General MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Loyola University Chicago's Master of Public Health (MPH) program, offered through the respected Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, aims to position students to directly impact the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations worldwide. Grounded in the Jesuit tradition of social justice, the program emphasizes improving population health through collaborative community-engaged education, ethical practice, research, and service.

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and is ranked among the top 3 public health graduate programs in Chicago and No. 84 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2025). The program's development is guided by CEPH and the Association of Schools of Public Health Core Competency Development Project, ensuring a high-quality education that meets rigorous industry standards.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program can be pursued full-time or part-time, offering flexibility to students. Delivery formats include hybrid, on-campus, and online options. Online courses incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous components.

Track-specific delivery includes: the Epidemiology track is blended with on-campus evening coursework and online coursework; the Public Health Policy and Management track can be completed entirely online; and the Global Health Equity track typically involves blended courses with online and in-person components at the Health Sciences Campus. The Biostatistics track also offers flexible learning formats.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH program is a 42-credit-hour curriculum. It consists of 6 core courses, 5-6 track-specific courses (students in the Biostatistics track take 6 track courses), and elective courses (typically 2, or 1 for Biostatistics students).

Students must complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE), also known as the MPH practicum (1 credit). This involves 210 hours or more of practical experience in a public health setting, applying at least five program competencies and producing at least two deliverables.

An Integrated Learning Experience (ILE), or capstone project (2 credits), is also required. This student-led project culminates in a presentation and written manuscript, demonstrating the ability to apply acquired skills to a public health problem.

Admissions Requirements

Application requirements include:

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

• 2 Letters of Recommendation

• GRE or MCAT Test Score (only required for applicants with a GPA below 3.0)

• Resume/CV

• Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words describing reasons for interest in the program and future career plans)

Prerequisite Course Requirements: Admission requires completed undergraduate or graduate coursework in math (e.g., algebra, calculus, or statistics), writing, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences.

Cost & Financial Aid

The estimated tuition for the Public Health MPH program is $1,295.00 per credit hour, totaling $54,390.00 for the 42-credit hour program. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change. For detailed information, visit the Office of the Bursar's Tuition and Fees page .

Several financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available, including the Robert and Betty Parkinson Scholars Award (an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship with additional funds for scholarly activity). The Parkinson School also offers paid graduate student positions. Current Loyola undergraduates or alumni may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. For more information, visit the Parkinson School's financial aid page and the University's Financial Aid Office website .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MPH program are prepared for leadership roles in various sectors, including public and private organizations, and local, state, and federal health departments. Specific job options include:

• Epidemiologist

• Health services administrator

• Regulatory specialist

• Clinical trial administrator

• Occupational health and safety manager

• Environmental health officer

• Biostatistician

• Public health nurse

• Health education specialist

• Policy analyst

• Population health researcher

Loyola's Career Services center provides access to career advising, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs, and employment listings, leveraging the Jesuit network of colleges and universities. Examples of Applied Practice Experience (APE) sites include the MRSA Research Center, North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, Summer Field Research in Ghana, Health and Medicine Policy Research Group, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Mount Sinai Hospital.