Continuing Education.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

A Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is an advanced professional degree designed for individuals who are passionate about making a significant impact on public health practice and policy. It is one of the highest degrees attainable in the field of public health, and it is tailored for experienced practitioners and professionals seeking leadership roles in public health organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and academia.

Key Characteristics of a DrPH Program:

• Applied Practice-Oriented Curriculum:  DrPH programs are structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects of public health. Coursework typically covers areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, program evaluation, leadership, and management.
• Leadership and Management Skills:   A significant focus of DrPH programs is on developing leadership and management capabilities. This includes skills in strategic planning, organizational development, financial management, and policy advocacy.
• Capstone Projects or Fieldwork:  DrPH programs often culminate in a capstone project or fieldwork experience. This hands-on component allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world public health issues.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Public health challenges are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. DrPH programs encourage collaboration across various fields, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, healthcare management, and social sciences.
• Advanced Research Skills:  While not as research-focused as a Ph.D., DrPH programs still equip students with advanced research skills to critically evaluate evidence, design studies, and contribute to the advancement of public health knowledge.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health (Ph.D.)

A Ph.D. in Public Health is a doctoral-level degree that is focused on advanced research and scholarship in the field of public health. It is designed for individuals who are deeply committed to advancing knowledge and understanding in areas related to public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and more.

Key Characteristics of a Ph.D. in Public Health Program:

• Research Intensity:   A Ph.D. in Public Health program places a strong emphasis on original research. Students are expected to contribute new knowledge to the field through independent and rigorous research projects.
• Specialization and Expertise: Ph.D. candidates typically choose a specific area of focus within public health, such as infectious disease epidemiology, health disparities, environmental health, or health policy. This allows for in-depth study and expertise in a particular subfield.
• Advanced Methodological Training:   Ph.D. programs equip students with advanced research methods, statistical analysis, and data interpretation skills. This includes proficiency in study design, data collection, and quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Publication and Dissemination: The goal of a Ph.D. program is to contribute to the body of knowledge in public health. This often involves publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences to share insights with the broader academic and professional community.
• Teaching and Mentoring Opportunities: Ph.D. candidates may have the opportunity to gain teaching experience, which can be valuable for future academic roles. They may serve as teaching assistants, lead seminars, or even design and instruct their own courses.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:  Ph.D. programs encourage collaboration with experts from various disciplines. This can lead to innovative research projects that address complex public health challenges from multiple angles.
• Dissertation Requirement:  The culmination of a Ph.D. program is the completion of a dissertation, which is an original research project that contributes new knowledge to the field. This requires a significant investment of time, effort, and intellectual rigor.

Having a degree in public health can be a valuable asset when applying to medical school. It provides a strong foundation in population health, health policy, and epidemiology, which are increasingly recognized as essential components of modern medical practice. Here are some key points to consider when applying to medical school with a background in public health:

Key Characteristics of Pursuing a Medical Education:

• Holistic Understanding of Health:  Having a background in public health provides a broader perspective on health and healthcare. It allows students to consider the social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence health outcomes in addition to clinical care.
• Population-Level Focus: Students with a public health background are equipped to think about healthcare on a population level. They are adept at understanding health disparities, epidemiology, and the broader determinants of health.
• Research Proficiency: Public health programs often emphasize research methodology, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. This equips students with strong research skills that can be applied to clinical practice and contribute to advancements in healthcare.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Public health professionals are often advocates for health equity and policy change. Students with this background may be more inclined to engage in advocacy efforts and contribute to shaping healthcare policies that benefit communities.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Public health education encourages collaboration across various disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach enhances a student’s ability to work effectively in diverse healthcare teams.
• Community Engagement Experience:  Many individuals with a background in public health have experience working directly with communities. This practical exposure fosters skills in cultural competence, health education, and community-based interventions.
• Global Health Competency:  Public health programs often incorporate global health perspectives, preparing students to understand and address health challenges on a global scale. This can be particularly valuable in an increasingly interconnected world.
• Preparedness for Leadership Roles:  Public health professionals are trained to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, government agencies, and community health initiatives. This background positions students well for leadership positions in clinical settings.
• Preventive and Public Health Orientation:  A public health foundation emphasizes preventive care and health promotion. Students are more attuned to the importance of disease prevention, health education, and community-based interventions in addition to clinical treatment.
• Ethical and Social Accountability:  Public health professionals often have a strong commitment to social justice, health equity, and ethical healthcare practice. This mindset contributes to a sense of social responsibility and a dedication to serving diverse patient populations.

Attending law school with a background in public health can be a powerful combination, opening up a range of opportunities at the intersection of healthcare, policy, and legal advocacy.

Key Characteristics of Pursuing a Legal Education:

• Health Law Expertise: A background in public health provides a solid foundation for understanding the legal complexities of the healthcare system. It equips students to navigate health laws and regulations, which is invaluable in healthcare policy, compliance, and advocacy.
• Policy and Advocacy Skills: Public health professionals often engage in policy analysis and advocacy efforts. This experience translates well into the legal arena, where lawyers play a critical role in shaping healthcare policy, advocating for public health initiatives, and representing clients in health-related legal matters.
• Healthcare Compliance and Regulation: Individuals with a public health background are well-versed in issues related to healthcare quality, safety, and compliance. This knowledge is crucial for legal professionals working in healthcare regulatory compliance, medical malpractice, and healthcare ethics.
• Medical Ethics and Bioethics: Some public health programs often include coursework in medical ethics and bioethics, which is directly applicable to legal practice, particularly in cases involving medical decision-making, end-of-life care, and research ethics.
• Health Equity and Social Justice Advocacy: Public health professionals are often passionate advocates for health equity and social justice. This perspective is invaluable for lawyers working on cases related to healthcare disparities, access to care, and civil rights in healthcare.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Lawyers with a background in public health are well-equipped to collaborate with healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health experts, and researchers. This ability to work effectively across disciplines is essential in addressing complex health and legal issues.
• Public Health Regulation and Compliance: Public health laws and regulations play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of communities. Lawyers with a public health background can specialize in areas such as food and drug law, environmental health regulation, and public health emergency preparedness.<
• Global Health Law and Policy: Public health education often includes a global perspective on health issues. This can be particularly relevant for lawyers working on international health law, global health governance, and issues related to infectious diseases and pandemics.
• Community Advocacy and Legal Aid: Lawyers with a public health background may choose to work in community organizations, legal aid clinics, or non-profit advocacy groups focused on health-related issues. This allows them to directly serve vulnerable populations and advocate for policies that improve public health.
• Medical-Legal Partnerships: Public health professionals with legal training can be instrumental in medical-legal partnerships, which aim to address the social determinants of health through legal interventions. These partnerships are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for improving health outcomes.

Master of Business Administration (MBA):

An MBA with a healthcare concentration combines business acumen with a focus on the healthcare industry. It is particularly useful for those interested in healthcare management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MSW provides training in clinical social work and can be valuable for individuals interested in addressing social determinants of health and providing counseling or support services to individuals and communities.

Remember to thoroughly research each funding opportunity, understand their eligibility criteria, and prepare all necessary application materials. Additionally, deadlines for applications vary, so plan ahead.

• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Free Application for Federal Student Aid provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.
• Scholarships and Grants such as:
  • American Public Health Association (APHA) Scholarships
  • Gates Millennium Scholars Program
  • Fulbright Program
• Employer Tuition Assistance. Check with your current employer for potential opportunities.
• Graduate Assistantships. Universities often offer assistantships that provide a stipend and/or tuition remission in exchange for teaching or research assistance.
• State and Local Health Departments. Some offer scholarships or grants to individuals pursuing public health degrees, especially if there is a workforce need in a specific area.
• Public Health Service Corps via the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps via scholarships, loan repayments, and fellowships for public health professionals.
• Rotary Foundation Global Grants for graduate-level coursework or research in areas of humanitarian service, including public health.
• Fulbright Program for international educational exchange for students, scholars, and professionals.
• UNCF offers some scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing degrees in public health.
• World Health Organization (WHO) offers scholarships for specific courses and training programs in public health and related fields.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers various training and fellowship programs for individuals pursuing research careers in public health and related disciplines.
• Online Platforms like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Peterson’s Scholarship Search allow you to search for a wide range of scholarships based on your specific criteria, including field of study.

These specialized credentials provide in-depth knowledge and honed skills in particular facets of public health, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and ongoing learning. They serve as a recognized mark of professionalism, enhancing job prospects, and earning potential. The following are a few examples available to public health professionals:

• CHES Certification – Individuals who hold the CHES certifications have the versatility and skill sets to practice in many different career settings, across the country and even overseas. Job settings include community/non-profit, health care/hospitals, government, school health, academia/universities, and business.
• Health Informatics/Health Information Management – Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HI/HIM) certifications are specialized credentials that focus on the management and utilization of health information and technology in healthcare settings. Obtaining certifications in Health Informatics or Health Information Management can enhance the skill set of MPH students, making them more versatile and competitive in the evolving landscape of healthcare and public health. It equips them with the technical expertise and knowledge needed to excel in roles that require a strong foundation in health information management.
• Board Certified Epidemiologist (BCE) – The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers the Board Certified Epidemiologist designation. It’s a certification specifically focused on epidemiology and is recognized in the public health field.
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) – This certification is relevant for public health professionals involved in infectious disease control and prevention.
• PMP – learn more about a PMP certification on the Program Management Careers page.

There are several reputable platforms that offer high-quality public health-related online courses and opportunities for global networking. Here are some well-known options:

• Coursera partners with universities and organizations around the world to offer a wide range of public health courses, including those from institutions like Johns Hopkins University, University of California, and more.
• edX provides courses from universities and institutions worldwide, offering public health-related content from schools like Harvard University, University of California, and more.
• FutureLearn offers courses in partnership with universities and organizations. They have a variety of public health courses from institutions like the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and others.
• CDC Learning Connection offers a range of online learning opportunities related to public health and healthcare.
• World Health Organization (WHO) – OpenWHO offers free online courses on various topics related to public health, including outbreaks and emergencies.
• Khan Academy offers free classes in a variety of subjects including Python and SQL.