Master of Science
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION • MS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
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 Joint Degree programs and Interdepartmental Concentrations that allow students to maximize their educational experience.
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). Please see divisional websites for these specific admission requirements.
The MS program consists of four components (Minimum of 48 SH):
- 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
Please visit the MS Student Handbook for more details on the MS program.
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