Department of Public Health & Health Information Administration

Transforming Population Health and Health Data Management for a Changing World

Welcome to the new Department of Public Health & Health Information Administration—a forward-looking merger that unites the strengths of CSU’s premier public health and health information programs. Here, you will develop the skills to improve community well-being, analyze health data, and lead within today’s complex healthcare environment.

Explore Our Programs

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Explore how environment, community, and policy impact health and well-being, gain the foundational skills to analyze and address public health challenges on a global scale. 100% online.

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration (HIA)

Gain skills to lead in a technology-rich environment, and prepare to manage health information systems across hospitals, clinics, research facilities and more. 100% online.

Master of Public Health

Develop the social and scientific expertise needed to identify, prevent and control diseases, and foster healthier communities with advanced data-driven health solutions. We offer online or traditional formats for flexibility. Our flexible learning options include both online and traditional formats, as well as a specialized PharmD to MPH pathway for students seeking a dual degree.

Post-Baccalaureate and Advanced Certificates

Get advanced training in areas including data analytics & epidemiology, health policy & management, and health promotion & education. 100% online.

Why Choose Public Health & HIA at CSU?

Interdisciplinary Learning
Gain expertise at the intersection of population health and health data.

Career-Ready Curriculum
Build credentials for vibrant careers—public health analysts, RHIAs, data managers, health policy advisors, and more.

Accreditation-Driven Excellence
Programs accredited to ensure quality and continued professional relevance.

Support for Diverse Learners
Committed to your success, offering scholarships, professional mentoring, hands-on field experiences, and academic support.

Pathways to Professional Certification
Prepare for nationally recognized credentials, such as RHIA and careers requiring Certified Health Education Specialist or other certifications.

Admission Requirements

For Undergraduates:

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum GPA requirement (see Public Health or HIA program pages for details).
New and transfer students accepted; support for first-generation college students.

For Graduate Applicants:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Satisfactory GPA (see program requirements).
Additional requirements may include a personal statement, resume/CV, and letters of recommendation.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Public Health and Health Information Administration (HIA) at Chicago State University (CSU) is to deliver accessible, competency-based, high-quality education and experiences that prepare a culturally diverse student body to:

Advance population health and equity through evidence-informed public health practice.
Innovate and lead within ever-evolving health information management and technology systems.
Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical stewardship of health data, which drives our curricula, experiential learning, community engagement, and scholarship, ensuring graduates are ready to improve health outcomes and information governance locally and globally.

Public Health and Health Information Administration Vision Statement

Healthier, more equitable communities powered by CSU- trained, community engaged, data-driven leaders modeling excellence that enhances both local and global health outcomes.

Public Health and Health Administration Values Statement

The values of the Department of Public Health and Health Information and Administration (HIA) align with those of the University and the College of Health Sciences, including:

Equity & Social Justice
Integrity & Confidentiality
Diversity & Inclusion
Lifelong learning & Innovation
Collaboration & Leadership

Commitment to community and a healthier world

At Chicago State University, we prepare students to launch careers as public health specialists, health information administrators, data managers, policy consultants, and more.

Opportunities and Outcomes

Graduates of our Public Health and Health Information Administration programs go on to excel in several fields, applying their skills in hospitals, clinics, public agencies, health tech, and nonprofits. They become agents of positive change by excelling in roles such as:

Public Health Specialists
Health Information Administrators
Data Managers
Policy Consultants
Health Educators
Community Advocates
Leaders in Health Systems

Hear from Our Graduates

The best way to describe Chicago State University is community. I found a community of driven professionals with huge hearts at CSU, which sparked my passion for doing purpose-driven work. As a double-alumnus, I valued the quality of education from CSU so much that after the completion of my BS in Biology, I came back to complete a master’s in public health. What a decision… as I have ventured into the professional world, I compare my MPH experience to others, and by far CSU provided significantly more hands-on research, program, and health promotion experience.

Robyn Espinosa, Ph.D

MPH, ‘16

I found a community of driven professionals with huge hearts at CSU, which sparked my passion for doing purpose-driven work...as I have ventured into the professional world, I compare my MPH experience to others, and by far CSU provided significantly more hands-on research, program, and health promotion experience.

Okey K. Enyia
MPH, ‘16

Excel at the crossroads of public health and health information.

Ready to lead? Contact us to start your journey with the Department of Public Health & Health Information Administration today!