EPDM 509 Principles of Epidemiology, STAT 521 Biostatistics I or AHRM 514 Biostatistics (covers SPSS and R, SAS), or equivalent courses to fulfill the public health fundamental learning outcomes described in section D.1 of the 2016 CEPH criteria.
  • The GRE is not required for applicants who meet the admissions criteria. If an applicant does not meet the minimum G.P.A. requirements, the GRE is required in order for the application to be considered. For prospective students who wish to strengthen their application, GRE scores can be submitted as an option but are not required. GRE scores must have been attained within the last five years.
  • Religious affiliation is not a requirement, but students are expected to adhere to on-campus requirements of modest dress, abstinence from alcohol and smoking, and attendance at weekly chapel, as applicable.

Applicants must satisfy the program-specific admission requirements, including but not limited to prerequisite courses and years of experience. Admissions decisions are based on review of applicant’s transcripts, written statement, research and/or practice interest,  letters of recommendation, GRE scores or equivalent, and an interview. Satisfying minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Prerequisites

In addition to the entrance requirements for all Dr.P.H. degrees, each applicant to the epidemiology concentration must have:

  • M.P.H. degree in epidemiology or biostatistics or comparable master’s degree in a related field (e.g., statistics, data science)
    OR M.P.H. nonepidemiology/biostatistics concentration or equivalent degree and the following or equivalent courses:
  • EPDM 509 Principles of Epidemiology or equivalent
  • EPDM 510 Epidemiologic Methods I or equivalent
  • STAT 521 Biostatistics I or equivalent
  • STAT 548 Analytical Applications of SAS and R or equivalent
  • One year of biological sciences

Meet the Program Director

Rhonda Spencer-Hwang DrPH, MPH, CWP

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