Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
About the Master of Public Health at Loyola
The field of public health is one of the most exciting and dynamic in all of health care and is projected to expand dramatically, creating many roles focused on confronting complex health issues.
Through the Master of Public Health program offered through Loyola University Chicago's respected Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, you can position yourself to directly impact the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations worldwide.
Our MPH is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and ranked among the best graduate programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Structure
The MPH program is designed to prepare students for a professional career in public health through transformative education, research, and service. The development of our programs has been guided by the Council on Education in Public Health and the Association of Schools of Public Health Core Competency Development Project.
The 42-credit-hour program consists of 6 core courses, 5-6 track-specific courses, and 2 elective courses. Students must also complete a practicum and capstone project. The MPH can be pursued either full-time or part-time.
The program offers three distinct tracks of coursework in Public Health: Epidemiology, Public Health Policy and Management, and Global Health Equity.
The MPH in Epidemiology track provides students with the required skill-set to launch a career in clinical and public health research. Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems. In this track, students will learn from practicing researchers to obtain training in research methods. The curriculum is blended with both on-campus evening coursework and online coursework. On-campus coursework is held at the Health Sciences Campus. The MPH in Epidemiology track is the only STEM-designated track within the MPH program. Please note that only the Epidemiology track within the MPH program qualifies international students to receive an F1 student visa. International students are eligible to apply only for the Fall semester.
For detailed curriculum, please click here.
The MPH in Public Health Policy and Management track provides students with the theoretical, methodological, and practical experience relevant to address the organization, processes, and outcomes of delivering health-related services to individuals and populations. As part of the MPH mission, an emphasis is given throughout the course-work on health disparities and social justice. Students may customize their academic focus in either public health policy, management, or both. The curriculum can be completed entirely online.
For detailed curriculum, please click here.
The MPH in Global Health Equity track incorporates curriculum that studies the health of populations globally, transcending borders, with the ultimate goal of identifying and eliminating structures and practices of inequity and injustice in order to evaluate and further health equity for individuals and populations. Students engaged in this track have the option of participating in Ignatian Service Immersion activities and/or activities associated with the Stritch School of Medicine’s Center for Community and Global Health. Track-specific courses are typically blended, meaning a combination of online and in-person at the Health Sciences Campus.
For detailed curriculum, please click here.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your Master of Public Health?
The Master of Public Health at Loyola will offer you powerful preparation for a career helping and improving the lives of others.
- An accredited program recognized for excellence
- An emphasis on social justice and health equity
- A hands-on approach to learning and training
- An ideal avenue for public health leadership roles
- A well-respected and highly ranked program
Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), Loyola's high-quality MPH has met the rigorous standards established by this recognized industry authority.
Grounded in the Jesuit tradition of social justice, Loyola's MPH will prepare you to improve population health through a collaborative community-engaged education along with ethical practice, research, and service.
You will develop essential and in-demand skills by taking part in a versatile, competency-based curriculum that provides you with powerful and practical training through community engagement.
By providing you with exceptional management and leadership training, Loyola's Master of Public Health provides you with an ideal path to be a leader in the exciting and rapidly growing public health field.
Enhance your future resume and expand your career possibilities through an MPH that is widely recognized and respected for its quality. Loyola's Master of Public Health is ranked among the best graduate programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Public Health Sciences Department
The Department of Public Health Sciences prepares public health professionals to ensure all communities achieve their full potential for healthy lives through collaborative community-engaged education, ethical practice, research, and service. Find more information on the department and stories showcasing current Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health students and graduates from the Public Health MPH program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteParkinson News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Public Health MPH program.
Faculty & StaffMaster of Public Health: Career Connections
With an MPH from Loyola, you will be ready to take on any number of leadership roles in this exciting, rapidly growing professional field.
Our graduates work in the public and private sectors; in local, state, and federal health departments; and are exposed to a wide range of other disciplines that intersect with public health such as administration, law, public policy, data sciences and social sciences.
Specific job options include:
- Epidemiologist
- Health services administrator
- Regulatory specialist
- Clinical trial administrator
- Occupational health and safety manager
- Environmental health officer
- Biostatistician
- Public health nurse
- Health education specialist
- Policy analysis
- Population health researcher
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Public Health MPH program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Public Health MPH learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMaster of Public Health Competencies and Skills
By earning your MPH at Loyola University Chicago, you will develop a wide range of skills, including the ability to:
- Apply foundational knowledge in the science of public health to current and emerging real-world health issues affecting communities
- Understand the intricacies of quantitative and qualitative data collection as it relates to public health issues
- Apply evidence-based approaches to real-world problem-solving endeavors and initiatives
- Effectively communicate about public health and healthcare issues, systems, and practices
- Analyze, critically review, and develop public health policy capable of positively impacting communities and populations
- Ascend to positions of leadership within the profession and effectively manage teams at all levels
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Public Health MPH totals $50400.00, or 42 credit hours at a cost of $1,200.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health Financial Aid & Scholarships
Robert and Betty Parkinson Scholars Award
Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, the Parkinson Scholars Award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that such health care is a basic human right. Bob and Betty Parkinson took to heart the Ignatian value of “being persons for others.” The Parkinson Scholars Award supports exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and will use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.
Awarded each semester to up to 10 Parkinson students, it includes an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. Scholars are selected to represent the broad range of the Parkinson School’s disciplines.
More information about scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Public Health MPH are listed below:
Fall Early Action: February 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will receive an admission decision no later than 3 weeks after the Feb 1 deadline and will be eligible for the Parkinson scholarship.
Fall Priority: May 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after May 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the fall.
Spring: November 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after November 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the spring.
Summer: March 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after March 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the summer.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Public Health MPH include:
Transcripts
2 Letters of Recommendation
GRE or MCAT Test Score
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
The GRE or other graduate entrance exam requirement will be waived if the applicant’s cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher. Applicants with an advanced academic or professional degree (MD, DO, JD, PhD, ScD, etc.) from a U.S. or Canadian institution may request a GRE waiver. Waivers for other advanced degrees (MBA, MPH, MPP, MSW, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis; waivers are generally granted if the degree is from an institution that required the applicant to take a graduate admissions test such as the GRE or MCAT.
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Admission to the MPH program requires transcripts that show completed undergraduate or graduate coursework in math (e.g. algebra or, preferably, calculus or statistics), writing, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences.
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should describe your reasons for interest in the MPH program at Loyola University Chicago and your future career plans. Your statement should be original and limited to 500-1000 words.
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page. Please note that only the MPH-Epidemiology concentration qualifies international students to receive an F1 student visa. International students are eligible to apply only for the Fall semester.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.
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