Epidemiology is the study of how diseases, injuries, and other health-related events spread and distribute themselves through populations and communities. We identify the causes of the spread, and how to stop it.

Icon representing Epidemiology

The Epidemiology Department was organized to be one major focus of the College of Public Health to promote research and training in epidemiology, disease control and health care organization.

The major research thrust is to conduct high quality epidemiologic investigations that are at the forefront of scientific knowledge. The research is both theoretical and applied.

Training activities have several directions, which include developing qualified, independent research scientists in epidemiology at both the pre- and post-doctoral levels. There is also a focus of training health professionals and others to obtain basic epidemiologic, preventive and health care organizational skills for application in both clinical and community-based settings.

Apply Now Recruit Me!

Faculty Opportunity

The Department of Epidemiology invites applications for open rank tenure-track faculty positions in any area of epidemiology.

Prospective Epi Students

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Everything you need to know is here, but if you have more questions, fill out the request form below and we’ll reach out to you right away.

CPH students at State Hygienic Laboratory

Epidemiology Research Interest Areas

Epidemiology is a wide and diverse field. These are some of the interest areas in which our faculty are engaged in research.

Our people


At the Department of Epidemiology, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, diverse community of faculty, staff, and students, all here to help you succeed.

Epi Faculty Epi Staff Epi Students

Collage of portraits of Epidemiology faculty, staff, and students.

Our research centers

Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases

Employs the latest technologies and methods to understand and control infectious diseases that affect both animals and people.

Visit the CEID

Health Effectiveness Research Center

Assesses comparative effectiveness and safety of health interventions to responsibly translate evidence into practice.

Visit HERCe

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Maintain statewide surveillance for collecting information on selected congenital and inherited disorders in Iowa.

Visit IRCID

Nutrition Center

Provides nutrition counseling and dietary assessment to promote nutrition with a focus on research, education and service.

Visit the center

Preventive Intervention Center

Conducts health research and clinical trials to ensure future medical treatments are safe and effective.

Visit the PIC

State Health Registry of Iowa

Also known as the Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR), the registry conducts surveillance and researches the epidemiology of all cancer cases in the state of Iowa.

Visit ICR