DrPH
Doctor of Public Health
Become a driving force for health equity and help make a positive impact on community wellness. Capella’s Doctor of Public Health empowers professionals to manage evidence-based initiatives and address health disparities across all communities, from local to global. You’ll be equipped to critically evaluate public health theories and research, analyze data to inform strategic decisions and assess the effectiveness of health programs. Learn to collaborate with professionals from other healthcare sectors and design public health programs and policies that improve health outcomes and access for all populations.
At a glance
- Online
- 13 Core courses
- A hands-on Applied Practice Experience
- 1 Doctoral project
- 20 Max transfer credits
- 79 Total quarter credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $45,000* in tuition costs for your degree when you start on Jan. 11, 2027.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore public health courses
- This program requires a total of 79 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 13 core courses, two applied practice experience courses, and one doctoral project
What you'll learn
This program is designed to prepare public health professionals to improve health across diverse communities through leadership, service, research, and practice. Students evaluate theories, research, and ethical parameters guiding public health practice; analyze factors that affect population-based health disparities; and assess the efficacy of national and global public health programs and practices.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Integrate social and behavioral theories and concepts into research and practice in public health and health services to promote and sustain healthy environment and lives for individuals and populations
- Communicate and interact with people across life spans diverse groups and cultures to empower communities and enhance public health
- Ensure the foundations of public health are applied in the delivery of services and activities
- Strategize methods to impact the social, behavioral, governmental, and environmental determinants of global health
- Analyze and interpret scientific and research concepts, methods, and tools of data collection, to develop evidence-and practice-based strategies in public health
- Solve public health problems using biostatistical methods and concepts and epidemiological approaches
- Inform, influence, and organize stakeholders using communication strategies
- Positively impact the determinants of community health by critically analyzing evidence and theory from a broad range of disciplines and sources
- Assess and analyze environmental agents that impact population health in order to protect the health of communities
- Influence and implement the concepts of justice and human rights in public health
- Use science and scientific concepts to influence public health
- Apply management concepts to resolve operational, fiscal, and human resource dilemmas within public and private health organizations
- Evaluate program plans and apply team building, negotiation, and conflict management to influence and motivate others to solve public health problems
- Advocate for policies and practices that advance public health at the local, regional, national, and international levels
- Utilize systems thinking concepts to achieve public health goals at the local, regional, national, and international levels
- Collaborate across the health professions to optimize health outcomes, including emergency preparedness
How much does the DrPH cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by course load or quarter
Cost breakdown
- $805 per credit (coursework)
- $4,025 per quarter for doctoral project
- $175 resource kit per quarter
- $0 application fee
- $36.69 background check and CastleBranch service fee (one-time cost)
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$45,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start on Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$45,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start on Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Number of quarters spent working on your doctoral project
- Complexity of your doctoral project
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2026–27 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. These scenarios show the minimum and maximum time allowed to complete your doctoral project and Applied Practice Experience. Your pace may fall anywhere in between.
These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Cost scenarios
Completes Doctoral Project in 4 quarters |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $805/credit 14 quarters |
$47,495.00 |
| Doctoral Project: $4,025/quarter 4 quarters |
$16,100.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$63,595.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,595.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$45,000.00 |
| Resource kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
| Background check and CastleBranch service fee** one-time cost |
$36.69 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 18 quarters |
$47,486.69 |
Completes Doctoral Project in 11 quarters |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $805/credit 14 quarters |
$47,495.00 |
| Doctoral Project: $4,025/quarter 11 quarters |
$44,275.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$91,770.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-46,770.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$45,000.00 |
| Resource kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
| Background check and CastleBranch service fee** one-time cost |
$36.69 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* 25 quarters |
$47,486.69 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start on Jan. 11, 2027.
**As of Feb. 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the DrPH admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- On admission to the program, a background check is required before enrolling in courses.
- Master’s in Public Health or a related master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
On admission to the program, a background check is required before enrolling in courses.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
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Lead effectively, help others and make a difference
Learn to design public health programs, create solutions to address immediate and long-term public health issues, recognize emerging trends, employ social responsibility and lead with integrity.
What’s It Like to Be a Doctoral Student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
What can you do with a DrPH degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a Doctor of Public Health degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Behavioral health program managers
- Health science specialists
- Postdoctoral fellows
- Program coordinators
- Program directors
- Program managers
- Public health directors
- Undergraduate program coordinators
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of public health programs
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- All other professional, scientific and technical services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
- Voluntary health organizations
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.