DrPH in Public Health Preparedness and Response
DrPH in Public Health Preparedness and Response
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Program Overview
Public health preparedness and response is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on leading, coordinating, and implementing systems in response to local, regional, national, or global public health threats. This concentration prepares graduates for leadership roles, providing them with the knowledge and skills to lead teams in times of crisis and to communicate and collaborate effectively with external partners at the local, regional, national, and global level across various industries.
Doctoral training in public health preparedness and response encompasses foundational methods coursework to:
- Assess community risk through appropriate sampling strategies
- Facilitate rigorous data collection, analysis, and data linkage to emerging health problems
- Engage in timely and science-driven communication to the public through data dashboards and other visualization methods
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as directors of public health preparedness at public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the World Health Organization, as well as other leadership roles within hospital systems, private industry, and the military.
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.
Students in the Public Health Preparedness and Response concentration will take courses in communications, preparedness practice, resource allocation, and more in addition to foundational courses.
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.
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.