Epidemiology, MPH
for the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
The MPH in Epidemiology provides education and training in the course areas of public health with a focus on developing strong analytical skills to research the distribution and determinants of disease and other health-related events. The MPH in Epidemiology includes required Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience components. Students typically complete the degree in 1.5-2 years of full-time study.
Illinois undergraduate students who major in Kinesiology, Community Health, or Interdisciplinary Health Sciences are eligible to apply for a 5.5 year joint BS-MPH degree program prior to their final year of undergraduate study. Students accepted to the BS-MPH program begin some MPH coursework in their final year of undergraduate study.
Admission
- Admissions & Requirements for MPH
- Admissions & Requirements for BS-MPH
- MPH Admissions Questions email: mph-admissions@ahs.illinois.edu
Financial Aid
Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid directly at (217) 333-0100 or finaid@illinois.edu for any questions you may have related to financial aid.
Faculty Interests/Research
For information about specific faculty research interests, current grants, and publications, please visit our Faculty page.
for the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
The MPH in Epidemiology degree program requires a minimum of 48 hours. The program includes:
- Five required core courses in basic content areas of public health
- Four required courses in the Epidemiology program as well as one additional course from an approved list
- An Applied Practice Experience (practicum)
- An Integrative Learning Experience (capstone)
- Seminars and electives
The Integrative Learning Experience must be completed in the last term of study. There is no thesis requirement. The program generally takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| HK 408 | Environmental Health | 4 |
| HK 410 | Public Health Practice | 4 |
| HK 513 | Introduction to Quantitative Data Management for Public Health | 4 |
| HK 517 | Principles of Epidemiology | 4 |
| HK 527 | Biostatistics in Public Health | 4 |
| HK 528 | Applied Epidemiology | 4 |
| HK 530 | Health Policy: United States | 4 |
| HK 531 | Advanced Biostatistics | 4 |
| HK 533 | Analytical Epidemiology | 4 |
| HK 534 | Professionalism in Health Practice | 2 |
| HK 535 | Applied Practice Experience | 4 |
| HK 536 | Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| Total hours core courses | 44 | |
| Major Course of Choice (select minimum of 4 hours from the following list): | ||
| HK 406 | Cancer Epidemiology | 3 or 4 |
| HK 412 | Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 3 or 4 |
| HK 413 | Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 3 or 4 |
| HK 419 | Artificial Intelligence in Public Health | 3 or 4 |
| HK 424 | Emergency Preparedness, Planning, and Response | 3 or 4 |
| HK 512 | Grant Writing for Health Professionals | 4 |
| HK 516 | Chronic Disease Prevention | 4 |
| HK 519 | Health Program Evaluation | 4 |
| HK 532 | Cultural Humility in Health | 4 |
| HK 550 | Research Methods in Health and Kinesiology | 4 |
| HK 570 | Physical Activity Surveillance | 4 |
| HK 571 | Physical Activity Determinants, Correlates, and Consequences | 4 |
| HK 572 | Physical Activity Intervention & Policy | 4 |
| GGIS 403 | Geographic Information Science and Systems | 4 |
| GGIS 439 | Health Applications of GIS | 3 |
| PATH 517 | Principle/Method Epidemiology | 4 |
| PATH 560 | Spatial Epidemiology | 4 |
| Total Hours (Minimum Required) | 48 | |
Other Requirements
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 (8 within the unit) |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
The MPH, Epidemiology is nationally accredited by CEPH, the Council for Education on Public Health. Extensive reporting, assessment, evaluation, and tracking occurs as part of being a nationally accredited program. Very detailed curriculum competency alignment, tracking, and reporting happen each year to ensure the program is meeting the 30+individual competencies CEPH requires. The MPH Program uses the following learning outcomes as a summary of the CEPH Competencies:
- Content Knowledge: Students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of current and historically significant concepts, frameworks, methods, analytical tools and ideas related to public health and epidemiology.
- Critical Thinking and Discovery: Students will demonstrate ethical practices while applying advanced quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data which could then be disseminated through publications and presentations.
- Awareness and Understanding: Students will understand and appreciate the diverse environmental, biological, psychological, socioeconomic, sociocultural, philosophical, and historical factors that influence public health and epidemiology.
- Programming and Assessment: Students will apply best practices in developing, implementing, assessing, and evaluating programs and interventions related to public health and epidemiology.
- Leadership and Engagement: Students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, while promoting effective public health practices as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.
for the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
Public Health Program
Department Head: Kim Graber
Director of Graduate Studies: Laura Rice
Director of Program: Pedro Hallal
Public Health website
Department of Health and Kinesiology
Department of Health and Kinesiology website
College of Applied Health Sciences
Applied Health Sciences College catalog page
Applied Health Sciences College website