The Doctor of Public Health is offered in a specific concentration through the following departments:

• Behavioral and Environmental Health - with a concentration in Behavioral Health Promotion and Education
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics - with a concentration in Epidemiology 
• Health Policy and Management - with a concentration in Health Policy and Management

Overview

The Doctor of Public Health degree provides a foundation of core and concentration specific courses beyond the master’s degree that will prepare the student for leadership roles in public health research and/or practice. This includes a dissertation that involves independent study under a faculty mentor. The specific program at Jackson State University focuses on eliminating disparities in public health and health
services.

The DrPH Degree Program prepares students to assume leadership roles in public health, especially as research scientists, administrators, educators, or practitioners. Such roles can be expected to include, but not be limited to, positions in for-profit and non-profit organizations and agencies such as universities, public health agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs), hospitals, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, research firms, and other settings where public health specialists are employed.

The program will include advanced theoretical and practical studies in the specialized fields of public health as well as the preparation of a dissertation. The dissertation will establish the student as a competent researcher and scholar, capable of conducting and supervising independent research studies. Students will be trained to study public health from a multidisciplinary.

Students will master core competencies in public health as well as specialized courses in their chosen concentration. They will develop a high level of analytical (quantitative and qualitative research) skills, complemented by an extensive breadth of relevant leadership knowledge in management, research and/or program implementation and evaluation.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to the DrPH program include dual admission to the Division of Graduate Studies and to the program itself. All students seeking admission to the program must meet the following criteria:

• A master's degree in Public Health from a CEPH accredited program.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• DrPH program and Division of Graduate Studies applications.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.3 or above (on a 4.0 scale) on the highest earned degree.
• Two official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended prior to program application.
• A satisfactory score on the GRE taken within the last five years.
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from academic professionals.
• Statement of purpose reflecting applicant’s career goals in public health.
• A successful interview is required with the screening committee.
• For international applicants, satisfactory performance on TOEFL demonstrating oral and written proficiency.

Admission to the Division of Graduate Studies does not automatically guarantee admission to the DrPH Program. The priority deadline for Fall admission is March 1.

Residency Requirements

The minimum period of residency for the degree in Public Health is two years or the equivalent of enrollment for four consecutive semesters. The students must be full-time and therefore must take at least nine credit hours each semester counted toward residency. The student must meet the minimum residency requirement prior to taking the comprehensive examination.

Time Limit for Degree

A student has ten (10) years from the initial semester of enrollment to complete all requirements for the DrPH degree. However, for students entering the program with a MPH, it is expected that the student complete all requirements for the degree within six (6) years from the initial semester of enrollment. For students entering the program without a MPH, it is expected that the student complete all requirements for the degree within seven (7) years from the initial semester of enrollment. Failure to satisfy all requirements during this period may result in suspension, or other options including dismissal.

Degree Requirements

The DrPH curriculum provides a broad grounding in overall public health knowledge and skills in addition to an in-depth learning experience within the program concentrations. The curriculum represents an interdisciplinary approach and bridging of academic core areas.

Community Research Practicum

Students are required to spend a minimum of 100 clock hours per semester in the community health research practicum. A minimum of three hours per week must be on site. The research practicum, which begins the second semester of enrollment, requires three continuous, one semester hour courses, which culminates in the final semester. A written and oral presentation of the practice/community research project and the submission of a manuscript to a refereed journal for publication review are required to complete the third course. Students are required to present at a fall colloquium after completion of the three consecutive semesters of field experience.

Research Prospectus

To become a candidate for the DrPH degree, students must successfully complete requirements for the Graduate Area Comprehensive Examination (GACE). The GACE is satisfied with the completion of a research prospectus during the second semester of enrollment in the 700 level advanced courses. Students work with a mentor, identified upon admission, to develop the research prospectus during PHS 703 DESGNG RES STUD ON MIN&SPEC PO and PHS 704 SURV & QUANT RESEARCH METHODS courses.

Transfer of Credits

Students accepted into the program may transfer up to nine (9) credit hours of graduate work from an accredited institution of higher education at the discretion of the academic faculty, Program Chair, and School Dean.

Course Requirements

Candidates with a Master of Public Health Degree

Track I: The curriculum is divided into advanced core courses (24 credit hours), concentration courses (15 credit hours), one selected elective (3 hours), a community research practicum (3 credit hours), and a dissertation. The advanced core courses (24 credit hours) are required for each concentration. The required concentration courses are specific to each concentration. The selected elective (3 credit hours) expand the student’s focus within the core and/or a specific concentration. Although electives may be selected from other disciplines, including non-public health degree programs, they must be related to the concentration of interest and approved by the doctoral program advisors.

The community research practicum – the field residency – is based on leadership practice/research and issues related to crosscutting competencies in public health – both foundational and concentration. The practicum allows students to develop insight into planning their dissertation research so that topics can be focused on addressing practical concerns in public health and the community. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credit hours plus a dissertation. Students with an MPH may transfer up to nine credits.

Candidates without a Master of Public Health Degree

Track II: All students without a Master of Public Health degree are required to successfully complete prerequisite introductory public health core courses in each of the five core areas of public health (500 level): epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health policy and management, and behavioral health, prior to beginning their advanced (700 level) courses.

Upon admission into the program, students must choose a concentration in public health for their doctoral studies. The course requirements for the concentrations of Behavioral Health Promotion and Education, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management are listed below.

Total Hours = 45 (not including dissertation)

Concentration Courses

The course requirements for the concentrations of Behavioral Health Promotion & Education, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management: 

Behavioral Health Promotion and Education

Epidemiology

Health Policy and Management