The Bachelors of Public Health program prepares graduates for a range of public health careers where you can enhance the well being of people and communities by managing programs, conducting research, providing outreach services and much more. Students may choose among four emphases: general public health, health administration, environment and health, or health promotion.
A public health internship is required where students are responsible for their own transportation costs associated with these activities.
Guaranteed admissions into the NIU Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program is available for NIU undergraduate majors in Public Health or those who have completed an NIU Public Health bachelor’s degree with the following requirements:
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in PHHE coursework
Completion of all NIU Graduate School application requirements (no GRE required)
Interested students should talk to a public health advisor as early as possible.
Major Requirements
Students will complete a core set of public health requirements inside the School and outside of the School in addition to their chosen emphasis requirements.
One of the following emphases: General Public Health, Health Administration, Environment and Health, or Health Promotion
Emphasis 1. General Public Health
The general public health emphasis allows students to complete a broad educational foundation in public health.
One of the following (12-30)
A minor offered by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, or a minor in biological sciences, chemistry, communication studies, communicative disorders, gerontology, environmental management systems, environmental studies, military science, nonprofit and NGO studies, Spanish, psychology, or other course work as approved by public health advisor.
Total Hours for Emphasis 1, General Public Health: 57-82
Emphasis 2. Health Administration
The health administration emphasis teaches students administrative, supportive, planning, and assessment skills that prepares students for careers in managed-care settings; long-term care facilities; hospitals; federal, state, and community public health agencies, and other health-related organizations. Students may qualify to take the Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Licensing Examination.
Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Health Administration: 72-79
Emphasis 3. Environment and Health
The requirements in the school for the environment and health emphasis prepare students to work in a variety of environmental settings that focus on eliminating health disparities of the public. Students who fulfill these requirements would be qualified to sit for the Environmental Health Practitioner - In-Training Exam which leads to a career as an environmental health inspector.
Total Hours for Emphasis 3, Environment and Health: 69-78
Emphasis 4. Health Promotion
The requirements for the health promotion emphasis prepare students to become health educators in health care or social assistance settings. They educate individuals and communities about behaviors that can prevent diseases, injuries, and other health issues. In addition, the health promotion emphasis could qualify students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam (CHES) given by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., provided that other required qualifications are met.
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