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Earn your DrPH in a global hub of public health expertise.

What does it cost?

Check out the graduate cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

54 credit hours or approximately 3 years, including an applied practice experience (3 hours) and integrative learning experience/dissertation (9 hours).

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Most courses are face-to-face; a small number are offered in hybrid format (in-person and virtual).

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall: December 1
Spring: Does not admit
Summer: Does not admit

School of Public Health

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences
Population Health Sciences

Office of Academic Assistance
404-413-1452
[email protected]

In an increasingly complicated world, solving complex public health problems requires collaborative leaders prepared to develop innovative strategies and solutions that engage communities and cross-sector partners.

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and experiences to prepare the next generation of public health leaders and chief health strategists to advance public health and health equity.

Located in downtown Atlanta, our program leverages relationships across local, state and federal public health agencies and organizations to support outstanding training opportunities. Our DrPH program is a generalist program grounded in the School of Public Health’s urban-global focus together with our overarching commitment to health equity, diversity and inclusion. Designed for professionals with a minimum of three years (five years preferred) of applied public health experience, the program allows students to complete their degree while maintaining full-time employment.

About the School of Public Health

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia State’s School of Public Health provides a practice-based education in a thriving global city, creating leaders who are prepared to advance health equity and address urgent challenges.

Public Health students engage in practicum opportunities throughout greater Atlanta’s vibrant public health community in places such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local government agencies and international non-governmental organizations.

Learn more about the School of Public Health

Program Highlights

The DrPH program is a generalist program grounded in the School of Public Health’s urban-global focus and its overarching commitment to health equity, diversity and inclusion.

Designed for professionals with a minimum of three years (five years preferred) of applied public health experience, the program allows students to complete their degree while maintaining full-time employment.

Two students in class

Career Outlook

Two students in class

Career paths for graduates of the DrPH program include:

Agency and Organizational Leadership
Chief Health Equity Officer
Department Director
Division or Branch Lead
Program Director

Program Details

Applicants to the DrPH program must provide documentation of successful completion of a Master of Public Health or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of three years (five years preferred) of verifiable, applied public health professional experience.

Applicants to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at Georgia State University should submit their materials through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) website. The application and all supporting materials must be submitted by the December 1 deadline.

Application materials include:

SOPHAS application and fee
A resume or curriculum vitae
Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended
Three professional references
A statement of purpose and objectives
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for international applicants

The GRE is not a requirement for admission to the DrPH program.

Use the HOW TO APPLY button below for more information on the application process.

The DrPH curriculum includes core courses designed to reinforce and build on foundational public health knowledge and skills, as well as their application to contemporary and emerging public health and societal problems. Students also have the opportunity to take electives designed to more deeply explore areas of interest. All students complete an Applied Practice Experience with agency, organizational or community partners that provide opportunities to explore different public health settings and content areas, while also applying leadership competencies and advancing public health practice. The required integrated learning experience/dissertation engages the doctoral student in an independent project that addresses a contemporary public health problem and will significantly contribute to the existing public health practice knowledge base.

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

Check out the graduate cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

Graduates of the DrPH demonstrate foundational and concentration competencies that prepare them to assume leadership roles that advance public health and health equity.

Learn more about our foundational competencies.