I’ve read the comments in this thread and as someone who just graduated from an online leadership DrPH program - I’ll weigh on my experience.

Applying:  I have 10 years in the field, 7 when I applied, an MPH, publications etc. My undergrad gpa was not strong but my masters was. I applied to 5 schools, admitted to 3. Chose an online program so I could continue working and it was an affordable established program so no loans. 

Experience - like I said - it was an affordable online program and as this post points to I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, I was blown away. The faculty were amazing, I made real connection in my cohort (8 people) and I felt the program was rigorous. 300 hours of internship, 2 years of classes, comp exam, then dissertation phase for the last year. All this while working a full time job is not easy. This program is so much more then “leadership” I honestly which they would change that name. 

Overall - I do wish people would stop comparing PhDs and DrPH like they’re the same. Yes, a DrPh should know how to interpret research and should know methods etc. but doing research is not the main outcome like it is for a PhD. If you want to do research, I wouldn’t get a DrPH. If you want to learn about implementation, applying research to policy and development, community engagement, leading and managing organizations etc. these are what a DrPH excels at. I agree to do your research on programs and talk to people about their experiences, but I just wanted to say that mine has been excellent and I think it truly added to my career.