Doctor of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health
Available Fall 2026
Become Empowered to Make a Meaningful Impact on the Health of Mothers and Children Worldwide with Our Doctor of Public Health
A Doctor of Public Health, commonly referred to as a DrPH, is a professional degree designed for public health practitioners. This program focuses on the practical application of public health principles across a variety of fields — including communications, marketing, public policy and advocacy, economics, and more — helping you prepare to pursue roles in practice-based settings.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Maternal and Child Health at Liberty University is a dynamic program that can help you prepare to address the health needs of women, children, and families from a public health perspective. If you are seeking to lead public health initiatives, influence policy, and implement programs that can make a real difference in maternal and child health outcomes, this program may be the right fit for you. With a focus on both global and local health issues, this program can help equip you with the skills to manage health programs, conduct meaningful research, and advocate for policies that promote the well-being of mothers and children.
In this program, you can dive deep into the social, behavioral, environmental, and political factors that impact maternal and child health. You can also develop leadership skills essential for advancing the field of public health. The program emphasizes practical experience through a practicum, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and gain hands-on experience in the field. Additionally, the dissertation process enables you to contribute to the growing body of research in maternal and child health. Through a combination of coursework, fieldwork, and research, this program can help you prepare to pursue roles in public health leadership and advocacy.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 24, 2026
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our Doctorate in Public Health Degree
Study Under Expert Faculty
Throughout your academic journey, you’ll be guided by experienced faculty who bring real-world public health knowledge into the classroom. Their mentorship can help shape your career and deepen your understanding of maternal and child health.
Study What Matters Most
Your coursework will explore critical topics like nutrition, reproductive health, and health policy as they relate to mothers and children. These in-depth courses are designed to give you a well-rounded foundation in this vital area of public health.
Develop Strong Research Skills
You can gain experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, helping equip you to analyze and respond to complex public health challenges. These skills are essential for anyone seeking to lead or innovate in the field of maternal and child health.
Contribute Meaningful Research
As part of your program, you’ll complete a comprehensive dissertation that allows you to contribute original research to the field. This process not only showcases your expertise but also helps advance best practices in maternal and child health.
Apply What You Study in the Field
Through a hands-on practicum, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world public health settings. This practical experience can help prepare you to serve communities and address maternal and child health needs effectively.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Public Health Degree?
Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Community health manager/director
- Health department director
- Health officer
- Health policy advisor
- Maternal and child health consultant
- Maternal and child health program director
- Public health consultant
- Public health information officer
- Public health program director
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in in Our Maternal and Child Health Doctor of Public Health Program?
In the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Maternal and Child Health program, you will study a range of topics designed to equip you with the expertise needed to address the complex health issues affecting women, infants, and children. You’ll participate in foundational courses in leadership and management, which can help you develop the skills to lead and manage effective health programs.
Your research abilities can be strengthened through courses like Quantitative Research Methods in Public Health Practice as well as Qualitative and Mixed Research Methods in Public Health Practice. You’ll also complete specialized courses such as Maternal and Child Nutrition, Reproductive Health, and Women and Children Health Policy. Additionally, you’ll participate in courses like Public Health Policy, Advocacy, and Ethics as well as Health Communications and Workforce Development.
The program also includes practical components. A practicum and dissertation provide hands-on experience and an opportunity to contribute original research to the field of maternal and child health. Through these studies, you can develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that may help you pursue leadership roles in the field of public health.
Featured Doctorate in Public Health Courses
PCHR 810 – Foundations of Maternal and Child Health
PCHR 812 – Women and Children Health Policy
PCHR 814 – Maternal and Child Nutrition
PCHR 816 – Reproductive Health
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Health Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Doctorate of Public Health – Maternal and Child Health Degree?
Grow in a Christ-Centered Academic Community
At Liberty University, you can experience a powerful blend of academic excellence, professional training, and spiritual support. Choosing Liberty for your DrPH in Maternal and Child Health means joining a university committed to helping you grow as both a scholar and a person.
Study Under Experts in a Collaborative Setting
Liberty’s faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, offering insights that go far beyond textbook learning. As a residential student, you’ll benefit from face-to-face interactions with professors and classmates, creating a dynamic environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive.
Apply Your Knowledge Through Real-World Experience
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on practical learning. Through your practicum, you’ll work directly with communities and public health organizations to address real maternal and child health challenges, helping equip you to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Receive Comprehensive Support with a Christian Foundation
Liberty offers more than academic rigor, we provide a full support system that includes academic advising, career services, and spiritual mentorship. With a Christian worldview woven throughout the program, you’ll be encouraged to approach public health leadership with compassion, ethics, and purpose.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Doctor of Public Health Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a Master of Public Health or a Master of Science in Public Health from a CEPH-accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- Those with a non-CEPH accredited MPH, MSPH, or health-related master’s degree can be considered but may be required to take PCHR 700 (Introduction to the Foundations of Public Health) and any of the following missing prerequisite courses:
- Biostatistics
- Principles of Environmental Health
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Public Health Administration
- Research Methods in Public Health
- Social & Behavioral Theory App. in Public Health
- Those with a non-CEPH accredited MPH, MSPH, or health-related master’s degree can be considered but may be required to take PCHR 700 (Introduction to the Foundations of Public Health) and any of the following missing prerequisite courses:
- 2 faculty/professional recommendation letters submitted via email to admissionsdocs@liberty.edu (must include physical signature of recommender). One must be from current or former faculty. One must be from current or former work supervisor or related
- Public Health Essay (see our Statement of Purpose page for details)
- Department approval
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.