Prospective Students
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find your answer here, please feel free to contact us with any remaining questions.
Kimberly Williams
Student Affairs and Curriculum Coordinator
Department of Epidemiology
319.384.1544
Kimberly-S-Williams@uiowa.edu
Does the Department of Epidemiology accept applications for all semesters- fall, spring or summer?
The department accepts M.P.H., M.S. , and Ph.D. applications for fall and summer semesters. The department prefers that all students enter the program in the fall semester.
What are the deadlines for applications?
MS - Epidemiology
- Fall: July 1 for US students, April 15 for international students
- Summer : April 15 for US students, March 1 for international students
- No spring admissions
MPH
- Fall: May 1 for US students, April 1 for international students
- Summer : April 1 for US students, March 15 for international students
- No spring admissions
PhD
- PhD Fall or Summer Admission: April 1
- PhD Spring Admission (not encouraged): October 1
Is a personal interview required?
Students are not asked to participate in an interview as part of the application process. The department recommends that Ph.D. applicants establish contact with an Epidemiology professor with similar research interests before or during the application process.
What undergraduate courses are recommended as preparation for the M.P.H. or M.S. programs of study within the Department of Epidemiology?
Undergraduate preparation must have included two semesters of biological sciences and mathematics.
Are certain undergraduate degrees the best preparation for an M.P.H. or M.S. in Epidemiology?
Entering students have a variety of academic backgrounds, as seen in our student demographics. No specific undergraduate degrees are required.
When does the Epidemiology department make acceptance decisions?
The department accepts and decides on applications on a rolling basis, so application files will usually be considered soon after they are received. The review process usually takes 2-4 weeks.
May I complete the M.S. , M.P.H., or Ph.D. program from a distance?
Epidemiology does not operate a distance education program. There are a few courses that are web-based, but most courses require on-campus attendance.
How are Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) chosen?
Epidemiology students are appointed as a TA or RA as a mechanism for financial support. The department usually takes a preliminary look at course enrollment numbers before deciding how many TAs to appoint and for which courses. Students are not usually given these opportunities until after the first semester of classes. This first semester allows each student to get the fundamental teaching they’ll need to help in these roles. Some Epi students are able to secure Research Assistant positions through one of our three research centers. New students should express interest in RA or TA assignments to both their advisor and the Program Coordinator. The department will accommodate as many requests as possible. The availability of positions is determined by the grant funds received each year.
What is the pay for TAs and RAs?
The Grad RA and TA rate for the upcoming year, 2009-2010, will be as follows:
Appointment Annual Salary Fringe Benefits
50% (20 hours/week) $20,408 $3980
Do TAs and RAs have to pay tax on the income they receive?
The issue of taxes depends on a number of factors. The Payroll Department at the University will be able to advise you for your specific situation. Their phone number is 319-335-2381.
How long does it typically take to complete each program?
Most M.P.H. and M.S. students are able to complete their programs of study in two years. ms. The average length of time, to date, for Ph.D. program completion in Epi is varied by each students area of research but typically it will take 4 years.
How are your graduates employed?
Graduates of the program are qualified for a wide variety careers. See the careers in Epidemiology web page for information about some of our graduates and their current careers.