Online DrPH Overview
In a dynamic and rapidly changing world, there’s a real opportunity for passionate visionaries of all backgrounds to come together to innovate and build stronger, equity-minded communities. The Online DrPH in Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity provides burgeoning change-makers like you with an accessible path to gain the critical leadership skills, experiences, and connections to amplify your voice and spearhead true change in your community or organization.
Through collaboration with dedicated and experienced faculty members — and a flexible online format that meets you where you are both personally and professionally — you’ll graduate with a deep understanding of how to apply principles of leadership, advocacy, and equity across disciplines.
Accreditation
The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has been accredited since 1947, and all current programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Online DrPH at a Glance
Applied Practice Experience
Students create a portfolio in a practice setting of their choosing, allowing them to immediately apply what they have learned in the classroom.
Communication-focused
Students gain essential communication skills through interactive fieldwork that prepares them to be distinguished leaders and equity-minded advocates.
Globally Recognized
Students in the Online DrPH program benefit from the SPHTM’s robust reputation and legacy, and experience a relevant, practice-based education they can tailor to their career.
Diverse Faculty
Experienced faculty members from diverse practice settings work closely with students to understand their goals and help them pave a road to impact.
Interested in studying on our campus in New Orleans? Learn more about our on-ground programs on
the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine website.
Lead Equity-Minded Transformation
The Online DrPH in Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity is built for impassioned leaders who refuse to let the status quo remain unchallenged. The program teaches professionals of all backgrounds how to apply principles of leadership, advocacy, and equity in their work to become agents of change. This is accomplished through a robust combination of classroom engagement and co curricular experiences.
Program Benefits
Accessible Excellence
The Online DrPH is an accessible way to earn a top-quality doctoral degree in a 100 percent online, flexible setting where you can customize the pace at which you complete your degree.
Master’s Preferred
A master’s degree (in any specialty) is preferred, but not required for admission. Students without an MPH degree will be required to complete the Foundational Master of Public Health curriculum (5 courses, 15 credit hours).
Powerful Network
Students in the Online DrPH program cultivate meaningful relationships with their classmates, providing lasting peer-to-peer connections for post-graduation networking and collaboration.
Positive Career Outcomes
An unprecedented 99.7 percent of Tulane SPHTM graduates are working, volunteering, or continuing their education within one year of graduation.
What You Will Learn
The DrPH in Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity equips students with expertise, skills, and leadership acumen.
Curriculum
Students complete the 42-credit program* 100 percent online.
DrPH Foundational Required Courses
- Pedagogy
- Methods of Research in Public Health
- Public Health and Social Policy
- Community Organization: Community Work for Social Justice
- Leadership Theory and Practice for Public Health Professionals
- Budget and Financial Management
*A master’s degree (in any specialty) is preferred, but not required for admission. Students without an MPH degree will be required to complete the Foundational Master of Public Health curriculum (5 courses, 15 credit hours).
DrPH Advanced Required Courses
- Social Determinants of Health I: Theory
- Social Determinants of Health in Public Health Practice
- Health Equity and Advocacy
- Leadership Theory and Practice for Public Health Professionals
- Advanced Program Planning and Grant Writing
Portfolio
All students will create a professional portfolio as demonstration of the APE and ILE.
Electives
Students will choose two doctoral level electives to complete the degree.
Apply Your Passion To Practice
You can see how your big idea can help shape a brighter future for your community. But first, you have to get the tangible skills to put your idea into action. At Tulane, our Applied Practicum Experience (APE) requirement allows you to develop real-world competencies in a supervised practice setting of your choosing.
You’ll embark on your APE after you complete the foundational DrPH courses, and you’ll demonstrate your mastery of five key competencies: three foundational competencies outlined by the CEPH and two competencies outlined by program faculty.
The APE can be completed in your local area, and you can choose to work at your current employer as long as your practicum role is different from your current job — perfect for career changers or shifters. If you need assistance with placement, our dedicated team is here to help you find a match that aligns with your career goals.
Advance Your Career With a DrPH
The online DrPH was specifically designed to welcome individuals of all backgrounds to come together to find shared solutions. Our students come from and continue on into industries such as:
- Health Care
- Engineering
- Public Policy
- Epidemiology
- Community Health
- Research
- Business or Nonprofit Work
- Education
“We provide hands-on public health practice experiences grounded in a solid understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program will provide students with the skills to successfully advocate for communities and organizations.”
– Dr. Susan Cheng, PhD, MPH – Program Director for DrPH
Associate Dean for Public Health Practice & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Associate Professor Joint Appointment in
Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences
Department of Epidemiology
Upcoming Webinars
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Tulane’s rigorous Online MPH is offered by the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine — the No. 12 school of public health in the U.S. and the only combined school of its kind in the nation. MPH students approach public health through a global lens to promote health equity. Tulane is the top-ranked graduate school for producing Peace Corps volunteers for a reason. Apply now to become an expert in the five core areas of public health and develop leadership skills to help you improve lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall 2022 Orientation is an in-person requirement. The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine will monitor health and safety conditions before making a determination. You will be notified of any shifts in the required participation in orientation.
Yes. But you will be required to adhere to any and all attendance policies associated with the residential course you are choosing to take.
Yes. Some of our online courses provide live synchronous sessions. While attendance at these sessions is not required, participation is highly encouraged. It is for this reason that ALL synchronous sessions are recorded and made available to students.
All students are required to supply their own desktop or laptop computers throughout the program. Click here to review our detailed recommendations for technology.
With guidance from program faculty and staff, all students will complete a practice portfolio.
A master’s degree (in any specialty) is preferred, but not required for admission. Students without an MPH degree will be required to complete the Foundational Master of Public Health curriculum (5 courses, 15 credit hours).