Frequently Asked Questions

See the degree options section of our site to learn more.

Students in the MPH program may choose a concentration in Community Health Research, Epidemiology, Generalist or Global Health. The Epidemiology concentration requires a summer start and enrollment in some daytime classes. The other concentrations are open to both full-time, summer-start students as well as part-time, evening students who may begin classes in summer or fall.

We offer a combined MD/MPH degree program. The MD/MPH program is for medical students concurrently enrolled in the Feinberg School of Medicine. Applicants apply prior to matriculating at Feinberg for the four-year combined degree or in the winter of their third year of medical school for the five-year program.

We offer a combined DPT/MPH degree program. The DPT/MPH program is for students concurrently enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Northwestern. Information on the application process is provided to admitted applicants to the DPT program.  DPT/MPH classes begin in June a few months ahead of the start of the DPT program.

We offer a combined PhD/MPH program for students concurrently enrolled in the PhD program in Anthropology or in the PhD offered by the Driskill Graduate Program in the Life Sciences. Applications are made to the PhD program using the application system designated by The Graduate School. Contact the department offering the PhD program for more information on that application process.

No. The Program in Public Health does not offer an online or executive-model degree program.

Yes, students may enroll in courses offered by one of the other Northwestern schools. Obtaining credit for cross-registered courses is possible if a similar course is not available in the Program in Public Health, though it requires the permission of the program’s curriculum committee.

Yes, applicants without work experience who have a strong undergraduate record (typically a GPA of 3.5 or higher) qualify for admission to the MPH program.

You may take one or more courses without enrolling in a degree program by applying for admission as a "non-degree special student." Applicants apply through SOPHAS Express and may apply to begin in any quarter of the year. The admission requirements are the same.

No, we are located on Northwestern's Chicago campus. We are conveniently situated near Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, in close proximity to Feinberg School of Medicine, as well as myriad community partners and local resources.