Dual MPH/MUP Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

This is a joint Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Urban Planning (MUP) degree program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It allows students to complete two degrees, normally requiring two years each, in a total of three years. The program focuses on the intersection of public health and urban development, equipping students to assess community needs, develop innovative solutions, and implement impactful programs and policies with a focus on prevention to build stronger, healthier communities.

The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

Delivery Modes

The program is delivered on-campus and is designed for full-time study.

Curriculum Overview

To receive both degrees, students must complete a total of 88 hours of graduate-level coursework , including a minimum of 40 hours of urban planning courses and 48 hours of public health courses.

The MPH component includes core public health courses, three required concentration courses, and an Applied Practice Experience (APE). Most 400 and 500-level Urban Planning courses will meet the requirement for an MPH elective course and the fourth concentration course of choice.

The Capstone course for the MUP program meets the requirement for the MPH Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) course, provided that the student assembles a committee with representatives of each program and the project meets the requirements of both. An internship related to the MUP degree does NOT fulfill the requirements for an MPH Applied Practice Experience.

Admissions Requirements

Students interested in applying to the joint MPH-MUP degree program must complete applications to both programs separately. Applications should not be submitted through SOPHAS.

Key application components include:

• Online Application via the University of Illinois portal ( Create Application ).

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

• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended.

• A detailed resume (1-2 pages).

• Personal Statement Short Answer Essay questions #1 and #2 (required by Illinois Graduate College).

• Program-specific essays for the MPH (series of short personal statements, max 1,500 characters each).

• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a professor or instructor).

GRE scores are not required for the MPH program.

Cost & Financial Aid

The application fee is $70 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants. For comprehensive information regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities, please refer to the official Tuition & Cost page .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH-MUP joint degree program prepares graduates for careers addressing complex health issues at the intersection of public health and urban planning. Students gain practical experience through a required Applied Practice Experience (APE) as part of the MPH curriculum. The MUP Capstone project, which can also fulfill the MPH Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) requirement, offers another opportunity for in-depth, applied work. The university provides resources and support for MPH careers and maintains connections with alumni.