The DrPH is an advanced, professional degree program that focuses on developing future leaders in public health practice, who will advance the public's health through the integration and application of a broad range of knowledge and analytical skills in leadership, practice, policy analysis, teaching, research, program management and professional communication. Knowledge and skills are based on the DrPH competencies from the Association of Schools of Public Health.

The DrPH program in Public Health Policy and Management is offered by the Department of Community, Environment and Policy.  This degree program is designed to further develop the knowledge and skills of public health practitioners who are currently serving in the public or private sector.  Areas of emphasis include analyzing public health problems, managing the public health workforce, crafting evidence-based recommendations and translating those recommendations into public policy.  Because of the program's unique setting and activities, graduates will be prepared to work collaboratively with a broad range of organizations that serve the diverse communities and populations residing in the Southwest.

The program is designed for students who have been awarded a Master's degree, preferably a Master of Public Health degree, and at least two years of public health work related experience.

Students entering without a prior MPH degree will be required to complete the five core MPH courses offered through MEZCOPH, or their equivalent, in addition to the minimum DrPH credit hours of course work in the major.

Curriculum

Required Courses (14 units)

• PHPM 569 Fundamentals of Health Budgeting and Financial Management (3)
• HPS 544 Fundamentals of Evaluation (3) or an alternate evaluation course (3) §
• PHPM 608A Public Health Law and Ethics (3)
• HPS 609 Evaluating Public Health Literature (1 unit - 2 times)
• HPS 704 Public Health Leadership to Reduce Health Disparities (3)

§ Alternative courses addressing that content with the minimum or greater course units may be considered (e.g. with a major grant development component; advanced or typically second semester graduate statistics course; advanced evaluation methods).  Such a substitution requires approval of the Program Director and Faculty Advisor.

Required Public Health Policy and Management Courses (14 units)

• PHPM 617 Advanced Public Health Policy Analysis (3)
• PHP 641 Health Systems Delivery (3)
• PHPM 696 Public Health Policy and Management Field Course (2)
• Community and Cultural Sensitivity Course* (3)
• Higher Level Methods Course* (3)

* Approval from Faculty Advisor

Concentration Electives (minimum 9 units)

Minor (minimum 9 units)

The minor area of study can be in other academic doctoral programs in Public Health or in other doctoral programs throughout the University. The minor area of study specifies the number of required minor units (minimum 9 units).

Dissertation (minimum 18 units)

The dissertation is expected to analyze and propose solutions to health management or policy issues by applying new theoretical or analytic advances to current problems in health care.

Total Minimum Credit Requirements = 64 units

Download Program Competencies