NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
PhD in Population Health
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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PhD
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This PhD program trains students to become public health researchers and leaders. You will investigate the root causes of adverse health outcomes, including disease, disparities, and disability, by examining social, environmental, nutritional, and behavioral risk factors. The program offers comprehensive training in core population health disciplines such as biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services, alongside specialized training tailored to your research interests. You will be mentored by distinguished faculty engaged in innovative, solution-focused research on critical population health topics. The curriculum allows for in-depth study of key health determinants, including social and community contexts, environment and neighborhoods, health and healthcare delivery, education, and economic stability. Faculty expertise spans a wide range of fields, enabling you to collaborate on cutting-edge, transdisciplinary research.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Population Health?
- A master's degree in public health or a closely related field is required. This program is designed for advanced entry, typically for individuals with an existing master's degree and full-time employment with a sponsoring company or agency.
- How do I apply for the PhD in Population Health?
- You will need to explore available PhD programs, review specific admission requirements for doctoral programs, gather application materials like transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, and submit your online graduate application by the deadline.
- What is the duration of the PhD in Population Health program?
- The program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours including core courses, specialization courses, and electives, culminating in a dissertation. Specific program duration is not detailed but implies post-master's study.
- What are the tuition fees for the PhD in Population Health?
- Tuition rates for this online program are available via the Northeastern Online Tuition portal and are billed per term on a pay-as-you-go basis, with rates effective Fall 2026.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students in this program?
- Several scholarships are available for online programs, including automatic tuition discounts like the Standard App Northeastern Online Scholarship (3%) and the Fast App Northeastern Online Scholarship (6%), among others like the Double Husky Scholarship for alumni.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing the PhD in Population Health?
- This program prepares graduates for impactful research and leadership roles in public health, focusing on understanding and addressing complex health challenges at a population level.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeA master's degree in public health or a closely related field is required. This program is designed for advanced entry for students with an existing master's degree and full-time employment with a sponsoring company or agency.
Advanced entry requires a master's degree and sponsorship from an employer with an agreement with Northeastern. The program requires 21-23 semester hours, including a yearlong research methods seminar and advanced research courses. Students must complete the coursework for their chosen option (Social and Environmental Determinants of Health or Health Services and Policy) and may select electives to enhance research skills or develop new ideas. Students not qualifying for the PhD but meeting GPA requirements may be eligible for an MS in Population Health.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates are available via the Northeastern Online Tuition portal, which allows selection by term and program. Rates effective Fall 2026.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates are available via the Northeastern Online Tuition portal, which allows selection by term and program. Rates effective Fall 2026.
LivingNo specific living cost estimates were provided for this program.
Northeastern Online tuition is billed per term on a pay-as-you-go basis. An enrollment deposit is required to secure your place and is applied to your first tuition bill ($199 for degrees, $49 for certificates). Several scholarships are available for online programs, including automatic scholarships based on application type (Standard App or Fast App) and specific scholarships for Online MBA, certificates, alumni (Double Husky), family members, and public service corps members (Full Circle). Federal financial aid, military benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement are also potential funding sources.
How to apply
1. Find Your ProgramExplore available PhD programs and ensure the Population Health PhD aligns with your academic and career goals.
2. Review RequirementsCarefully review the specific admission requirements for doctoral programs, including academic prerequisites and any program-specific criteria.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and potentially a resume or CV. International applicants must ensure their transcripts are evaluated appropriately.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online graduate application by the specified deadline. Ensure all required supporting documents are uploaded or sent directly to the university as instructed.
5. Application StatusAfter submitting, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to set up an account to track your application status.
Scholarships
Standard App Northeastern Online Scholarship3%
Fast App Northeastern Online Scholarship6%
Standard App Online MBA Scholarship14%
Fast App Online MBA Scholarship16%
Certificate Northeastern Online Scholarship10%
Double Husky Scholarship25%
Parent and Family Scholarship25%
Full Circle Scholarship25%
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Population Health?
+
A master's degree in public health or a closely related field is required. This program is designed for advanced entry, typically for individuals with an existing master's degree and full-time employment with a sponsoring company or agency.
How do I apply for the PhD in Population Health?
+
You will need to explore available PhD programs, review specific admission requirements for doctoral programs, gather application materials like transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, and submit your online graduate application by the deadline.
What is the duration of the PhD in Population Health program?
+
The program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours including core courses, specialization courses, and electives, culminating in a dissertation. Specific program duration is not detailed but implies post-master's study.
What are the tuition fees for the PhD in Population Health?
+
Tuition rates for this online program are available via the Northeastern Online Tuition portal and are billed per term on a pay-as-you-go basis, with rates effective Fall 2026.
Are there any scholarships available for international students in this program?
+
Several scholarships are available for online programs, including automatic tuition discounts like the Standard App Northeastern Online Scholarship (3%) and the Fast App Northeastern Online Scholarship (6%), among others like the Double Husky Scholarship for alumni.
What career paths can I pursue after completing the PhD in Population Health?
+
This program prepares graduates for impactful research and leadership roles in public health, focusing on understanding and addressing complex health challenges at a population level.