GW Online Doctor of Public Health

The online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health is a practice-based doctoral program designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen public health practice through advanced leadership, policy and systems change.

  • Top-Ranked Public Health School — Earn your DrPH from the Milken Institute School of Public Health, ranked No. 11 among the nation’s Best Public Health Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report.1
  • Practice-Based Doctoral Curriculum — Develop advanced expertise in public health leadership, policy analysis, organizational change and systems improvement.
  • Applied Learning Experience — Address a real-world public health challenge through the DrPH Applied Practice Experience (DAPEx) and dissertation portfolio.

The Milken Institute School of Public Health is ranked No. 11 among the nation’s Best Public Health Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report.2

GW Online Doctor of Public Health Overview

Public health professionals are increasingly called on to address complex challenges across organizations, communities and health systems. The GW Online DrPH provides advanced doctoral training focused on applying evidence, influencing policy and leading systems-level change.

Unlike a traditional research-focused doctorate, the DrPH emphasizes leadership, implementation and the practical application of evidence. Through advanced coursework and applied learning, students develop the skills to address public health priorities, influence policy and drive change across organizations and systems.

As a GW Online DrPH student, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Develop advanced expertise in public health leadership, policy analysis, organizational change and systems improvement.
  • Apply your learning to a real-world public health challenge through the DrPH Applied Practice Experience (DAPEx) and practice-based dissertation portfolio.
  • Learn through a combination of live online classes, asynchronous coursework, faculty mentorship and cohort-based collaboration.
  • Build connections with faculty and peers through a required four-day immersion at GW’s campus in Washington, D.C.

48
Credits

As Few as
36 Months

No GRE
Required

Fall
Entry

CEPH accreditation badge

The Milken Institute School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), with accreditation extended through December 31, 2031.3

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What Will You Learn in the Online DrPH Program?

The online DrPH curriculum develops advanced analytical, strategic leadership and program implementation skills through applied coursework and practical learning experiences. Throughout the program, you’ll build competencies that prepare you to strengthen organizations, improve public health systems and advance population health.

Analyze Public Health Policies and Health Systems

Assess policies, systems and their implications for public health practice.

Lead Organizational Change

Apply leadership and change management strategies across health care, government and nonprofit settings.

Design and Implement Public Health Initiatives

Develop evidence-based approaches to address complex public health challenges.

Apply Implementation Science

Use implementation principles to strengthen programs and improve effectiveness.

Build Cross-Sector Partnerships

Develop collaborative approaches that support collective action and public health goals.

Communicate in Complex Environments

Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including during public health crises and other high-pressure situations.

Use Data to Inform Decisions

Apply data and evidence to strategic decision-making and public health practice.

Lead Interdisciplinary Teams

Build and lead teams that bring together diverse expertise and perspectives.

Evaluate Programs and Policies

Assess programs and policies to identify opportunities to improve population health outcomes.

Translate Evidence Into Practice

Apply research and evidence to practical public health challenges.

DrPH vs. PhD: Which Public Health Doctorate Is Right for You?

Both the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are terminal doctoral degrees, but they are designed for different professional goals. While a PhD focuses on generating new knowledge through research, a DrPH emphasizes leadership, implementation and the practical application of evidence to improve public health outcomes.

DrPHPhD
Practice-focused doctorate
Research-focused doctorate
Designed for experienced public health professionals
Often pursued by aspiring researchers and academics
Emphasizes leadership, policy and systems change
Emphasizes theory development and research
Applies evidence to solve real-world challenges
Generates new knowledge through original research
Culminates in a practice-based dissertation portfolio
Typically culminates in a traditional dissertation

GW Online DrPH Academics

The 48-credit online DrPH curriculum combines advanced coursework with applied doctoral learning. Students complete 35 credits of required coursework and 13 credits of dissertation proposal and portfolio work.

Through coursework in leadership, policy analysis, project management, communications and organizational change, you’ll develop the skills to translate evidence into action and strengthen public health practice. The program culminates in a practice-based dissertation portfolio that allows you to apply your doctoral learning to a real-world public health issue.

View the Full DrPH Curriculum

Apply Your Learning Through the DAPEx

The DrPH Applied Practice Experience (DAPEx) allows you to apply your doctoral learning to a complex public health challenge within an organization or community. Working with faculty mentors and a sponsoring organization, you’ll develop and implement an evidence-based, practice-focused approach to addressing the challenge.

Integrated with the practice-based dissertation portfolio, the DAPEx provides an opportunity to evaluate outcomes, translate evidence into action and demonstrate your ability to strengthen public health practice. Students may complete their applied practice in settings such as academic medical centers, health care systems, public health agencies and community-based organizations.

The Washington, D.C., Immersion Experience

Online DrPH students participate in a required four-day, 2-credit immersion on the George Washington University campus in Washington, D.C. The experience provides opportunities to connect with faculty and peers, participate in leadership development activities and explore contemporary public health challenges in the nation’s center of public health policy.

Through the immersion, you’ll complement your online coursework with an in-person experience focused on collaboration, professional connections and the practical application of doctoral learning.

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GW Online DrPH Admissions

The Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University seeks experienced professionals who demonstrate strong academic preparation and a commitment to advancing public health practice

To be considered for the online DrPH program, applicants must:

  • Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution; an MPH from a CEPH-accredited school or program is strongly preferred.
  • Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.4.
  • Have four or more years of health-related postgraduate professional experience.
  • Submit official academic transcripts, a current professional resume or CV, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.

GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Select applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual admissions interview.

The GW Online DrPH welcomes one cohort each year, with classes beginning in the fall. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early.

Take the Next Step

The GW Online DrPH is designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen public health practice through advanced leadership, applied learning and evidence-based decision-making.

Request information to learn more about the program, admissions requirements and upcoming application deadlines.

FAQs About the GW Online DrPH

  • Both the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are terminal doctoral degrees, but they are designed for different professional goals. A PhD typically focuses on generating new knowledge through original research, while a DrPH emphasizes leadership, implementation and the practical application of evidence to address public health challenges. The right degree depends on whether your goals are primarily focused on research or public health practice.

  • A DrPH is a terminal doctoral degree. Graduates may use the title “Doctor,” although conventions around professional titles can vary by workplace and setting.

  • A DrPH can support opportunities in teaching, mentoring and academic leadership, particularly for professionals who bring extensive public health practice and leadership experience. Faculty requirements vary by institution and position.

  • The GW Online DrPH is designed with working professionals in mind. The program combines live online sessions with asynchronous coursework, providing flexibility for students balancing doctoral study with professional and personal commitments.

  • The GW Online DrPH requires 48 credits and can be completed in as few as 36 months. Completion time may vary based on a student’s academic pacing and individual circumstances.

  • Students have opportunities to build professional connections through cohort-based learning, collaborative projects, faculty mentorship and the required four-day immersion in Washington, D.C. Graduates also join the broader GW alumni network.

  • The DrPH develops advanced skills relevant to senior public health roles across government agencies, health care systems, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms and global public health institutions. Career opportunities vary based on professional experience, area of expertise and employer requirements.

  • Applications are reviewed based on academic background, professional experience and readiness for doctoral study. Select applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview as part of the admissions process. The program welcomes one cohort each fall, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Tuition is $2,000 per credit. The 48-credit program has an estimated base tuition of $96,000. Eligible students may explore federal student loans, employer tuition assistance and external scholarship opportunities. Tuition rates are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

The George Washington University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. The George Washington University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. Best Public Health Schools. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
  2. Best Public Health Schools. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎
  3. Accreditation. (2026). GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. Retrieved June 2026. ↩︎