Will a limited science background affect my admission chances?
The 30-hour undergraduate science requirement applies only to the MPH in Environmental Health. Other MPH concentrations do not require this science background.
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What is the process for waiving a course?
MPH program only:
If you have completed a similar graduate-level course as part of another degree, you may request a course waiver. Approval requires demonstrating competency to the course instructor of record. A waiver removes the course from your program requirements but does not award academic credit. Students must submit a Student Petition Form along with supporting materials such as syllabi and transcripts. Waiver decisions are made at the discretion of the department representative.
Can I transfer graduate credits from another university to UIS?
MPH program only:
Yes. UIS may accept up to 12 semester hours of eligible graduate-level coursework from another accredited institution. Courses must have a grade of B or higher, be approved by your UIS academic program, and have been completed within five years of your first UIS graduate course. Transfer courses cannot have been used toward another degree or certificate. Final approval is granted by the UIS Office of the Registrar after faculty review of course syllabi.
I'm new to online learning. What support is available if issues arise during an exam?
Exam support depends on individual course policies. If you experience technical issues, UIS Information Technology Services (ITS) is available to assist students with tech-related questions or concerns.
Can online, part-time students switch to in-person study?
Yes. Students who wish to change from online to in-person enrollment can submit a curriculum change form to request the switch.
Is it possible to complete the UIS MPH program while working full-time?
Yes. The MPH program’s 100% online coursework allows you to learn on your schedule. Many of our students successfully balance full-time employment while progressing through the program.
When can I expect to complete my degree? Does my limited science background affect the timeline?
A full-time credit hour load of 12 hours per term will allow for graduation in two years. Students are not required to take a science prerequisite if they are apply for the MPH-General degree or joint degrees.
Am I a good fit for the MPH program if I have no or limited science background?
Of course, you will be a good fit for our MPH program. Our MPH program welcomes all majors, including social science and natural science.
My journey into public health began with my clinical training as a dentist and medical officer in India. Wanting to move beyond treating individual patients and address health challenges at the population level, I pursued an MPH in Environmental Health and a Certificate in Epidemiology at the University of Illinois Springfield. UIS provided me with a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, program evaluation, environmental health, and public policy. More importantly, the program connected classroom learning with meaningful, real-world public service opportunities.
Evaluating the role of youth-onset diabetes mellitus in the context of food insecurity and preventive care: a repeated cross-sectional study using propensity score weighted machine learning analysis
Background: Youth-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasing public health concern, especially among adolescents facing socioeconomic challenges.