The mission of the DrPH degree is to prepare practitioners for leadership, management, and advocacy in public health practice, through a scientific, interdisciplinary approach to understanding and solving public health problems in the public and private sectors, the United States, and worldwide. 

This mission relates directly to the University of South Florida mission, which includes creating a community of learners with significant and sustainable university‐community partnerships and collaborations, as well as designing, building, and strengthening healthy communities and improving quality of life.

The 2017 DrPH curriculum requires 43 semester hours beyond the masters degree. The core curriculum of the DrPH concentration in Advanced Practice Leadership is comprised of four curriculum clusters (25 credits) plus electives (12 credits):

• Cluster 1: Community Engagement
• Cluster 2: Leadership and Management
• Cluster 3: Communication and Education
• Cluster 4: Evidence-Informed Public Health

DrPH advanced training is comprised of the following culminating activities (6 credits):

• Collaboration with senior public health practitioners through Applied Practice Experiences designed to develop both leadership and professional skills.
• Verification of DrPH core knowledge through a qualifying examination administered by the student's doctoral committee.
• Completion of a field-based doctoral project that is designed to influence programs, policies, or systems applicable to public health practice.

The USF College of Public Health DrPH degree is completed through distance‐learning (fall, spring, and summer semesters) in addition to on‐campus learning via three on-campus DrPH Institutes. This combination of program delivery formats allows working professionals to connect with other professionals, and broaden their grasp of public health management, practice, and research without interrupting their careers.

If a DrPH student lives near the USF campus, they are welcome to take courses on-campus as well as online.

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS). The College of Public Health degree programs are accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH).

DrPH Guidebook

• DrPH Program Director of DrPH program: You can contact Dr. Janice Zgibor at jzgibor@health.usf.edu or (813) 974-6277.
• Assistant Director: You can contact Somer Burke at sburke@health.usf.edu or (813) 974-6606.
• Office of Academic and Student Affairs (registration and forms): 
  • Telephone: You can call us at (813) 974-6505 or call toll-free (888) USF-COPH or (888) 873-2674 and press 1.
  • Email: You can email us at advisor@health.usf.edu or view our staff directory to contact someone directly for help.
  • You can submit any forms to the registration team at cophpermits@health.usf.edu.
  • In-person: You can visit us at the WELL (MDA) across Holly street from the College of Public Health. 
  • Forms: You can submit any forms to the registration team at cophpermits@health.usf.edu.
  • Admissions: Please go to our Prospective Students page to request an appointment with an advisor, or contact preadmissions@health.usf.edu.  

Please go to this link for information on a variety of student resources available to you as a student of USF: Student Resources