Applications open mid-August for Spring and Fall 2026 start dates.

By Illinois Online

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is excited to launch two new online graduate programs, designed for changemakers in public health and healthcare leadership. Beginning in Spring 2026, students will have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) Online and the Master of Health Administration (MHA) Online through the College of Applied Health Sciences’ Department of Health and Kinesiology.

These flexible, career-focused programs mirror Illinois’ nationally respected on-campus programs and are ideal for working professionals, caregivers and career changers looking to expand their impact in health-focused fields without pausing their careers.

Here’s an overview of the programs:

Master of Public Health (MPH) Online

The MPH Online program is built on a foundation of science and social justice. It prepares students to promote well-being, prevent disease and drive meaningful change at the population level.

The online program offers the same rigorous, accredited degree as the on-campus version, but with the flexibility to fit into the lives of today’s learners. Students can complete the program in as few as 16 months, with both full- and part-time enrollment options.

The first degree available online – Epidemiology, a STEM-designated major – focuses on understanding patterns of disease and the data that drive public health decisions. Students gain hands-on experience through an applied practice experience and engage in real-world projects designed to serve communities locally and globally.

Additional concentrations, including Health Behavior and Promotion and Physical Activity and Health, are planned to launch in Fall 2026, expanding the program’s reach and versatility.

Courses are offered in 8-week increments, in an asynchronous format. This online degree requires 48 hours to complete and is very affordable, totaling less than $30,000.

Master of Health Administration (MHA) Online

Launched on campus in 2017, the MHA program at Illinois has quickly earned a reputation for producing adaptable, forward-thinking leaders in healthcare.

With the launch of the MHA Online program in Spring 2026, that same leadership-focused curriculum will be available in a flexible, 100 percent online format tailored to mid-careerists working in healthcare, looking to advance their careers.

The program is asynchronous, so students can complete the program on their own schedule. Full-time students can complete the degree in as few as 18 months, and part-time students can move at a pace that works with their personal and professional commitments.

With eight-week courses, semester-by-semester enrollment, and a total program cost of under $35,000, the MHA Online program balances affordability with academic excellence. Every student completes an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) capstone – an applied project based in a real healthcare setting, often within their own workplace.

A Trusted Leader in Health Education

Both programs will be delivered by expert faculty in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, which has a strong history of success with on-campus MPH and MHA programs. Students will benefit from access to world-class academic support, dedicated career services, and the globally respected Illinois alumni network.

Applications for both programs opened in mid-August 2025.

• Spring 2026 application deadline: November 15, 2025
• Fall 2026 application deadline: June 15, 2026

Whether you're driven to improve health outcomes or ready to take the reins of a healthcare organization, Illinois’ new online MPH and MHA programs provide the tools, flexibility, and support to help you lead the way forward.

Learn more and sign up for updates at ahs.illinois.edu.