Prospective students interested in MPH and PhD programs in maternal and child health apply through the UIC School of Public Health. The School uses the SOPHAS application system, an online centralized service in which students can apply to multiple schools of public health using one application and one set of materials.
Applications for master’s and doctoral degrees are only accepted for students starting in the fall semester. Applications for admission to the MCH or MCHEPI programs are routed through the Community Health Sciences (CHS) Division in the UIC School of Public Health. (Some MCHEPI students apply through the Division of Epidemiology-Biostatistics). Applicants should select the appropriate degree program and concentration under Community Health Sciences (or Epidemiology-Biostatistics) in the “School Designations” section of the SOPHAS application.
MPH applicants not offered admission to the Maternal and Child Health or Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology programs may be admitted to the comprehensive MPH in Community Health Sciences program.
Applications for admission to MPH and PhD in maternal and child health degree programs are due each year by February 1 for domestic students and December 15 for international students. All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
What We Look for in Our Students Heading link
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MPH Programs
Two or more years’ post-undergrad experience in public health, social service and associated programs, along with clear professional goals related to maternal and child health, are preferred. New graduates with a bachelor’s degree are also considered for admission to MPH programs.
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PhD Programs
Doctoral applicants typically have an MPH or a master’s degree in a related field.
Application Requirements Heading link
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Personal Statement
Submit a well-focused personal statement that directly addresses your interest and purpose in applying. To the extent possible, include your future goals and potential career plans. For students applying to the MPH in Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology program, your personal statement should also address your particular interest in MCH epidemiology as well as relevant experience with data collection, analysis, and/or research methodology. Personal statements should be kept within 500-800 words.
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Supporting Documents
Provide strong letters of recommendation providing substantive information about your pertinent experiences, interests and potential to contribute to improving the health of women, children, and families.
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GRE Scores (Optional)
There is no minimum required GRE score to apply to UIC School of Public Health. All completed and verified applications are reviewed. Preferred academic metrics for MPH and PhD programs include an undergraduate and graduate GPA of at least 3.0 (A=4.0) and GRE scores around the 50th percentile. However, please note that every applicant is given a holistic evaluation of their application, and no one criterion determines an applicant’s admission or denial.
Current Students Who Desire to Transfer into MCH or MCHEPI MPH Programs Heading link
For MPH students who have already been admitted and who are enrolled at the UIC School of Public Health, we sometimes offer the opportunity to transfer into the Maternal and Child Health or Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology concentration in the fall semester of their first year (provided there is space in the cohort). Please note that the admissions committee will review this application in conjunction with the applicant’s SOPHAS application. Offer of admission is contingent on an applicant’s good academic standing at the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
Due to the large number of current students in the 2024-25 MCH and MCHEPI cohort, we do not have the capacity to accept new CHS or EPI students into the MCH/MCHEPI concentrations. Thus, we are only considering applications from current MCH-MPH students who wish to transfer into the MCHEPI concentration.
Students should discuss their plan to apply with their advisor. In order to be considered for the MCHEPI concentration, students should complete the Fall 2024 Transfer Application Form (found on the button below) and include the following components:
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Student Signature
- Advisor Signature
Before applying, students should review the curriculum requirements for the concentration. Completed applications must be submitted to Gabriella Masini at gmasini@uic.edu. If you have any questions about the transfer application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at coemch@uic.edu.
MCHEPI MPH Transfer Application NOW OPEN until October 25th, 2024!