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 Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is an advanced terminal degree, comparable to the Doctor of Philosophy, but with a professional, practice-driven approach that prepares leaders to drive change in the field rather than in the classroom or at the research bench. The Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine offers two exciting DrPH programs designed to prepare leaders for the complex challenges of the future. Both programs rely on a cohort model that builds community. 

An MPH or a master's degree is preferred for admission to the DrPH programs. Students without an MPH degree will be  may be required to complete the Foundational Master of Public Health curriculum (5 courses, 15 credit hours). See individual DrPH admission and program requirements for full details for each program.

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.