The Undergrad to Grad Program (U2G) provides an opportunity for University of Iowa students interested in health science to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. The Department of Epidemiology offers and MS degree and an MPH degree in Epidemiology and both are available through the U2G program. For students that are interested in the MPH program in the Epidemiology subtrack under the U2G program, please see the page on Undergrad to Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
Undergrad to Grad Overview
U2G’s provide an opportunity for students interested in health sciences to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. The benefits of pursuing the combined degrees are as follows:
Save time! Earn an advanced degree on an accelerated track (five years vs. the typical six years)
Save money! Reduce costs associated with earning a master’s degree (cut grad tuition dollars)
Prepare for the future. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to launch a public health career or pursue further academic study
Establish a competitive edge. A master’s degree can increase earning potential and qualifications for more senior positions
Undergraduate Checklist Before Applying
Freshman/Sophomore Year:
Research the field of public health, especially those areas that pique your interest
Talk with your undergraduate advisor or academic advising center
Schedule an appointment with the College of Public Health (cph-admissions@uiowa.edu)
Take Fundamentals of Public Health (CPH:1400) if required
Junior Year
Apply to the program by February 1st (application instructions are below)
How to Apply
Requirements: Students are required to have a 3.25 GPA at the time of application and at 3.00 GPA at the time of entry into graduate standing. Students are encouraged to meet with their undergrad advisor and a College of Public Health advisor prior to applying.
SOPHAS Express
Complete the online application in SOPHAS Express (select the MPH or MS Program of Study that you’re applying to).
Three letters of recommendation are required. You will enter your letter writer’s e-mail addresses into SOPHAS Express and they will receive instructions on how to send the letter.
Personal statement: This is an important piece of your application! Please address the following questions (1500 word limit):
Students must choose and apply to one Program of Study or combined degree within the University of Iowa MPH/MS Program. Which are you applying to and why? (You will list your intended Program of Study and note that you are applying to the U2G program)
How does the required coursework for the Program of Study you are pursuing match up with what you hope to learn and achieve throughout the program?
In detail, please describe: your exposure to, training in, and/or work experiences within public health?
How does the MPH/MS degree relate to your career goals?
Resume
Transcripts: Please upload unofficial transcripts with your application. Send transcripts from all Colleges in which credit towards your bachelor degree has been earned.
Set up Iowa account and pay supplemental University of Iowa fee.
Once you have submitted all your materials to SOPHAS you will receive an email from the University of Iowa Office of Admissions with detailed instructions on setting up a University of Iowa account and paying the supplemental application fee. Your application will be reviewed once this step is complete.