Public Health, Graduate Certificate
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The graduate Certificate in Public Health requires 18 s.h. of credit. Students must complete the certificate's required coursework within five years of entering the program and must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.75 in work for the certificate. All certificate courses are offered online at least once a year, and all courses are offered on campus. Students who are only enrolled in the Certificate in Public Health program may not register for courses other than those required for the certificate.
The certificate program is designed to improve public health practice and public health workforce capacity in Iowa and the upper Midwest. It is intended primarily for individuals in public health practice, those in the workforce, and those interested in strengthening their knowledge and skills in basic public health competencies.
The graduate Certificate in Public Health requires the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| CPH:5100 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| BIOS:4120 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| CBH:4105 | Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| EPID:4400 | Epidemiology I: Principles | 3 |
| HMP:4000 | Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System | 3 |
| OEH:4240 | Global Environmental Health | 3 |
For more information about the program, visit Graduate Certificate in Public Health on the College of Public Health website.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Academics
University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.
Admissions
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.
Applicants to the certificate program must hold a bachelor's degree and must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75. They must submit official transcript(s), a statement of purpose, two reference letters, a résumé, and an online application.
For more information about how to apply, visit Graduate Certificate in Public Health on the College of Public Health website.