Beginning in Fall 2019, Northeastern Illinois University will offer a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). This 42-credit-hour degree program covers a broad range of public health issues and will be taught in a hybrid of on-campus and online courses. It will be taught by a team of faculty members across disciplines to provide a unique, generalist approach to the field.
The program is headed by Department of Health Sciences and Physical Education Chair James Ball and Associate Professor Jennifer Banas, who also serves as coordinator of the Community Health program.
“Northeastern’s M.P.H. program serves a vital need not only in our immediate community, but throughout the Chicago area and Midwest region,” Banas said. “As we learn more about social determinants of health and their impact on health-related quality of life, the preparation of a diverse group of public health professionals who are knowledgeable about these intersecting determinants is essential to improving health outcomes for populations more susceptible to health disparities and health inequities.”
Program applicants must meet Northeastern’s graduate program admissions requirements as well as have a minimum 3.0 GPA in a major related to biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services administration, behavioral sciences or social sciences. They must also submit two letters of recommendation and an essay. GRE scores are not required.
M.P.H. students will have opportunities to conduct research and participate in internships. Upon graduation, students will be proficient in evidence-based approaches to public health, public health and healthcare systems, and public health policies, among other skills.
