Objectives/Goals: Despite the growing importance of environmental and occupational health (EOH) in public health, little is known about how DrPH graduates with EOH-focus perceive training adequacy, navigate careers, and leadership roles. This study explores the alignment between dissertation, career, and leadership outcomes among EOH-focused DrPH graduates. Methods/Study Population: This cross-sectional study analyzed 60 DrPH dissertations completed between 2000 and 2024 with EOH foci from U.S-based public health schools and programs. Secondary data were drawn from dissertations in ProQuest dissertation database, institutional records, Council of Education on Public Health (CEPH) records, and LinkedIn profiles. Variables examined include program characteristics, dissertation design, dissertation-career alignment, post-DrPH leadership role, and perceived preparedness for career and leadership roles. Data were summarized by descriptive statistics. Results/Anticipated Results: Majority (57%) of graduates were female; 81.7% trained at CEPH-accredited programs. Prior bachelor’s degrees were mostly in biology (20%) and master’s in public health (33.3%). Dissertation themes were environmental (38.3%), occupational (33.3%), or both (28.4%). Methods were largely quantitative (41%), cross-sectional (80%), with primary data (51.7%), though 36.7% lacked a theoretical framework. Post-DrPH employment was mainly in academia (35%), private sector (28.5%), and government (15%), evenly split between EOH and non-EOH sectors. Graduates held leadership roles globally (e.g., WHO, FDA, NASA, CDC, and NGOs) as professors, EOH specialists, directors, consultants, senior researchers, CEOs, and VPs. Discussion/Significance of Impact: DrPH graduates with EOH focus demonstrated strong academic preparedness and diverse leadership capabilities across academia, government, and global agencies. Versatility is reflected in equal EOH/non-EOH employment. Limited methodological diversity and weak theoretical use suggest areas for program curriculum improvement.
Olorunnishola et al. (Wed,) studied this question.