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Doctor of Public Health

About the program

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Public Health Sciences is an advanced professional degree for those whose career goals are in the area of professional practice in public health, including current and potential leaders in the public health practice. We offer three concentrations you may choose from including epidemiology, environmental health, and health promotion and community health sciences.

We encourage you to review the faculty research areas to learn more about our areas of specialization. This information is important for you to review when deciding which doctoral program is the best fit.

This degree prepares candidates for a career in high-level administration, teaching, or practice, where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required.

Doctoral Degree Options

The School of Public Health offers a DrPH in Public Health Sciences degree program in three different concentrations.

  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply, applicants must hold a master's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university prior to the start of the program. 

Dates and Deadlines

Application deadlines
Entering Semester Application Deadline Mandatory Orientation Day First Class Day

Fall 2023

 

Application opens Sept. 1, 2022.

Jan. 15, 2023

(final deadline for all applicants)

All SPH New Students (including doctoral programs)

August 15, 2023

International Students

August 10, 2023

Special Doctoral Student Orientation

Aug. 17, 2023

 Aug. 21, 2023

Cost of Attendance

For cost of attendance including estimated cost of tuition and fees, books & supplies, housing, etc., please visit the Texas A&M Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

DrPH in Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences

Curriculum

Important dates
Topic Description Hours Required
Theoretical and Strategic Elements of Social & Behavioral Health Seminar in Public Health History & Issues, Seminar in Theoretical Foundations, Seminar in Change Strategies & Interventions, Seminar in Program Evaluation 12 hours
Populations, Settings & Problems Courses providing advanced knowledge for the development and application of theory and strategies to specific populations, particular settings, or problems of interest. 15-18 hours
Research Methods, Data Management & Strategies Courses or demonstration of competencies must be approved by the student advisory committee but typically include familiarity with complex multivariate regression techniques, causal or hierarchical modeling, measurement, data management, qualitative methods, and research interpretation and integration. 18-21 hours
Doctoral Capstone Research hours 9 hours
Total semester credit hours 66 hours*

*This represents a minimum of required coursework with additional hours required depending upon the student’s background and particular field of study

DrPH in Epidemiology

Curriculum

Important dates
Topic Description Hours Required
Theoretical, Methodical and Strategic Elements of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Epidemiology Methods II, Epidemiology Methods III, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Data Management/Computing, Biostatistics II, Categorical Data Analysis, Analysis of Longitudinal and Multilevel Data, Environmental and Occupational Diseases 24 hours
Concentration and Method Courses Courses or demonstration of competencies must be approved by the student advisory committee but typically include familiarity with Specific Epidemiology Studies, Environmental Measurements, and Community Health 24 hours
Required Classes Scientific Ethics Class, Doctoral Seminar Class, Practicum 9 hours
Doctoral capstone Research hours 9 hours
Total semester credit hours 66 hours *
* This represents a minimum of required coursework with additional hours required depending upon the student’s background and particular field of study

DrPH in Environmental Health

Curriculum

Important dates
Topic Description Hours Required
Theoretical, Methodical and Strategic Elements of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Epidemiology Methods II, Epidemiology Methods III, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Data Management/Computing, Biostatistics II, Categorical Data Analysis, Analysis of Longitudinal and Multilevel Data, Environmental and Occupational Diseases 24 hours
Concentration and Method Courses Courses or demonstration of competencies must be approved by the student advisory committee but typically include familiarity with Specific Epidemiology Studies, Environmental Measurements, and Community Health 24 hours
Required Classes Scientific Ethics Class, Doctoral Seminar Class, Practicum 9 hours
Doctoral capstone Research hours 9 hours
Total semester credit hours 66 hours*
*This represents a minimum of required coursework with additional hours required depending upon the student’s background and particular field of study

Application Requirements

DrPH applicants must submit all of the required documents by the posted deadline to be reviewed for admission. International applicants should review the international applicant information for additional requirements.

SOPHAS Application and Application Fee

  • All applicants must submit an official SOPHAS application through sophas.org
  • Visit the SOPHAS FAQs for instructions and for helpful tips.

Three Letters of Recommendation

  • The School of Public Health prefers at least one academic reference from a higher education institution and one professional reference. The remaining letter may be either academic or professional.
  • Preferably, the academic reference should come from one of the applicant's course instructors who can attest to the applicant's capability to pursue graduate studies.
  • Recommendation letters from family members and friends are not appropriate.
  • Letters must be must be submitted electronically directly to SOPHAS.

Statement of Purpose

Review the instructions section in your SOPHAS application for more details. In addition to describing why you want to pursue the chosen degree plan/concentration with the School of Public Health, SOPHAS recommends the following topics:

  • Plans you have to use your education and training
  • The needs and/or challenges you perceive as important in your field of study.
  • Any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills you believe will enable you to be successful in your chosen field of study.

A Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Writing Sample

Doctoral applicants must submit a writing sample that demonstrates their analytical and writing skills.  Preference is given to samples in which the applicant is the sole and/or primary author. 

  • Examples include journal articles, research papers, thesis/dissertation, and/or capstone projects.

Official Transcripts

  • Official transcripts from each U.S. and English-speaking Canadian college-level institution attended must be submitted directly to SOPHAS.
  • Applicants with coursework from institutions outside of the U.S. and English-speaking Canada must submit a World Education Services (WES) ICAP Course-by-Course evaluation of academic records (if applicable). 

Official Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are NOT required for applicants seeking admission to the DrPH programs for Fall 2023. This requirement is waived. 

Interview

In addition to the requirements listed above the applicant may be asked to participate in an interview.