Master of Science
MS PROGRAM REQUIRMENTS • INTERDISCIPLINARY CONCENTRATIONS • QUALIFICTIONS FOR ADMISSIONS • DEGREE COMPLETION • APPLICATION PROCESS
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science (MS) degree offered by the School of Public Health at UIC. The MS in public health prepares students for intermediate to senior research positions in local, state, or federal agencies, in private or public health organizations, or in health research programs. MS degree students are also prepared for continuing studies through the PhD program. 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 Interdisciplinary Concentrations that allow students to maximize their educational experience.
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MS Program Requirements
The MS program consists of four components (Minimum of 48 semester credit hours):
- SPH School-wide Core Requirements – (7 SH)
- Divisional Core Requirements and Electives – (variable based on chosen Division)
- Culminating Experience –
- IPHS 598 Research in Public Health – MS (16 SH)
- Research must be completed in three to four semesters of full-time work leading to a required thesis. The research may include theoretical, laboratory, field, or computer-based investigation. Research is undertaken with the assistance and approval of the student's academic advisor and Thesis Examining Committee.
- Final Oral Examination - The final oral examination consists of a presentation of the student's research findings at an open meeting of students and faculty and a separate oral examination in the academic division by the student's Thesis Examining Committee.
- Biostatistics Students only: MS Comprehensive Examination; All MS students in biostatistics take a comprehensive exam at the end of their second program year. This exam consists of two parts. The first part, a three-hour written exam, will cover basic methodological material from the required biostatistics and mathematics courses. The second part will be a seven day take-home exam in which the student is tested on the ability to perform data analysis and to describe and discuss the results.
- Required Non-Credit Training
- HIPAA Research 101
- Investigator Training 101
For general MS curricular policies and curriculum please see the Master of Science 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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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 MS 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 MS 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:
- At least one year of college calculus (up to and including multiple integration)
- Courses in linear algebra and computer programming are recommended
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.
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Deadline for Completing Degree Requirements
A student admitted to the MS program must complete the degree requirements within six years after initial registration as a masters’ student. Time spent on a leave of absence approved formally by the Graduate College 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 MS 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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