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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
Tuition: $1,200/credit (includes housing/meals during residencies)
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.
Please note that applications and all materials must be received at least three weeks before the start of the fall term.
Requirements:
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.
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
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.
Visionary by nature.
Jesuit Catholic by origin.
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.
