Public Health Degree

The public health program at Northern Illinois University prepares students for careers as a public health program manager, educator, nutritionist, epidemiologist, biostatistician, environmental health scientist, and more. The program focuses on planning, managing, and evaluating public health care services, as well as functioning as public health officer. Program courses include: epidemiology, biostatistics, public health principles, preventative medicine, health policy and regulations, health care service, public health law enforcement, health economics and budgeting, and professional standards and ethics. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer public health degrees.

The Public Health program at Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health since 1997.

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Northern Illinois University

Also known as Northern Seminary

410 Warrenville Road, Suite 300, Lisle, IL

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located on a 765-acre campus in DeKalb, Illinois, 65 miles west of Chicago. NIU is comprised of seven degree-granting colleges and 39 academic departments, offering 63 undergraduate programs and 78 graduate programs. Graduate programs include masters, doctoral and professional degrees.

NIU also offers themed learning communities (TLC) that offer interdisciplinary study programs. The university has recently launched two new interdisciplinary bachelor degree programs that are focused on making positive change in the world. The new Environmental Studies major provides broad-based knowledge in current and crucial environmental issues such water conservation, the development of alternative energies, climate change and environmental policy. Graduates of the program will have career options in research, small business, industry, all levels of government, and non-profits. The new Community Leadership and Civic Engagement major will provide leadership and advocacy training for work within non-government organizations, or non-profits.

In addition to its main campus in DeKalb, NIU operates education centers in other locations in the region such as Hoffman Estates, Naperville and Rockford, Illinois.

NIU is ranks among the top 50 universities in the nation for the flexible education, support and financial assistance it provides veterans, receiving top marks as a "military friendly" school from G.I. Jobs Magazine.  NIU programs in social mobility for low-income students and public service are very highly ranked.

NIU also receives high marks as a research university, and offers excellent research opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates at NIU can participate in university research through programs such as "Research Rookies," "USOAR," and "URAP."

Flexible scheduling options and weekend classes are offered on campus and at all learning centers, as well as online.

History

Northern Illinois University was chartered in 1895 and opened for enrollment in 1899. It opened as the "Northern Illinois State Normal School" as a teacher training institution. In 1955, it became "Northern Illinois State College" with a broader curriculum and mission and, in 1957, became "Northern Illinois University."

Though its curriculum developed and expanded to offer comprehensive academic programs, through its history Northern Illinois University has remained committed to its original mission: to prepare excellent teachers and to provide affordable higher education to Illinois families.

Academics

The academic calendar for Northern Illinois University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
• College of Health and Human Sciences
• College of Law
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• College of Visual and Performing Arts

Student Life

Students enrolled at NIU have the opportunity to participate in more than 200 student clubs and organizations on campus, as well as local chapters of 36 fraternities and sororities.  The range of interests represented by the various student clubs includes leadership, government, academics, music, intramural sports, volunteer work, and more.

NIU student services offered on campus include athletic centers, a pharmacy, healthcare clinic, childcare center, career advising, writing center, tutoring, and diversity resource center, among others.

Traditions

The NIU school colors are cardinal and black, and the school mascot is the Husky. The NIU athletics teams are known as the "Huskies."

Athletics

The NIU "Huskies" athletic teams compete in 17 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU offers many courses at its three regional learning centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville and Rockford. NIU also offers courses through partnerships with local community colleges in Elgin, Rock Valley and Waubonsee.

Community Life

NIU faculty and students are very involved in community service through many NIU programs, including NIU Cares Day, Spring Break Service Trips, Community After-School Programs, and Mentor Projects.

The local community of DeKalb is a city surrounded by suburbs and rural farms, with miles of cornfields. Local and traditional attractions include the DeKalb Corn Fest in August and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival in October. Many new retailers and restaurants have opened in the area, offering a variety of shopping and dining. The region is also known as the "modern healthcare corridor."

Students Enrolled in the Public Health Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Northern Illinois University has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Medical and Health Services Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, medical and health services managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 16.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 7
  • Average Hourly Rate: $51.29
  • Average Annual Salary: $106690
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 810
  • Average Hourly Rate: $41.77
  • Average Annual Salary: $86880
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 830
  • Average Hourly Rate: $49.21
  • Average Annual Salary: $102370

Health Educators

Description

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May serve as a resource to assist individuals, other healthcare workers, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

Community Health Workers

Description

Assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Conduct outreach for medical personnel or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health. May provide information on available resources, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, and provide services such as first aid and blood pressure screening. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).