ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬

Please contact Graduate Admission (gradadmis@fairfield.edu, 203-254-4184) or DrPH Program Director, Dr. Anthony Santella (asantella@fairfield.edu).

A DrPH focuses on applying research and leadership skills to address public health challenges, often leading to careers in practice, administration, or academia. DrPH coursework is typically completed on a part-time basis, and students are usually self-funded. Additionally, DrPH students are required to complete an applied practice experience.

In contrast, a PhD emphasizes research and theoretical knowledge, with graduates typically pursuing academic, research, or policy analysis roles. PhD students are generally enrolled full-time, with tuition typically supported by their institution.

The online DrPH program at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ is designed to prepare public health professionals for advanced leadership roles in academia, healthcare, policymaking, and research. As all academic programs at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ are rooted in Jesuit values, the program emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and service to underserved populations. With an emphasis on refining essential public health skills such as research methods, policy analysis, program design, and public health education, this program equips graduates to address complex public health challenges on both local and global scales.

The Public Health Program at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ is undergoing a review by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for accreditation (transitioning from an accredited undergraduate program to a public health program inclusive of our MPH and DrPH programs.

We offer two plans of study: a 57-credit plan for students with a master’s degree in a field other than public health (e.g., MS, MA, MSW, MSEd, MBA, MHA), and a 42-credit plan for students who have earned an MPH.

Yes, our students complete a part-time, cohort program that begins each Fall (the day after Labor Day).

All coursework is delivered online and asynchronously. Asynchronous coursework allows students to complete lessons, assignments, and exams on their schedule, without the need for real-time (synchronous) participation. This format provides flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own pace while still meeting course deadlines. Faculty provide office hours and periodic optional class sessions live on Zoom.

Students in the 42-credit program will complete the below courses in addition to two electives.

Students in the 57-credit plan will complete 15 MPH foundational credits, followed by the 42-credit plan described above. Those additional courses include the following.

The Fairfield DrPH program offers a generalist concentration. Its coursework is designed to address the 20 CEPH-required competencies across key domains: data and analysis; leadership, policy, and governance; policy and programs; and education and workforce development. In addition, the Fairfield generalist track emphasizes additional competencies in storytelling and data visualization, implementation science, and applied ethics.

The dissertation phase of the program spans the final 12 months, during which students complete three courses (8 credits) to plan, execute, and defend their dissertation. The dissertation will result in three publishable manuscripts. Each DrPH student will work with a three-person dissertation committee. Faculty from across the University are open to working with DrPH students.

Yes, there are three required residencies, one each year (around September/October), where all DrPH students, regardless of cohort, come together. Residency locations will rotate between Fairfield, CT, Austin, TX, and Washington, DC. The agenda will include guest speakers, case study discussions, career development, skills development, and dissertation preparation. While not required, might we say that online students are welcome to campus and are invited to attend Commencement.

Yes, financial aid is available to students enrolled in the online DrPH online program while enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Yes, for a list of opportunities please visit the Graduate Assistantship section of the Graduate Aid and Assistantships page.

The Doctor of Public Health is a low residency program and cannot support international students seeking an I-20, which is needed to receive an F1 student visa.