Health Policy and Administration

Admission Requirements

  • Prior Degree Bachelor's degree in any field.
  • Grade Point Average Admitted students typically have at least a combined undergraduate/graduate grade point average of 3.00/4.00. However, all applicants are given a holistic evaluation of their application. Applicants with less than a 3.00 are encouraged to apply if they believe that their application is strong in other areas.
  • Tests GRE not required.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required, uploaded via the SOPHAS application.
  • Resume or CV Required, uploaded via the SOPHAS application.
  • Personal Statement Applicants will upload a 500-800 word statement focused on their interests/experiences in public health and the program they are applying to specifically, goals with the degree, and why they would be successful in the program. For students applying to research focused programs, the personal statement should also address potential research interests.

  • English Proficiency Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:

    • Exam Score Reading Listening Speaking Writing
      TOEFL iBT 80 19 17 20 21
      IELTS Academic 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
      PTE Academic 54 51 47 53 56

Degree Requirements

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 43
  • Coursework 

School-Wide Core Requirements

Required Courses (22 semester hours)
IPHS 450
Foundations and Determinants of Public Health
IPHS 451
Public Health Policy, Systems and Advocacy
IPHS 452
Public Health Planning, Practice, and Evaluation
IPHS 453
Public Health Management and Leadership
IPHS 454
Quantitative Methods and Analysis I
IPHS 455
Quantitative Methods and Analysis II
IPHS 456
Introduction to Research Design for Public Health
IPHS 650
Applied Practice Experience (3 hours)
IPHS 698
Integrative Learning Experience

Non-Credit Training Requirements

Required Training
Human Subjects Research
Title IX Training - Sexual Harassment
SPH Academic Integrity Tutorial

Divisional Requirements

In addition to School-Wide Core requirements and Non-Credit Training requirements, students complete the following divisional requirements:

Divisional Core Required Courses (12 semester hours)
HPA 431
Public Health Law and Ethics
HPA 444
Strategic Planning and Budgeting/Finance
HPA 460
Introduction to the Economics of Health and Healthcare
HPA 567
Public Health Policy Analysis
Electives (9 semester hours)
Students are encouraged to use the electives as an opportunity to take coursework from elsewhere within the school; based upon their career interests and their academic and professional preparation at the time of matriculation. Students should work with their faculty advisors in making the selection.