DrPH Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply to the Doctoral Program in Environmental and Occupational Health?
The program is designed for mid- to senior-level public health and healthcare professionals with the potential and ambition to become senior leaders and who are committed to protecting and improving environmental public health.
What kind of jobs will the DrPH program prepare students for?
Many students in our DrPH program are already employed full time, and many aim to remain with their current employers when they finish the program. However, we expect our graduates to leverage their DrPH degrees to move into progressively higher-level positions in which they can have maximum influence on the public’s health.
Is a Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in environmental health degree (MSEH) a prerequisite for admission into the program?
Not necessarily. A graduate degree in public health or environmental health is not required but preferred. Per CEPH accreditation, doctoral students must demonstrate knowledge of foundational public health learning objectives.
Must I have experience working in environmental/occupational public health to be eligible?
Yes. The DrPH is a professional, practice-based degree. You must demonstrate having worked at least two years of applied environmental public health experience, preferably in a local, state, federal, tribal health department, not-for-profit, agency or organization to be eligible.
Where are the classes taught? All instructional courses can be completed remotely, on-line. Is a dissertation required in the DrPH program?
Yes. Students should begin planning their dissertation in the first year of their studies and spend most of the third year completing it. The field practicum course offers the ability to collect data for the dissertation. The selection for the agency/organization for the field practicum is the responsibility of the student and must be approved by the advisor and should be a consideration prior to applying to the program.
Will I be required to come to campus?
Doctoral students are expected may take the final qualifying examination on-line. The dissertation defense is held on campus. However, military students and special case scenarios will be considered based on individual situations to accommodate students.
Is the GRE required for Admission consideration?
We do not require the GRE for admission consideration.
How long does the program typically take to complete?
A full-time student should be able to complete the required courses in approximately 5 semesters (Spring/Fall) and 3 semesters to complete the dissertation.
Is funding available to cover tuition or fees?
Competitive tuition remissions may be available. However, students must be on-campus and work with a faculty advisor. Current laws and policies do not provide allowances for international students to qualify for our doctoral stipends. More information can be found by contacting the ECU Graduate School.
Is health insurance available to doctoral students?
Yes, health insurance can be purchased through ECU for students who are registered for at least 3 credits of campus-based courses. It is not available to students who register for only online courses.
ECU Student Health Service health insurance information