Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) – Public Health Practice
Available Fall 2027
Empower Communities for Increased Health with Advanced Knowledge in Public Health Practice
Do you want to cultivate your passion and expertise in public health practice? Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Public Health Practice is designed to help equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead in a variety of public health settings. Whether you’re looking to tackle health challenges in your local community or make an impact on a global scale, this degree can help give you the practical training you need. From managing health programs to shaping public health policies, you can prepare to step into potential public health leadership roles where you can make an impact.
In this residential DrPH program, you won’t just learn about public health in the classroom – you’ll have the chance to experience it. With hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and opportunities to engage directly with health organizations, you’ll have the chance to see how the theories you study can play out in practice. Your doctoral studies will cover a wide range of topics, from epidemiology and biostatistics to community health and health equity. This well-rounded approach can help prepare you to address complex issues in healthcare delivery and policy with expertise. Plus, with a focus on applied practice, you can have the potential to bring about meaningful change in the lives of the people you serve.
If you’re passionate about making communities healthier and stronger, and you want to hone your knowledge and skills in the public health field, Liberty’s DrPH program could be an effective path for you. You’ll work alongside experienced faculty and fellow students who share your drive to create healthier futures, all while having opportunities to develop the leadership skills necessary to drive meaningful public health initiatives. Whether you want to lead a nonprofit, influence policy, or manage large-scale health programs, Liberty’s DrPH in Public Health Practice could be an ideal next step in pursuing your goals.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our Public Health Practice DrPH Degree Program
Resources
Explore over 20 teaching and research laboratories. Plus, you can participate in professional development resources, including Liberty’s career services, alumni network, and public health-specific student organizations.
Mentorship
Engage with faculty who are experienced practitioners in academia, industry, and government, bringing real-world expertise and mentorship to your academic experience.
Research
Access Liberty’s state-of-the-art Jerry Falwell Library, with over 3 million electronic and physical resources as well as journals, periodicals, and specialized databases.
Network
Benefit from Liberty’s vast network of partnerships with healthcare organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit sectors, enhancing your professional growth.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Doctorate Degree in Public Health – Public Health Practice?
Liberty University’s Doctor in Public Health with a specialization in Public Health Practice can help prepare you for the following occupations:
- Chief public health officer
- Community health program manager
- Epidemiologist
- Global health consultant
- Health policy advisor
- Nonprofit executive director
- Public health consultant
- Public health 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 Our DrPH in Public Health Practice Degree Program?
In Liberty’s DrPH degree with a health practice focus, you can explore essential skills needed to engage in practical aspects of the public health field. These areas include financial management, planning, program evaluation, health advocacy through media, and leadership and communication.
Courses in our Doctor of Public Health – Public Health Practice residential program will introduce you to the foundations of resource management, financial management theory, and the complexities of third-party reimbursement. You will also study the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of public health programs. In this part of your studies, you can learn about needs assessments, behavioral and educational assessments, and the process of writing objectives that guide successful programs.
Leadership and communication play a vital role in public health practice. Through your coursework, you can explore how to engage with diverse stakeholders, lead teams, and design strategic plans that promote collaboration. You’ll have the chance to study how health communication strategies, like social marketing and media advocacy, can drive meaningful changes in public health. Additionally, through research training and mentorship with our program’s experienced faculty, you will have the opportunity to sharpen your qualitative data collection and analysis skills.
Featured Doctorate Degree in Public Health Courses
PCHR 820 – Finances in Public Health Practice
PCHR 822 – Monitoring and Evaluation in Public Health Practice
PCHR 824 – Advanced Communication in Public Health Practice
PCHR 826 – Leadership and Management in Public 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 Degree in Public Health – Public Health Practice?
Access Exceptional Academic Resources
As a student in Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Health – Public Health Practice program, you’ll benefit from a rich academic environment equipped with top-tier resources. You’ll have access to the Jerry Falwell Library, where knowledgeable librarians can guide you through research databases and support your academic inquiries. The Writing Center is also available to help refine your writing, from coursework to your dissertation, so you can grow as a confident academic communicator.
Integrate Faith with Public Health Practice
At Liberty, your education goes beyond traditional academics. Through a curriculum that integrates Christian values, you’re encouraged to approach public health challenges with ethical and spiritual insight. This perspective helps you become not only a skilled practitioner but also a compassionate leader who considers the whole person in public health decision-making.
Showcase Your Research and Build Your Network
You’ll have exciting opportunities to share your work and engage with the academic community. Events like Liberty’s Research Week and the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition give you platforms to present your research, receive feedback, and connect with faculty and fellow students. These experiences can enrich your academic journey and strengthen your professional network.
Study on a Campus That Promotes Growth
Being part of Liberty’s residential program allows you to build meaningful connections with experienced faculty and like-minded peers. You’ll benefit from classroom collaboration, hands-on projects, and partnerships with public health organizations that encourage leadership and applied research. With Liberty’s supportive and faith-based campus environment, you can grow academically, professionally, and personally as you pursue your goals in public health.
Admissions
How Do You Become a DrPH Public Health Practice 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.