Leadership Training in Public Health

Abstract

This thesis investigates the current landscape of public health leadership training at schools and programs of public health by assessing (1) the availability of leadership programs, (2) volume and demographic patterns in student applications, and (3) interviews with faculty and staff at public health leadership programs. This project was conducted in partnership with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, leveraging data from the Academic Program Finder and the SOPHAS application system. This project was undertaken to address the growing need for skilled public health leaders who can navigate complex challenges—from emerging infectious diseases to evolving policy landscapes—while fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of public health Key findings reveal that although only a small fraction of public health programs explicitly focus on leadership, these programs exhibit unique characteristics compared to non-leadership offerings. Leadership programs tend to have lower acceptance rates, higher proportions of doctoral and non-degree options, and are more frequently delivered online or in hybrid formats, thereby broadening geographic accessibility and accommodating working professionals. Analysis of applicant data also highlights opportunities to enhance access and inclusivity, as demographic variations point to areas where leadership training can expand its reach. Qualitative interviews underscored diverse and innovative approaches to curriculum design, candidate selection, and the integration of self-assessment tools and experiential learning—demonstrating promising practices for developing self-awareness and practical skills. This work has revealed the need to expand the number of leadership programs to meet current levels of student demand and broaden accessibility, and has identified a number of current practices in candidate selection, design of practical training, self-assessment and leadership development planning – offering a roadmap for emerging public health leadership training programs.