Master of Public Health (Generalist Concentration)
The 100% Online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree provides the broad-based generalist training in public health that is in high demand by employers. It is ideal for public health workers and health care professionals who want to advance their careers with formal training, as well as people interested in starting their careers in public health.
By providing a streamlined course structure and individualized support, this generalist MPH degree is designed for working professionals who are eager to earn a well-recognized degree without putting their careers on hold.
Master of Public Health At-A-Glance
Master of Public Health Overview
Built for today’s public health challenges and designed to equip you to be even more effective in your role: the curriculum is designed to strengthen your career with a broad foundation in public health, integrating the core competencies for Public Health professionals while addressing today’s evolving health priorities.
UIC is a recognized leader in public health education and training. Students in this program will be exposed to essential topics such as environmental health, community health, law and ethics, global health, communications, economics, policy, leadership, and quantitative methods to prepare students for versatile careers in the field.
This 16-course, 42-credit-hour degree program, in the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health, can be completed in as few as 19 months.
Why get your MPH degree at UIC?
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#1 UIC is the #1 ranked Best Public Health School or Program in Illinois according to US News & World Report.
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Top 15 UIC is in the top 15 Best Public Schools of Public Health in the US according to US News and World Report.
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Top 25 UIC is in the top 25 Best Public Health Schools and Programs in the US according to US News & World Report.
Find Out How Our Fully Online MPH Fits Your Life—Get Info Today
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Master of Public Health Courses
The 16-course (9 core courses, 7 concentration courses) asynchronous Online Master of Public Health focuses on broad-based public health training and key skills that public health employers are seeking. Students receive high quality instruction from the same accomplished faculty who teach on campus at UIC.
The curriculum is designed specifically to respond to the needs of the public health employers with input from public health leaders and practitioners in public health.
Instead of specializing in a single area, students gain a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of the field. The degree brings together the major subfields of public health into one broad degree. In addition to core coursework in health policy, leadership, and analytical and research methods, students are introduced to key subfields across the public health landscape, including health policy, environmental and occupational health, and community health.
In the Online MPH program, the student community is composed of individuals from all different backgrounds interested in public health, fostering an environment for building lasting connections. Collaboration with peers, sharing real-world experiences, and engaging in meaningful discussions help students expand their professional networks.
Click the arrow below to view the Online MPH courses.
Master of Public Health Courses
Online MPH Courses
| Course # | Course Type | Course Title | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPHS 450 | Core | Foundations and Determinants of Public Health | 3 hours | Introduces students to the foundations of public health and application of these principles to addressing key factors and determinants of population health and health equity. |
| IPHS 451 | Core | Public Health Policy, Systems and Advocacy | 3 hours | A survey course that introduces public health policies and how they come into existence and work to improve public health. |
| IPHS 452 | Core | Public Health Planning, Practice, and Evaluation | 3 hours | Introduces concepts, principles, and skills for administering public health programs (e.g. community health assessment/improvement, intervention planning, program evaluation), emphasizing community-based organizations and public agencies. |
| IPHS 453 | Core | Public Health Management and Leadership | 2 hours | Introduces concepts, principles, and skills relevant to public health administration, management and leadership across a wide variety of organizations. |
| IPHS 454 | Core | Quantitative Methods and Analysis I | 3 hours | Introduces students to analytic and research methods widely used in evidence-based public health. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Graduate or professional standing; and approval of the department. |
| IPHS 455 | Core | Quantitative Methods and Analysis II | 3 hours | Builds on similar analytic territory content covered in Part I, but from a statistical modeling perspective. |
| IPHS 456 | Core | Introduction to Research Design for Public Health | 1 hour | Introduces students to data collection techniques for qualitative and quantitative research, with an emphasis on qualitative methods, and demonstrates several methods of data collection and analysis common in public health practice. |
| IPHS 650 | Core | Applied Practice Experience | 3 hours | Preceptor guided field experience in public health practice through an association or public health oriented community program for students in the Master of Public Health degree program. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. |
| IPHS 698 | Core | Integrative Learning Experience | 1 hour | Individual project in public health directed toward the MPH capstone experience which is required for the degree. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. |
| EOHS 401 | Concentration | Foundations of Environmental and Occupational Health | 2 hours | Introduction to the field, as well as how chemicals and the environments in which we live, work, and play influence our health more broadly. Scientific approaches used to support identification, analysis and addressing health challenges are presented. |
| CHSC 421 | Concentration | Community Health 1: Assessing, Promoting and Improving Community Health | 4 hours | Provides an introduction to theory and methods for community health assessment, promotion, and improvement. Course Information: Credit is not given for CHSC 421 if the student has credit in CHSC 431 or CHSC 480. Field work required. |
| HPA 431 | Concentration | Public Health Law and Ethics | 3 hours | Provides a dynamic approach to learning about public health law, the relationship between law and the public's health, and will examine the ethical underpinnings and context of public health practice. |
| IPHS 409 | Concentration | Global Health Challenges | 3 hours | An ecological approach to public health to provide a broad overview of current health problems around the world, with an emphasis on low income countries. |
| IPHS 457 | Concentration | Current Topics in Public Health | 2 hours | This course examines a broad range of current and emerging topics in public health through an interdisciplinary and evidence-based lens, focused on contemporary challenges, innovations, and policy debates. |
| CHSC 485 | Concentration | Communications, Mass Media, and Public Health | 3 hours | Examines the development, theoretical basis, and applications of mass media strategies in public health. |
| HPA 413 | Concentration | Economics of Public Health | 3 hours | This course introduces economic frameworks, measures and methodologies for analyzing health-related behaviors and outcomes and for assessing and developing public health programs/interventions/policies. |
Value of MPH degree
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Generalist MPH Provides students with a comprehensive overview of public health that employers are seeking.
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CEPH accredited UIC is the only fully accredited School of Public Health in Illinois. It is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
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Affordable UIC’s MPH is cost effective and provides students access to top tier faculty and practitioners.
Real World Skills You'll Master
The learning outcomes listed below are based on the core competencies for Public Health Professionals, and the curriculum meets all required competencies for MPH degrees accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH).
Students will be able to:
- Assess and monitor population health status, factors that influence health, and community needs and assets
- Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population
- Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it
- Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health
- Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws that impact health
- Utilize legal and regulatory actions designed to improve and protect the public’s health
- Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy
- Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce
- Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement
- Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health
Top-Ranked and Accredited for Quality and Excellence
UIC’s Online MPH program combines top-tier national rankings with the distinction of CEPH accreditation, ensuring quality education and industry-ready graduates.
- UIC is ranked the #1 Public Health School or Program in Illinois by US News & World Report.
- UIC is in the Top 10 Best Public Schools of Public Health in the US according to US News and World Report.
- UIC is in the Top 25 Best Public Health Schools and Programs in the US according to US News & World Report.
- UIC in the Top 10% of Best Public Health Schools and Programs in the US according to U.S. News and World Report.
- UIC is the #1 producer of Public Health Practitioners in Illinois.
UIC’s School of Public Health is the only fully accredited School of Public Health in Illinois. It is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). It was first accredited in 1974, the year CEPH was established, and it continues to meet CEPH’s accreditation standards.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation confirms that a program meets rigorous academic and professional standards, ensuring students receive a quality education that is continuously assessed and updated to stay aligned with the evolving healthcare landscape. For students, this means they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for complex leadership roles. Employers often prefer graduates from accredited programs, recognizing that they are prepared to meet the high standards and demands of the healthcare industry.
Public Health Career Outcomes
Overall employment in medical and health services manager occupations is projected to grow by 23% over the next ten years (2024-2034), much faster than the average for all occupations (3%). Career outcomes typically include roles, like the ones listed below.
Policy & Analysis Roles
- Policy Analyst/Fellow
- Public Health Analyst/Associate
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analysts have a median pay of $101k and job growth is projected to increase by 9% through 2034.
Research & Evaluation Roles
- Research Coordinator/Manager
- Research Compliance Analyst
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, market research analysts have a median pay of $76k and job growth is projected to increase by 7% through 2034.
Program & Project Management Roles
- Project Manager/Coordinator
- Grants Manager
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers have a median pay of $117k and job growth is projected to increase by 23% through 2034.
Community Engagement & Wellness Roles
- Community Engagement Coordinator
- Health and Wellness Coordinator/Specialist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, community health workers have a median pay of $51k and job growth is projected to increase by 11% through 2034. Health education specialists have a median pay of $63k and job growth is projected to increase by 4% through 2034.
Disclaimer
The Online Master of Public Health is a Full Cost Recovery Program and is not eligible for tuition waivers by University of Illinois employees.