Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
Major

Public Health

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Public Health

Overview

Public health plays an important role in our lives. It empowers people and communities to manage their health.

Public health improves the quality of life by supporting healthy environments, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting resources that support community health.

Professionals assess the health needs of communities and individuals. They develop programs that help people take better care of themselves. Thanks to their efforts, people form healthy behaviors that give them a long, quality life. 

Public health professionals also take an active role in policy. They often write grants and work with lawmakers to ensure people live in healthy environments.

You can find public health professionals in almost any setting. Hospitals, schools, corporations, and nonprofit agencies all take active roles in community health promotion.

Students interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) have the option of completing the Accelerated Public Health program.  This option allows students to complete both a bachelor’s degree in public health as well as the MPH in a total of 5 years. 

  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Sample Plans of Study

Point of Pride

Students in Public Health work directly with community partners in more than half of their classes. You'll do things like organize food drives, partner with community events such as McLean County Heart Walk, Rock Steady Boxing, the CAUSE project, advocate for public health policy and laws, and complete service projects with agencies such as Heartland Head Start and the School Street Food Pantry.

Why study Public Health?

Public Health at Illinois State lets you channel your passion for health and wellness. We'll give you all the knowledge and skills you need to help make people's lives better.

Our program is focused on active learning. You'll work with community partners to help them solve their challenges. We also offer an internship experience where you spend time in a professional setting. Your work as an intern will mirror the work you'll do after graduation. It's a great way to put what you've learned into practice. 

We also offer a variety of electives with the Public Health program. This lets you explore your interests in community health and pave your path to your future career.

Schedule a Visit

Come see campus and meet with campus representatives either in person or virtually. Optional chances to meet with academic department, honors, and financial aid.

  • Explore Campus Visit Options
  • Explore Virtual Visit Options

How to Apply

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

  • Freshmen: Apply Now
  • Transfer Students
  • Current Students

I Want to Learn More

Request Information Form

Loading form...

Contact Information

  • Department of Health Sciences
  • (309) 438-8329
  • Felmley Hall 305
  • College of Applied Science and Technology

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • Canvas
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Integrated Professional Development
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2025 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
  • I. S. U. TikTok
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu