Degree Programs
Doctor of Public Health in Global Health Leadership
This exciting new doctoral degree will prepare students to be knowledgeable and innovative leaders capable of effectively addressing the challenging and complex public health issues facing the world today. Based in the school’s Health Policy and Management department, the degree is a three-year, cohort-based distance program offered online. Classes will be delivered in real time via internet video. Students will meet face-to-face three times each year in Year One and Year Two. Most in-person sessions will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, although some may take place elsewhere in the U.S. or around the world. Students will complete their dissertations in Year Three.
Some international students admitted into the DrPH program may need visas to enter the United States for the three short residential visits in program years one and two. For those who require it, the IUPUI Office of International Affairs will assist with issuance of a form I-20 required for an F-1 visa.
The target audience is mid- to senior-level professionals who are working full-time in organizations in which they have the ability to influence the health of populations anywhere in the world. We seek students from a wide range of backgrounds, including non-profit and for-profit health care settings, NGOs, non-profit organizations, pharma, government agencies, Ministries of Health, and foundations, as well as non-traditional settings.
A hallmark of the program is the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and home bases of our students. Our goal is to admit cohorts of 12 to 15 students who are as different from each other as possible, since diverse cohorts of learners inspire each other to think creatively.
Successful applicants will have strong academic records, at least a master’s degree (not necessarily in public health), and a minimum of several years of experience in a wide range of healthcare settings in roles with substantial management responsibility. We seek individuals who aspire to practice-oriented careers and leadership roles in organizations in which they can have maximum influence on the public’s health.
Leadership skills are cultivated through diverse experiences and exposure to a wide range of perspectives. Learning is achieved experientially, through highly interactive debates and discussions. Small class sizes and live internet video allow for rich exchanges in real time, regardless of where in the world students are located.
The Fairbanks School of Public Health offers unique advantages, including:
- Global curriculum. All courses will be internationalized. Competencies gained will be applicable whether individuals live and work in Indiana, the U.S., or anywhere in the world.
- Global faculty. In addition to U.S.-based faculty, program faculty will include international faculty based in other parts of the world.
- Global network. The program will leverage relationships with other schools and programs, including opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students based around the world.
There is no U.S. accreditation for DrPH programs, or for most individual degree programs. The Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
However, the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH) led a task force, “Framing the Future: The Second Hundred Years of Education for Public Health." A DrPH Expert Panel was convened to examine key considerations and design and content issues related to the DrPH degree. The panel issued a final report and recommendations in November 2014. These recommendations were the catalyst for refinements to the CEPH accreditation criteria in 2016, including new guidance for DrPH programs. The DrPH program at Fairbanks complies with these criteria.
Application Deadlines
US Applicants: March 1
International Applicants: February 1
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, personal statement, and resume or CV. The TOEFL is also required if the applicant’s native language is not English and none of the applicant’s previous degrees is awarded by an US accredited institution or other institution where English is the official language.
DrPH Global Health Leadership applications and supplemental materials must be submitted to the IU Graduate CAS application system (select IUPUI campus).
DrPH in Global Health Leadership Curriculum
To complete this degree, you will take a combination of leadership courses, public health courses, and research courses that together total 45 credits.
DrPH Leadership Courses
Take all seven courses for 15 credits
- A755 Organizational Leadership Theory and Practice (2 credits)
- A756 Leadership in Global Health Law and Ethics (2 credits)
- A759 Leadership in Global Health Systems (2 credits)
- A762 The Science of Global Health Implementation (2 credits)
- A765 Financing Global Health (3 credits)
- A767 Executive Communication for Global Health Leaders (2 credits)
- A770 Leadership for Global Marketing, Public Relations and Fund-raising (2 credits)
DrPH Public Health Courses
Take all four courses for seven credits
- A757 A Population Perspective for Global Health (1 credit)
- A760 Essentials of Practice-based Research (2 credits)
- A763 Leadership Challenges in Global Health Informatics (2 credits)
- A768 Global Health Policy Analysis and Advocacy (2 credits)
DrPH Research Courses
Take all eleven courses for 23 credits
- A758 Initiating the Research Process (1 credit)
- A761 Literature Review & Appraisal (2 credits)
- A777 Dissertation Preparation and Planning (2 credits)
- A766 Fundamentals of Research Analysis (3 credits)
- A769 Strategic Theory and Practice in Global Health Leadership (2 credits)
- A777 Dissertation Preparation and Planning (1 credit)
- A771 Program Evaluation for Global Health Leaders (2 credits)
- A778 Dissertation Preparation and Planning II (1 credit)
- A805 Doctoral Dissertation (3 credits)
- A805 Doctoral Dissertation (3 credits)
- A805 Doctoral Dissertation (3 credits)
