Designed for experienced professionals seeking to lead across public health and health care systems, the program will expand UVM’s graduate offerings and broaden access to advanced public health training for learners nationwide and around the world.
“Now more than ever, communities rely on skilled public health leaders who can bridge science, policy, and practice,” said Richard L. Page, M.D., dean of the Larner College of Medicine and chief medical affairs officer at UVM. “By offering this program fully online, we can support professionals across the country who are ready to take on that responsibility and lead the future of public health.”
“Addressing critical health challenges—such as improving access to health care, preventing disease outbreaks, and strengthening public trust in science—all require enduring partnerships between health care professionals, public health leaders, and research scientists. Our Dr.P.H. program is uniquely positioned to teach these skills.” — Jan K. Carney, M.D., M.P.H.
The Dr.P.H. curriculum provides the leadership, analytic, and strategic skills required to navigate today’s increasingly complex public health landscape. Students will examine how housing, social determinants, policy, and environmental factors shape population health and gain expertise in health communication, public health surveillance, research methods, budgeting and finance, and health policy and politics. An interdisciplinary approach integrating policy, research, and population health sciences prepares graduates to design effective, community‑informed public health interventions.
“In our Dr.P.H. program, you will learn to lead,” said Jan K. Carney, M.D., M.P.H., program director and associate dean for public health and health policy at the Larner College of Medicine. “Public health professionals need new and expanded skills to navigate public health challenges in today’s environment … An additional strength of our program is our role in the Larner College of Medicine. Addressing critical health challenges—such as improving access to health care, preventing disease outbreaks, and strengthening public trust in science—all require enduring partnerships between health care professionals, public health leaders, and research scientists. Our Dr.P.H. program is uniquely positioned to teach these skills.”
The launch comes at a pivotal time for public health, as communities nationwide face growing challenges—from rapidly evolving health threats to widening health disparities—alongside an urgent need for leaders who can translate data into action, strengthen trust in public health systems, and guide organizations through periods of change.
“By offering this program fully online, we can support professionals across the country who are ready to … lead the future of public health.” — Richard L. Page, M.D.
The program is open to applicants who hold a master of public health (M.P.H.) or equivalent degree from a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)–accredited program or school. With its flexible online format and leadership‑focused curriculum, the Dr.P.H. program will expand access to advanced training and strengthen the public health workforce at a pivotal time for the field.