How to Apply to Occupational and Environmental Health

Please review these detailed instructions and requirements for applying to the University of Iowa Department of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Admission Requirements

MPH Degree

M.S. Degree

  • Minimum cumulative grade-point average: 3.0
  • A background of science, mathematics, or health sciences is recommended, although our students come from a variety of undergraduate majors.
  • Additional requirements for the M.S. in Industrial Hygiene:
    An earned baccalaureate that prepares the applicant to apply the basic principles of college-level mathematics, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, and biology. Exceptions may be admitted with an individually documented plan of study to compensate for any deficiencies.

Ph.D. Degree

  • Minimum cumulative grade-point average: 3.25
  • Coursework in the biological, physical and mathematical sciences provide an important background and are highly recommended.
  • A bachelor’s degree is required. Although enrollment directly into the PhD program is possible, completion of an MS or MPH program is highly recommended as a first step toward the PhD degree.

International Applicants

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or DuoLingo.

  • Recommended minimum TOEFL score: 100
  • Recommended minimum IELTS score: 7.0 (no subscore lower than 6.0)
  • Recommended DuoLingo score: 105
  • Automatic waivers of this requirement are granted for persons who have, or will have, completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) at an accredited university in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada (excluding French Quebec), Africa (English speaking), Australia, or New Zealand

Application Deadlines for Occupational & Environmental Health

Fall Admission for M.S. or Ph.D.

  • May 1 (final deadline)
  • Note that we do not consider applications for the Spring or Summer semesters

How to Apply

A complete application consists of the following 2 steps:

  • Complete a Schools of Public Health (SOPHAS) Application
  • Set up UI account and pay the supplemental application fee to the University of Iowa Office of Graduate Admissions

Step 1: Schools of Public Health (SOPHAS) Application

All domestic and international applicants must apply through SOPHAS. You will be required to:

  • Complete the SOPHAS application.
  • Provide official transcripts showing all previous undergraduate, graduate, and professional work with grades and degrees. If you are still working towards your degree at the time of application, you will be required to send in your transcripts twice: once to SOPHAS at the time of application and a second time to our Graduate Admissions Office after your undergraduate degree is conferred by your current institution.
    • International Students: International transcripts should be evaluated by World Education Service (WES) and submitted to SOPHAS. Transcripts do not need to be sent separately to the University of Iowa unless requested.
  • Provide Three (3) Letters of Recommendation. These letters are submitted by your letter writers through SOPHAS. We recommend letters of reference from your academic experiences, but we also accept professional references.
  • Upload your résumé.
  • Include a personal statement. Please address the following prompts and questions in a 2-3 page essay:
    • Describe your specific area of interest within Occupational and Environmental Health. Why are you interested in that area?
    • If your background and life experiences – including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges – motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Iowa, consider providing an explanation of those experiences.
    • What are your career goals; how do you see yourself using this degree following graduation?
    • For PhD applicants:
      • What are your research interests?
      • Are there 2-3 particular faculty members in the Department of OEH whose research areas seem to match your main area of interest?
      • How do you see your work aligning with their area(s) of expertise?
    • Provide official TOEFL, IELTS or DuoLingo scores (international students)

Step 2: Set up UI account and pay the supplemental University of Iowa fee

  • Once you have submitted all your materials to SOPHAS and your transcripts have been verified, you will receive an email from the University of Iowa which will provide you with detailed instructions on setting up a University of Iowa account and paying the supplemental University of Iowa fee. Your application will be reviewed once this step is complete.
  • All students (except those whose undergraduate degree was conferred at the University of Iowa), will need to send their final transcript – showing degree conferral – to the Office of Graduate Admissions.