Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Advance Public Health Through Ethical Leadership, Practice, and Service.
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Shape the Future of Public Health
Fairfield University’s online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is designed for professionals ready to lead with purpose and address today’s most complex public health challenges locally and globally. The program prepares graduates for advanced leadership roles in academia, healthcare, policymaking, and research.
Our program emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and service to underserved populations. Through asynchronous online coursework and three immersive in-person residencies, you’ll build the leadership, research, and communication skills needed to create sustainable, equitable health solutions.
Join a supportive cohort of peers and experienced faculty committed to your success. With small class sizes, career coaching throughout the program, and ample opportunities for collaboration, you’ll build strong professional connections while advancing your leadership in public health.
Why Choose an Online Doctor of Public Health Degree from Fairfield?
Ethical Leadership
in Action
Lead with purpose. Fairfield’s DrPH program centers on ethical decision-making, social justice, and service—preparing you to lead change and advocate for equity in public health systems.
Flexible for Working Professionals
Advance your education without pausing your career. The online, part-time format with asynchronous courses and annual residencies fits your schedule while offering the support of expert faculty.
Nationally Accredited Excellence
Earn a doctorate from a CEPH- and NECHE-accredited institution. Fairfield’s commitment to quality ensures your credentials are recognized, respected, and aligned with public health standards.
Real-World
Public Health Impact
Engage in experiential learning through applied practice, residencies, and a guided dissertation that tackles today’s public health challenges, making a difference in communities while you earn your degree.
Program Specifics
Why choose Fairfield? Our DrPH is asynchronous (no set log-in times) and designed to provide more flexibility to learn on your schedule and at your own pace. This structure makes it an ideal choice for busy professionals, allowing you to balance work, life, and education seamlessly.
- Program Starts: Fall
- Credits: 42 (MPH students) or 57 (other graduate degrees)
- Completion: 33-44 months
Our mission is to develop principled public health leaders who can apply evidence-based practices to address complex health challenges, reduce disparities, and advance health equity through collaborative leadership and community engagement.
The online DrPH program’s goals reflect strategies to fulfill this mission:
- Deliver rigorous, practice-based education that develops advanced competencies in leadership, policy, and public health systems.
- Foster interdisciplinary scholarship and translational research that bridges theory and practice.
- Promote ethical leadership grounded in social justice and service to underserved communities.
- Engage with diverse populations through sustained, community-informed initiatives to create lasting health impact.
Tuition: $1,200/credit (includes housing/meals during residencies)
- $50,400 (42-credit plan for students with an MPH)
- $68,400 (57-credit plan for students with related graduate degrees)
Additional fees: Textbooks, travel to residencies, etc.
The DrPH degree program at Fairfield University is designed for experienced public health professionals with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from a CEPH-accredited program or a related master’s degree.
Applicants with a graduate degree in a related field (e.g., MHA, MPA, MSN, MSW, MEd) must complete an additional 15 foundational MPH credits beyond the standard DrPH program requirements.
Applicants are required to demonstrate at least 3 years of professional experience in public health or healthcare following completion of the MPH or a related graduate degree.
Please note: Fairfield University cannot provide F-1 Visa I-20 documentation for international students enrolling in fully online or low-residency programs, including the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH).
We’re looking for passionate professionals ready to lead with vision and purpose.
Application Deadline: January 15 (Priority), June 15
Requirements:
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- MPH from a CEPH-accredited institution (preferred) or related degree
- Minimum of 3 years professional experience in public health or healthcare
- Current resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation (including academic and professional references)
- Statement of Purpose (1,000-1,200 words)
- Virtual interview with Program Director
- $65 application fee
Faculty Spotlight
Our supportive full-time DrPH faculty are scholars and practitioners dedicated to mentoring the next
generation of public health leaders.
Dr. Doughty brings extensive experience in public health research and education. She holds degrees in Nutrition & Dietetics (BS), Public Health (MPH), and Public Health Nutrition (PhD). Before joining Fairfield, she was a researcher at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, where she co-authored studies on school-based obesity prevention and nutrition-related health outcomes. Her primary interests include maternal and infant health, with a research focus on breastfeeding and early-life weight gain. Dr. Doughty is passionate about mentoring future public health professionals.
Dr. Anthony J. Santella is a Professor of Public Health and Director of the DrPH program. His research helps improve the sexual health of people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS, gender and sexual minorities, justice-involved persons, youth, and people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Santella earned a MPH in Health Policy and Management from Emory University, a DrPH in Health Systems Management from Tulane University, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education from Hofstra University and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist.
Dr. Bridget Hussain is an Assistant Professor of Public Health. She is clinically trained as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Her research examines the diet-disease relationship, identifying how nutrition can help prevent, treat, and manage chronic health conditions. Dr. Hussain earned an MS in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics and PhD in Epidemiology from New York University.
Dr. Schindler-Ruwisch holds a BS in Psychology and Public Health (William & Mary), an MPH from Columbia University, and a DrPH in Health Behavior from George Washington University. Her research focuses on nutrition-related diseases, obesity, smoking cessation, and maternal/child health. She has explored mobile health (mHealth) to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes. Passionate about health education and prevention, her doctoral work examined breastfeeding practices among WIC participants. She brings energy and expertise to empowering students in community and behavioral health.
Career Outcomes
A DrPH focuses on applying research and leadership skills to address public health challenges, often leading to careers in practice, administration, or academia. Earning a DrPH from Fairfield University positions you to lead at the highest levels of public health. With guidance from expert faculty and access to a broad alumni network, you’ll be prepared to influence policy, direct public health programs, educate future professionals, and drive sustainable health outcomes across sectors. Our graduates are prepared to lead in: • Public health departments • Nonprofits and NGOs • Healthcare systems • Government agencies • Academic and research institutions
Plan of Study
All coursework is delivered online and asynchronously. Asynchronous coursework allows students to complete lessons, assignments, and exams on their schedule, without the need for real-time (synchronous) participation. This format provides flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own pace while still meeting course deadlines. Faculty provide office hours and periodic optional class sessions live on Zoom. Courses focus on advanced public health practice, leadership, policy, and research.
The curriculum includes 18 courses, including 3 residencies (Fairfield, CT, Austin, TX, and Washington, DC), and two professional development opportunities, and a dissertation phase resulting in three publishable manuscripts. Courses include:
Students in the 57-credit plan will complete 15 MPH foundational credits, followed by the 42-credit plan described above. Those additional courses include the following.
Fairfield Mission
Visionary by nature. Jesuit through mission. Transformative by design. The driving force of Fairfield is our mission — to impact the world. It prompts us to ask important questions, to embrace our social responsibilities, and to lead by example. And it’s what has made us a premier institution in the Northeast. Let the mission be part of your journey.
