Master of Public Health at Illinois
MPH Online or On Campus
Are you passionate about health? Committed to making a difference? Interested in improving health outcomes for whole communities, not just individuals?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree might be the perfect fit for you.
Flexible Schedule
Master’s degree can be earned in 16 months to 2 years, depending on modality
Online Options
Fully online, asynchronous and on-campus options so you can complete at the pace that works for you
Career Advancement
Career growth in the health field for those seeking promotions
FAQs about the MPH at Illinois
Why choose a Master of Public Health?
An MPH empowers you to make a measurable difference—in your community, your country, and around the world. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to pivot or deepen your impact, the MPH equips you with the tools to tackle today’s most pressing health challenges: from preventing disease and improving mental health to addressing climate change and global pandemics.
Our program is designed for everyone: recent graduates eager to build meaningful careers, professionals seeking new direction or leadership roles, and international students wanting a globally relevant qualification. You’ll gain practical skills in data analysis, health policy, community engagement, and more—backed by real-world experiences that prepare you to lead in public, private, or nonprofit sectors.
No matter where you are in life, the MPH is a launchpad for a purpose-driven career that improves lives.
Is the online or on-campus Master of Public Health program right for me?
If you’re passionate about making a difference in public health, there’s more than one path to getting your MPH—and choosing the right format can make all the difference.
Whether you thrive in an in-person learning environment with face-to-face collaboration or you need the flexibility of an online program to balance school with work, family or other commitments, we offer options to fit your goals and lifestyle. Both our on-campus and online MPH programs offer the same expert faculty, rigorous curriculum and real-world learning experiences—just delivered in different ways.
The on-campus MPH program offers a vibrant, in-person community and the chance to immerse yourself fully in public health training right here at Illinois. The MPH Online is designed for students who want the freedom to learn from anywhere while staying closely connected to peers and professors through interactive coursework and personalized support.
No matter your path, an MPH can equip you to lead with integrity, tackle pressing public health challenges and build healthier, more resilient communities.
What are the admissions requirements for the MPH program?
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 grading scale) in the last 60 hours of instruction
- A complete SOPHAS application
- Official Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- English Proficiency (international applications only)
Application Deadlines
On-Campus
Applications are due and reviewed in batches. The residential program only does intake of new students every fall. Applications will open mid-August for the next fall.
On-Campus Application Deadlines:
- Priority deadline: November 15
- Early deadline: February 15
- Final deadline: April 1
Available Programs
- For fall 2026: Epidemiology major; Behavior and Promotion concentration
- Coming soon: Physical Activity and Health
Online
The online program does an intake every semester. For a spring start, applications will open mid-August.
Online Application Deadline:
November 15
Available Programs
- For spring 2026: Epidemiology major
- For fall 2026: Epidemiology major
- Coming soon: Health Behavior and Promotion; Physical Activity and Health
What courses are required to earn an MPH degree at Illinois?
Hear from MPH Alumni
Anais Cotillas, Class of 2016
HIV health educator, Center of Halstead
“I think that my MPH has allowed me to further hone my skills as a big-picture thinker. It has taught me to see an individual-level issue and see all of the biopsychosocial and environmental factors that contributed to it. Now, when I am with my clients, I can utilize this more holistic perspective.”
Lauren Geary, Class of 2016
Program manager, American Academy of Pediatrics
“One of the ways that my Illinois MPH degree has helped to prepare me for a career in public health was through the diverse curriculum. Understanding the fundamentals of program design, program evaluation and health behavioral theories (and how they can interact with one another) has proven to be important throughout my work in the field. Additionally, the connections I made during my internships at U. of I. helped lead me to my first career opportunity, which has opened the door to other exciting opportunities.”
Simrandeep Kaur, Class of 2022
Epidemiologist, Indiana Department of Health
“My degree from Illinois taught me what it means to be part of team and how to effectively work with all individuals to successfully complete projects within the allotted time frame.
As an epidemiologist within the Vital Records Division at Indiana Department of Health, my concentration in epidemiology specifically has allowed me to use my epidemiological skills in various ways throughout my career thus far.
I’m proud to say I got my MPH from Illinois. Once an Illini, always an Illini!”
Become a leader in public health.
Whether online or on campus, you’ll get the same high-quality education you’d expect from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We can’t wait to meet you!
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