What is Public Health?

“Public Health is the science and art of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention.” Check out this website to learn more and find out where you fit in Public Health here.

How much is tuition and what are the payment options?

Please see this page: Tuition and Financial Aid for MPH Students.

Are students able to receive financial support for the MPH Program?

There are many ways to receive financial support for your MPH Program. Most students who successfully find financial support do so through a graduate research assistant position or a teaching assistant position. Please visit the Financing Your Education web page for more information.

What are some of the places past graduates of the MPH program have found employment.

Many of our alumni are currently working at local or state public health departments, nonprofit organizations, in hospitals and clinics, consulting firms, and health insurance companies. Others continue their education and pursue doctorate or professional degrees.

How long does it normally take students to complete the MPH Program?

Students who are enrolled full-time in the MPH Program usually take 4 semesters or 2 years to complete their degree. The time it takes to complete the program can be influenced by the tract you select, which elective courses you select, and when elective courses are offered. Please look specifically at your program of interest for more detailed information.

Do your students have opportunities to pursue internships, fellowships, and other professional experiences as a student at the College of Public Health?

Yes, in addition to the 200-hour Applied Practice Experience completed by all students, students may also choose to participate in an internship during their time in the MPH program. A variety of local, state, and national internship opportunities exist. Fellowship and internship opportunities are advertised to students throughout the year. Additionally, many students have found rewarding public health experiences through volunteer or part-time work in Iowa City.

Is the MPH program accredited?

The College of Public Health is one of 67 schools accredited by the CEPH, the Council on Education for Public Health. View the CPH Accreditation Information.

Is the MPH program STEM eligible?

Yes, the MPH and MS degree programs in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Occupational and Environmental Health are STEM eligible programs.

I don’t live in Iowa City. Can I still earn my MPH through distance learning?

We offer the core MPH courses via distance education but at least 50 percent of the course work must be done face-to-face in Iowa City.

Where should I find a place to live while in the MPH Program?

Information for housing for graduate and professional students is available from the University of Iowa Housing page. There are also many options for off-campus housing in and around Iowa City. Other housing options are available nearby in the cities of University Heights and Coralville, and public transportation to campus is available. Please see the linked pages for transit information for Iowa City and Coralville.