Master of Public Health
PEP PROGRAM • COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM • QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION • MPH PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
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 Interdepartmental 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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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.
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
*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 by division, with more information found on their divisional websites.
**MPH Capstone Experience
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.
Please visit the MPH Student Handbook for more details about the MPH program, and requirements for the Field Experience and Capstone.
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