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Doctor of Public Health Program at the 91ɫƵ

If you are looking for a public health program that addresses real health issues found in our communities, 91ɫƵ's DrPH Program is right for you. Our faculty come from a variety of disciplines in public and community health practice and research in both urban and rural settings. Our cohort model will deepen your connections to the topics and to others who care about public health. Our training is self-directed, faculty and dissertation advisor guided, and cohort influenced.
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Mission

As the first online DrPH program in Wisconsin, offered by 91ɫƵ's Institute for Health & Equity, our mission is to provide an exceptional educational experience emphasizing public health practice, leadership development, and community engagement.

Things to Know

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Dec. 1, 2024
Priority Application Deadline
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3
Years
Anticipated Timeframe to Graduate
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46
Credits
Including 10 Dissertation Credits
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13
Faculty
Experienced in Public Health

Why Join the Doctor of Public Health Program at 91ɫƵ?

Applied Leadership

Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in senior level leadership positions in a variety of settings such as:

  • Governmental agencies
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Hospitals and healthcare systems
  • Community-based organizations
  • Academic institutions

Online Program

All course work is completed with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods.

  • Entirely online with 4-day in-person summer visit
  • Virtual lectures from community-engaged researchers
  • Learn alongside students from across the country
  • Designed to be completed in 3 years

Community Focused

Engage with the community both at 91ɫƵ and through applied knowledge.

  • Cohort-based model
  • Health equity focus
  • CEPH accredited program
  • Support from the President and Deans of Graduate School and Medical School

CEPH Accreditation

The 91ɫƵ (91ɫƵ) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The DrPH program is also individually accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency that accredits schools of public health and public health programs offered in settings other than schools of public health.

The DrPH and MPH programs at the 91ɫƵ are undergoing a review by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for reaccreditation. Part of this process includes the provision of a third-party comment period, which allows anyone, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, community and practice partners, and members of the public, to share relevant information about the programs directly with CEPH. If you have any information about the programs you would like to share with CEPH to inform their review, please send your comments to submissions@ceph.org by September 24, 2024.


Doctor of Public Health Program Details

Admissions

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

  • A master’s degree from an accredited school or program in public health, a master’s degree in a related field, a doctoral degree, or a professional degree (e.g., MD, JD, PharmD). Students without a master’s degree in public health from an accredited school of public health or program may be required to complete an online core public health course.
  • Grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in prior graduate study
  • A current resume or CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work
  • Personal statement that addresses the following questions:
    • Describe your academic and career goals and how they align with pursuing the DrPH degree.
    • Describe a public health issue that interests you.
    • Describe how you learn best.
    • Describe your most significant professional leadership accomplishment.
    • What do you hope to gain from and contribute to the DrPH program?
  • At least three years of post-graduate experience in public health, healthcare, or a related field with management or leadership responsibilities
Competencies and Curriculum

Competencies and Curriculum

Foundational Public Health Knowledge
Students will be grounded in foundational public health knowledge prior to matriculation. The program validates foundational public health knowledge through the completion of a CEPH-accredited master’s degree or completion of an online module that addresses the 12 learning objectives. 

Profession & Science of Public Health

  1. Explain public health history, philosophy, and values
  2. Identify the core functions of public health and the 10 Essential Services
  3. Explain the role of quantitative and qualitative methods and sciences in describing and assessing a population’s health
  4. List major causes and trends of morbidity and mortality in the US or other community relevant to the school or program
  5. Discuss the science of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in population health, including health promotion, screening, etc.
  6. Explain the critical importance of evidence in advancing public health knowledge

Factors Related to Human Health

  1. Explain effects of environmental factors on a population’s health
  2. Explain biological and genetic factors that affect a population’s health
  3. Explain behavioral and psychological factors that affect a population’s health
  4. Explain the social, political, and economic determinants of health and how they contribute to population health and health inequities
  5. Explain how globalization affects global burdens of disease
  6. Explain an ecological perspective on the connections among human health, animal health and ecosystem health (e.g. One Health)

DrPH Competencies
Upon completion of the DrPH program, students will demonstrate knowledge of the 20 foundational CEPH competencies as well as the 5 DrPH public health practice competencies. Students will achieve these competencies through synchronous and asynchronous coursework, practical experiences, and other applied activities. In addition, the curriculum is grounded in the seven key practices necessary to be a high achieving Community Health Strategist.

Competencies and Curriculum

Community Health Strategist Practices
Practice 1: Adopt and adapt strategies to combat the evolving leading causes of illness, injury and premature death.

Practice 2: Develop strategies for promoting health and well-being that work most effectively for communities of today and tomorrow

Practice 3: Community health strategists will identify, analyze and distribute information from new, big, and real time data sources

Practice 4: Build a more integrated, effective health system through collaboration between clinical care and public health

Practice 5: Collaborate with a broad array of allies – including those at the neighborhood level and the non-health sectors – to build healthier and more vital communities

Practice 6: Replace outdated organizational practices with state-of-the -art business, accountability, and financing systems

Practice 7: Work with corresponding federal partners – ideally, a federal Community Health Strategist – to effectively meet the needs of their communities

DrPH Sample Three Year Curriculum 

Please refer to the Academic Bulletin for full course descriptions.

Current Students

Current Students

Learn more about the current students in the Doctor of Public Health Program.
Learn about our students
Faculty

Faculty

Learn more about the faculty in the Doctor of Public Health Program.
Meet our faculty
Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

If you have questions regarding tuition or your account, please contact the Office of Student Accounts, at (414) 955-8172 or mcwtuition@mcw.edu. Please refer to the All Student Handbook (PDF) for tuition payment policies and information.

Current 91ɫƵ Employees
Tuition Course Approval Form - Human Resources (PDF)

Financial Aid
Students seeking financial aid please visit the Financial Aid Office website.

Late Fees
There is a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy in the All Student Handbook (PDF).

Program Specific Questions:

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Is the DrPH program accredited?
The DrPH program is a degree offered in 91ɫƵ’s Public Health Program which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). 91ɫƵ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

What is the difference between a PhD and DrPH?
A PhD in public health has a traditional focus on research, whereas the DrPH emphasizes advanced public health practice, applied population health research, and leadership.
Must applicants have experience in public health or health care?
Yes. Applicants must have at least three years of post-graduate experience in public health, health care, or a related field with management or leadership responsibilities.

91ɫƵ Specific Questions:

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Are all courses provided in an online format?

Yes. All course work is completed online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods:

Synchronous & Asynchronous Courses + 4 days on campus annually in August

Students must have availability to attend weekly live virtual synchronous lectures. The online courses in the DrPH program will be offered on Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00pm (Central Standard Time) for the first year and on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 9:00pm (Central Standard Time) for the second year. Weekly modules will be offered in both synchronous (live presentations with student interaction) and asynchronous formats. The mix between synchronous and asynchronous sessions will vary by course and therefore students will need to reserve 3-hour blocks of time each Tuesday (year 1) and each Wednesday (year 2) in their schedules. Students are expected to attend all weeks when lectures are presented live.

DrPH students are expected to attend 3 in-person sessions (1 per summer) on campus in Wauwatosa, WI. Each summer session will be held over 4 days in August annually and the cost of travel and lodging is expected to be covered by the student.

Does 91ɫƵ offer any financial support?
91ɫƵ does not provide any grants or scholarships at this time, but students may apply for financial aid through the Financial Aid Office.
Does the program accept international students?
Due to Department of Homeland Security rules for online programs, 91ɫƵ is unable to accept international students for the DrPH program at this time.
How does the 91ɫƵ DrPH differ from other DrPH programs?
The 91ɫƵ DrPH does not follow the more traditional tracks offered by other DrPH programs such as epidemiology or health education, but rather is interdisciplinary with a focus on advanced public health practice and leadership.

What is the maximum amount of time allowed to complete the program?
The program was developed utilizing a cohort model in which students may complete the program (46 credits) in three years. However, students have up to five years to complete the program.

Application Specific Questions:

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How do I apply to the DrPH program and what is the deadline?
The Graduate School coordinates the admissions process using an . The Graduate School operates on a rolling admissions basis. However, applications accepted by the priority application deadline of December 1st will receive priority for admission the following fall. Completed applications are sent to the DrPH Admissions Committee for review.
Can I transfer credits from another doctoral program or school?
Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.
Do I need a graduate or professional degree to apply to the program?
Yes. Applicants must possess a master’s degree from an accredited school or program in public health, or a master’s degree in a related field, a doctoral degree, or a professional degree (e.g. MD, JD, PharmD). Students without a master’s degree in public health from an accredited school of public health or program may be required to complete an online core public health course.
Is there a Graduate Records Exam (GRE) requirement?
No, a GRE is not required for the DrPH program.
What must I submit for the DrPH application?
  • Current resume or CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate work. A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in prior graduate study is required.
  • Personal statement that includes reasons for applying to the program, your interests and experience in public health and/or health care, how the DrPH will support your career goals, your professional leadership accomplishments, and why you will be successful in an online program
When are students admitted to the DrPH program?
Students are admitted for the fall term only.

Academic and Student Services

  • The Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity (OSID)

    OSID is committed to supporting diversity as well as recruiting students who are Under-Represented in Medicine.

    Learn about OSID
  • Student Services

    Review information regarding financial aid, health and wellness, student inclusion, 91ɫƵ libraries, and more. 

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  • Tuition and Fees

    Review financial aid and tuition information by school and program.

    Financial Aid
  • Academic Consultation

    We support student success by assisting with a broad array of student needs and concerns. These include the acclimation to increased academic demand and navigation of institutional policies and requirements.

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Contact the 91ɫƵ DrPH Program

Kim Contardi, MPH
Program Manager II, Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
kcontardi@mcw.edu
Shannon Edminster, MEd
Education Program Coordinator III, Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
sedminster@mcw.edu
91ɫƵ DrPH Program Google map location