Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation demands visionary leaders equipped with research expertise and policy insight.
At Alfaisal University, this doctoral program prepares professionals to:
This four-year doctoral program develops scholar-leaders capable of improving health outcomes across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and globally.
This program is designed for professionals who want to:
Graduates produce research that informs policy, improves system performance, and strengthens population health.
Contact Admissions Download Program Guide
Chair of the Department, Director of the MPH Program, Associate Professor of Public Health; — Health policy and leadership.
Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics — Cancer research, pharmacoepidemiology, research methodology and statistical analysis of epidemiological data.
Adjunct Assistant Professor — Health systems, health insurance and healthcare administration; former Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Transformation.
Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics — Epidemiology, medical statistics and research ethics .
Senior Lecturer — Epidemiology, health services and population health research, public health intelligence, and environmental and occupational health.
The PhD in Public Health is a full-time, four-year doctoral program requiring 63 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.
Students complete:
Graduates gain advanced skills in research, policy analysis, and health systems evaluation.
| First Year: Fall Semester | First Year: Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course No. | Course Name | Course No. | Course Name |
| DPH 701 | Adv Research Methodology & Biostatistics | DPH 703 | Qualitative Research Methods |
| DPH 702 | National & Intl Public Health Perspectives | DPH 704 | Health Economics & Financing |
| DPH 705 | Health Systems, Policy, Governance & Law | DPH 706 | Strategic Leadership & Governance |
| DPH 7XX | Specialized Elective | DPH 7XX | Specialized Elective |
| Total Cr. | 12 | Total Cr. | 12 |
| Second Year: Fall Semester | Second Year: Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course No. | Course Name | Course No. | Course Name |
| DPH 7XX | Specialized Elective | DPH 718B | Dissertation B |
| DPH 717 | Research Seminar | ||
| DPH 718A | Dissertation A | ||
| Total Cr. | 9 | Total Cr. | 6 |
| Third Year: Fall Semester | Third Year: Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course No. | Course Name | Course No. | Course Name |
| DPH 718C | Dissertation C | DPH 718D | Dissertation D |
| Total Cr. | 6 | Total Cr. | 6 |
| Fourth Year: Fall Semester | Fourth Year: Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course No. | Course Name | Course No. | Course Name |
| DPH 718E | Dissertation E | DPH 718F | Dissertation F |
| Total Cr. | 6 | Total Cr. | 6 |
Graduates pursue leadership roles such as health policy advisor, healthcare executive, health systems strategist, ministry consultant, and public health program director.
This PhD focuses on policy, governance, research, and health system transformation, equipping graduates to influence national policy and system reform rather than operational business management.
Yes. The program develops expertise in policy analysis, health economics, governance frameworks, and evidence-based decision making used by government and regulatory bodies.
Yes. Coursework examines Saudi health systems, governance frameworks, and policy implementation aligned with national priorities.
It strengthens leadership, policy evaluation, and strategic planning capabilities essential for advancing national health initiatives and reforms.
Yes. Graduates develop strategic leadership skills to improve healthcare quality, efficiency, and system performance.
Yes. Students gain tools to measure policy impact, assess system efficiency, and implement quality improvement initiatives.
Potential research areas include healthcare financing, policy reform, health system efficiency, value-based care, health equity, and digital health governance.
Yes. It is ideal for clinicians seeking to move into health system leadership, policy advisory roles, or executive management.
Students may engage in research partnerships and policy-focused projects aligned with national health priorities.
It equips you with research credibility, policy expertise, and strategic leadership skills that support high-level decision making roles.
Yes. Vision 2030 reforms and healthcare transformation initiatives are increasing demand for leaders with policy and systems expertise.
The program is designed as a four year full time doctoral degree. Many professionals enroll with employer sponsorship or study leave to focus on research and leadership development.
Yes. This degree positions professionals for executive leadership, policy influence, and strategic decision-making roles that are not typically accessible without doctoral-level expertise.
Graduates gain qualifications required for senior leadership roles, government advisory positions, academic appointments, and high-level consulting opportunities.
While salaries vary by sector, doctoral-level professionals in health policy and leadership roles often command significantly higher compensation, especially in executive roles, international organizations, and consulting.
Yes. The program develops strategic leadership, policy evaluation, and governance expertise required for C-suite, director-level, and national advisory roles.
Program Length: 4 Years
Total Cost: 400,000 SAR
Credit Hour Fee: Included in program cost
Application Fee: 600 SAR
Initial Tuition Installment: 5,000 SAR
Total Program Cost: 400,000 SAR
Cost per Credit Hour: Included
Non-Refundable Seat Reservation: 5,000 SAR
Scholarships: Potential tuition scholarships covering 50%–100% of program tuition, subject to eligibility and approval.
Transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendations, English proficiency.
Upload required documents and pay the application fee.
Qualified candidates are invited for an interview.