Online Degree Programs

Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences

Thank you for your interest in the online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Community Health Sciences 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. This program offers an opportunity for students to complete their MPH degree through online course work.

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.

The MPH degree program in CHS offers options for students to complete their degree requirements through courses offered both in face-to-face and online formats. Students have the option to complete their degree entirely through online course work.

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. Students are required to complete 42 semester hours (SH) of study. 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.

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.

Programs of Study

Programs of study are developed by the student and his/her faculty advisor based on conditions set at admission and the requirements of the MPH curriculum including elective courses that are selected to enhance the students' background and professional goals. CHS students in the MPH program may select one of the following three tracks: Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion; Gerontology; Community-based Research Methods; Maternal and Child Health (including MCH Epidemiology).

Students not wanting to focus their studies in any of these areas may select a general course of study. Additional course work is available in the areas of developmental disabilities, global health, public health nutrition, public health leadership and practice, and women’s health. The curriculum below represents the minimum requirements for a comprehensive program in CHS. Advisors often recommend additional courses for students. A suggested course sequence for MPH students in the comprehensive program is found in this handbook. Students in a joint degree program should refer to the appropriate section of this handbook.

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
Both the PEP and Comprehensive MPH programs consist of four components:

• SPH School-wide Core Requirements – (20 SH)
• Divisional Core Requirements – (15 SH)
• Electives – (up to 11 SH)*
• Culminating Experience–
• IPHS 650 Field Experience in Public Health (0-5 SH)
• IPHS 698 MPH Capstone Experience (1 SH)
• Required Non-Credit Training
• HIPAA Research 101
• Investigator Training 101

*Note on Electives: For the Comprehensive program, all students must complete a minimum of 11 semester hours of electives. PEP students must complete as many course electives as necessary to bring total program to 42 semester hours.

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 online MPH CHS program, and requirements for the Field Experience and Capstone.

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