College of Science and Health > Student Resources > Office of Advising & Student Services > Pre-Health Advising > Health Careers > Public Health

Public Health

Public Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health professionals, typically at the master of public health (MPH) level, analyze the effects of genetics, personal choice and the environment on health in order to develop programs that protect the health of family and community.

Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
American Public Health Association

Typically, students can apply to public health programs through the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS).

However, not all public health programs utilize the centralized application system. Students should check each school's requirements carefully.

Although many Public Health Programs are moving away from standardized tests, some may require students to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). However, students should check each individual school to learn their specific requirements.


Cost: The GRE costs $205.00 

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require information not listed below. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.

Typical requirements for MPH programs:

Bachelor's Degree
Minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA
GRE score at least in the 50th percentile

Princeton Review

DePaul University (no GRE required)

Students should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest.

Below is a sample timeline of a Health Sciences major. Please know that most MPH programs do not require or prefer a specific major and the below timeline should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.

Students should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest. Below is a sample timeline and should not be used to replace meeting with your academic advisor.

In order to pursue the 3+2 Health Sciences to MPH opportunity, a student must be a Health Sciences major.

* Denotes courses that apply toward the BS and MPH.

Visit the Volunteering and Leadership Opportunities website for the full list.

Access Living (working with people with disabilities)

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

Chicago Animal Care and Control

Volunteer Match

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Gilda's Club

Sarah's Circle

Heartland Alliance

St. Vincent DePaul's Sandwich Kitchen

City of Chicago Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Outreach Services

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require information not listed above. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly. ​​