Doctoral Programs

Dean LaVeist with doctoral graduate Katie Vigil

The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine offers doctoral pathways for students seeking both research and practice-based careers.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is offered in seven different public health disciplines and is well-suited to students whose career aspirations include research and academic teaching. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Leadership in Social and Behavioral or in Leadership for International Health and Sustainable Development Sciences and provides early- to mid-career students with the skills and training to lead a wide variety of organizations.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health is an academic research degree that prepares students for research roles in a variety of public health settings. The PhD provides an understanding of theory and mechanisms of a topic area, research methods for conducting original research, and problem-solving approaches in public health settings. Students obtain in-depth knowledge of a public health field plus skills in research applications and methods. Graduates are prepared for careers in academic research, research institutes, and agencies.

All PhD programs require a minimum of 48-49 credits (depending on the concentration) beyond the bachelor's degree, independent research, and a dissertation.

Students who enter the PhD programs with a master’s degree that directly relates to the program of study may have credits applied toward their doctoral degree.Students enter the PhD programs with a prior master’s degree. The credits that may apply are determined by the department. At least 30 credits of advanced coursework must be taken at WSPH. 

The PhD is offered with concentrations in:

The requirements below must be fulfilled by all candidates for PhD degree at WSPH. Departments may have additional requirements beyond those listed.

  • Completion of a minimum of 48-49 credits (depending on the concentration) beyond the baccalaureate degree
  • Up to 18 credits from a master's degree may be applied if directly applicable to the doctoral study and approved by the department
  • At least 30 credits in advanced coursework beyond the master's degree completed while enrolled at Tulane SPHTM.
  • No more than 12 credits of independent studies/research may be applied toward the doctoral degree
  • Successful completion of the comprehensive exam
  • Submission of a written prospectus on proposed research
  • Doctoral research resulting in successful defense of a dissertation

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The DrPH is intended for early to mid-level career professionals to prepare them for leadership positions in any practice setting. Spanning the range of disciplines in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the program is interdisciplinary, providing an incubator for creative, innovative collaborations across varied backgrounds, experiences, and practice settings of students, faculty, staff, and external preceptors. The program is delivered entirely online, making it ideal for working professionals to complete alongside their existing jobs. Real-world challenges, data, and opportunities will be integrated throughout the program, leading to a greater network for alumni and highly competitive graduates in leadership positions. The DrPH is offered in the area of:

A master's degree is not required for admission to the DrPH program, but students without an MPH degree will be required to complete the Foundational Master of Public Health curriculum (5 courses, 15 credit hours).

DrPH students must complete the following:

  • A total of 42 credit hours consisting of:
    • DrPH foundational required courses (18 credits)
    • Advanced required courses (15 credits) 
    • Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience, which will provide DrPH students with a working portfolio (3 credits)
    • Electives (6 credits)

MD/PhD 

Tulane's MD/PhD in Public Health Program offers Tulane School of Medicine students a unique opportunity to build on their patient-based medical education with a population-based public health degree. The MD/PhD in Public Health Program provides the training necessary for students to work at the forefront of the public health field while concurrently developing outstanding clinical skills. The purpose of such a program is to train physician-scientists for careers as leaders in both academic medicine and research in a way that will address future public health needs. The MD/PhD in Public Health Program is available only to students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and have already been accepted to Tulane's School of Medicine.