Fully revised for Fall 2026! The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Leadership in Social and Behavioral Sciences is an advanced professional degree designed to equip public health practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders and advocates for health equity.
This applied practice leadership program is designed for public health professionals with three or more years of experience in this field. Coursework combines case studies, discussions, didactic lessons, and integrated opportunities to engage in real-world challenges. The program provides ample opportunity for developing strong networks among the cohort while also facilitating self-paced study over the course of each semester. The ideal student is committed to making a significant impact on the health and well-being of communities by reducing health inequities, promoting justice, advocating for effective policies and programs, and leading transformative change.
The DrPH in Leadership in Social and Behavioral Sciences develops implementation scientists grounded in evidence-based methods who appreciate a pragmatic approach to addressing public health problems. The applied practice experience provide hands-on application of classroom competencies, achieved through complementary practice in existing work environments or through alternate field experiences. The program comprises foundational and advanced training in leadership, equity, evaluation, advocacy, community engagement, and health communication, and is grounded in a strong understanding of the application of social and behavioral theories in evidence-informed programs to improve population and individual-level health.
Admissions Requirements
- A Master of Public Health degree (MPH) from a CEPH-accredited institution of higher learning.
- Applicants with an MPH degree that is not from a CEPH-accredited school or program will be considered but may be required to complete some or all of the prerequisite coursework and will be required to pass a challenge exam for SPHL 6020 – Foundations in Public Health.
- A few outstanding applicants without an MPH degree will be considered but will need to successfully complete the Public Health Certificate. The Public Health Certificate is the 5 courses shown below as Prerequisite Coursework. Applicants admitted through this pathway will automatically matriculate into the DrPH program if they successfully complete the Public Health Certificate with a grade of B or better in all 5 prerequisite courses.
- Academic achievement - typically a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate coursework. Typically successful applicants have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 grade point scale.
- At least 3 years of work experience in public health
- Non-English speakers: Demonstration of proficiency in English to be able to study and communicate in English. TOEFL and IELTS are accepted.
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended (degrees earned abroad require a WES, ECE, or TEC (formerly known as SpanTran) evaluation)
Program Competencies
- Appraise social and behavioral health theories or frameworks that inform the future development of interventions that advance health equity.
- Integrate health equity theories or frameworks into policies, programs, or interventions.
- Design a comprehensive public health needs assessment that integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies to inform program development, engages diverse stakeholders and includes social determinants of health.
- Design implementation plans for strategies and interventions that are centered on individuals, communities, and populations.
- Create a grant proposal to address a social or behavioral public health issue with an evidence-based program or intervention tailored for the priority population.
Degree Program Requirements & Model Schedules
The DrPH Degree in Leadership in Social and Behavioral Sciences requires a total of 48 credit hours of doctoral coursework that includes:
Program Required Courses – Foundational
SBPS 8000 Professional Skills for Public Health Leaders (1)
SBPS 8010 DrPH Advanced Writing Seminar (0)
SBPS 8150 Introduction to Advanced Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
SBPS 8160 Health Equity Theory and Frameworks (3)
SBPS 8250 Public Health Leadership (3)
SBPS 8260 Strategic Leadership in Social and Behavioral Science (3)
SBPS 8300 Finance for Public Health Leaders: Mission, Margin, and Measurable Impact (3)
SBPS 8320 Strategic Communication in Public Health Leadership (3)
SBPS 8450 Evidence-based Program Planning for Health Equity (6)
Program Required Courses – Advanced
SBPS 8460 Advanced Public Health Evaluation Methods (3)
SBPS 8470 Grant Writing for Public Health Practice (3)
SBPS 8500 Systems Collaboration and Partnerships in Practice (3)
IHSD 7300 Implementation Practice (3)
SBPS 8540 Advocacy in Action: Policy Strategies for Public Health Leaders (3)
SPHL 9460 Practice Based Portfolio: Experiential Learning (3)
SPHL 9470 Practice Based Portfolio: Culminating Experience (2)
Elective Course (3)
Total Credit Hours 48
Model Schedules
Year 1 Fall
SBPS 8000 Professional Skills for Public Health Leaders (1)
SBPS 8150 Introduction to Advanced Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
SBPS 8250 Public Health Leadership (3)
Credit Hours 7
Year 1 Spring
SBPS 8160 Health Equity Theory and Frameworks (3)
SBPS 8300 Finance for Public Health Leaders: Mission, Margin, and Measurable Impact (3)
SBPS 8010 DrPH Advanced Writing Seminar (0)
Credit Hours 6
Year 2 Fall
SBPS 8260 Strategic Leadership in Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
SBPS 8320 Strategic Communication in Public Health Leadership (3)
SBPS 8010 DrPH Advanced Writing Seminar (0)
Credit Hours 6
Year 2 Spring
SBPS 8450 Evidence-based Program Planning for Health Equity 6
SBPS 8010 DrPH Advanced Writing Seminar (0)
Credit Hours 6
Year 3 Fall
SBPS 8460 Advanced Public Health Evaluation Methods (3)
SBPS 8470 Grant Writing for Public Health Practice (3)
SBPS 8010 DrPH Advanced Writing Seminar (0)
Credit Hours 6
Year 3 Spring
SBPS 8500 Systems Collaboration and Partnerships in Practice (3)
IHSD 7300 Implementation Practice (3)
SBPS 8010 DrPH Advanced Writing Seminar (0)
Credit Hours 6
Year 3 Summer
SPHL 9460 Practice-Based Portfolio: Experiential Learning (3)
Elective (3)
Credit Hours 6
Year 4 Fall
SBPS 8540 Advocacy in Action: Policy Strategies for Public Health Leaders (3)
SPHL 9470 Practice-Based Portfolio: Culminating Experience (2)
Credit Hours 5
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 48
Contact Us
Program Director: Gretchen Clum, PhD
Phone: 504.988.4536 or 800.862.2122
Email: sphtmadmissions@tulane.edu
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