Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The Milken Institute School of Public Health seeks motivated candidates with a clear vision of their academic and professional goals. You must have a master’s degree and at least four years of professional public health experience to apply to the program. No GRE scores required. 

To complete your online DrPH application, you will need to submit the following materials: 

• Application fee*
• Personal statement
• Official transcripts (graduate)
• Résumé or CV
• Letters of recommendation 

Once you have submitted all application materials, you may be invited to participate in an interview conducted by our Admission Review Committee.

*Waivers are available for GW alumni, military-affiliated candidates and applicants who submit by the early priority deadline. 

The Doctor of Public Health online program teaches leadership practice and theory through core courses, an in-person immersion, and practice experience. Your studies will cover topics such as ethics, advocacy, governance, policy, organizational change, decision-making and communications. You will learn how to develop, implement and evaluate effective public health programs and policies, and you will graduate ready to resolve complex public health issues at the systematic level. 

Core courses include: 

• Leadership Principles and Practice (I and II)
• Applied Public Health Methods (I and II)
• Public Health Project Management and Social Entrepreneurship
• Public Health Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
• Education and Workforce Development Approaches for Public Health Leaders  
• Public Health Communications and Marketing
• Social Change and Collective Impact
• Public Health Policy Analysis
• Organizational Leadership and Change Management
• Doctor of Public Health Immersion*

On-campus Immersion*

The DrPH online program begins with a mandatory four-day immersion in late summer/early fall. Both domestic and international students will visit the George Washington University campus in Washington, D.C. to connect with peers and faculty. This immersion serves as the jumping off point for the doctoral program.

In addition to preparing a dissertation portfolio and defense, you will complete the DrPH Applied Practice Experience (DAPEx) in partnership with GW and a sponsoring practice organization. During the DAPEx, you’ll apply a wide range of DrPH competencies, including public health leadership, management and governance.

While the online Doctor of Public Health program is a challenging program that requires a significant time commitment, it enables you to continue your education and your impactful work at the same time. 

• Online evening classes: Our weekly live classes occur in the evenings. The result is a mutually beneficial experience — you can enhance classroom discussions by sharing your career experiences, while also applying your classroom learnings to improve your impact at work.
• Asynchronous work: Our digital campus adapts to the needs of our students. You can access faculty-curated coursework anytime, which gives you the freedom to complete assignments at your own pace between live classes. 
• Strong bonds with faculty: Our faculty values building relationships with students — virtually and in-person — on a personal and professional level.

Prominent D.C. connections: You’ll gain access to a robust network of high-level professionals within public health organizations through in-person or live-streamed campus events.

GWSPH faculty have a personal stake in your success. That’s why they strive to facilitate a supportive, compassionate atmosphere that will cultivate your mind and professional development. Learn more about the online DrPH teaching faculty below:

• Program Director: Eugene Migliaccio
• Program Planning and Evaluation: Karen McDonnell
• Health Policy and Proposal Development: Marsha Regenstein

Gain the credibility, advanced skill set and extended network to shape public health policy and programs with our online DrPH program.