Fairfield Egan Launches Doctor of Public Health Program

The first and only such degree program in Connecticut, the DrPH focuses on advanced public health practice and leadership.

Fairfield University’s Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies has launched an online doctor of public health (DrPH) program, the first of its kind in the state of Connecticut. The low-residency program is currently accepting applications for its first cohort, slated to begin classes in September 2025.

“The launch of our new online DrPH program marks a transformative step toward empowering public health leaders,” said program director and professor of public health Anthony Santella, DrPH, MCHES, CPH. “By combining academic rigor with the flexibility of online learning, we are expanding access to advanced education that drives real-world impact and innovation in public health practice."

The part-time DrPH program is intended for those who hold a master’s degree or higher in any academic field and is designed to be completed in 33-44 months. Student complete coursework asynchronously and participate in three distinct residencies — held in Washington, D.C., and at Fairfield’s two campuses in Austin, Texas and Fairfield, Conn.

With the launch of the program, Fairfield becomes the first Jesuit university to offer a full contingent of public health degrees — a bachelor of science in public health, an MPH, and now a DrPH.

“The addition of an online DrPH to our Public Health Program reflects the University's strong commitment to public health practice — preparing seasoned professionals with the skills, experience, and leadership to tackle challenges of public health significance in real-world settings,” said Dr. Santella.

The public health program at Fairfield Egan is currently undergoing a review by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) to transition from an accredited undergraduate program to a public health program inclusive of the MPH and DrPH programs. A decision is expected in June 2025. The national accreditation by the independent agency is the highest standard of recognition for public health programs.

In addition to its graduate programs in public health, Fairfield Egan offers a range of graduate degrees, from its nationally ranked doctor of nursing practice degree programs in midwifery and nurse anesthesia to its interdisciplinary master of science in healthcare administration and dual master of nursing practice and master of business administration degree programs.

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