Should I Get a DrPH or a PhD?

A Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a professional doctoral degree that prepares experienced public health professionals for leadership roles in public health practice. Rather than focusing primarily on conducting original research, DrPH programs emphasize applying evidence, leading organizations, shaping public health policy, and solving complex public health challenges.

DrPH students develop advanced skills in leadership, strategic planning, program evaluation, communication, systems thinking, and translating research into practice. Graduates often lead public health agencies, health care organizations, nonprofit organizations, international organizations, and other institutions that improve population health.

Rollins School of Public Health offers a DrPH for professionals who want to expand their leadership impact while continuing to address today's most pressing public health challenges. The program combines advanced public health training with applied learning that prepares graduates to lead organizations and drive meaningful change.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in public health is a research-focused doctoral degree that prepares students to generate new knowledge and advance the field of public health through original research. PhD students develop expertise in scientific methods, data analysis, and research design while conducting independent studies that address complex public health challenges.

PhD graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry. They may lead research teams, teach at universities, develop new epidemiologic or statistical methods, evaluate public health interventions, or inform public health policy through scientific evidence.

At Rollins School of Public Health, PhD students work closely with world-renowned faculty mentors while conducting research that addresses real-world public health challenges. Students gain the skills to become independent researchers and leaders who contribute new knowledge to improve health around the world.

A PhD and a DrPH are both doctoral degrees in public health, but they prepare students to advance in different types of careers.

A PhD is designed for students who want to conduct original research, develop new scientific knowledge, and pursue careers in academia or research. PhD students spend much of their training designing studies, analyzing data, and contributing new evidence to the field of public health.

A DrPH is designed for experienced professionals who want to lead public health organizations, influence policy, improve programs, and apply research to real-world public health challenges. DrPH students focus on leadership, management, communication, and implementing evidence-based solutions.

The key difference is that a PhD prepares graduates to create new knowledge through research, while a DrPH prepares graduates to apply that knowledge through leadership and public health practice.

Rollins School of Public Health offers both PhD and DrPH degree programs, allowing you to choose the doctoral pathway that best aligns with your interests and long-term career goals.

The right doctoral degree in public health depends on your career goals. Both degrees prepare graduates to make an impact, but they do so in different ways.

A DrPH may be the right choice if you want to lead public health organizations, develop policy, manage large-scale public health programs, or translate research into practice. It is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills while making an immediate impact on population health.

A PhD may be the better fit if you want to conduct original research, become a university faculty member, develop new scientific methods, or pursue a career centered on discovery and innovation.

A DrPH emphasizes leadership and practice, while a PhD emphasizes research and scientific discovery.

Rollins School of Public Health offers both doctoral pathways, giving you the opportunity to pursue the degree that best supports your professional interests—whether your goal is leading public health organizations or advancing scientific knowledge.