Master of Public Health
PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM • COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM • MPH PROGRAM REQUIRMENTS • JOINT DEGREES • INTERDISCIPLINARY CONCENTRATIONS • QUALIFICTIONS FOR ADMISSIONS • DEGREE COMPLETION • APPLICATION PROCESS
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree offered by the School of Public Health at UIC. The MPH is the basic professional degree that prepares graduates for public health practice, teaching, and research. The program ensures the graduate has a general understanding of the field of public health and competence in a specific area of the students’ choice.
Students may choose from four divisions within the School:
In addition to these areas of specialization, students are encouraged to investigate other opportunities, such as Joint Degree programs and Interdisciplinary Concentrations that allow students to maximize their educational experience.
The program of study leading to the MPH degree is adapted to each student's past experience and future career goals. A student with a health sciences background may matriculate into the abbreviated Professional Enhancement Program (PEP). A student with limited or no background in the health sciences will complete the Comprehensive Program.
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Professional Enhancement Program (PEP)
The PEP curriculum consists of general public health course work for students who have three or more years of public health experience related to their chosen academic division, or a graduate or professional degree in a relevant area. Full-time students admitted into the PEP program may be able to complete all requirements in one calendar year. Part-time students should be able to complete the program in less than three years.
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Comprehensive Program
The Comprehensive Program curriculum is for students with little or no background in a health sciences field, or who are changing careers within the field. It consists of the PEP curriculum plus extended training in an area of concentration, requiring supplementary coursework tailored to the student's individual interests. Depending on the academic division chosen, the Comprehensive Program curriculum has variable requirements up to 60 semester hours (SH), with students typically completing a minimum 45-53 SH program of study. Comprehensive students attending the program on a full-time basis will likely be able to complete it during two calendar years.
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MPH Program Requirements
Both the PEP and Comprehensive MPH programs consist of four components:
- SPH School-wide Core Requirements – (20 SH)
- Divisional Core Requirements and Electives – (variable based on chosen Division)
- Culminating Experience–
- IPHS 650 Field Experience in Public Health (3-5 SH)*
- IPHS 698 MPH Capstone Experience (1 SH)**
- Required Non-Credit Training
- HIPAA Research 101
- Investigator Training 101
* The Field Experience provides the student with practical experience in a public health setting. The overall learning objective of the Field Experience is for the student to apply and integrate the skills and knowledge learned during their graduate study in a real-world application.
The Field Experience is required of all MPH students, with the majority being required to complete a 5 credit (320 contact hours) assignment. Some students may qualify for a reduced practicum of 3 credits (192 contact hours) depending on their prior public health experience and career goals, and would need to discuss this possibility within their chosen division. Field Experience requirements vary by division, with more information found on their divisional websites.
In rare instances, the field experience may be waived on an individual basis based upon a student’s demonstration of a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a health or related profession plus 3 years of paid public health experience. A prior professional degree without public health experience; or prior work experience that is not closely related to the academic objectives of the student’s degree program; are not sufficient reason for waiving the practice requirement.
** The MPH Capstone Experience is required of all MPH students, with requirements differing by division. The Capstone enables the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in course work and other learning experiences, such as the Field Experience. Students are encouraged to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice.
For general MPH curricular policies and curriculum, please see the Master of Public Health page in the Student Handbook.
For specific information regarding curriculum requirements by division, please see the following pages within the Student Handbook.
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Joint Degrees
The School of Public Health offers six Joint Degree programs which allow students to complete both an MPH degree and a second professional degree in a shortened timeframe. The School also participates in the joint MD/PhD with the College of Medicine.
Division |
Availability of Joint Degree Programs by Division |
MBA
/MPH |
MD
/MPH |
MS Nursing /MPH |
JD
/MPH |
DVM
/MPH |
MA Anthropology /MPH |
CHS |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
EOHS |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Epi/Bio |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
HPA |
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
For further information on each of the Joint Degrees offered, please see the Joint Degrees page in the Student Handbook.
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Interdisciplinary Concentrations
Students interested in a multi-dimensional approach to public health may be well-suited for one of the Interdisciplinary Concentrations offered through the School of Public Health. These concentrations provide students the opportunity to take courses from different UIC departments as electives that apply to their MPH degree.
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Qualifications for Admission
The MPH admissions process is highly competitive. Admitted students typically have at least a combined undergraduate/graduate grade point average of 3.00 (A = 4.00) and a combined Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 1,000 (verbal plus quantitative). Public health, management, or social leadership experience is also an important consideration.
The following admission requirements apply to all divisions within the School of Public Health.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited school is the minimum requirement for admission to the MPH degree program; a master's or doctoral degree in an area relevant to public health is preferred.
In addition, each division has specific requirements regarding prerequisite training, experience, and grade point average (GPA).
Community Health Sciences (CHS) Additional Requirements:
-
Preference is given to applicants who have had graduate training or experience in a public health-related field
Epidemiology Additional Requirements:
- Preference for applicants with baccalaureate degree with a major in biological sciences or mathematics
- GPA of at least 4.00 (A =5.00)
Biostatistics Additional Requirements:
- Eligibility for the MPH degree does not require calculus, but some evidence of a strong quantitative interest and aptitude is required.
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS) Additional Requirements:
- Two semesters of calculus
- One year of general chemistry
- At least one semester of organic chemistry
- One course in Human Physiology – ONLY for those interested in traineeships in ASAC-ABET – Accredited MPH Program in Industrial Hygiene
Health Policy and Administration (HPA) Additional Requirements:
- Applicants are usually established health professionals or recent graduates with majors in appropriate biological, physical, or social sciences.
Deadline for Completing Degree Requirements
A student admitted to the MPH program must complete the degree requirements within five years after initial registration as a masters’ student. Time spent on a leave of absence approved formally by the School of Public Health is not counted toward the degree time limit (See Leave of Absence: www.uic.edu/sph/shandbook_sphpolicies.
htm#absence).
Application Process
If you are ready to apply for the MPH program at the UIC School of Public Health, please see our Admissions page for application instructions. We look forward to receiving your application!
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