Wondering what you can do with a DrPH? See how a DrPH program prepares graduates for high-impact public health careers and leadership.
For many public health professionals, the next step in their journey is a doctoral degree that prepares them to take on senior roles and shape the future of health systems. Designed for experienced practitioners, a Doctor of Public Health degree equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle pressing public health issues, guide organizations, and influence policy.
Whether you’re drawn to research and practice, public health leadership, or program development, a Doctor of Public Health can expand your impact and open new career doors.
Skills Developed in a DrPH Program
One of the most valuable aspects of an Doctor of Public Health is the range of competencies students develop over the course of their studies. These DrPH skills prepare graduates not only for leadership but also for creating meaningful change in their communities.
Research Methods and Analytical Skills
DrPH students engage deeply with research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based approaches to addressing health challenges. While a PhD often emphasizes theoretical exploration, a DrPH program blends research with applied solutions, giving graduates the ability to generate insights and put them into practice.
Leadership Skills and Strategic Thinking
Because many graduates step into leadership positions, leadership development is woven throughout the curriculum. Students learn to manage teams, oversee projects, and make high-level decisions about policy and resource allocation. These leadership skills are essential for shaping public health at the organizational, regional, or national level.
Communication and Advocacy
Doctors of Public Health must be able to translate complex data into accessible strategies for diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to community leaders. The programs usually emphasize strong communication, presentation, and advocacy skills, enabling graduates to advance initiatives effectively.
Practical Experiences
In addition to classroom learning, DrPH programs emphasize practical experiences. Students apply theory in real-world contexts, gaining the confidence and insight needed to address public health issues with agility and creativity. For instance, many DrPH students complete field-based projects with public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, or healthcare systems. A student might partner with a city health department to design and evaluate a new community vaccination campaign or work with a hospital network to develop strategies for reducing health disparities in patient outcomes. Others may consult with international NGOs on issues such as maternal health or pandemic preparedness.
Through these hands-on experiences, students learn to translate research into policy, manage interdisciplinary teams, and create data-driven interventions that improve health at the population level.
The Fairfield DrPH Design
Fairfield’s Doctor of Public Health program is specifically designed for working professionals. As part of the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies, its flexible part-time format and accessible online structure mean that students can continue contributing to their organizations while developing the DrPH skills that prepare them for the next stage of their careers. According to Dr. Anthony Santella, director of the DrPH program at Fairfield, “the program aligns with Fairfield University’s commitment to developing ethical leaders and agents of change in public health.” He adds, “Our coursework has an emphasis on public health leadership, management, and governance—key competencies for driving systemic change and improving population health outcomes. Faculty also recognize the importance of shaping a program that reflects emerging trends in the field, including addressing health disparities, responding to global health crises, and applying data-driven strategies to improve population health.”
Careers and Opportunities with a DrPH
One of the biggest draws of pursuing a Doctor of Public Health program is the wide range of opportunities available after graduation. With advanced DrPH skills in leadership, research, and communication, graduates are prepared for impactful, future-focused roles.
Public Health Leadership Roles
Many DrPH students pursue careers in public health leadership, taking on executive roles within agencies, nonprofits, or healthcare systems. In these roles, graduates use their leadership skills to direct teams, manage budgets, and oversee policies that address pressing health disparities.
Graduates often step into senior leadership positions, such as:
- Executive director of a local or state health department
- Chief program officer at a national nonprofit
- Vice president of community health initiatives at a hospital system
- Public health director or analyst
These DrPH careers allow graduates to influence policies, allocate resources, and lead efforts to address pressing public health issues.
Research and Policy Careers
A DrPH degree also prepares graduates for roles in research and practice. From evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions to analyzing policies, public health professionals with a DrPH are highly valued in think tanks, government agencies, and international organizations. Graduates are trained to design studies, evaluate programs, and apply findings to shape interventions that improve population health. Unlike purely academic research, these efforts are geared toward immediate, actionable outcomes.
- Research scientist
- Policy director
- Executive director at an agency
Academic and Training Positions
Some graduates choose to enter academia, where they apply their expertise to train the next generation of public health practitioners. Their ability to combine scholarship with applied knowledge makes them strong educators and mentors.
- Public health faculty member
Career Outlook for DrPH Graduates
The demand for DrPH leaders with advanced training continues to grow. As global and local communities grapple with complex public health issues, the need for highly skilled professionals capable of both research and leadership is stronger than ever.
A Growing Field
The career outlook for a DrPH is positive, especially in sectors like healthcare administration, government, and nonprofit management. With a doctoral degree in public health, graduates are positioned to lead multidisciplinary teams and design solutions that address evolving challenges. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track the career outlook for DrPHs specifically, it projects a 23% increase in demand for medical and health services managers over the next 10 years.
Competitive Advantage
Compared to other public health programs, a DrPH program provides a distinct competitive edge. By combining rigorous research methods with practical experiences, graduates can move seamlessly into roles that require both high-level strategy and real-world problem-solving.
Global Opportunities
As health crises and disparities cross borders, so too does the demand for public health leadership. With a DrPH degree, graduates can pursue opportunities in global public health, working with international organizations, NGOs, and governments to create lasting impact.
What You Can Do with a DrPH?
For professionals wondering whether a Doctor of Public Health program is worth pursuing, the answer lies in the outcomes. An online Doctor of Public Health equips you with advanced public health skills, from research methods to leadership skills, that prepare you for impactful careers in policy, practice, and leadership.
With the ability to step into high-level DrPH careers, graduates are ready to lead change, address urgent public health issues, and guide organizations into the future.
Fairfield’s DrPH program, designed for working professionals, ensures that you can continue contributing to the field while preparing for the next chapter in your career.
