Doctor of Public Health Public Health courses
Public Health coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 79
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Public Health course requirements
- Core 13 courses
- Applied Practice Experience 2 courses
- Doctoral project Minimum 4 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
Show all descriptions
DRPH8211
Required Course Foundations of Doctoral Public Health Practice
4 quarter credits
Students examine the history, philosophy, and values of public health and evaluate their influence on modern practice. The content includes a review of evidence-based approaches to public health, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Students review determinants of health and their role in perpetuating health inequities. They also explore the global dimensions of disease burden and apply the One Health framework to understand ecological connections among human, animal, and ecosystem health. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8213
Required Course Workforce Development for Public Health Practice
4 quarter credits
This course prepares students to lead the development of a skilled public health workforce. Students examine leadership, cultural humility, adult learning principles, workforce assessment, instructional design, and the use of technology to strengthen workforce capacity. Through the design, evaluation, and communication of workforce trainings, students develop the leadership and educational competencies needed to improve organizational performance and workforce development in public health settings.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8215
Required Course Policy Analysis and Design
4 quarter credits
Students integrate scientific information, legal and regulatory approaches, ethical frameworks, and varied stakeholder interests to develop policies that support a system-level intervention. Students also propose interprofessional team approaches and integrate knowledge of cultural values and practices in the design of public health policies and programs.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8217
Required Course Epidemiologic Methods for Public Health Practice
4 quarter credits
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students cultivate an understanding of advanced epidemiologic approaches to assess population health and inform decision-making. Students identify the strengths and limitations of surveillance systems and national surveys for monitoring health trends and evaluating public health policies and programs. Additionally, students utilize spatial analysis to identify geographic patterns and disparities. Through applied exercises, students develop the skills necessary to interpret data critically and translate findings into actionable insights for current practice and policy.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8219
Required Course Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
4 quarter credits
This course introduces Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to the foundations of qualitative research as a practice-oriented approach for understanding public health problems. Students explore key methodologies such as interviews, focus groups, and observation and examine how to design credible, ethical, and culturally responsive qualitative studies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in data collection, coding, thematic analysis, and interpretation to inform public health decision-making. Through applied exercises, students generate actionable insights that support programs, policies, and community partnerships.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8220
Required Course Financial Management and Resource Building
4 quarter credits
This course prepares Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to apply financial management principles and resource development strategies to advance organizational and population health goals. Students examine budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships to support sustainable public health initiatives. Emphasis is placed on aligning human, fiscal, and organizational resources with strategic priorities and cultivating new funding opportunities to strengthen organizational capacity and long-term impact.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8221
Required Course Public Health Research Design
4 quarter credits
This course covers research methodologies relevant to public health practice, including mixed methods designs. The course emphasizes the development of comprehensive research proposals, including problem identification, methodology, and ethical considerations. Students integrate qualitative and quantitative techniques to address a research question and develop a research proposal. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8217, DRPH8219.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8223
Required Course Evaluation of Public Health Programs
4 quarter credits
Students design a comprehensive evaluation project that integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess public health programs. Students identify measurable outcomes, develop logic models, and select data collection tools. The course focuses on designing evaluations that are relevant to the needs of real programs and stakeholders. Students produce a detailed evaluation plan for a real public health initiative, demonstrating their ability to use evidence to improve population health outcomes.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8225
Required Course Grant Writing and Collaborative Public Health Initiatives
4 quarter credits
This course equips Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students with the skills to secure funding and lead collaborative initiatives that address complex public health challenges. Students learn to design compelling grant proposals, engage diverse stakeholders, and develop interprofessional and intersectoral partnerships that promote health equity and measurable health outcomes.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8227
Required Course Public Health Leadership and Emerging Issues
4 quarter credits
Students explore the dynamic landscape of public health leadership and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to address emerging public health challenges. Throughout the course, they cultivate public health leadership skills using systems thinking, as well as strengthen their capacity to influence public health practice in complex and rapidly changing environments.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8229
Required Course Strategic Planning for Public Health Impact
4 quarter credits
Students create strategic plans, develop organizational change strategies, and propose human, fiscal, technological, and partnership resources to advance strategic goals in diverse public health settings. The course emphasizes justifying human, fiscal, and partnership resources necessary to achieve strategic goals while identifying funding sources, and partnerships. Students develop practical skills for aligning resources with mission-driven objectives and sustaining long-term impact. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8051
Required Course Preparing for the Doctoral Practice Experience
4 quarter credits
This course prepares Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to strategically design and initiate an Applied Practice Experience (APE) that addresses complex public health challenges. Students develop a competency-based practice proposal, align project activities and deliverables with foundational competencies, and apply principles of leadership and strategic planning to practice-based learning. Through critical reflection and project development, students design a high-impact project that will advance organizational priorities. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8211, DRPH8213, DRPH8215, DRPH8217, DRPH8219, DRPH8220, DRPH8221, DRPH8223, DRPH8225, DRPH8227, DRPH8229
4 quarter credits
DRPH8701
Required Course Doctoral Practice Experience 1
4 quarter credits
This is the first of two doctoral applied practice experience courses. In this course, students start working on their practice experience at an approved public health agency while submitting discussion posts and assignments. Under the supervision of their preceptor, they work on a project with the goal of creating a high-quality deliverable that is useful to the site and aligned with five foundational public health competencies. To pass this first applied practice experience course, students must demonstrate satisfactory progress towards creating a high-quality deliverable that demonstrates five foundational public health competencies. Failure to do so will result in an NS grade. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8051.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8703
Required Course Doctoral Practice Experience 2
4 quarter credits
This is the second of two doctoral public health applied practice experience courses. In this course, students complete their practice experience at an approved public health agency while submitting discussion posts and assignments. Under the supervision of their preceptor, they create a high-quality deliverable that is useful to the site and aligned with five foundational public health competencies. To pass this second applied practice experience course, students must: create a high-quality deliverable and demonstrate five foundational public health competencies. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in an NS grade. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8701
4 quarter credits
RSCH8000
Required Course Doctoral Research Readiness Assessment
3 quarter credits
This course serves as the final assessment of students' readiness for advanced doctoral coursework and the development of a formal dissertation or capstone proposal. The course is evaluative and requires students to demonstrate their ability to conceptualize and articulate a coherent, ethical, and feasible research plan. Students complete a written proposal, a multiple-choice assessment, and an oral presentation of their proposed study. A reflective journal is also required, providing space for students to critically evaluate their growth, identify areas for continued development, and assess their overall readiness for advanced doctoral research. Successful completion of the course indicates strong potential to carry out a substantive and ethical doctoral project. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all didactic courses. For Doctor of Public Health students, completion of DRPH8703. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required.
3 quarter credits
RSCH9000
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Project
5 quarter credits
This course guides students through the full doctoral research journey, with guidance from their doctoral chair. Students develop a focused, researchable topic; build a scholarly foundation through the literature review; describe the research approach, methodology, and methods for the project; complete the proposal defense and submit to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; and defend their dissertation or capstone project. Emphasis is placed on scholarly alignment, ethical research practice, methodological rigor, clear communication, and steady progress toward a coherent, defensible final doctoral manuscript. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): RSCH8000
5 quarter credits
RSCH9000
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Project
5 quarter credits
This course guides students through the full doctoral research journey, with guidance from their doctoral chair. Students develop a focused, researchable topic; build a scholarly foundation through the literature review; describe the research approach, methodology, and methods for the project; complete the proposal defense and submit to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; and defend their dissertation or capstone project. Emphasis is placed on scholarly alignment, ethical research practice, methodological rigor, clear communication, and steady progress toward a coherent, defensible final doctoral manuscript. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): RSCH8000
5 quarter credits
RSCH9000
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Project
5 quarter credits
This course guides students through the full doctoral research journey, with guidance from their doctoral chair. Students develop a focused, researchable topic; build a scholarly foundation through the literature review; describe the research approach, methodology, and methods for the project; complete the proposal defense and submit to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; and defend their dissertation or capstone project. Emphasis is placed on scholarly alignment, ethical research practice, methodological rigor, clear communication, and steady progress toward a coherent, defensible final doctoral manuscript. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): RSCH8000
5 quarter credits
RSCH9000
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Project
5 quarter credits
This course guides students through the full doctoral research journey, with guidance from their doctoral chair. Students develop a focused, researchable topic; build a scholarly foundation through the literature review; describe the research approach, methodology, and methods for the project; complete the proposal defense and submit to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; and defend their dissertation or capstone project. Emphasis is placed on scholarly alignment, ethical research practice, methodological rigor, clear communication, and steady progress toward a coherent, defensible final doctoral manuscript. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): RSCH8000
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 79 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food and other expenses associated with DRPH8701 and DRPH8703.
Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 59 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
RSCH8000
Required Course Doctoral Research Readiness Assessment
3 quarter credits
This course serves as the final assessment of students' readiness for advanced doctoral coursework and the development of a formal dissertation or capstone proposal. The course is evaluative and requires students to demonstrate their ability to conceptualize and articulate a coherent, ethical, and feasible research plan. Students complete a written proposal, a multiple-choice assessment, and an oral presentation of their proposed study. A reflective journal is also required, providing space for students to critically evaluate their growth, identify areas for continued development, and assess their overall readiness for advanced doctoral research. Successful completion of the course indicates strong potential to carry out a substantive and ethical doctoral project. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all didactic courses. For Doctor of Public Health students, completion of DRPH8703. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required.
3 quarter credits
DRPH8213
Required Course Workforce Development for Public Health Practice
4 quarter credits
This course prepares students to lead the development of a skilled public health workforce. Students examine leadership, cultural humility, adult learning principles, workforce assessment, instructional design, and the use of technology to strengthen workforce capacity. Through the design, evaluation, and communication of workforce trainings, students develop the leadership and educational competencies needed to improve organizational performance and workforce development in public health settings.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8215
Required Course Policy Analysis and Design
4 quarter credits
Students integrate scientific information, legal and regulatory approaches, ethical frameworks, and varied stakeholder interests to develop policies that support a system-level intervention. Students also propose interprofessional team approaches and integrate knowledge of cultural values and practices in the design of public health policies and programs.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8219
Required Course Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
4 quarter credits
This course introduces Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to the foundations of qualitative research as a practice-oriented approach for understanding public health problems. Students explore key methodologies such as interviews, focus groups, and observation and examine how to design credible, ethical, and culturally responsive qualitative studies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in data collection, coding, thematic analysis, and interpretation to inform public health decision-making. Through applied exercises, students generate actionable insights that support programs, policies, and community partnerships.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8221
Required Course Public Health Research Design
4 quarter credits
This course covers research methodologies relevant to public health practice, including mixed methods designs. The course emphasizes the development of comprehensive research proposals, including problem identification, methodology, and ethical considerations. Students integrate qualitative and quantitative techniques to address a research question and develop a research proposal. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8217, DRPH8219.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8225
Required Course Grant Writing and Collaborative Public Health Initiatives
4 quarter credits
This course equips Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students with the skills to secure funding and lead collaborative initiatives that address complex public health challenges. Students learn to design compelling grant proposals, engage diverse stakeholders, and develop interprofessional and intersectoral partnerships that promote health equity and measurable health outcomes.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8229
Required Course Strategic Planning for Public Health Impact
4 quarter credits
Students create strategic plans, develop organizational change strategies, and propose human, fiscal, technological, and partnership resources to advance strategic goals in diverse public health settings. The course emphasizes justifying human, fiscal, and partnership resources necessary to achieve strategic goals while identifying funding sources, and partnerships. Students develop practical skills for aligning resources with mission-driven objectives and sustaining long-term impact. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8051
Required Course Preparing for the Doctoral Practice Experience
4 quarter credits
This course prepares Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to strategically design and initiate an Applied Practice Experience (APE) that addresses complex public health challenges. Students develop a competency-based practice proposal, align project activities and deliverables with foundational competencies, and apply principles of leadership and strategic planning to practice-based learning. Through critical reflection and project development, students design a high-impact project that will advance organizational priorities. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8211, DRPH8213, DRPH8215, DRPH8217, DRPH8219, DRPH8220, DRPH8221, DRPH8223, DRPH8225, DRPH8227, DRPH8229
4 quarter credits
DRPH8701
Required Course Doctoral Practice Experience 1
4 quarter credits
This is the first of two doctoral applied practice experience courses. In this course, students start working on their practice experience at an approved public health agency while submitting discussion posts and assignments. Under the supervision of their preceptor, they work on a project with the goal of creating a high-quality deliverable that is useful to the site and aligned with five foundational public health competencies. To pass this first applied practice experience course, students must demonstrate satisfactory progress towards creating a high-quality deliverable that demonstrates five foundational public health competencies. Failure to do so will result in an NS grade. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8051.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8703
Required Course Doctoral Practice Experience 2
4 quarter credits
This is the second of two doctoral public health applied practice experience courses. In this course, students complete their practice experience at an approved public health agency while submitting discussion posts and assignments. Under the supervision of their preceptor, they create a high-quality deliverable that is useful to the site and aligned with five foundational public health competencies. To pass this second applied practice experience course, students must: create a high-quality deliverable and demonstrate five foundational public health competencies. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in an NS grade. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): DRPH8701
4 quarter credits
DRPH8211
Required Course Foundations of Doctoral Public Health Practice
4 quarter credits
Students examine the history, philosophy, and values of public health and evaluate their influence on modern practice. The content includes a review of evidence-based approaches to public health, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Students review determinants of health and their role in perpetuating health inequities. They also explore the global dimensions of disease burden and apply the One Health framework to understand ecological connections among human, animal, and ecosystem health. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8217
Required Course Epidemiologic Methods for Public Health Practice
4 quarter credits
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students cultivate an understanding of advanced epidemiologic approaches to assess population health and inform decision-making. Students identify the strengths and limitations of surveillance systems and national surveys for monitoring health trends and evaluating public health policies and programs. Additionally, students utilize spatial analysis to identify geographic patterns and disparities. Through applied exercises, students develop the skills necessary to interpret data critically and translate findings into actionable insights for current practice and policy.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8220
Required Course Financial Management and Resource Building
4 quarter credits
This course prepares Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students to apply financial management principles and resource development strategies to advance organizational and population health goals. Students examine budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships to support sustainable public health initiatives. Emphasis is placed on aligning human, fiscal, and organizational resources with strategic priorities and cultivating new funding opportunities to strengthen organizational capacity and long-term impact.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8223
Required Course Evaluation of Public Health Programs
4 quarter credits
Students design a comprehensive evaluation project that integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess public health programs. Students identify measurable outcomes, develop logic models, and select data collection tools. The course focuses on designing evaluations that are relevant to the needs of real programs and stakeholders. Students produce a detailed evaluation plan for a real public health initiative, demonstrating their ability to use evidence to improve population health outcomes.
4 quarter credits
DRPH8227
Required Course Public Health Leadership and Emerging Issues
4 quarter credits
Students explore the dynamic landscape of public health leadership and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to address emerging public health challenges. Throughout the course, they cultivate public health leadership skills using systems thinking, as well as strengthen their capacity to influence public health practice in complex and rapidly changing environments.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 79 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food and other expenses associated with DRPH8701 and DRPH8703.
Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements.
Doctoral project requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits. You must enroll in the Doctoral Project course a minimum of four times. If you require more time to complete your Doctoral Project, you will have the option to enroll in additional sessions.
Show all descriptions
RSCH9000
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Project
5 quarter credits
This course guides students through the full doctoral research journey, with guidance from their doctoral chair. Students develop a focused, researchable topic; build a scholarly foundation through the literature review; describe the research approach, methodology, and methods for the project; complete the proposal defense and submit to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval; collect and analyze data; interpret findings; and defend their dissertation or capstone project. Emphasis is placed on scholarly alignment, ethical research practice, methodological rigor, clear communication, and steady progress toward a coherent, defensible final doctoral manuscript. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): RSCH8000
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 79 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food and other expenses associated with DRPH8701 and DRPH8703.
Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.