Online Degree Programs

Master of Public Health in Public Health Informatics

Thank you for your interest in the online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Public Health Informatics (PHI) offered by the School of Public Health at UIC. This program offers an opportunity for students to complete their MPH degree through online course work.

The MPH PHI curriculum is designed to deepen understanding of population health and develop expertise in public health informatics. It is ideal for state/local public health agency personnel, staff of managed care organizations and pharmaceutical companies, international health agency personnel, federal health officers, physicians/other healthcare providers, IT professionals and veterans/military personnel.

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. MDs, clinicians and others with a professionally-relevant advanced degree and equivalent professional experience of at least three years' duration may be eligible for this 44 credit hour accelerated Professional Enhancement Program of the Master of Public Health in Public Health Informatics. Eligible students choose to pursue a concentration in either PHI Management or PHI Technology. This MPH may be earned in as few as eight semesters, and must be completed over a maximum period of five years (fifteen semesters).

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. Students with a bachelors degree are eligible for admission into the 51 credit hour Master of Public Health in Public Health Informatics program. The degree may be earned in three years by completing five courses each year (two courses each fall and spring semester and one during the summer semester), and must be completed over a maximum period of five years (fifteen semesters).

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). Please see divisional websites for these specific admission requirements.
MPH Program Requirements
Students in the PEP MPH program may choose from two concentrations: 1) PHI Management, or 2) PHI Technology. These concentrations consist of five components:

• SPH School-wide Core Requirements – (20 SH)
• Informatics Courses– (21 SH)
• Electives – (up to 3 SH)*
• Culminating Experience–
• IPHS 650 Field Experience in Public Health (3 SH)
• IPHS 698 MPH Capstone Experience (1 SH)
• Required Non-Credit Training
• HIPAA Research 101
• Investigator Training 101

*NOTE: PEP Management Track students choose one elective from a pre-determined list of course options.

The Comprehensive MPH program consists of four components:

• SPH School-wide Core Requirements – (20 SH)
• Informatics Courses– (28 SH)
• Culminating Experience–
• IPHS 650 Field Experience in Public Health (3 SH)
• IPHS 698 MPH Capstone Experience (1 SH)
• Required Non-Credit Training
• HIPAA Research 101
• Investigator Training 101

Field Experience in Public Health

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, more information can be found at the PHI website.

MPH Capstone Experience

The MPH Capstone Experience is required of all MPH students. 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.

Please visit the MPH Student Handbook for more details about the online MPH PHI program, and requirements for the Field Experience and Capstone.

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