Choosing the Right MPH Program in Chicago: Insights for Prospective Students

This guide will provide you with all the information you’ll need to pursue an MPH in Chicago—methods for producing a successful application, an outline of significant MPH programs in Chicago, and insights into how to finance a public health education in Chicago.

Why Chicago for Your MPH?

One major reason for pursuing a public health degree in the city of Chicago, located in Cook County, Illinois, is access to large healthcare systems. These include RUSH University 7, Northwestern Memorial 8, and UChicago Medicine 9. Many public health graduates choose to pursue a career in clinical research and healthcare administration. Additionally, there are many Chicago-based organizations 10, as well as national programs, geared toward bettering public health. Many of these organizations help the diverse populations of Chicago obtain the necessary resources for proper healthcare. The diversity within Chicago represents another reason to pursue an MPH in Chicago12 if you are passionate about alleviating health inequities in our country.

Beyond educational and professional opportunities, Chicago is a vibrant city to call home 13. There are ample opportunities to enjoy culture,  with its abundance of festivals, gardens, restaurants, sports-related activities, and architectural prowess, among others.. Additionally, Chicago is well-known for its Midwestern charm, an attribute synonymous with kindness and affordability. The location of Chicago at the intersection of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan allows for many water-based activities in the summer months, including boating, kayaking, and lounging on one of Chicago’s multiple beaches14.

Choosing the Right MPH Program in Chicago

When considering which MPH graduate program may be right for you, there are many factors to consider. A program’s accreditation status is significant, as this ensures that the program will provide all students with a quality education. Accreditation is awarded to schools by the Council for Education for Public Health (CEPH). When selecting a program, it is also important to consider what areas of study are most important to you.

Some programs may have more offerings in certain topic areas of interest, for example, in the form of courses within their MPH curriculum, certificates, concentrations, and faculty research than others. Finding a school that will allow you to explore these passions will optimize your educational pursuits. Along these lines, the interconnectedness of the university with communities in Chicago may be something many students find appealing. Some applicants may also prefer a program that offers online or hybrid educational options, as this often works well with scheduling for many prospective students15.

5 Noteworthy MPH Programs in Chicago

The following profiles highlight outstanding institutions offering MPH programs in Chicago. We’ve selected these programs not only for their esteemed academic reputations but also for the ways in which they collectively highlight a diverse array of programs across the city. Some other prominent schools with varying degrees in related topics not found on this list include Rush University and Northern Illinois University.

Traditional On-Campus Programs

1. Northwestern University

offers five different concentrations: Community Health Research, Data Science, Epidemiology, Generalist, and Global Health. Northwestern’s MPH program is embedded within the Feinberg School of Medicine and offers a variety of dual-degree programs with particular emphasis on providing public health education to clinical professionals. The program allows for students to study full-time, part-time, or as a “Non-Degree Special Student,” meaning professionals from a variety of backgrounds are welcome to take select public health courses at the university without seeking a degree16. At Northwestern, Andrew M. Naidech, MD, MSPH serves as Program Director. He is renowned for his research in neurocritical care and natural language processing17.

2. The University of Illinois at Chicago

offers an on-campus MPH program where students can choose from many different concentrations, including Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Administration, Industrial Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health,  Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology, as well as Water Quality and Health, among others. UIC notably emphasizes the applicability of its MPH program by requiring an applied practice experience; an this may be an integrative learning experience in which students must create a written product that can be of use to external stakeholders or an interprofessional education opportunity in which students can engage with professionals outside of the public health sphere18. Jamie F. Chriqui, PhD, MHS, serves as Senior Associate Dean. She is renowned for her research in health policy and food programs19.

3. The University of Chicago

offers an on-campus MPH program where students can choose from four different concentrations: Epidemiology and Global Health, Health Policy, Data Science, and Community Health Promotion. As the MPH program is relatively new at UChicago, admitted students can help the program grow and be a part of something innovative at one of the top institutions in the nation. The university emphasizes the real-world applicability of its MPH program through a focus on analytics20. Diane S. Lauderdale, PhD, serves as the Director of the program at UChicago. Her research is renowned in aging and sleep21.

4. DePaul University

offers an on-campus MPH program with two concentrations: Community Health Practice and Social Epidemiology. The courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Additionally, classes for this program take place on the Lincoln Park campus of DePaul; Lincoln Park is an area considered to be desirable and accessible by many Chicago inhabitants22. Stephanie Dance-Barnes, PhD, serves as the Dean of the College of Science and Health Her work is renowned in cancer biology and STEM education23.

*Note that some of these institutions also offer online options.

Online Programs

1. Loyola University Chicago

offers an online MPH program that allows students to concentrate on public health policy and  Management. In alignment with the overarching mission of Loyola, the coursework involved in this program emphasizes health equity and social justice. Students enrolled in this program must demonstrate their grasp of the material by innovatively applying what they have learned to their practicum and capstone projects24. Elaine H. Morrato, DrPH, MPH, FISPE, CPH serves as the Dean of the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola. Her work is renowned in pharmacoepidemiology and implementation science25.

*Note that this institution also offers in-person options.

Admission Requirements and Application Insights

Admissions requirements vary slightly between MPH programs. Prospective students should begin researching specific programs and putting together their applications as early as possible to ensure their submissions to each university are timely and effective. Application cycles for MPH programs typically begin in August for programs beginning in the fall, with some schools accepting applications much later on a rolling basis. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to all programs, but the majority do not require specific undergraduate coursework or set a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement. Note that top schools do expect academic excellence.

The requirement of GRE or GMAT scores has fluctuated and varies between institutions, so research this component well in advance to allow for ample study time. Most schools also require two or three letters of recommendation. Be sure to carefully choose the right people for your recommendation letters. Your testimonials should outline your good character and capabilities.Your experiences, along with any writing supplements, can be used effectively to highlight a passion for and prowess within public health26.

Financing Your MPH Education in Chicago

Many MPH programs in Chicago offer financial aid to help students fund their education. Generally, students will have ample opportunity to individually research and reach out to admissions groups at institutions of interest to inquire about their financial aid options. A wide variety of scholarships also exist to fund public health education. Students should research these thoroughly to see which they could potentially qualify for27. Additionally, Chicago has been noted for its relative affordability compared to most other cities in the United States. The relatively low cost of living is highly attractive to prospective students who are wondering how they will afford their MPH education and other necessities while in school28.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, public health programs in Chicago set students up for success as budding public health professionals through their programmatic offerings, urban connections, and academic rigor. With financing options and the city’s multitude of attractive qualities, MPH programs in Chicago prove to be an attractive option for many seeking such an education.

Consider applying today to an MPH program in Chicago to begin a fulfilling career helping the entire population achieve better health.