School of Public Health

Contact Information:
Campus Location: School of Public Health and Psychiatric Institute Building (SPHPI)
Undergraduate Programs Office: (312) 355-2536
publichealth.uic.edu

Administration:
Dean, Wayne H. Giles, MD, MS
Interim Director of Undergraduate Programs, Linda Rae Murray, MD, MPH: (312) 996-6081; lmurra3@uic.edu

Introduction

The UIC School of Public Health is dedicated to excellence in protecting and improving the health and well-being of the people of the Metropolitan Chicago area, the State of Illinois, the nation, and others throughout the world. This mission is achieved by: educating scientists, professionals, and the public; conducting research to develop solutions to public health problems; providing public health service; and formulating public health policy. Ours is a community of scholars, students, and staff dedicated to creating a healthy society. Committed to academic excellence, the UIC School of Public Health fosters cutting-edge research and engaged community-based practice that focuses on eliminating health disparities and bringing public health solutions to communities in need.

Whether a student is in their first year at UIC, a baccalaureate degree holder looking for graduate education in public health, a seasoned professional seeking specialized public health training, or someone who simply wants to sample the field—the School of Public Health has something to offer. The UIC School of Public Health offers applicants a choice of degrees to pursue including the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health (BAPH), Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science (MS CTS), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), and Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health (PhD). At the undergraduate level, a Minor in Public Health is open to students in any major. Faculty and alumni continue to make solid contributions in Chicago and across the globe. Their vision, resolve, and ingenuity have built the foundation for a rich UIC public health legacy. Students learn, innovate, practice, research, and challenge public health concepts in Chicago and in communities around the world.

Public Health Baccalaureate Programs

The School of Public Health offers two baccalaureate degree programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and the Bachelor of Science in Public Health. The Bachelor of Arts in Public Health is geared toward students with an interest in the socio-cultural determinants of health and aims to prepare students for public health practice, community engaged work, and careers and graduate education focused on social justice in health and well-being. The associated selective course options for the Bachelor of Arts largely align with social sciences and humanities. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is geared toward students seeking a deeper understanding of basic and applied sciences and aims to prepare students for graduate and professional degrees and career trajectories in fields such as epidemiology and biostatistics, dentistry, environmental and occupational health sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. The associated selective course options for the Bachelor of Science include an array of bench, lab, and applied sciences.

The mission of the baccalaureate programs in public health is to engage and enlighten students about matters related to the health of societies locally, nationally, and globally. By systematically examining biological, environmental, cultural, behavioral, historical, economic, and political factors that mitigate health, students in the program will become informed citizens who can consider the public’s health in whatever life roles they assume. For those who go on to careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and other health-related professions, the baccalaureate programs in public health build upon a broad foundation in the biological and behavioral sciences imbued with social ecology and population–based perspectives. Graduates of the program acquire an array of skills that can be applied to many forms of inquiry, analysis, scientific and moral reasoning, and practice. At the baccalaureate level, graduates may seek employment in public health as communicable disease investigators, public health educators, program coordinators, environmental specialists, information specialists, and other roles commensurate with their skills. Those wishing to pursue professional careers in the public health arena will be well positioned to continue their studies through matriculation into master’s degree programs in public health. Emerging from the program with an informed understanding of public health, graduates embrace the vision of health equity and social justice.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health)

New first year applicants interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health are eligible to apply to the Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health) program within the School of Public Health. See the Admissions section of the Undergraduate Catalog for additional information.

New transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of transferable college coursework at the time of application but have not yet completed the specified General Education coursework necessary for direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health are eligible to apply to the Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health) program within the School of Public Health. See the Admissions section of the Undergraduate Catalog for additional information.

Current UIC students who have not yet completed the specified General Education coursework necessary for direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health are eligible to apply as intercollege transfer applicants to the Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health) program within the School of Public Health.

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Students apply for admission through the School of Public Health. Direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health program is selective and dependent on the availability of space. Students seeking direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health program must meet these minimum requirements:

Junior standing - completion of 60 semester hours of specified General Education coursework at UIC or from any accredited community college or four-year college or university.
Specified General Education coursework includes completion of 9 semester hours of introductory public health coursework with a grade of B or better in each course (PUBH 100 , PUBH 110, and PUBH 120) . Special consideration will be given to students who have taken comparable prerequisites at community colleges or other four-year colleges or universities.
Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50/4.00. A 2.75/4.00 or above is recommended for priority consideration.
Personal statement of educational goals including reasons for selecting a public health degree.
One letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference.

Early Admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health

While most students will follow the traditional pathway of entering the major upon completion of 60 hours of specified coursework, early admission to the major is possible for high achieving students. Students who have successfully completed at least 30 semester hours including at least one of the three 100-level public health prerequisite courses (PUBH 100, PUBH 110, or PUBH 120) with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.25/4.00, may apply to be admitted to the full major at the beginning of the sophomore year. Students qualifying for early admission will typically spread their core public health major coursework over three years rather than two.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree from UIC, students need to complete the university and school degree requirements. University and school degree requirements for all School of Public Health students are outlined below. Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for more information on completing the General Education requirements.

Semester Hour Requirement

The School of Public Health semester hour requirement is 120 semester hours.

UG Public Health Semester Hour Requirement
Degree Program	Degree Conferred	Total Hours
Public Health	BA in Public Health	120
Public Health	BS in Public Health	120

Course Requirements

See the BA in Public Health or BS in Public Health page for Course Requirements.

General Education Core

General Education at UIC is designed to serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in the General Education Core with at least one course from each of the following categories:

Analyzing the Natural World
Understanding the Individual and Society
Understanding the Past
Understanding the Creative Arts
Exploring World Cultures
Understanding U.S. Society

For a description and a list of courses for each General Education Core category, students should consult the General Education section of the catalog. Information on meeting the General Education requirements for this program is listed in the section on Pre-Public Health.

General Education Proficiencies—Quantitative Reasoning and University Writing Requirement

School of Public Health students must meet the following General Education Proficiencies: Foreign Language, Quantitative Reasoning, and University Writing Requirement. As noted in the section on Pre-Public Health, students meet the General Education Proficiencies as follows:

Quantitative Reasoning

Students in the School of Public Health must demonstrate competency in quantitative reasoning to earn a degree.

Students in the Bachelor of Arts demonstrate competency by:

Achievement of a score on the mathematics placement examination high enough to qualify for enrollment in MATH 180
Grade of B or better in any one of the following courses: MATH 105, MATH 110, MATH 121, MATH 125, MATH 160, MATH 165, MATH 170, MATH 180, STAT 101, or STAT 130. STAT 101 or STAT 130 is recommended.
Grade of B or better in a mathematically oriented or quantitative course in a department in LAS other than Mathematics. Such courses must require MATH 090 or MATH 105 as a prerequisite. At present, such courses include COMM 201, CLJ 262, POLS 201, PSCH 343, and SOC 201.
Grade of B or better in a logic course in the Department of Philosophy: PHIL 102 or PHIL 210.
Transfer students may present equivalent courses taken elsewhere, for which they have received a grade of B or better, to satisfy this requirement.

Students in the Bachelor of Science demonstrate competency by:

Achievement of a score on the mathematics placement examination high enough to qualify for enrollment in MATH 180.
Grade of B or better in any one of the following courses: MATH 121, MATH 170, MATH 180, STAT 101, or STAT 130. STAT 101 or STAT 130 is recommended.
Transfer students may present equivalent courses taken elsewhere, for which they have received a grade of B or better, to satisfy this requirement.

University Writing Requirement

Students must earn a passing grade in ENGL 160 and ENGL 161. Grades of B or better are preferred.

Additional Course Requirements

First Year Seminar Requirement

All incoming first year students to the School of Public Health as well as transfer students who enter with less than 24 semester hours earned must complete a first-year seminar, PUBH 105 during their first term at UIC. Satisfactory completion of the seminar is a graduation requirement.

Foreign Language (required for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health only)

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health must earn 16 hours in a single language or the equivalent. Students with a background in a foreign language may take proficiency tests, and if passed students would be able to substitute other coursework for this 16-semester-hour requirement. Please see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement for further explanation.

While not required for students in the Bachelor of Science, those who have an interest in developing language competencies may opt to enroll in foreign language courses as free electives.

Other Requirements

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

A student must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.00/4.00 in all work taken at UIC. In addition, the combined average of a student’s transfer work and work taken at UIC must be at least 2.00. The minimum cumulative grade point average for public health major coursework is 2.00.

Graduation Declaration/Filing to Graduate

Students declare their intent to graduate online using my.UIC.edu. The deadline for submission to the Pending Degree List is the end of the third week (fall and spring) or second week (Summer Session 2) of the term in which graduation is sought. Failure to submit the request at this time may delay the awarding of the degree. A final review will be made following the close of the term. If a student has satisfactorily completed all the degree requirements, the student’s name will be placed on the official degree list.

Enrollment Residence Requirement

See the University Degree Requirements, Graduation, and Commencement section of the catalog for a complete description of this requirement.

Transfer Credit

Coursework completed at other colleges and universities may apply toward partial fulfillment of graduation requirements and may be used as prerequisites for courses at UIC. The University of Illinois Chicago is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows for the transfer of the IAI-approved General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions. Please consult the Illinois Articulation Initiative in the Admissions section of the undergraduate catalog. The final decision, however, regarding the acceptance of credit and courses that apply toward degree requirements is made by the School of Public Health.

Transfer Credit for Continuing Students

Continuing students who want to take coursework for credit at another institution, either concurrent with UIC enrollment or during the summer term, must obtain prior written approval from the School of Public Health. Students will have to provide justification for the request.

If prior approval is not obtained from the school, credit may not be allowed. Students are obligated to report all work from other institutions once enrolled at UIC.

Please note that when transferring credit from a community college, a student must earn at least 60 of the required semester hours either at the University of Illinois Chicago or another accredited four-year college or university. The enrollment residence requirements must also be met. Thus, students ordinarily should not register at a community college after completing their sophomore year.

Transferology is an online tool that helps students view program requirements and course equivalencies.

Minors

The School of Public Health offers the following minor.

UG Minors
Minor	Department	Hours
Minor in Public Health	Public Health	15

School of Public Health Policies

Academic Load

In the School of Public Health, while full-time student status is preferred, students may enroll in a part-time program of study. During the fall and spring semesters, a minimum full-time program is 12 hours of credit per semester. A program of 19 semester hours or more must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Programs. For Summer Session 1 (four-week) and Summer Session 2 (eight-week), UIC considers a total aggregate of 6 semester hours as the minimum number necessary to constitute full-time enrollment. A program of 13 semester hours or more during the summer session must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Programs.

Academic Notice and Dismissal Rules

A student will be placed on academic notice in any term in which either a cumulative or term grade point average of less than 2.00/4.00 is earned for all academic work or when the cumulative grade point average for required public health major courses falls below 2.00/4.00. A student on academic notice is expected to earn greater than a 2.00/4.00 in the next term and have an overall UIC and cumulative grade point average of 2.00/4.00 by the end of the second term on academic notice.

Term Notice Rules

A student not currently on academic notice or term notice will be placed on term notice at the end of any term in which the student earns less than a 2.00/4.00 grade point average but whose UIC grade point average is equal to or greater than a 2.00/4.00. For such a student, term notice serves as a warning.
A student on term notice who earns a UIC Term GPA of at least 2.00/4.00 will be removed from term notice.

Academic Notice Rules

A student not currently on academic notice, will be placed on academic notice in any term in which a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.00/4.00 is earned for all academic work or when the cumulative grade point average for required public health major courses falls below 2.00/4.00.
An entering transfer student may be placed on academic notice when admitted by petition with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.00/4.00.
A student readmitted by petition may be placed on academic notice when admitted with a UIC GPA lower than 2.00/4.00.
A student readmitted by petition may be placed on academic notice when admitted with a combined cumulative GPA from UIC and other institutions that is lower than 2.00/4.00.
A student on academic notice will be removed from academic notice when they meet the following criteria:
1. The cumulative GPA in all work taken at UIC is at least 2.00/4.00; and
2. The combined average of the student’s transfer credit and UIC course work is at least 2.00/4.00; and
3. The cumulative grade point average in required public health major courses is at least 2.00/4.00.
The School of Public Health Office of the Dean determines the conditions of academic notice. In addition to specifying the GPA, the school may require the completion of specific courses, may limit the number of hours for which the student registers, and/or may exclude the student from taking certain courses while on academic notice.

Dismissal Rules

Students failing to earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.00/4.00 by the end of two terms on academic notice will be dismissed from the university. In any term, a student may be dismissed for one or more of the following reasons:

First-term students will be dismissed after their first term of enrollment if they earn zero credit or obtain a deficit of -15 points or more. Deficit points are calculated as follows: multiply the number of credit hours for each course taken by the points for the grade received, A=+2, B=+1, C=0, D=-1, F=-2. Add the points of each course taken during the semester. The total equals the deficit points used to determine academic notice status. Each deficit point equals one hour of B.
Continuing students will be dismissed at the end of any term in which their cumulative deficit points (see above) are -15 or more.
Failure to earn any credit.
Failure to earn at least a 1.00/4.00 (D) average for a term.
Failure to earn at least a 2.00/4.00 average for a term while on academic notice.
Failure to meet conditions of academic notice.
Failure to meet conditions specified at the time of admission.
Failure to make progress toward completion of the Public Health degree. Examples include failure to complete required courses, accumulation of an excessive number of Incomplete grades, failure to earn credit in any semester, and failure to maintain a 2.00/4.00 average in public health major course work.
Two or more consecutive terms of university withdrawals.

Appeal of a Dismissal Decision

Students who have been dismissed by the school may apply for readmission after two terms (excluding the summer session). Students who can document that poor academic performance was the result of significant extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term or debilitating illness or personal crisis, may petition for an extension of academic notice/immediate reinstatement. To do so, the student must submit an appeal with supporting documentation for review by the Committee on Academic Progress and Advising (CAPA) by the deadline specified in their dismissal notification. It is strongly recommended that the appeal be submitted prior to the first day of instruction for the new term, including summer (even if the student does not desire to enroll in summer classes).

Change of Course Schedule—Dropping Courses

Undergraduate students may drop courses using my.UIC.edu through the end of the second week of classes for fall and spring semesters, the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1, or the first Friday of Summer Session 2. During weeks 3 through 10 of the fall and spring semesters (first Thursday through the third Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or weeks 2 through 5 of Summer Session 2), students may drop courses with the permission of their major college. If the drop occurs between 0 and 2 weeks in fall and spring, there will be no notation on the transcript. If the drop occurs during weeks 3 through 10 in fall and spring (first Thursday through the second Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or weeks 2 through 5 of Summer Session 2), a W is noted on the transcript. Undergraduate students may drop a maximum of 4 UIC individual courses that result in a W notation on their transcript during their entire undergraduate degree program.

Class Attendance

Each instructor may establish his/her own attendance policy, including penalties for nonattendance. Failure to attend classes does not result in automatic withdrawal from a course. The school expects that students will attend all classes.

Course Prerequisites

A student must satisfy the prerequisites before enrolling in a course. A student enrolling in a course without having met the prerequisites may be withdrawn from the course. Course prerequisites are listed in both the course descriptions in this catalog and the Schedule of Classes. Only the instructor may waive the prerequisite, if given evidence that the student is adequately prepared to pursue the subject.

Credit/No Credit Option

The credit/no credit option allows the student to complete a course with a grade of credit (CR) or no credit (NC) instead of a letter grade. Courses completed with a grade of CR carry credit and apply toward degree requirements. In general, grades of CR and NC are final and cannot be changed to letter grades. The Undergraduate Public Health Programs' policy coincides with campus policy with the following conditions:

Only students in good standing may elect to take a course under the credit/no credit option. Students on probation and those whose status is undetermined at the time at which they elect the option are not eligible.
A student may request only one course per term as credit/no credit.
No more than two courses in a single discipline may be taken as credit/no credit.
Only elective courses may be taken on a credit/no credit basis; courses being used to meet any graduation course requirements must be taken for letter grades.
The following describes the restrictions that apply to all students regardless of major or curriculum:
1. Students may not take ENGL 160 or ENGL 161 as credit/no credit.
2. Students may not take any course used to satisfy the foreign language requirement as credit/no credit.
3. Students may not take any course used to satisfy the General Education Core requirements as credit/no credit. Until students have completed the minimum requirement in each General Education Core category, courses from these areas may not be taken as credit/no credit.
4. Students may not take any course used to satisfy the quantitative reasoning requirement as credit/no credit.
5. Students may not take any course being used to satisfy the requirements of the Public Health major or required prerequisite and collateral courses of the major as credit/no credit.
A student may earn no more than 21 semester hours of credit at UIC under the credit/no credit option.

Students must apply to take a course credit/no credit at the School of Public Health Undergraduate Programs Office no later than the tenth day of the term (first Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or first Friday of Summer Session 2). After that date, students may not request courses on a credit/no credit basis nor may they change a credit/no credit request previously submitted. It is the responsibility of the student to determine eligibility under the regulations. Students will be informed if they are ineligible and will receive a grade for the course. Students with questions concerning their eligibility should make an appointment with their academic advisor.

Double Major, Double Degrees, and Second Bachelor’s Degree

Double Major

This option is not available in the School of Public Health at this time.

Double Degrees

Double degrees consist of two bachelor’s degrees completed concurrently. Double degrees with a School of Public Health bachelor's degree program and a program in another college may be possible. Students should consult the college section of the catalog for the second degree program to determine if this option is available.

Students seeking two bachelor’s degrees concurrently must formally request acceptance into the second degree program. Students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond those required for the first degree and all requirements for each of the degree programs as specified by the college and major department. All students interested in double degrees should discuss this option with an advisor.

Double degrees are not permitted when there is substantial course overlap between the first and second degrees.

Students who obtain double degrees receive a diploma for each degree. No more than two bachelor’s degrees may be awarded concurrently.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree at UIC or another institution are required to follow the same application procedures as all other applicants in order to pursue a second bachelor’s degree. Students must complete all requirements for the second degree as specified by the college and the major department, including a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond those required for the first degree. The UIC enrollment residence requirement must also be met, i.e., the last 30 semester hours for the second degree must be taken at UIC. A second bachelor’s degree is not permitted when there is substantial course overlap between the first and second degrees.

Graduate-Level Courses for Undergraduate Students

With approval from the Director of Undergraduate Programs and permission from the professor, an undergraduate student may enroll in a course at the graduate level (400 or 500 level) for undergraduate credit. Prior to enrollment, students must obtain approval and must have met course prerequisites.

Students should understand that graduate-level courses taken by an undergraduate student are generally not applicable toward a graduate degree.

Independent Study

To be eligible to enroll in PUBH 396, a student must have a minimum 2.50/4.00 grade point average in all coursework taken at UIC and must obtain consent of the instructor and the Undergraduate Public Health Programs prior to registration. No student may enroll in an independent study course after the tenth day of the term without approval of the Undergraduate Public Health Programs.

Petition Procedure

Any rule, regulation, or action of the Undergraduate Public Health Programs may be appealed in writing. Petitions are submitted to the Undergraduate Programs Office in the School of Public Health. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation in support of the petition. Submission of a petition does not imply approval.

Registration Approval

All new students are required to attend an orientation program prior to registration. Certain students or groups of students may be required to see an advisor prior to registration.

Repeat Policy for Standard Graded Courses

Students may repeat a course to increase their knowledge of the subject matter. There are circumstances under which repeating a course is advisable and to a student’s advantage. There are also circumstances where repeating a course may disadvantage a student and narrow a student’s options. The Undergraduate Public Health Programs require students to discuss any plan to repeat a course with their academic advisor before they register to repeat the course.

Courses with A or B grades may not be repeated. Normally, courses with a C grade may not be repeated. Courses with D or F grades may be repeated once without written permission. In all cases, the original grade for the course and the grade for each repeat will appear on the transcript. The original grade and the grade for each repeat will be calculated into the grade point average. Only one registration for the course counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation. A course cannot be repeated after receiving credit in a course for which the repeat course is a prerequisite.

To repeat a course more than once due to a grade of D or F requires written permission from the student’s college dean. Students who have been dismissed may not appeal on the grounds of intention to repeat courses. Certain courses may not be repeated; students should consult their college before repeating a course.

Undergraduate Grade Point Average Recalculation Policy

Colleges may elect to implement this policy as early as the end of the junior year, or as late as the final semester during degree certification.
The college will evaluate each student unable to graduate because of an academic grade point average deficit. The deficit may occur in the UIC GPA, the program GPA, or both.
The academic record is examined so as to determine if courses, deemed appropriate by each college, with grades of F or grades of D, may be excluded from the student’s grade point average.
A total of four courses may be excluded, with one course excluded at a time until the necessary quality points are obtained to meet the UIC GPA requirement and/or degree program minimum GPA. The credit hours associated with excluded course grades will not count towards graduation requirements.
Only the college can initiate course exclusions, and only in consultation with the evaluated student.
Students may not request exclusions.
Only courses taken at UIC may be converted as part of this policy.
This policy only applies to undergraduate degree seeking students.
All courses taken and all grades will remain on the official transcript.
The grade exclusion policy does not apply to courses failed as the result of a student conduct hearing.
In cases where these procedures would impact program accreditation, licensure or similar, colleges may use their discretion to allow the policy. Colleges, departments, and programs may have discretion in choosing courses that impact the student’s major.

Transferring

Intercollege Transfer Students

Students currently enrolled at UIC who want to transfer into the School of Public Health should complete an Intercollege Transfer Application available on the School of Public Health website. Direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health program is offered for the fall semester only. Students currently enrolled at UIC who have not yet completed the specified General Education coursework necessary for direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health program are eligible to apply to the Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health) program within the School of Public Health. Admission to Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health) is offered each semester. Application deadlines are available on the School of Public Health website. Admission to the School of Public Health is selective and limited to those students in good academic standing who have a UIC grade point average of at least 2.50/4.00 and whose combined UIC and transfer grade point average is at least 2.50. A 2.75/4.00 or above is recommended for priority consideration. Those students who are accepted into the School of Public Health are expected to enroll immediately in courses that fulfill the Public Health degree requirements. Students are welcome to discuss the School of Public Health admissions process with program staff.

Transfer Students from Other Colleges and Universities

New transfer applicants seeking direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health program must have completed at least 60 semester hours of specified General Education coursework. New transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of transferable college coursework at the time of application but have not yet completed the specified General Education coursework necessary for direct admission to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health programs are eligible to apply to the Public Health–Undecided (Pre-Public Health) program within the School of Public Health. All applicants must submit complete transcripts from all postsecondary institutions. Provided space is available, a minimum 2.50/4.00 grade point average is required for consideration. A 2.75/4.00 or above is recommended for priority consideration. Please consult the Admissions section of the catalog for more information. See the Office of Admission Transfer Guide for more information about transfer admission requirements.

Transferring out of the School

A Public Health student who wants to transfer into another UIC college must follow the procedures of that college. Students interested in other colleges should contact those colleges directly.

Academic Advising

Advising Policy

The Undergraduate Public Health Programs encourage the intellectual growth and development of the student as an individual. Newly admitted students are required to participate in a small group advising session prior to their initial registration. Continuing students should consult their academic advisor at least once each semester. Advisors assist students in individual program planning and course selection, discuss various career and educational paths based on student interests, and support students in the development of their educational, career, and personal goals. Additionally, advisors explain school and program rules and requirements, help resolve special registration problems, and refer students to additional resources on campus. Current students may arrange an advising appointment via iAdvise on my.UIC.edu or contact program staff directly.

The responsibility for selecting courses and meeting graduation requirements rests with the students, who must intentionally plan to make their programs consistent with their goals and with school requirements.

Academic Honors

University Honors

The School of Public Health recognizes and conforms with the campus-wide honors program. University Honors are awarded to graduating students who satisfy UIC hours residency requirements with a UIC grade point average that falls within the following honors categories:

Summa cum laude: 3.90 and above
Magna cum laude: 3.75 to 3.89
Cum laude: 3.50 to 3.74

University Honors will be awarded based on the UIC GPA at the end of the term prior to the term of graduation for commencement ceremony purposes. UIC will make permanent adjustments to student transcripts and diploma related to University Honors based on final grades.

Dean’s List

Exceptional academic achievement in the School of Public Health is recognized each term by inclusion on the Dean’s List. Eligibility is based on a 3.50/4.00 term GPA with a minimum program of 12 semester hours, exclusive of basic military science and basic activity courses in physical education. At least 9 semester hours must be earned for letter grades, in addition to a grade of Credit earned in any course taken on a credit/no credit basis.

Degree Programs

Minor

Minor in Public Health

PUBH 100. Health and the Public. 3 hours.

Students will examine both historical and contemporary public health stories focusing on the United States to begin to understand the contexts, systems, professions, tools, and skills associated with the public health enterprise. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

PUBH 105. Foundations for Public Health. 2 hours.

Engages pre-public health students by deepening their knowledge and understanding of careers in the public health arena. Students will develop and refine foundational skills that support successful matriculation into the public health major. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Field trips required at a nominal fee. Enrollment will be restricted to first year students in the Public Health - Undecided (Pre-Public Health) program and other Pre-Public Health students by permission of the instructor.

PUBH 110. Public Health and Global Societies. 3 hours.

Introduces students to global public health through an exploration of health challenges from the local population to global society perspectives. Course Information: Field trip required at a nominal fee. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Discussion. Individual and Society course, and World Cultures course.

PUBH 120. Public Health and the Study of Disease and Epidemics. 3 hours.

Introduces basic principles surrounding the distribution of disease and epidemics in human populations. Through lectures and field exercises, students will learn fundamentals of epidemiology, the basic science of public health. Natural World - No Lab course.

PUBH 194. Introductory Special Topics in Public Health. 1-3 hours.

Introductory analysis of selected public health challenges and issues. Course Information: May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term.

PUBH 299. Undergraduate Public Health Study Abroad. 0-18 hours.

Provides credit for foreign study. Student's proposal for study abroad course work must have prior approval of the BA in Public Health Program. Final determination of credit is made upon the student's completion of the study abroad course work. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 36 hours per academic year or 48 hours per calendar year. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Program and the Study Abroad Office.

PUBH 300. Critical Thinking in Public Health. 4 hours.

Designed to prepare students to make reasoned, intelligent decisions about public health matters by learning about and practicing how to think, read, write, and speak critically. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program.

PUBH 301. Critical Thinking in Public Health II. 2 hours.

Designed to prepare students to make reasoned, intelligent decisions about public health matters by learning about and practicing how to think, read, write, and speak critically. Part two of a two course sequence. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): PUBH 300 and admission to the BA in Public Health program.

PUBH 310. Public Health and Global Citizenship. 3 hours.

Encourages a critical examination of the political, religious, social and economic influences on the continuum of local/global health and the role citizenship plays in advocating for the equitable distribution of health across the planet. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program. Non-majors who have completed PUBH 110 may enroll with consent of the instructor.

PUBH 320. Ecologies of Health and Modern Life. 3 hours.

Human activity has had an impact on the health of people, animals and environments throughout history. This course uses cross-disciplinary frameworks to examine critical issues in public health that can be traced to the impact of modern life. Course Information: Field trips required at a nominal fee. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Discussion.

PUBH 330. Health Equity and Health Disparities. 3 hours.

How and why national and local health disparities in the U.S. occur and for what racial and ethnic groups they are most severe. Course Information: No credit given if the student has credit in SOC 426. Students who completed a version of SOC 426 with a topic other than health disparities may receive credit with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor.

PUBH 340. Health Literacy. 3 hours.

Trains students to access, analyze, craft, communicate and use health information in ways that are easily understood and serve to improve public health. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor.Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Dicussion and one Discussion.

PUBH 350. Health Systems, Health Policy. 3 hours.

Examines popular perceptions and the reality of how the U.S. Health System is created and evolves. Course Information: Classes will meet twice each week alternating between traditional classroom sessions and guest lectures or off-campus field visits to health system and policy-making experiences. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Discussion/Recitation and one Lecture-Discussion.

PUBH 360. Local Citizenship and Community Health Initiatives. 4 hours.

Explore the concept of community health, identify strategies for developing and implementing community health initiatives, and appreciate community building as an overarching approach for health improvement. Course Information: Field work required. This course entails two classroom sessions per week (3 credit hours) and three hours per week of field work by arrangement (1 credit hour). Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.

PUBH 370. Using the Public Health Toolbox. 3 hours.

Opportunities to synthesize and apply knowledge/skills from the preceding core courses, working individually and in groups. Course is linked with the baccalaureate project to be implemented in the last semester of the program. Course Information: Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the BA in Public Health program.

PUBH 390. Sustainability Internship. 3 hours.

Provides an intellectual framework for students to apply classroom learning to hands-on project-based internships that advance the overall mission of greater social, economic and environmental sustainability in the campus community. Course Information: Same as PUBH 390. Students will be placed in internships with UIC departments and units for approximately 8 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in US 130; or Grade of C or better in PHYS 116. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors; or consent of the instructor.

PUBH 393. Public Health Fieldwork. 3 hours.

Public Health fieldwork is an integrative practicum experience for students who are undergraduate public health majors. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Field work required. Locations are chosen from an array of public health sites established through the Fieldwork Coordinator in the Dean's Office. Domestic and international opportunities are available. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 90 hours in the field site. Fieldwork schedules may be configured to the mutual benefit of sites and students. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the BA in Public Health program and consent of the SPH Fieldwork Coordinator.

PUBH 394. Advanced Special Topics in Public Health. 1-3 hours.

Intensive analysis of selected public health challenges and issues. Course Information: May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term.

PUBH 395. Professional Topics Seminar. 0 hours.

Provides opportunities to communicate skills, tools, and content relevant to students’ development outside of the regular curriculum. Topics may change depending on student needs, interests, and current events. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Public Health program and junior standing.

PUBH 396. Independent Study in Public Health. 1-3 hours.

Self-directed study of a special public health topic under the guidance of a faculty member. Course Information: May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor supervising the independent study and approval of the department/school.

PUBH 397. Baccalaureate Project in Public Health. 3 hours.

Implementation and presentation of an integrative project designed to demonstrate students' mastery of the overarching curriculum goals for the undergraduate major in public health; demonstration of critical thinking and analytic skills. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. The entire student group will meet three times during the semester. Small groups and individuals will meet with instructor by scheduled appoinment as needed. The final will entail up to a full day of presentations of the student projects to peers, faculty, and stakeholders. Prerequisite(s): PUBH 370 and credit or concurrent registration in PUBH 411 and senior standing in the BA in Public Health program.

PUBH 399. Research in Public Health Sciences - Undergraduate. 1-3 hours.

Research experience under the guidance of a faculty member who will act as a research supervisor. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. Application of credit toward the degree is contingent upon the approval of the student's college and/or department. Previously listed as IPHS 399. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department or school and consent of the instructor supervising the research experience.

PUBH 410. Historical and Contemporary Public Health Challenges I. 2 hours.

Part one of a two course sequence, historical and contemporary case studies of social movement(s) will be examined to demonstrate the inter-relatedness of social justice, science/medicine, culture, politics, geography and the public's health. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor.

PUBH 411. Historical and Contemporary Public Health Challenges II. 2 hours.

Part two of a two course sequence, historical and contemporary case studies of social movement(s) will be examined to demonstrate the inter-relatedness of social justice, science/medicine, culture, politics, geography and the public's health. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): PUBH 410 and senior standing in the BA in Public Health program or consent of the instructor.

PUBH 420. Public Health Problem Solving: Epidemiology in Action!. 3 hours.

Through student driven discourse, hands-on projects and instructor facilitated case studies, this course is designed to hone previously learned epidemiological principles and apply them to simulated field conditions. Prerequisite(s): PUBH 120 and senior standing in the BA in Public Health program or consent of instructor.

Academic Catalog

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

School of Public Health

Degree Programs

Minor