Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The DrPH, while not considered a research oriented degree, does require students to conduct an original research project, which is usually of an applied, policy, or health systems delivery nature.  The undertaking of research teaches essential problem-solving and analytical skills that will serve the student in the applied public health, environmental health, or occupational health settings where graduates will likely work.

DrPH Degree Learning Objectives:

The DrPH in Environmental Health is a professional degree designed to prepare students with a minimum of three years previous experience in environmental health to assume the administrative and leadership roles in public health.  The program is designed to build on knowledge that students have developed through their previous professional experience that will enhance their ability to assume roles of leadership as public health professionals.

The general learning objectives of the DrPH degree include:

• manage environmental programs at the highest level of an organizational structure;
• counsel private or public management in making environmentally sound decisions;
• prepare and interpret environmental regulations and regulatory programs.

The department offers three emphases for the DrPH degree which are Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Management and Policy.

The learning objectives of the DrPH program in Environmental Health will enable the student to:

• select the appropriate tools for evaluating and controlling environmental exposures that may lead to adverse effects on humans or the ecosystem;
• implement or use environmental policies, processes, and technology to minimize impact on the environment as a result of human endeavors.

The learning objectives of the DrPH program in Environmental Management and Policy will enable the student to:

• implement or use environmental policies, processes, and technology to minimize impact on the environment as a result of environmental disasters;
• thoroughly understand the mechanics of identifying toxic disasters (particularly those involving invisible agents);
• Effectively handle emergency situations as related to environmental disasters.

The learning objectives of the DrPH program in Occupational Health and Safety will enable the student to:

• apply chemical, biological, physical, and biostatistical tools from evaluating exposure levels resulting from work activities;
• thoroughly explain different engineering, administrative, and personal techniques for controlling occupational and consumer exposures.

Admission: Students applying to the DrPH program must have an MPH or equivalent degree.  Applicants with related master's degrees or other advanced degree will be admitted contingent upon the requirement that they complete the MPH core course requirements as part of their didactic requirements.  In addition, at least four years of professional experience in environmental or occupational health is required.

CURRICULUM

Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours of didactic coursework, and a minimum of 12 hours of research credit. At least 27 of the didactic hours must be from the DrPH core curriculum. The student will also complete a minimum of 18 hours of didactic coursework relative to their area of interest and preparatory to their dissertation research as determined in consultation with their academic advisory committee. This coursework is in addition to having, or obtaining, the equivalent of the School of Public Health MPH core course requirements. The typical full-time graduate student takes 3-4 years to complete the requirements for the DrPH degree. Part-time students will take longer; however, the maximum amount of time allowed by the School of Public Health to complete a DrPH degree is seven years. Any exception to these requirements must be requested in writing by the department chair and approved by the Academic Affairs Dean. Part-time students must register for a minimum of three credits each semester until degree is completed. Students can focus their studies in the toxicology, occupational health and safety, or environmental management/policy aspects of Environmental Health Sciences. The core academic requirements for all programs are:

Core
ENH 650, Environmental and Occupational Toxicology and Diseases	5
ENH 700, Scientific Basis of Environmental Health	3
ENH 710, Grant Proposal Writing in Biomedical Sciences	1
ENH 770, Advanced Topics in Environmental Disasters and Public Health	3
ENH 790, Current Topics in Environmental Health Sciences Research	1
GRD 717, Principles of Scientific Integrity or HCO 670 Social and Ethical Issues	3
BST 611, Intermediate Statistical Analysis I	3
BST 612, Intermediate Statistical Analysis II	3
EPI 610, Principals of Epidemiologic Research & Lab	4
ENH 790 Current Topics in Environmental Health Sciences Research	2
Core Total	28 hours
Research
ENH 798, Doctoral Level Directed Research	6
ENH 799, Doctoral Research (At least 2 semesters required before graduation)	6
Research Total	12 hours
Environmental Health/ Toxicology and Management & Policy focus
Electives – chosen in consultation with advisor	18
ENH 791 Advanced Environmental Health Sciences Seminar *
ENH 790 Current Topics in Environmental Health Sciences Research *
Minimum Credit hours for ENH/TOX or M&P focus Degree	61
OHS focus
Electives – chosen in consultation with advisor	18
ENH 691, Industrial Hygiene Seminar *
ENH 680, Interdisciplinary Field Studies *
ENH 681, Interdisciplinary Worksite Evaluations *
Minimum Credit hours for Occupational Health and Safety focus Degree	67
*Must be taken each semester offered (while in residence) until graduation