DrPH FAQS

The PhD is a research-based program focused on preparing people to enter careers in research and academia. The DrPH is a practice-based degree with a focus on leadership and applied practice, policy, and research. The DrPH program is designed to prepare graduates for careers as senior-level administrators, applied researchers, policy makers and educators who will provide leadership to protect and improve the public’s health

Currently, most courses are face-to-face, with a small number of courses delivered in hybrid (online and in-person) formats;  most core classes are held in the evening

The program is designed to allow students who work full time while studying to earn their DrPH in three years, with a maximum of nine years allowed for completion.

Applicants need to have an MPH or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of three years (five years preferred) of verifiable, applied public health experience.

Professionals with master’s degrees in fields other than public health who have five or more years of applied public health are encouraged to apply if the DrPH training is aligned with their interests and career goals. Students accepted into the program without an MPH will be required to complete a limited number of prerequisite courses as outlined here.

The DrPH degree program requires a total of 54 credit hours, including an applied practice experience (3 hours) and integrative learning experience/dissertation (9 hours). For complete degree requirements and curriculum information, visit the catalog.

The DrPH program is designed for public health professionals who continue to work full-time while engaged in the program. As reflected below, there is considerable flexibility in the course load, sequencing and timing to allow for individual customization.

While the overall curriculum requirements are determined by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), there is significant flexibility in course sequencing and timing to accommodate working professionals. In addition, there are a number of choices for course selection both in and outside of the School of Public Health for elective courses, a range of community and agency-based partners for practice-based experiences (applied practice experience), and flexibility regarding both the focus and format for the integrated learning experience/dissertation.

For information about graduate tuition and fees, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

There are currently no Graduate Research Assistantship positions available in the School of Public Health for DrPH students.

The DrPH program currently has no funded positions. For information about student loans and other financial aid options, visit Georgia State University's Financial Aid Office. We also recommend that you talk to your employer about whether they offer tuition assistance.

Any applicant whose country of birth is English-speaking (as listed here) is not subject to the English Proficiency requirement. For applicants whose country of birth is not English-speaking, proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following means:

• Proof of baccalaureate or graduate degree completion inside the U.S. (from an accredited institution) or outside the U.S., where English is the official language of academic instruction from an approved country (view this link for the list of approved countries)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores of 80 or above (internet-based test)
• International Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or above
• Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program