UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 48Minimum credit hours required
- Nationally Accredited by CEPHAccreditation
- Hands-on experienceApplied Practice Experience
- Integrative Learning Experience (capstone)Culminating Project
- 2 ConcentrationsSpecialization Options
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is an interdisciplinary program focused on preventing disease and injury through scientific and social justice principles. You will learn to identify health needs, develop solutions, and implement changes to improve the health of populations. The program offers concentrations in Health Behavior and Promotion or Physical Activity and Health. All students gain practical experience through a required practicum and capstone project, preparing them for impactful careers in public health. A joint BS-MPH option is available for eligible undergraduates in Kinesiology, Community Health, or I-Health.
Curriculum
The MPH program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours. The curriculum includes core public health principles, concentration-specific courses, and practical application through a practicum and a capstone project. There is no thesis requirement. The program typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete.
- Year 1
- Environmental HealthHK 408
- Public Health PracticeHK 410
- Principles of EpidemiologyHK 517
- Biostatistics in Public HealthHK 527
- Health Policy: United StatesHK 530
- Professionalism in Health PracticeHK 534
- Applied Practice ExperienceHK 535
- Integrative Learning ExperienceHK 536
- Year 2
- Concentration Courses (20 credits)
Careers
Graduates of the MPH program are prepared for diverse roles in public health settings. The program's hands-on experience and foundational training equip students for successful careers impacting community health.
- Public Health Practitioner
- Health Educator
- Program Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Community Health Worker
Frequently asked questions
- What are the minimum academic requirements to apply for the MPH program?
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 500-level or above (with at least 8 hours within the intended unit).
- How long does the Master of Public Health program typically take to complete?
- The MPH program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours and typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete.
- What concentrations are available within the MPH program?
- The program offers two concentrations: Health Behavior and Promotion, and Physical Activity and Health.
- What are the career prospects for MPH graduates?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Public Health Practitioner, Health Educator, Program Manager, Policy Analyst, and Community Health Worker.
- What financial documentation is required for international applicants?
- International candidates must provide proof of financial support to the Graduate College to demonstrate they can fully cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for their studies.
- Is there a thesis requirement for the MPH program?
- No, there is no thesis requirement for the MPH program. Students complete a practicum and a capstone project instead.
Entry requirements
Minimum GPA3.0
Minimum 500-level Hours12 (8 within the unit)
Please refer to the MPH Admissions page for detailed requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for current tuition rates.
Tuition (home)Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for current tuition rates.
LivingInternational candidates must demonstrate they can fully support themselves during their studies to obtain a visa. Applicants should not rely on outside employment.
All admitted international candidates must provide proof of financial support to the Graduate College before their application can be processed.
How to apply
1. Review Admissions RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific academic and any other prerequisites for the MPH program. Check the MPH Admissions and Requirements page.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Ensure your GPA meets the minimum requirement of 3.0.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the graduate admissions application through the University of Illinois Graduate College portal.
4. Demonstrate Financial Support (International Applicants)Provide documentation to the Graduate College proving you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of your study. This is required for visa processing.
5. Await Admission DecisionThe Graduate College will review your application. For admissions questions, you can contact mph-admissions@ahs.illinois.edu.
Accreditation
The MPH Program is nationally accredited by CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health).
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum academic requirements to apply for the MPH program?
+
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 500-level or above (with at least 8 hours within the intended unit).
How long does the Master of Public Health program typically take to complete?
+
The MPH program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours and typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete.
What concentrations are available within the MPH program?
+
The program offers two concentrations: Health Behavior and Promotion, and Physical Activity and Health.
What are the career prospects for MPH graduates?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Public Health Practitioner, Health Educator, Program Manager, Policy Analyst, and Community Health Worker.
What financial documentation is required for international applicants?
+
International candidates must provide proof of financial support to the Graduate College to demonstrate they can fully cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for their studies.
Is there a thesis requirement for the MPH program?
+
No, there is no thesis requirement for the MPH program. Students complete a practicum and a capstone project instead.