School of Postgraduate Studies
Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
The Doctor of Public Health (DPH) at Miva Open University is an advanced professional doctoral programme designed for public health professionals ready to take on strategic leadership, advanced research, policy influence, and programme transformation.
You will learn advanced epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, health economics, programme planning and evaluation, implementation science, digital health, public health leadership, environmental health, global health, and other areas of population health.
Full Tuition
$5,100
₦4,500,000
Tuition Per Semester
$1,200
Introduction to Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
Lead Change in Public Health
Public health challenges require more than technical knowledge. They require leaders who can understand evidence, shape policy, manage complex programmes, and turn research into action. The Doctor of Public Health at Miva Open University prepares professionals to take on these responsibilities.
You’ll develop advanced skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, research, health systems, programme evaluation, health economics, digital health, and public health leadership.
The programme strongly focuses on practical application. You’ll learn to address real public health challenges while considering the realities of the health systems of developing countries. You’ll also develop the research and leadership capabilities needed to contribute to public health at local, national, regional, and global levels.
Why you should apply
- Build advanced skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, and data science.
- Learn to design, implement, and evaluate complex public health interventions.
- Explore health policy, health systems, health economics, and financing.
- Learn how digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and data science can support public health.
- Develop skills for managing health emergencies, epidemics, and disasters.
- Conduct doctoral research focused on meaningful public health challenges.
- Study flexibly with an online structure designed for executives and senior professionals.
Study Level
Study Duration
8 semesters
Mode of study
Blended Learning
Full Tuition
$5,100
₦4,500,000
Tuition Per Semester
$1,200
Applications for January 2027 admission is ongoing.
Apply before 31st January 2027, to secure your place.
Applications for January 2027 admission is ongoing.
Apply before 31th January 2027, to secure your place.
Curriculum
Programme Outline
The DPH curriculum combines advanced public health coursework, research development, professional practice, seminars, specialisation, and doctoral thesis work. Students complete five semesters of compulsory coursework before progressing to a practicum, specialisation electives, doctoral seminars, and thesis work.
- Faculty Support
- Digital Resources
- Career Services
- Student Community
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
Compulsory
C
- Units: 8
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 4
- Core course within the programme.
C
- Units: 15
- Core course within the programme.
Grand Total: 120 units
C – Core
E – Elective
Choose one elective.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
Choose one elective.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
Choose one elective.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
Choose one elective.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
E
- Units: 4
- Elective course within the programme.
Total: 15 units
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
Entry Requirements for Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
Here’s what you need to apply for the Doctor of Public Health at Miva Open University.
- Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of second class lower division from a recognised university.
- Applicants should have a relevant master's degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Medicine, or a related discipline from a recognised university with a minimum master's CGPA of 3.50 on a 5.0 scale, 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
- Relevant qualifications may include an MPH or master's degree in Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Policy, Community Health, Environmental Health, Health Economics, Health Promotion, or other related health disciplines.
- Applicants should demonstrate evidence of research competence and may be required to submit a research concept note or preliminary proposal.
- Applicants without sufficient public health background may be required to complete relevant prerequisite or bridging courses.
Careers
Potential Roles for Doctor of Public Health (DPH) Degree Holders
- Director of Public Health
- Public Health Programme Director
- Public Health Policy Advisor
- Health Policy and Strategy Consultant
- Public Health Programme Manager
- Epidemiologist/Public Health Researcher
- Global Health Specialist
- Health Systems and Management Specialist
- Community Health Programme Lead
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Specialist
- Public Health Consultant
- Public Health Academic/Practitioner
Tuition
Payment Plans
Miva Open University offers a flexible payment plan for its degree programmes. You may choose to pay the year’s fee or per semester.
Tuition Per Semester
$1,200
- Pay Per Semester.
- No hidden charges.
- No additional costs.
Full Tuition
- Pay full tuition
- No hidden charges.
- No additional costs.
* Early bird tuition applies for a limited period
FAQ
We’ve answered the most common questions prospective DPH candidates ask.
Is Miva Open University licensed by the NUC?
Yes. Miva Open University is a degree-awarding institution licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). All programmes, including the DPH, meet approved academic quality standards.
What is the Doctor of Public Health (DPH)?
The Doctor of Public Health (DPH) is an advanced professional doctorate designed to prepare public health practitioners and leaders for strategic decision-making, advanced research, policy influence, and public health programme transformation.
Who is the DPH programme designed for?
The programme is designed for senior public health practitioners, policy professionals, researchers, health managers, and community-health leaders.
What are the entry requirements for the DPH?
Applicants are typically expected to hold a master’s degree in clinical or health sciences, or a related field, with adequate preparation in public health, medicine, social sciences, or another relevant discipline.
How long does the DPH programme take?
The programme is structured over eight semesters, equivalent to four academic years. The programme may run for a minimum of eight semesters and a maximum of 16 semesters.
Do I need work experience to apply?
Yes. The DPH is designed for experienced professionals, so relevant health or health-sector professional experience is expected.
Is the programme fully online?
Yes. The DPH is delivered fully online, allowing you to study from anywhere without physical attendance.
How are assessments conducted?
Assessments include coursework, applied research projects, practicum, and a doctoral dissertation focused on real-world public health challenges.
Can I specialise in the DPH programme?
Yes. From the sixth semester, students choose electives from one of four areas: Global Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Education and Health Promotion, and Environmental Health.
Is there a practicum?
Yes. Students complete an Advanced Public Health Practicum as part of the sixth semester.
Can I study while working?
The programme uses a flexible online learning model, allowing students to undertake much of their academic work through a structured digital learning environment.
What career opportunities are available after the DPH?
Graduates can pursue senior roles in public health, healthcare management, policy, research, consulting, and academia.
How much is the DPH tuition fee?
Tuition is structured to remain affordable for working professionals while maintaining academic quality. Detailed fee information is provided during the application process.
Can I take study breaks during the programme?
Yes. The programme is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing approved study breaks where necessary.
What support will I receive as a DPH student?
You will have access to academic guidance, research supervision, and student success support throughout your programme.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The DPH is open to local and international applicants who meet the admission requirements.