PUBLIC HEALTH
Prevent, protect, promote
Create a healthier world
Help people live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.
Focus on prevention instead of treating the symptoms of disease.
Improve health for entire populations through research, education, and policy.
Undergraduate Programs
Learn about our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in public health.
Graduate Programs
We offer professional and academic graduate degrees across the public health disciplines.
News and Features
Caroline Powell is charting public perceptions of cancer in Iowa
Growing up in New York City, Caroline Powell surprised herself when her passion for public health led her to the fields of Iowa, studying peoples’ perceptions of cancer in agricultural communities.
What the research tells us about social media and teen mental health: a Q&A with assistant professor Jonathan Platt
Social media is nearly ubiquitous in the lives of teens and young adults, raising concerns about its impact on mental health. While much of the public conversation has focused on how much time young people spend with social media, research increasingly shows that how social media is used and how platforms are designed matters far more.
HMP student explores the role of policy in cancer prevention and care
Gawain Williams, a 2026 recipient of the University of Iowa’s Graduate research Excellence Award, investigates how health systems and policies influence prostate cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes.
Hear from Hawkeyes
Exploring the intersection of public health, genetics, and healthy populations
Allison Bohall, undergraduate student
“Public health has given me a unique perspective on science and health that most individuals may overlook, which feels like having a secret talent or having a hidden superpower.”
Forging a career centered on people, leadership, and better health care
Matt Mathew, graduate student
“What interested me about this program is that it would allow me to combine my passion for health care and leadership to support care teams and the communities they serve.”
Championing worker well-being, mental health, and safer workplaces
Kasia Wiebel, undergrad to grad student
“Seeing how prevention, education, and policy work together towards the common goal of healthier individuals and communities inspired me and motivated me to continue pursuing this field.”
Building connections, empowering youth, and strengthening communities
Faith Ibitoye, graduate student
“I chose public health because it brings me fulfillment. Specifically, I am drawn to community and behavioral health because it centers on the lived experiences of community members.”
A top-notch, world-class facility.
One of the nation’s best college towns.
A top-ranked, affordable school of public health.
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Research
Research is what sets the College of Public Health apart.
Our faculty are among the most productive researchers on campus.
$217 million
in research funding over the past five fiscal years
$40 million
in research funding for fiscal year 2025
$28 million
in research funding through the second quarter of fiscal year 2026