DrPH in Leadership for Public Health Policy
DrPH in Leadership for Public Health Policy
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Program Overview
The DrPH in Leadership for Public Health Policy is designed to prepare mid- to senior-level professionals to lead transformative change across health systems, government agencies, nonprofits, and global health organizations. It emphasizes developing the advanced leadership and policy analysis skills needed to address complex public health challenges and advance health equity at the local, national, and global levels. Students will gain a deep understanding of the political, economic, and social forces that shape public health systems.
The curriculum covers policy development, implementation, and evaluation, as well as systems thinking, organizational leadership, strategic decision-making, politics, and advocacy. Students will learn to:
- Analyze and influence policies that impact population health and disparities, while also developing and evaluating leadership strategies across government, health care, and community settings
- Strengthen their ability to navigate the ethical and political dimensions of public health governance, lead multi-sector coalitions, and manage institutional change in complex, resource-constrained environments
Graduates will be prepared for senior and executive roles such as public health director or deputy director, health policy advisor, chief health strategist, chief public health officer, executive director of a health-focused nonprofit or NGO, global or national program director, or policy strategy and public administration consultant.
Curriculum
Program Structure
The DrPH is a fully online, 60 credit-hour program that can be completed full-time (8-11 credit hours per semester) or part-time (5-7 credit hours per semester) in three to seven years.
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
All DrPH applicants must supply:
- Statement of purpose and objectives (personal statement)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from each college-level institution attended
The GRE is not required or considered for admission.
In addition to the other requirements for all DrPH degrees, this concentration is designed to prepare mid- to senior-level professionals who have at least five years of post-master’s work experience.
Funding
Funding Your DrPH
All students who apply by the January 5, 2026, priority deadline and are admitted will receive guaranteed tuition support. Applications must be completed and verified with all supporting documents by the priority deadline.
- Full-time students will receive a $25,000 tuition scholarship.
- Part-time students will receive a $12,000 tuition scholarship.
Guaranteed funding is available as long as funds remain and applies to fall 2026 admissions for the term in which a student begins the program. Students who qualify for more than one institutional award will automatically receive the award of the highest value. To maintain their funding, students simply need to remain in good academic standing.
Employees receiving Emory tuition benefits are not eligible.