Combined MPH/PhD Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a joint Master of Public Health (MPH) - PhD program, allowing students to integrate their doctoral studies with comprehensive public health training. A key feature of this joint program is the ability to apply up to 12 credit hours of coursework towards both degrees. The MPH and PhD degrees are conferred simultaneously upon completion of all requirements for both programs. The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

The joint MPH-PhD program is delivered on-campus at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the joint MPH-PhD program allows for up to 12 hours of coursework to be applied to both degrees. Electives from the PhD departmental list may meet MPH core courses, and the MPH concentration course and elective course may be met by PhD core courses. Students must meet with academic advisors from both programs to determine their exact plan of study. The MPH component typically includes core public health courses, specialized concentration courses, an Applied Practice Experience (APE), and an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE).

Admissions Requirements

Students interested in the joint MPH-PhD program must complete applications to both the MPH program and their chosen PhD program. Applications should not be submitted through SOPHAS. Key components include:

• Online Application: Submitted via the University of Illinois portal. For the MPH portion, select "Health and Kinesiology" as the Program and "Master of Public Health-MPH" as the Degree, then specify the joint PhD program.

• Application Fee: $70 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants (waivers may be available).

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended (official copies required upon admission).

• Test Scores: GRE scores are not required for the MPH program.

• Resume: A detailed resume (1-2 pages) outlining educational background, work experience, internship experience, educational training, professional associations, and leadership experience.

• Statements: Responses to Personal Statement Short Answer Essay questions #1 and #2 required by the Illinois Graduate College. Additionally, program-specific essays (maximum 1,500 characters each) addressing interest in the MPH degree at UIUC, fit for the program, and experiences related to the chosen concentration (e.g., Health Behavior & Promotion). An optional essay for transcript abnormalities is also available.

• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required. At least one must be from a professor or instructor attesting to the applicant’s ability for graduate studies. Other letters can be from academic or professional sources.

Cost & Financial Aid

The application fee is $70 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants. Information on application fee waivers is available through the University of Illinois Graduate College . For detailed information on tuition, other costs, and financial aid opportunities, please visit the program's Tuition & Cost page .

Career & Practical Experience

The joint MPH-PhD program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in research, academia, and advanced public health practice. The program aims to equip students to assess community needs, develop innovative solutions, implement impactful programs and policies, and focus on prevention to build stronger, healthier communities. The MPH curriculum includes an Applied Practice Experience (APE) for practical, hands-on learning. Career services and alumni networks provide additional support for professional development.