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Prospective Graduate Student FAQs
FAQ’s for Graduate Programs at the University of Iowa College of Public Health
You have questions, we’ve got answers! Here are answers to some of the most often-asked questions we get from students considering graduate studies at the University of Iowa College of Public Health:
What degrees and programs do you offer?
We are a fully-accredited, highly-ranked college of public health with 5 departments – Biostatistics, Community and Behavioral Health, Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy and Occupational and Environmental Health. We offer a full array of degree options including the Master of Public Health (MPH), the Master of Science (MS), the Master of Health Administration (MHA), the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and several certificate options. Additionally we offer combined degrees with professional programs and other academic programs. For a full listing, please visit: See a full listing of our programs here.
What sets the University of Iowa College of Public Health apart?
The University of Iowa College of Public Health is the only completely accredited college of public health in the state of Iowa. We pride ourselves in offering a world class education at an affordable cost. Below are some of the reasons student choose Iowa and are successful here.
- Small class sizes allowing for invaluable relationship building with faculty and peers.
- Opportunities galore to be involved in public health research, practice, and professional development.
- Interdisciplinary collaborations across our college and across the university.
- Ranked consistently in the top 20 AND affordable tuition.
Are there opportunities to study abroad and is there funding to do so?
Graduate students interested in working and studying overseas may apply for a travel grant to fund a variety of international learning opportunities. MPH, MS, and PhD students are all strongly encouraged to apply. Research and practicum experiences are both eligible for funding, as well as international internships and select coursework. Students must have completed a minimum of 2 semesters of coursework toward their current degree to be eligible, but should begin the travel planning process as soon as possible. Students who need assistance in finding international opportunities should meet with their faculty advisor or the global health coordinator for guidance.
What are ways to finance my degree and how do I obtain a Graduate Research Assistantship?
Graduate students interested in working and studying overseas may apply for a travel grant to fund a variety of international learning opportunities. MPH, MS, and PhD students are all strongly encouraged to apply. Research and practicum experiences are both eligible for funding, as well as international internships and select coursework. Students must have completed a minimum of 2 semesters of coursework toward their current degree to be eligible, but should begin the travel planning process as soon as possible. Students who need assistance in finding international opportunities should meet with their faculty advisor or the global health coordinator for guidance.
What degrees and programs do you offer?
Funding and scholarships vary by department and program, so this question is best answered by the department you are pursuing. Similar to undergrad, federal financial aid is available, by applying through the FAFSA. Graduate Research Assistantships is an attractive option for students as a significant amount of tuition is covered (this is true for out-of-state students holding quarter time or more positions as they are classified as Iowa residents), a stipend is awarded, and out-of-state students are classified as Iowa residents.
Where is the University of Iowa located and what is there to do outside of class?
The University of Iowa is located in beautiful Iowa City, IA. Iowa City is consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in America and one of the best places to live. Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature, is located in Eastern Iowa, 30 minutes from the Eastern Iowa Airport. Iowa City and its surrounding cities of Coralville and North Liberty have a population of over 100,000, and bring you a true college town experience and all of the events and activities that come along with it. Spending the weekend in a Midwestern city is easy to do if you are after a big city fix as Iowa City is 4-5 hours away from Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Omaha, and Kansas City. Check out what makes Iowa City so great.
How do I apply?
All applicants apply through SOPHAS. Please read specific instructions for the program to which you are applying.