The PhD in public health sciences prepares scholars to conduct in-depth research and provide advanced instruction in public health at the college and university level. It also prepares researchers for governmental, private, and voluntary organizations in the prevention and control of disease.

PhD Admission Requirements

An applicant must have (1) a baccalaureate and a master's degree, at least one of which is in the biological, physical, or social sciences; (2) a combined undergraduate/graduate grade point average of at least 4.00 (A = 5.00); and (3) a combined Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 1,000 (verbal plus quantitative). Although exceptions may be made, admitted students usually have qualifications in excess of these minimum standards.

The applicant's potential for making a contribution to the advancement of public health science is also considered. Prior experience is used to assess leadership, concern for public welfare, and research potential. The primary requirement is a demonstrated ability to plan and complete significant health-related research. The applicant's MS or MA thesis is used to evaluate this requirement. A formal research paper or other evidence may be accepted in unique cases.

Promising applicants without a master's degree may enter the MS program as the route into the PhD program. The time required to earn the PhD is not necessarily lengthened. However, successful completion of the master's degree does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.

Applicants with an MPH or a postbaccalaureate education in a health or related science and MS students who have completed 32 semester hours and have demonstrated potential for conducting independent research may also be considered for admission.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of February 1 for admission to the School of Public Health for the following fall semester. (See the SPH online calendar for information which may have been updated.) Applicants with international credentials are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by January 1 for fullest possible consideration.

The Graduate College application forms must be used, and applicants must submit academic transcripts, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, three letters of recommendation, a résumé, and a career-goal statement including (1) reason for pursuing the PhD at UIC in the chosen area of concentration and (2) career goals and intended research.

International applicants must present evidence of English competency. Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08540, must be sent to UIC. The test must have been taken within the last two years. Minimum scores required: paper-based TOEFL = 550, computer-based TOEFL = 213. The USMLE and ECFMG will not be considered in lieu of the TOEFL or as evidence of English competency. For more complete information about the TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Graduate College website, Degree Admissions, Application Procedures, International Applicants, Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Program of Study

Upon admission, the student and his or her faculty advisor develop a program of study that must total at least 96 semester hours (which may include up to 32 credits earned for an MS degree in public health sciences or up to 32 semester hours of graduate credits earned at another institution).

The program of study includes:

1. Required courses:

2. Formal 500-series courses in the major discipline (a defined track of an SPH academic division) and in a collateral area (if required by the academic division).

3. Seminars and electives.

4. Research (creative and original) advancing the field of public health by adding significant new knowledge. Research is undertaken with the guidance of a
Dissertation Examining Committee.

5. Instructional experience (teaching in at least one course for at least some part of the academic semester with guidance from the regular instructor).

Minimum Semester-Hour Requirements

Examinations

The preliminary examination (a rigorous test of the student's knowledge and ability to apply it) should be taken as soon as possible after completion of the required program of study.

The dissertation proposal examination is given orally to determine if the proposed research is feasible and if the student is prepared to pursue it.

The final oral examination includes both presentation of the dissertation at an open meeting and a final examination by the Dissertation Examining Committee.