Public Health (MPH)
How will you improve population health? As a public health professional, you can change lives by promoting and protecting the health and well-being of people and their communities locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
The Master of Public Health program prepares students to promote health equity. We prepare future public health leaders through a competency-based and flexible community- engaged curriculum.
The Master of Public Health program is ideal for individuals seeking leadership careers in the diverse and growing field of public health.
The Public Health (MPH) also offers an Accelerated Master's Pathway for Undergraduate students to complete their Graduate studies in a fifth year. Further details of the AMP, including the suggested sequence of courses, can be found under the Curriculum tab.
Accreditation
Loyola’s BSPH and MPH programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation provides assurance that the program has been evaluated and met accepted standards established by and with the public health profession. For question on accreditation, contact the MPH Program Director, Ruth Kafensztok.
Related Programs
Certificate
Combined
Curriculum
Offered in-person, online, or hybrid, Loyola's MPH is a 42-credit curriculum. Online courses include both synchronous and asynchronous components. We offer concentrations in four study tracks: Epidemiology, Policy and Management, Global Health Equity, and Biostatistics. The curriculum includes six core courses, concentration-specific courses, electives, and applied practice and integrative learning experiences.
Besides the traditional Master's program, the Public Health (MPH) is also offered as an Accelerated Master's Pathway where exceptional students can complete the program in a fifth year. A suggested sequence for the AMP can be found below.
Online Learning
Convenient and rigorous, the online program is geared to working professionals, non-traditional students, and individuals who need a more flexible learning format. Loyola University Chicago faculty with expertise in Public Health, Public Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health, Bioethics, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics teach in this program. The vast resources of Loyola's Parkinson School and the Health Science Campus, along with the combined knowledge and experience of distinguished faculty from medicine, social work, bioethics, health policy and law, will help you take on many opportunities and challenges.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPH Foundational Courses | ||
| MPBH 400 | Determinants of Population Health | 3 |
| MPBH 402 | Public Health Practice and Management | 3 |
| MPBH 403 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| MPBH 404 | Biostatistics for Health and Biological Science | 3 |
| or MPBH 409 | Biostatistics I | |
| MPBH 407 | Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice | 3 |
| MPBH 499 | Public Health in Action | 3 |
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula 1 | 15-18 | |
| MPH Electives | 3-6 | |
| Select two of the following: 2 | ||
| Infectious Disease Epidemiology | ||
| Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology | ||
| Health Impact Assessment | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Applied Practice Experience | 1 | |
| MPH Practicum | ||
| Integrated Learning Experience | 2 | |
| MPH Capstone | ||
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Selected courses from other schools/programs may satisfy MPH elective requirements. Students in the Biostatistics track will take six (6) track courses instead of five (5).
- 2
Selected courses from other schools/programs may satisfy MPH elective requirements. Students in the Biostatistics track will take only one elective.
MPH Track-Specific Curricula (15-18 credit hours)
Epidemiology
This hybrid program combines online and evening classes. Epidemiology is the basic science of public health: it helps us understand the causes of and solutions to diseases. This track equips students to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret population health research, while they learn the basic principles of all public health disciplines.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPBH 412 | Intro to Statistical Computing for Public Health | 2 |
| MPBH 421 | Biostatistics II | 3 |
| MPBH 423 | Intermediate Epidemiology | 3 |
| MPBH 427 | Advanced Statistical Methods | 1 |
| MPBH 431 | Grant Writing | 3 |
| Select one Research Methods Course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Global Health | ||
| Clinical Trials | ||
| Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology | ||
| Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Global Health Equity
This concentration is a hybrid program of online and evening classes. Study the health of global populations with the ultimate goal of identifying and eliminating structures and practices of inequity and injustice to advance health equity for individuals and populations.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPBH 414 | Introduction to Global Health | 3 |
| MPBH 417 | Global Maternal and Child Health | 3 |
| MPBH 422 | Population Health Planning & Management | 3 |
| MPBH 431 | Grant Writing | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Social Determinants of Health and Bioethics | ||
| Global Bioethics | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
Students may choose an elective course not on this list with Track Director approval.
Public Health Policy and Management
This concentration can be completed entirely online, and also can be taken with in-person courses. This curriculum studies the organization, structure, and delivery of health-related services, and associated population health outcomes. Students may customize their academic focus in either public health policy, administration, or both.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPBH 416 | Health Services Research Methods | 3 |
| MPBH 425 | Policy Analysis | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Justice & Health Care | ||
| Biomedical Ethics and Law | ||
| Social Determinants of Health and Bioethics | ||
| Systems Ethics Frameworks | ||
| Organizational Ethics I: Business, Professionalism, and Justice | ||
| Global Bioethics | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Policy-oriented | ||
| Public Health Law: Theories and Cases | ||
| Health Economics and Healthcare Financing | ||
| Management-oriented | ||
| Fiscal Management in Health Care Organizations | ||
| Population Health Planning & Management | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Biostatistics
This track aims to equip students with advanced skills in statistical techniques and data analysis, with a particular emphasis on harnessing digital data for public health innovation. By integrating modern analytical methodologies tailored specifically to the digital data landscape of the public health domain, this track enhances the program’s relevance and ensures our graduates are well-prepared to lead in the data-driven public health landscape.
Students in the Biostatistics track require the same 6 core MPH courses as the other three existing tracks as well as the Applied Practice Experience and Capstone Experience. They also select one elective course.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Track Requirements | ||
| MPBH 412 | Intro to Statistical Computing for Public Health | 2 |
| MPBH 421 | Biostatistics II | 3 |
| MPBH 427 | Advanced Statistical Methods | 1 |
| MPBH 449 | Biostatistics for Public Health Interventions | 3 |
| MPBH 450 | Biostatistics for Electronic Health Record (EHR) Data | 3 |
| MPBH 460 | Public Health Data Visualization and Reporting | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Clinical Data Science | ||
| Grant Writing | ||
| Clinical Trials | ||
| Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Applied Practice Experience (1 credit)
Also known as the MPH practicum, it provides the student with practical experience in a public health setting, requiring the student to apply and integrate skills and knowledge learned in courses. The applied practice experience (APE) must be 210 hours or more. Students must apply five program competencies to their APE and produce at least two deliverables, which will become part of their portfolio. Examples of APE sites include MRSA Research Center, North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, Summer Field Research in Ghana, Health and Medicine Policy Research Group, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Mount Sinai Hospital.
Integrated Learning Experience (2 credits)
The integrated learning experience is a student-led capstone project culminating with a presentation and written manuscript. The project should demonstrate student's ability to apply acquired skills and competencies to a public health problem that simulates a professional practice experience. Depending on their interests, some students may analyze data collected during their practicum to help complete their capstone.
Dual Degrees and Other Programs
The needs of the public health workforce are diverse and ever-changing. Our students are diverse and pursue public health graduate studies at different points in their careers, from undergraduate through practicing nurses and physicians. To meet these needs, the Department of Public Health Sciences offers six additional programs:
- Accelerated Master's Pathway Five-Year Bachelor/MPH Degree
- Doctor of Medicine/ Master of Public Health (MD/MPH)
- Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH)
- MS in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology (CRME)
- Public Health Certificate
Note: Students entering the program may wish to pursue careers that may require licensure (e.g. Registered Environmental Health Specialist) or certification (e.g. Certified in Public Health or Certified Professional in Food Safety) upon or before employment. Loyola University Chicago cannot guarantee that the Master of Public Health will prepare students to meet the unique requirements for licensure or certification in their specific location and/or area of expertise. Students should check with their local licensing or certifying authority to determine what requirements are necessary.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term and the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Traditional Master's Program
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MPBH 400 | Determinants of Population Health | 3 |
| MPBH 407 | Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPBH 402 | Public Health Practice and Management | 3 |
| MPBH 409 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MPBH 403 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| MPH Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPBH 499 | Public Health in Action | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPBH 410 | MPH Practicum | 1 |
| MPH Elective | 3 | |
| MPBH 411 | MPH Capstone | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Summer | ||
| MPBH 411 | MPH Capstone | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Students can take up to 15 credit hours in the senior year with admission to the AMP. These credits are shared between the Bachelor's and Master's programs.
The following courses could be taken in the senior year of the undergraduate program as part of the AMP program: MPBH 400, MPBH 402, MPBH 403, MPBH 407, MPBH 409, MPBH 414, MPBH 417, ENVS 480.
Below is a sample schedule:
| Senior | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MPBH 400 | Determinants of Population Health | 3 |
| MPBH 403 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| MPBH 407 | Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPBH 402 | Public Health Practice and Management | 3 |
| MPBH 409 | Biostatistics I | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Master's | ||
| Fall | ||
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPBH 499 | Public Health in Action | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPH Elective | 3 | |
| MPBH 410 | MPH Practicum | 1 |
| MPBH 411 | MPH Capstone | 1 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Summer | ||
| MPH Track-Specific Curricula Course | 3 | |
| MPH Elective | 3 | |
| MPBH 411 | MPH Capstone | 1 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
Guidelines for Accelerated Master's Pathways
In Accelerated Master’s Pathways, students share limited, authorized credits between their Undergraduate and Graduate degrees to facilitate completion of both degrees in a shorter amount of time. Shared credits are Graduate level credit hours (400-level or higher) taken during the Undergraduate career and then applied both to the Undergraduate degree and towards Graduate program requirements.
Admission and Matriculation
Accelerated Master's Pathways are designed to enhance opportunities for advanced training for Loyola’s Undergraduates. Admission to these programs is competitive and will depend upon a positive review of credentials by the Graduate program. Accordingly, the admission requirements for these programs may be higher than those required if the Master’s degree were pursued entirely after the receipt of a Bachelor’s degree.
Students enrolled in an Accelerated Master's Pathway who choose not to continue to the Master’s degree program upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree will face no consequences.
Ideally, a student will apply for admission to an AMP program as they approach 90 credit hours in their Undergraduate career.
Students will not officially matriculate into the Master’s degree program and be labeled as a Graduate student by the university, with accompanying changes to tuition and Financial Aid (see below), until the Undergraduate degree has been awarded. Once admitted to the Graduate program, students must meet the academic standing requirements of their Graduate program as they complete the program curriculum.
Advising and Registration
Students in their final Undergraduate year will work with Advising in the home School of their Bachelor's program(s), as well as the Graduate Program Director of the Master’s program. Any 400-level or higher courses that the student plans to enroll in should be reviewed by both advisors to ensure that these courses will complete requirements for both degrees.
Registration in Graduate level courses during the Undergraduate year may require assistance from the Graduate Program Director and/or the student’s current academic advisor to enroll.
Shared Credits
Only courses taken at the 400-level or higher will count toward the Graduate program. At the Undergraduate level, students are restricted to enrolling in and sharing up to the number of Graduate level credits explicitly indicated in the catalog for their selected AMP program.
In general, Graduate level coursework should not be taken prior to admission into the Accelerated Master's Pathway. Exceptions may be granted for professional programs where curriculum for the Accelerated Master's Pathway is designed to begin earlier. On the recommendation of the program’s Graduate Program Director, students may take one of their Graduate level courses before they are admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Pathway if they have advanced abilities in their discipline and course offerings warrant such an exception.
Degree Requirements and Conferral
Undergraduate degree requirements are in no way impacted by admission to an Accelerated Master’s Pathway. Students should not, for example, attempt to negotiate themselves out of a writing intensive requirement on the basis of admission to a Graduate program.
The program’s Graduate Program Director will designate credit hours to be shared through the advising form and Master’s degree conferral review process. Graduate credit hours taken during the Undergraduate career will not be included in the Graduate GPA calculation.
If students wish to transfer credits from another university to Loyola University Chicago, the program’s Graduate Program Director will review the relevant syllabus or syllabi to determine whether it meets the criteria for a 400-level course or higher.
Programs with specialized accreditation requirements that allow programs to offer Graduate curriculum to Undergraduate students will conform to those specialized accreditation requirements.
Degrees are awarded sequentially. All details of Undergraduate commencement are handled in the ordinary way as for all students in the School/College/Institute. Once matriculated in the Graduate program, students abide by the graduation deadlines set forth by the Graduate program. Students in these programs must be continuously enrolled from Undergraduate to Graduate degree program unless given explicit permission by their program for a gap year or approved leave of absence. In offering the option of an Accelerated Master’s Pathway, the university is making possible the acceleration of a student’s Graduate degree completion. It should be understood that students may not request deferral of their matriculation into the Master’s degree program. If students would like to delay their Graduate studies after earning the Undergraduate degree, they may apply for admission to the traditional Master’s degree program. Any application of Graduate credit earned while in the Undergraduate program is subject to the policies of the Graduate degree granting school.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
You will graduate with public health competencies in the areas of quantitative and qualitative data collection, evidence-based approaches, public health and health care systems, planning and management, policy, leadership, communication, interprofessional practice, and systems thinking. More specifically, public health foundational competencies attained through the MPH curriculum include:
- Analyze problems and data using epidemiological, biostatistical, qualitative, and/or systems-thinking methods to inform public health policy and practice.
- Design population-based research, policies, programs, or interventions that are evidence-informed, equity-centered, and culturally responsive to population and community health needs.
- Apply principles of leadership, communication, and interprofessional collaboration to the development, promotion, delivery or evaluation of public health solutions.