Public health study and practice covers many degrees, most often the masters in public health (MPH), and different doctoral degrees like a DrPH, PhD, or MD. Many professionals pursue a doctorate degree to advance their career.

How do you decide which degree is right for you? What’s the difference between a PhD and a DrPH?

Simply stated, a PhD is designed for a career in research, most often in academia (i.e. being a professor), while a DrPH is designed for practitioners who seek to work in leadership positions in ‘the field.’

A DrPH is the “practitioner doctorate,” for public health. Other practitioner doctorates include the Doctorate of Nursing Practice, for nursing, Doctor of Education, for education, and Doctor of Public Administration, for the public sector. All of these degrees prepare individuals for leadership roles in their field and for translating research into real-world solutions.

Here are key differences:

Program Requirements

Most DrPH programs require some professional experience, typically a minimum 3 years, and often a masters degree. PhD programs do not require professional experience, though there is increasing preference for some experience. Undergraduates thus can apply directly into PhD programs, but not DrPH programs.

Program Logistics

Typically, PhD programs are full-time and in-person only, especially in competitive programs. However, for DrPH programs, some top schools in the country, such as Johns Hopkins and the University of North Carolina, offer remote and part-time degrees. Considering this flexibility, program timeframes differ. PhD programs can take 4-7 years, while DrPH programs can take 3-7 years, depending upon full-time status. In general, a full-time DrPH program takes less time than a PhD program.

Curriculum Focus

Being research-oriented, most PhD programs have substantial research methods requirements. DrPH programs include some research methods training to offer foundational knowledge, but the core curriculum focuses on leadership and/or management training for high-level positions and sector impact after graduation.

Final Project – Dissertation/Thesis

The culmination of a PhD is a well-researched dissertation in the form of a near-book length paper or three publish-ready shorter papers. The culmination of the DrPH, however, varies. Some programs require a product similar to a PhD dissertation, while others have a doctoral thesis or doctoral project, which includes real-world experience and a deliverable with more immediate practical value. Before applying to graduate programs, make sure to review the culminating requirements.

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