About the Public Health Major

The College of Public Health offers two undergraduate degrees in public health. If you are interested in the health sciences, are socially-minded, and want to help people on a large scale, public health might be for you.

Both of our degree options provide you with a basic understanding of the five core public health knowledge areas: biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and occupational and environmental health sciences.

No matter which program you choose, you will be prepared to enter the workforce or continue your education into areas such as public health, medical school, physician assistant school, dental school and beyond.

Bachelor of Arts

The BA students will complete course work in the social sciences and humanities, in addition to public health core courses.

Careers for those with a BA could include, but are not limited to:

  • Disease Prevention Specialist
  • Health Educator
  • Community Engagement Manager
  • Emergency Response Planner
  • Health Equity Coordinator

Bachelor of Science

BS students will complete additional required course work in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer sciences, in addition to their public health course work.

Careers for students with a BS include, but are not limited to:

  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Associate Survey Statistician
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
  • Public Health Researcher

Information on how to apply to the public health major can be found here.

Certificate in Public Health

The Certificate in Public Health is intended for non-public health majors and anyone interested in obtaining knowledge about public health concepts to enhance their ability to succeed in their chosen field. Students completing the Certificate in Public Health will have an understanding of emerging issues in public health, the social and behavioral aspects of preventing disease, environmental health concepts, and the changing health care system in the U.S.

Undergrad to Grad Degree Programs

If you know you want to continue your public health studies by getting a graduate degree in public health, our Undergrad to Grad degree program may be right for you! This allows you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

Pursuing a combined degree allows you to further explore your interest in the field of public health, expedite time to degree–five years versus the typical six years–and save money by cutting one year of tuition!

Undergraduate to graduate degree options are open to all undergraduate majors at the University of Iowa. Visit here for more information about our undergrad-to-grad degree options.