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Master of Public Health Program

Director

  • Mary L. Aquilino
Graduate degree: M.P.H.
Web site: http://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/mph/

The Master of Public Health is recognized as the primary professional degree in public health. The objective of Iowa's M.P.H. program is to provide education and practical training in public health to students who will be leaders in their respective communities. The program is appropriate for individuals who already have professional experience and/or training in public health as well as for those whose expertise lies outside of public health.

The M.P.H. is awarded by the University of Iowa Graduate College. Combined degree programs for law, medical, nursing, and pharmacy students are available; see "Joint J.D./M.P.H.," "Joint M.D./M.P.H.," "Joint M.S.N./M.P.H.," and "Joint Pharm.D./M.P.H." in this section of the Catalog. The M.P.H. Program also offers two programs in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Science at Iowa State University; see "M.P.H. for Practicing Veterinarians" and "Joint D.V.M./M.P.H." in this section.

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health requires 42-59 s.h. of graduate credit, depending on the choice of specialization. The degree is offered with seven subtracks: biostatistics, community and behavioral health, epidemiology, ergonomics, health communication, occupational and environmental health, and policy. Students also may pursue a general M.P.H., for which they must define a focused area of study: aging studies; global health; maternal, child, and family health; or nutrition and exercise.

Degree requirements include a core course in public health practice and in each of the five core disciplines of public health (epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health administration, and social and behavioral sciences); a bioscience course (or an additional elective course); a practicum; a set of content-specific required courses; and a set of content-specific electives. A final written report with oral presentation or a poster presentation related to the practicum constitutes the final examination.

All M.P.H. students complete the course work listed under "Common Requirements." In addition, each student completes the course work listed for his or her chosen subtrack.

Common Requirements

The following course work is required for all M.P.H. students. Students must earn a B-minus or higher on each core course. Students may repeat courses to achieve this standard.

CORE COURSES

All of these: 

170:101 Introduction to Public Health 3 s.h.
171:161 Introduction to Biostatistics (biostatistics subtrack students must substitute 171:201 for 4 s.h.) 3 s.h.
172:101 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 3 s.h.
173:140 Epidemiology I: Principles 3 s.h.
175:197 Environmental Health 3 s.h.

One of these: 

174:102 Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System 3 s.h.
174:200 Introduction to Health Care Organization and Policy 3 s.h.

BIOSCIENCE REQUIREMENT

All students, except those in the biostatistics, community and behavioral health, ergonomics, or policy subtracks, take one of the following. Students who already have completed equivalent course work may substitute an additional elective course for the bioscience requirement. Contact the Master of Public Health Program for current information about this requirement. 

069:133 Introduction to Human Pathology for Graduate Students 4 s.h.
069:270 Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases 3 s.h.
096:114 Human Pathophysiology: Organ Systems 3 s.h.
096:115 Human Pathophysiology: Cellular/Neurology/Immunology 3 s.h.

PRACTICUM

The practicum is a fieldwork experience in which students show proficiency in applying academic principles in community settings. There are many practicum opportunities for M.P.H. students in Iowa and surrounding states; the college's Institute for Public Health Practice coordinates placements. The practicum is the culmination of the M.P.H. program.

Students must choose an approved topic and complete at least five of the six core courses before registering for and beginning the practicum. A final written report with an oral presentation or a poster presentation is required. The practicum constitutes the final examination for the M.P.H. 

170:299 M.P.H. Practicum Experience 3 s.h.

Biostatistics Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with biostatistics subtrack requires 44 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Biostatistics (College of Public Health).

The subtrack focuses on application of biostatistical methods to public health and biomedical sciences, and applications of methodology for design and analysis of research investigations in the health sciences. It also provides fundamental training in the public health sciences, core biostatistical theory, and core biostatistical methods vital for health science investigations. Graduates of the program are prepared for work as statistical consultants and data analysts for public health projects.

Applicants to the biostatistics subtrack should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the biological, mathematical, or physical sciences. Applicants should have mathematics training in methods and techniques of single variable and multivariable differential and integral calculus, and in linear algebra. They also should be competent in at least one computer language, preferably FORTRAN, Pascal, or C.

Applicants with deficiencies in any of these areas may apply for admission and make up the deficiencies during the first year of graduate study. The following University of Iowa courses provide training at the required level. 

22M:025 Calculus I 4 s.h.
22M:026 Calculus II 4 s.h.
22M:027 Introduction to Linear Algebra 4 s.h.
22M:028 Calculus III 4 s.h.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the biostatistics subtrack requires the following courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

All of these (13 s.h.): 

22S:153-22S:154 Mathematical Statistics I-II 6 s.h.
171:202 Biostatistical Methods II 4 s.h.
171:241 Applied Categorical Data Analysis 3 s.h.

One of these (3 s.h.): 

171:173 Design of Sample Surveys 3 s.h.
171:242 Applied Survival and Cohort Data Analysis 3 s.h.

ELECTIVES

Students earn 6 s.h. in elective courses chosen from the following (or 9 s.h. if they substitute an elective for the bioscience requirement). 

22S:138 Bayesian Statistics 3 s.h.
22S:161 Applied Multivariate Analysis 3 s.h.
22S:255 Linear Models 4 s.h.
171:164 Research Data Management 3 s.h.
171:242 Applied Survival and Cohort Data Analysis 3 s.h.
171:261 Survival Data Analysis 3 s.h.
171:262 Analysis of Categorical Data 3 s.h.
171:264 Longitudinal Data Analysis 3 s.h.
171:266 Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials 3 s.h.
171:271 Advanced Survival Analysis 3 s.h.

Community and Behavioral Health Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with community and behavioral health subtrack requires 42 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Community and Behavioral Health (College of Public Health).

The subtrack prepares public health practitioners for a variety of positions related to community development, health program implementation, and health education. Students learn how to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions directed toward identified public health problems in populations.

A bachelor's degree in the social and behavioral sciences is good preparation for this program, but students come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Preference is given to applicants who have professional experience or clinical background.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the community and behavioral health subtrack requires the following courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

At least 12 s.h. from these: 

172:106 Designing and Implementing Interventions 3 s.h.
172:130 Social Determinants of Health 3 s.h.
172:150 Health Behavior and Health Education 3 s.h.
172:181 Evaluation I: Theory and Applications 3 s.h.
172:183 Qualitative Research for Public Health 3 s.h.
172:185 Communicating with the Community 3 s.h.
172:240 Health Communication 3 s.h.

ELECTIVES

At least 9 s.h. from these: 

044:106 Foundations of GIS 3 s.h.
172:110 Community Development in Public Health 3 s.h.
172:115 Community Preventive Programs and Services 3 s.h.
172:122 Maternal, Child, and Family Health 3 s.h.
172:131 Anthropology and International Health 3 s.h.
172:133 The Anthropology of Women's Health 3 s.h.
172:160 Substance Use and Misuse in America 3 s.h.
172:161 Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention 3 s.h.
172:163 Tobacco Use: Prevention and Control 3 s.h.
172:170 Special Topics arr.
172:202/113:202 Ethnographic Field Methods 3 s.h.
172:242 Persuasion and Health 3 s.h.
172:246 Health Communication Campaigns 3 s.h.
172:270 Independent Study in Community and Behavioral Health arr.
172:282 Evaluation II: Design and Methods 3 s.h.
172:285 Research Methods in Community and Behavorial Health 3 s.h.

Epidemiology Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with epidemiology subtrack requires 42 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Epidemiology (College of Public Health).

The subtrack focuses on fundamental epidemiological concepts and methods and provides training in the use of public health data and methods for disease assessment and in methods for evaluating the need and outcome of programs and interventions. Graduates of the program work in public health departments and other health care settings.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the epidemiology subtrack requires the following courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

Total of 14-15 s.h.

All of these:

171:162 Design and Analysis of Biomedical Studies 3 s.h.
173:158 Public Health Laboratory Techniques 1 s.h.
173:160 Introduction to Epidemiology Data Analysis With Computers 2 s.h.
173:240 Epidemiology II: Advanced Methods 4 s.h.

One of these:

173:145 Public Health Data 2 s.h.
173:199 Practicing Evidence-Based Public Health 3 s.h.

One of these:

173:153 Surveillance Internship: IRCID 2 s.h.
173:154 Cancer Registration Internship 2 s.h.

Epidemiology subtrack students are required to attend departmental seminars and journal club. They also must present one scientific poster at an international, national, regional, state, university, or departmental poster session.

ELECTIVES

Students earn at least 2 s.h. in elective courses (or 5 s.h. if an elective is substituted for the bioscience requirement). At least 3 s.h. of elective credit must be earned in courses offered by the Department of Epidemiology (prefix 173) or in one of the following biostatistics courses. 

171:241 Applied Categorical Data Analysis 3 s.h.
171:242 Applied Survival and Cohort Data Analysis 3 s.h.

Ergonomics Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with ergonomics subtrack requires 42 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (College of Public Health).

The subtrack takes advantage of interdisciplinary faculty strengths in the Colleges of Public Health and Engineering and the Carver College of Medicine. Ergonomics students gain a thorough understanding of workplace physical environments that contribute to musculoskeletal injuries and illness. They also acquire knowledge of engineering and administrative methods to control workplace risk factors. The program prepares students for work in industry and government agencies, as well as for further academic training.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the ergonomics subtrack requires the following courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

All of these (16 s.h.): 

050:270 Responsible Conduct in Research 0 s.h.
056:144 Human Factors 3 s.h.
056:147 Ergonomics 3 s.h.
175:180 Occupational and Environmental Health Seminar 1 s.h.
175:190 Occupational Ergonomics I 3 s.h.
175:230 Occupational Health 3 s.h.
175:295 Clinical Ergonomics 3 s.h.

ELECTIVES

Ergonomics subtrack students earn 5 s.h. in elective courses. Electives may be chosen from the following list or may include a related course approved by the student's advisor. 

175:192 Occupational Safety 3 s.h.
175:231 Industrial Hygiene Fundamentals 3 s.h.
175:251 Injury Epidemiology 3 s.h.
175:253 Epidemiology of Occupational Injuries 3 s.h.

Health Communication Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with health communication subtrack requires 42 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Community and Behavioral Health (College of Public Health.

The subtrack provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skill in designing, evaluating, and implementing effective communication strategies and messages that speak to the health needs of diverse audiences. The program addresses clinician-patient interaction, family communication, group and organizational communication, and mass media and web-based campaigns. The M.P.H. may be of interest to clinicians, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, as well as other professionals who do not wish to earn a Ph.D.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the health communications subtrack requires the following courses.

HEALTH COMMUNICATION CORE

Four of these (12 s.h.): 

036:371 Communication Theory 3 s.h.
172:140/019:160 Media and Health 3 s.h.
172:185 Communicating with the Community 3 s.h.
172:240/036:270 Health Communication 3 s.h.
172:242 Persuasion and Health 3 s.h.
172:246/036:379 Health Communication Campaigns 3 s.h.

COMMUNITY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CORE

Three of these (9 s.h.): 

044:106 Foundations of GIS 3 s.h.
172:106 Designing and Implementing Interventions 3 s.h.
172:130 Social Determinants of Health 3 s.h.
172:150 Health Behavior and Health Education 3 s.h.
172:181 Evaluation I: Theory and Applications 3 s.h.
172:183 Qualitative Research for Public Health 3 s.h.
172:202/113:202 Ethnographic Field Methods 3 s.h.

Occupational and Environmental Health Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with occupational and environmental health subtrack requires 42 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (College of Public Health).

The subtrack provides students with a broad perspective on public health and career preparation for a variety of professional positions in occupational and environmental health. Public health experience provides desirable background for this subtrack.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the occupational and environmental health subtrack requires the following courses.

REQUIRED COURSES 
050:270 Responsible Conduct in Research 0 s.h.
175:180 Occupational and Environmental Health Seminar 1 s.h.
Occupational and environmental health courses not already listed, or other approved courses 17-21 s.h.

Policy Subtrack

The Master of Public Health with policy subtrack requires 59 s.h. of graduate credit. The subtrack is offered by the Department of Health Management and Policy (College of Public Health).

The subtrack offers course work and applied learning experiences that prepare students for careers in health policy analysis, system and organizational planning, and program evaluation. Graduates of the program find positions in federal, state, and local government; professional associations; and private agencies. Varied academic backgrounds are appropriate preparation for this program, including business, liberal arts and sciences, and the health professions.

In addition to the M.P.H. course work listed under "Common Requirements" above, the policy and administration subtrack requires the following courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

All of these (32 s.h.): 

06N:215 Corporate Financial Reporting 3 s.h.
172:181 Evaluation I: Theory and Applications 3 s.h.
174:144 Medicare and Medicaid Policy 3 s.h.
174:201 Health Care Management 3 s.h.
174:212 Health Economics I 3 s.h.
174:217 Health Insurance and Managed Care 3 s.h.
174:223 Seminar in Health Care Ethics 2 s.h.
174:237 Legal Aspects of Health and Medical Care 3 s.h.
174:242 Federalism and Health Policy 3 s.h.
174:243 Health Policy 3 s.h.
174:245 Seminar in Health Policy 3 s.h.

ELECTIVES

At least 6 s.h. from these: 

030:210 American Politics 4 s.h.
091:261 Health Law 3 s.h.
102:221 Poverty, Planning, and Public Policy 3 s.h.
174:140 Mental Health Services and Policy I 3 s.h.
175:252 Environmental Health Policy 3 s.h.

M.P.H. for Practicing Veterinarians

The University of Iowa College of Public Health, in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, offers a distance-based Master of Public Health for practicing veterinarians. The degree requires a minimum of 42 s.h. of graduate credit. The program enables students to prepare for new career opportunities and equips them to respond to public health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, food security and foodborne illnesses, bioterrorism, and environmental health.

Students participate in two summer institutes, one on each campus during consecutive summers (two weeks in May and June); the rest of the program is Internet-based, so students may complete requirements at times that fit their schedules. Specific courses are required each semester of the program.

In addition to study at the summer institutes, the M.P.H. for practicing veterinarians requires the following course work.

M.P.H. COMMON REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete courses listed under "Common Requirements" for the Master of Public Health; see the beginning of this Catalog section.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES

All of these (21 s.h.): 

170:175 Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Veterinarians and Other Public Health Disciplines 2 s.h.
173:120 Principles of Public Health Informatics 3 s.h.
173:130 Food Safety 3 s.h.
173:132 Exotic and Emerging Diseases of Animals 1 s.h.
173:147 Applied Veterinary Epidemiology/Biostatistics 3 s.h.
173:155 Diagnostic Microbiology for Epidemiology 3 s.h.
173:159 Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2 s.h.
175:209 Rural Health and Agricultural Medicine 3 s.h.
175:211 Veterinary Public Health: The Profession 1 s.h.

Joint D.V.M./M.P.H.

The University of Iowa College of Public Health and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University (ISU) offer the joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health. The joint D.V.M./M.P.H. requires a minimum of 42 s.h. in addition to the requirements of the D.V.M. degree; see Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the Iowa State University catalog. Students who complete the program are granted both degrees. The program prepares students for work as state veterinarians, as college and university faculty members, in local and state departments of public health, in the Public Health Commissions Corp., in state agricultural departments, and for public health positions in the military.

Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they can be admitted to the joint degree program. For M.P.H. admission requirements, see "Admission" later in this section.

The joint D.V.M./M.P.H. requires the following course work.

M.P.H. COMMON REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete courses listed under "Common Requirements" for the Master of Public Health; see the beginning of this Catalog section.

M.P.H. ELECTIVES

Students must earn at least 9 s.h. from the following courses. 

173:111/175:111 International Health 3 s.h.
173:150 Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology 2 s.h.
173:155 Diagnostic Microbiology for Epidemiology (offered by distance education) 3 s.h.
173:157 Zoonotic Diseases (one-week course) 2 s.h.
173:225 Genetics and Epidemiology 4 s.h.
173:240 Epidemiology II: Advanced Methods 4 s.h.
173:251/175:251 Injury Epidemiology (offered by distance education) 3 s.h.
173:253/175:253 Epidemiology of Occupational Injuries 3 s.h.
173:255 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (offered by distance education) 3 s.h.
173:263 Epidemiology of Reproductive Diseases 2 s.h.
175:170 Injury and Violence Prevention (offered by distance education) 3 s.h.
175:175 Research Methods in Disaster Studies (offered by distance education) 3 s.h.
175:196 Agricultural Safety: Theories and Practice (offered by distance education) 2 s.h.
175:209 Rural Health and Agricultural Medicine (offered by distance education) 3 s.h.
175:210 Current Topics in Agricultural Health (offered by distance education) 0-1 s.h.
175:260 Environmental Toxicology 3 s.h.

REQUIRED D.V.M. COURSES

All of these (ISU courses): 

Principles of Public Health (VMPM 388) 3 s.h.
Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine (VMPM 436) 2 s.h.
Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine (VMPM 437) 3 s.h.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics (VPP 443) 3 s.h.
Laboratories in Public Health (VMPM 486) 1 s.h.

Joint J.D./M.P.H.

The College of Law and the College of Public Health offer the joint Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health. The joint J.D./M.P.H. requires a minimum of 42 s.h. of graduate credit in addition to the requirements of the J.D. degree. Students who complete the program are granted both degrees.

The J.D./M.P.H. program helps students develop special expertise in public health legal issues. It is designed to train qualified students for leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they can be admitted to the joint degree program.

Contact the College of Law and the College of Public Health for details. For detailed information about the J.D., see Juris Doctor (College of Law) in the Catalog.

The joint J.D./M.P.H. requires the following course work.

M.P.H. COMMON REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete courses listed under "Common Requirements" for the Master of Public Health; see the beginning of this Catalog section.

M.P.H. ELECTIVES

Students earn 9 s.h. in elective courses chosen from one of the following public health areas: aging studies; biostatistics; community and behavioral health; epidemiology; global health; health policy; maternal, child, and family health; nutrition and exercise; occupational and environmental health; or public health genetics. Students choose electives in consultation with their advisors in the College of Law and the College of Public Health.

COURSES THAT COUNT TOWARD BOTH DEGREES

Students may count up to 12 s.h. earned in any of the following College of Law courses toward the M.P.H.

091:204 Administrative Law 3 s.h.
091:245 Domestic Abuse Law arr.
091:250 Employment Law 2, 3 s.h.
091:251 Topics in Employee Benefits Law arr.
091:255 Environmental Law 3 s.h.
091:261 Health Law 2, 3 s.h.
091:262 Federal Regulations of Health Care Industry: Fraud and Abuse 2, 3 s.h.
091:268 Family Law 3, 4 s.h.
091:284 Insurance 1, 2, 3 s.h.
091:291 International Environmental Law 3 s.h.
091:292 Labor Law 3, 4 s.h.
091:320 Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I 3 s.h.
091:322 Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness II 3 s.h.
091:341 Managing National Security 1, 2, 3 s.h.
091:342 Negotiations 2, 3, 4 s.h.
091:354 State and Local Government 1, 2, 3 s.h.
091:409 Child and Family Advocacy Clinic arr.
091:455 Health Law and Policy Practicum 1, 2, 3 s.h.
J.D. REQUIREMENTS

Joint J.D./M.P.H. students must complete the professional curriculum of the J.D. program; see Juris Doctor (College of Law) in the Catalog. Students must be enrolled in the College of Law to take College of Law courses.

Joint M.D./M.P.H.

The Carver College of Medicine and the College of Public Health offer the joint Doctor of Medicine/Master of Public Health. The joint M.D./M.P.H. requires a minimum of 42 s.h. of graduate credit in addition to the requirements of the M.D. degree. Students who complete the program are granted both degrees. They enjoy expanded career opportunities and are well prepared to apply the principles of medicine and public health in their work.

Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they can be admitted to the joint program.

Contact the Carver College of Medicine and the College of Public Health for details. For detailed information about the M.D. program, see Doctor of Medicine (College of Medicine) in the Catalog.

The joint M.D./M.P.H. requires the following course work.

M.P.H. COMMON REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete courses listed under "Common Requirements" for the Master of Public Health; see the beginning of this Catalog section.

M.P.H. ELECTIVES

Students earn 9 s.h. in elective courses chosen from one of the following public health areas: biostatistics, community and behavioral health, epidemiology, health communication, health policy, occupational and environmental health, or an approved M.P.H. focus area (e.g., aging studies; global health; maternal, child, and family health; nutrition and exercise). Students choose electives in consultation with their advisors in the Carver College of Medicine and the College of Public Health.

COURSES THAT COUNT TOWARD BOTH DEGREES

Students may count up to 12 s.h. earned in the following courses, which are required for the M.D. degree, toward the M.P.H.

050:180 Community-Based Primary Care (up to 10 s.h.) arr.
050:183 Healthcare Ethics, Law, and Policy 2 s.h.
078:101 Inpatient Internal Medicine arr.
078:102 Outpatient Internal Medicine 3, 4 s.h.

Joint M.S.N./M.P.H.

The College of Nursing and the College of Public Health offer the joint Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health. The joint M.S.N./M.P.H. requires a minimum of 60 s.h. of graduate credit. Students who complete the program are granted both degrees. The program prepares students for positions such as director of a public or community health agency, director of occupational health for a company or corporation, case manager for specific populations, information systems specialist for a public health agency or organization, or advanced nurse practitioner in a school, occupational, or public health organization.

Separate application to each degree program is required; applicants must be admitted to both programs before they can be admitted to the joint degree program. Each college's admission committee reviews each candidate independently.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program and have an undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.00 and satisfactory Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test scores. They must submit a formal application, complete transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school they have attended, and three professional recommendations (University of Iowa recommendation forms are required).

Contact the College of Nursing and the College of Public Health for details.

In addition to M.P.H. common requirements and M.S.N core courses, students complete 9-12 s.h. in a nursing focus and 3 s.h. in an M.P.H. capstone project. A master's project or nursing portfolio is required. The remaining credit is earned in elective courses. Areas of emphasis are informatics, nursing administration, community health, and occupational health/ergonomics.

For availability of nursing courses, contact the College of Nursing or see "Courses" in the College of Nursing section of the Catalog.

M.P.H. COMMON REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete courses listed under "Common Requirements" for the Master of Public Health; see the beginning of this Catalog section.

M.S.N. CORE COURSES 
096:208 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 s.h.
096:209 Health Systems/Economics/Policy 3 s.h.
096:263 Informatics in Nursing and Health Care 3 s.h.

Joint Pharm.D./M.P.H.

The College of Pharmacy and the College of Public Health offer the joint Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health. The joint Pharm.D./M.P.H. requires 42 s.h. of graduate credit in addition to the requirements of the Pharm.D. degree; see "Professional Program (Pharm.D.)" in the College of Pharmacy section of the Catalog. Students who complete the program are granted both degrees.

The Pharm.D./M.P.H. program helps students develop expertise in public health related to pharmacotherapy, health promotion, disease prevention, and medication safety. Its graduates may work in areas of interest common to pharmacy and public health, such as spread and treatment of disease, community health, and immunology; bioterrorism, terrorism, and preparedness; genetics; insurance; managed care; family and juvenile health; and protection of special populations. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals and clinics and with health care providers; private practice; insurance and managed care organizations; local, county, state, and federal government; public health governmental agencies; and colleges and universities.

Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they can be admitted to the joint degree program.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree or a minimum of 120 s.h. of undergraduate course work; an undergraduate cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00; one semester each of college algebra and biology; transcripts of all college course work; scores (preferably at or above the national median) on the Graduate Record Exam or the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT); and three professional recommendations (University of Iowa recommendation forms are required).

Contact the College of Pharmacy and the College of Public Health for details.

The joint Pharm.D./M.P.H. requires the following course work.

M.P.H. COMMON REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete courses listed under "Common Requirements" for the Master of Public Health; see the beginning of this Catalog section.

M.P.H. ELECTIVES

Students select electives totaling 9 s.h. from one of the following public health areas: biostatistics, community and behavioral health, epidemiology, health communication, health policy, occupational and environmental health, public health genetics, or an approved M.P.H. focus area (aging studies; global health; maternal, child, and family health; or nutrition and exercise). Electives are chosen in consultation with the student's advisors in the Colleges of Pharmacy and Public Health.

COURSES THAT COUNT TOWARD BOTH DEGREES

Students may count up to 12 s.h. earned in the following courses, which are required for the Pharm.D. degree, toward the M.P.H.

046:129 Pharmaceutical Economics and Insurance 3 s.h.
046:154 Endocrinology, Ophthalmology, Women's and Men's Health Therapeutics 2 s.h.
046:156 Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2 s.h.
046:165 Infectious Disease Therapeutics 2 s.h.
069:133 Introduction to Human Pathology for Graduate Students 4 s.h.
PHARM.D. REQUIREMENTS

Joint Pharm.D./M.P.H. program students must complete the professional curriculum of the Pharm.D. program; see "Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)" in the College of Pharmacy section of the Catalog).

Students must be enrolled in the College of Pharmacy in order to take College of Pharmacy courses.

Admission

Applicants to the M.P.H. program must have successfully completed one semester each of college algebra and biology.

All M.P.H. applicants must submit a Graduate College application form, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose that describes their interest in public health and identifies a specialty area, and a résumé highlighting professional experience in public health or in nursing. They also must submit scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test, LSAT, DAT, VCAT, GMAT, or another professional placement exam; scores must be at or above the median scores for test takers applying to similar programs.

Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada (except Quebec), Australia, or New Zealand must score at least 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants who score 550-599 (paper-based) or 213-249 (computer-based) are required to take English fluency courses. Applicants who score below those ranges are not considered for admission.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College or the Graduate College section of the Catalog.

Application deadlines for fall entrance to the M.P.H. program are May 1 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, April 1 for international applicants. Application deadlines for spring entrance are November 1 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, October 1 for international applicants. Application deadlines for summer entrance are April 1 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, March 15 for international applicants.

Application deadline for the M.P.H. for practicing veterinarians is March 1.

Financial Support

A limited number of modest tuition awards are available each year for M.P.H. students. For information on financing education through jobs, grants, and loans, contact the University's Office of Student Financial Aid.
Copyright 2009 The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.
Updated September 2009