Khan Annex windows at night

Community Health:

Master of Public Health

Assess community needs. Develop innovative solutions. Implement impactful programs and policies. Focus on prevention. Build stronger, healthier communities.

Incoming Students: What to Expect

Congratulations! Welcome to the MPH Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Graduate College has a comprehensive guide for graduate students packed with information on the campus community, academics, and more.

While you can always email us if you need help, we hope that the information and resources provided on this page will answer some of the questions you may have about attending U of I as a graduate student.

 

How to Accept or Decline Admission

The MPH program will evaluate your application and recommend a decision for admission to the Graduate College. An Official Notification of Admission from the Graduate College will be made available to you via the online application system. Admitted applicants will be sent an email notifying them that a decision letter is available, and to re-enter the system to view the decision. Login to your application status page and review your admission letter. At the bottom of the letter is a link where you will be able to accept or decline your admission offer.

Getting started after accepting admission

Here is a quick guide to getting set-up in 10 steps:

This document from the graduate college provides you information regarding:

  1. U of I NetID
  2. U of I email account
  3. Student Self-Service
  4. International Student and Scholar Services (International students only)
  5. I-card
  6. Transcript verification
  7. Payroll Information (if employed)
  8. Healthcare and Immunization
  9. Class registration
  10. Billing

Registering for Classes and Orientation

In June, the MPH program will hold a New Student Welcome meeting via Zoom, which will include directions on how to register for classes. Students will meet with the Assistant Director at least once a semester to discuss degree progress and course selection. If you have any questions related to course registration, please reach out to us at mph-admissions@illinois.edu.

Incoming MPH students are also required to attend two orientations before the start of instruction. One of the orientations is specific to the MPH program and will provide an introduction to the program and an opportunity to meet faculty and fellow students. The second orientation is the departmental one and is also mandatory for all MPH students to attend. The exact date and location of each will be announced via email in the summer. However, they generally occur late in the week before the start of classes.

Housing

University Housing

  • Three uniquely different apartment communities are available: University Apartments at Orchard Downs, Goodwin-Green, and Ashton Woods.  
  • The graduate upper-division halls, Daniels Hall and Sherman Hall, offer welcoming, diverse communities, with great amenities and convenient locations. 

Off-Campus Housing: For those preferring off-campus living arrangements, privately owned housing is plentiful in Champaign and Urbana. Anyone unfamiliar with standard leasing practices should visit the Tenant Union to learn more about lease agreements.

Private Certified Housing in Champaign-Urbana: The Housing Information Office maintains information on Private Certified Housing in Champaign-Urbana and certifies these privately owned units.

Tuition and Fee Payment

Cost calculator: The registrar's office offers a cost calculator for you to estimate your total cost of enrollment.

Account: Each month students are notified via their University e-mail account reminding them to view their student account for recent activity and to pay any amount due by the due date. The student account is available online for students and Authorized Payers to view and print and includes all student account transactions such as: payments received and charges and credits for tuition, fees, and housing. Payment is due on the 28th of each month. Tuition and fee charges for fall and spring terms are billed in September and February respectively. Summer term charges are billed in June and/or July depending on enrollment.

Making Payments: The University accepts both e-checks and credit card payments online through UI-Pay.

Payment Plan: The University of Illinois provides an optional Payment Plan that allows parents/students to spread payment of anticipated tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board expenses over 6 installments for the Fall and Spring semesters. 

Transportation and Parking

To Campus: Champaign-Urbana is readily accessible to visitors by car, plane, train, or bus. A number of interstate, U.S., and state highways serve the motorist. Please visit our Directions to Campus.

On Campus and Around Town: See the list of Campus Maps to help locate buildings, parking lots, bus stops, etc.

  • Bike: Biking on campus is easy and affordable. Bicycle sharing is also possible with the Veoride program.
  • Bus: Many Champaign-Urbana MTD bus routes pass through campus for transportation to and around campus. Use your I-card to ride any MTD bus without paying a fare. The majority of the MPH classes and activities will take place in Huff Hall. 
  • Car: Campus Parking has information about parking lots, passes for purchase and metered parking. Additionally, in the campus area the city of Champaign has metered parking and parking lots and the city of Urbana has metered parking in the campus area. Please note that parking meters surrounding the Huff Hall building have a one-to-two hour time limit and you have the option to feed the meter using a phone app (MobileMeter or PaybyPhone). You may NOT park in University parking lots unless you have a pass.
  • Accessibility: The Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) offers transportation services for qualified students, staff, faculty, and visitors who have temporary or permanent disabilities.

Healthcare and Wellness

All graduate students attending U of I are required to have health insurance. The University offers a holistic approach to wellness including mental and physical health, financial planning, recreation, and more.

Contact Information

  • MPH Program
  • Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
  • 1206 S. Fourth Street
  • Champaign, IL 61820
  • Phone: 217-300-0330
  • Email: mph-admissions@ahs.illinois.edu

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