The DrPH with a concentration in Preparedness Leadership is offered by the Department of Health Policy and Organization.
This program begins in Fall 2025; Applications open in Fall 2024.
Today’s environment places new demands on public health and healthcare leaders. Current events, most notably the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for public health leaders who are well versed in disaster and crisis preparedness, management, and response. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Preparedness Leadership equips seasoned public health and healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge, skills, and the strategic mindset to lead organizations and work with communities before, during, and after public health emergencies and disasters. This executive-style degree program merges the flexibility of online learning with immersive on-campus experiences. Graduates of this program will become proficient in:
- disaster and emergency management,
- leading multidisciplinary teams and mobilizing communities,
- public health preparedness systems and guiding response policies,
- the public health impacts of disasters,
- risk communication, and
- public health grant writing.
By following our carefully sequenced coursework, students can earn a DrPH in Preparedness Leadership in a condensed timeframe of only three years. Participants will be required to come to campus for a three-day period each fall and spring semester where they will receive intensive instruction from our top ranked faculty, participate in simulations, and network with classmates and experts in the field. All other required coursework will be delivered in an online format.
Further details about the program may be obtained by contacting the Program Coordinator, Misty Altiparmak, at maltima@uab.edu.
Curriculum
To earn the DrPH in Preparedness Leadership, a total of 58 credit hours must be completed. This includes 9 hours of foundational DrPH core, 24 hours of PL concentration courses, 3 hours of scientific integrity, and 4 hours of doctoral seminar. Other requirements for the degree include a comprehensive written and oral examination (HPO 797, 3 hours), DrPH practicum (HPO 793, 6 hours), dissertation protocol development (HPO 798, 3 hours), and at least two semesters of dissertation research (HPO 799, 6 hours).
Download Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)
Admission
Applications must be submitted through the SOPHAS system. Required application materials include a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae or resume, official academic transcripts, GRE scores and three letters of recommendation.
Applicants to the DrPH program in Preparedness Leadership should hold either an MPH or a Master’s degree in a health related field. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of three to five years of public health or public service experience in a relevant field. Admissions decisions will be based upon prior academic performance, professional experience, a written statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and GRE Scores. GRE scores should be no more than five years old, and competitive applicants will have a score of 156 or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections. Please contact the Program Coordinator to learn more about admissions requirements or requesting a GRE waiver.
This is an online program which requires two on-campus visits each year. Therefore, this program does not qualify for F1/J1 visa status. Still interested? Contact us for assistance.
Tuition and Fees
UAB’s tuition and fees are priced competitively. Students pay the same tuition price whether they reside in or outside of the state of Alabama for online courses. For general UAB tuition and fees, visit the UAB Cost & Aid website online courses section. In addition, there will be a professional development fee of $750 that is charged each fall semester.