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All MPH Programs in Illinois (2025)

Students interested in advancing public health will find a variety of Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in Illinois. The state offers numerous options across different universities, catering to a range of career aspirations in the public health sector. This guide provides an overview of the MPH offerings in Illinois and answers common questions to help prospective students navigate their choices.


University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820-5711

Combined BS/MPH Program

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science + Master of Public Health (BS-MPH) joint degree program for its current undergraduate students majoring in Community Health, I-Health, or Kinesiology. This program allows students to complete both degrees at a faster pace, with the MPH portion typically finished in 1 to 1.5 years. Students can specialize in Epidemiology or Health Behavior & Promotion. The curriculum integrates undergraduate and graduate studies, with 12 credit hours counting towards both degrees, and includes practical experiences like the APE and ILE. The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Duration: 12 months

Formats: on-campus, full-time, accelerated

Concentrations:

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Behavior & Promotion

Dual MPH/MUP Program

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a joint Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Urban Planning (MUP) degree, enabling students to earn both degrees in an integrated three-year, full-time, on-campus program. This unique curriculum combines public health principles with urban planning strategies to address complex community health challenges. Students complete 88 credit hours, including core coursework in both disciplines, specialized MPH concentration courses (Epidemiology or Health Behavior & Promotion), an Applied Practice Experience, and a capstone project. The program is designed for individuals aspiring to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that build healthier, more equitable communities.

Duration: 3 years

Formats: on-campus, full-time

Concentrations:

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Behavior & Promotion

Combined MPH/PhD Program

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a distinctive joint Master of Public Health (MPH) and PhD program, designed for students aiming to integrate advanced public health training with doctoral research in fields such as Community Health, Food Science & Human Nutrition, Kinesiology, Nutritional Science, or Social Work. This on-campus program allows up to 12 credit hours of coursework to be shared between the two degrees, which are conferred simultaneously. It prepares graduates to assess community needs, develop innovative solutions, and implement impactful programs and policies. Applicants must apply and be admitted to both the MPH program and their chosen PhD program.

Duration: N/A months

Formats: on-campus

Concentrations:

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Behavior & Promotion

University of Illinois Springfield

One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703-5407

General MPH Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) General program at the University of Illinois Springfield offers a comprehensive 48-credit hour curriculum, preparing students to tackle diverse public health challenges. Accredited by CEPH, the program is available in both online and on-campus formats, catering to a range of students including working professionals. Students develop foundational knowledge in core areas like epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy, and can tailor their studies through selected concentration courses. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination and includes a practical internship experience, equipping graduates for various roles in the public health sector.

Duration: 24 months

Formats: online, on-campus

Concentrations:

  • General Public Health

MPH with Environmental Health Emphasis/Concentration

The Master of Public Health in Environmental Health (MPH-EH) at the University of Illinois Springfield is a STEM-Designated, EHAC-accredited program. It offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Delivered both online and on-campus, the 48-credit hour program is designed for working professionals and typically takes two years to complete. The program aims to equip students with essential public health competencies, including epidemiological methods, data analysis, policy development, and effective communication, to address environmental health challenges and promote population health.

Duration: 24 months

Formats: online, on-campus

Concentrations:

  • Environmental Health

University of Illinois Chicago

601 S Morgan, Chicago, Illinois 60607

MPH with Epidemiology Emphasis/Concentration

The MPH in Epidemiology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health offers students a comprehensive foundation in public health with a specialized focus on epidemiological methods and applications. This program prepares graduates to work in multidisciplinary settings, providing essential epidemiology services, and can be a route to higher administrative positions for those with clinical experience. Students can tailor their studies to areas such as infectious disease, chronic disease, cancer epidemiology, and environmental health. Enrollment is available on both full-time and part-time bases, and the program highlights opportunities for global health experiences, including applied practice in Kenya.

Duration: N/A

Formats: full-time, part-time

Concentrations:

  • Epidemiology

Dual MPH/MSW Program

The University of Illinois Chicago's joint MSW/MPH program integrates social work's commitment to individual and community well-being with public health's focus on population health, prevention, and policy. This full-time program allows students to earn both degrees in a condensed timeframe, typically three to three and a half years. Key features include integrated coursework across both disciplines, shared electives, a comprehensive field experience, and a capstone project. The program aims to equip graduates for impactful careers addressing complex health and social issues through interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing prevention and equity.

Duration: 36 months

Formats: full-time

Concentrations:

  • Community Health Sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health Policy and Administration

Dual MPH/DMD Program

The University of Illinois Chicago's joint DMD-MPH program allows students to concurrently earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences over five years. This unique program is offered in collaboration with UIC's School of Public Health and aims to train the next generation of public dental health professionals. It equips graduates with the clinical skills of dentistry and the population-based approaches of public health to address oral health challenges. Students will be prepared for leadership roles in health systems, government, and research, focusing on community-based oral health program management, policy, and advocacy.

Duration: 5 years

Formats: on-campus, full-time

Concentrations:

  • Community Health Sciences

Dual MPH/MUPP Program

The MUPP/MPH joint degree at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) uniquely combines urban planning and public health, preparing graduates to address complex community health issues at the intersection of policy and planning. Offered collaboratively by UIC's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) and the School of Public Health (SPH), the program allows students to specialize within SPH divisions such as Community Health Sciences or Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. A key feature is its STEM classification under Sustainability Studies, providing international F-1 visa students an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period post-graduation. Students gain integrated skills from two nationally respected graduate programs.

Duration: N/A months

Formats: on-campus, online

Concentrations:

  • Community Health Sciences
  • Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy and Administration

Dual MPH/MBA Program

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a joint MBA/MPH degree program for students aiming for leadership roles where business acumen and public health expertise intersect. This program equips individuals with management skills applicable to public health and healthcare organizations. Students can complete the program full-time in 2.5 years or part-time in 3.5 years, choosing from various MPH concentrations like Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, or Public Health Management and Policy. The curriculum integrates core business principles with foundational public health knowledge, including an applied practice experience.

Duration: 30 months

Formats: full-time, part-time, on-campus, online

Concentrations:

  • Biostatistics
  • Community Health Sciences
  • Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Maternal and Child Health (MCH)
  • MCH Epidemiology
  • Public Health Informatics
  • Public Health Management and Policy

Frequently Asked Questions about MPH Programs in Illinois

How many MPH programs are there in Illinois?

There are 27 distinct Master of Public Health (MPH) programs available across various universities in Illinois. These programs cover a wide range of specializations and formats to suit different career goals in public health.

Which schools in Illinois offer MPH programs?

Twelve universities in Illinois offer MPH programs. These include: Benedictine University, Chamberlain University-Illinois, DePaul University, Elmhurst University, Loyola University Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Springfield, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

What types of MPH program formats are available in Illinois (e.g., online, hybrid, dual, accelerated, on-campus)?

MPH programs in Illinois are offered in several formats to accommodate diverse student needs. These include traditional on-campus programs, flexible online MPH degree options, hybrid programs that blend online and in-person instruction, accelerated MPH tracks for faster completion, and dual degree MPH opportunities that combine public health studies with another field.

Are there any online MPH programs in Illinois? If so, which schools offer them?

Yes, Illinois offers several online MPH programs. You can find options such as the Online MPH Program at University of Illinois Chicago, the Online MPH Program at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, the Online MPH Program at Chamberlain University-Illinois, and the Online MPH Program at Benedictine University. For a broader selection, you can also explore online MPH programs available nationally.

Are there dual degree MPH programs in Illinois? If so, which schools?

Illinois provides numerous dual degree MPH programs. For instance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Dual MPH/MUP Program. University of Illinois Chicago has several, including a Dual MPH/MSW Program and a Dual MPH/MBA Program. Other institutions in Illinois with dual degrees include University of Chicago (e.g., Dual MPH/MD Program), Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (e.g., Dual MPH/MBA Program), Northwestern University (e.g., Dual DPT/MPH Program), Loyola University Chicago (e.g., Dual MPH/MSW Program), DePaul University (e.g., Dual MPH/MBA Program), and Benedictine University (e.g., Dual MPH/MBA Program). You can learn about more dual degrees on our dedicated page.

Are there hybrid or accelerated MPH programs in Illinois?

Yes, students in Illinois can find both hybrid and accelerated MPH programs. For example, Benedictine University offers a Dual MPH/MBA Program with hybrid elements. Accelerated options in Illinois include programs like the Combined BS/MPH Program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Accelerated Public Health Program (APHP) at Northwestern University, and the Combined BS/MPH Program at Loyola University Chicago. To see more options nationally, visit our pages on information on hybrid learning and fast-track MPH studies.

What makes MPH programs in Illinois unique compared to other states?

MPH programs in Illinois offer unique advantages due to the state's diverse public health environment. Students have opportunities to address complex urban health issues in major metropolitan areas like Chicago, as well as rural health challenges prevalent in other parts of Illinois. The state is home to leading academic institutions, renowned medical centers, and various community health organizations, providing rich environments for research, internships, and practical experience. Illinois' focus on health equity and access offers students the chance to engage in meaningful public health initiatives.

What is the typical salary for MPH graduates in Illinois?

The typical salary for MPH graduates in Illinois can vary based on factors such as experience, specialization, location within the state, and the type of employer. However, entry-level to mid-career professionals with an MPH in Illinois can generally expect to earn between $65,000 and $90,000 per year. Salaries may be higher in the Chicago metropolitan area or for those in specialized or managerial roles.

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