ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Occupational Epidemiology

OETP students win prestigious ASA New Investigator Awards

Welcome

As Director of the Occupational Epidemiology Training Program (OETP) within the Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety at the University of Iowa, I am pleased to welcome you to the OETP website. The OETP offers a MS or PHD in Occupational Epidemiology from either the Department of Epidemiology or Occupational and Environmental Health. In fact, the OETP at the University of Iowa is the only NIOSH-funded Occupational Epidemiology Training Program offering a MS degree in Occupational Epidemiology.

Please take the time to fully explore the website and discover the unique research and educational opportunities available at the Heartland Center. I also invite you to fill out our Regional Needs Assessment Survey or contact me with a Collaboration or Consultation Request.

Dr. R. William Field, Professor

What is Occupational Epidemiology?

Occupational Epidemiology is the study of work-related patterns of disease and other work-related adverse health outcomes in populations. For example, Occupational Epidemiologists identify and assess occupational risk factors (pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive materials, radiation producing machines, nanoparticles, etc.) that can affect the health of a worker population. Occupational Epidemiologists are often employed by state health departments, federal agencies, industry, consulting companies, academic institutions, and a diverse range of health care organizations.

The Occupational Epidemiology Training Program prepares graduate students to meet the need for new academic faculty and practitioners in the field of Occupational Epidemiology. OETP traineeships support progress toward either a masters or doctorate in either of the following departments within the College of Public Health:

• Department of Occupational and Environmental Health  
  
• Department of Epidemiology

More information on the Goals of the program and research opportunities

Financial Support

Funding opportunities are excellent for students admitted to the Occupational Epidemiology program.

Traineeships and assistantships are offered through the Heartland Center, a NIOSH-funded ERC. Support may be in the form of tuition and/or monthly stipend. Funded positions sponsored by NIOSH are available for U.S. citizens only.

Training Program Requirements

Students in the OETP will receive either an MS or PhD degree in Occupational and Environmental Health or Epidemiology. Doctoral students are expected to enter the program with a MS degree or complete a MS degree as part of their graduate training.

Degree Requirements:

• MS and PhD Degree – Occupational and Environmental Health
• MS and PhD Degree - Epidemiology

Students in the OETP must also complete the following courses:

Admissions

The OETP targets baccalaureate degree students who have demonstrated strong undergraduate preparation in science and mathematics including chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus. Students with only a BS degree are typically admitted to the MS thesis program first. Other students entering with a higher degree, but without evidence of independent research capability (e.g. a thesis), may also be admitted to the MS thesis program so they can complete the thesis requirement. Students will be admitted to the OETP if they meet their respective department's admission criteria (GPA, GRE, etc.) and with consideration of other factors such as reference letters, student research interests, work experience, and faculty availability.

Admission Requirements and How to Apply

• Department of Occupational & Environmental Health 
• Department of Epidemiology 

For more information contact: 

David Asa, Academic Program Coordinator
Email: david-asa@uiowa.edu
319.335.4558

OR

Dr. R. William Field, Professor
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
Department of Epidemiology
N222 Oakdale Hall
College of Public Health
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-5000