Students pursuing health administration will receive specific training in health systems, economic theories and practices and will gain an understanding of how the principles of management apply within health systems. Health administration majors have direct access to expert faculty and learn about health systems, healthcare delivery, health policy, and population health.
This area of study can lead to a variety of career paths. Students in this program can go on to become patient services coordinators, health information assistants, healthcare operations coordinators, and more. Students will also be prepared to pursue continued education in a Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, or other graduate degrees like an MD or PharmD.
Why Iowa?
The College of Public Health at the University of Iowa is consistently ranked in the top 20 schools of public health (US News and World Reports). Our strong partnership with the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) creates valuable opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and career placement within a world-class healthcare system. Additional advantages include a strong statewide reputation among employers and a robust healthcare and health sciences ecosystem that aligns closely with workforce needs.
Admission Requirements
Students interested in the health administration major must be admitted to the College of Public Health either through Direct Admission or Standard Admission.
Direct Admission is designed for students applying to the university as first-year students for the fall semester. Applicants who meet course requirements and either the test score or GPA requirement will be considered for admission.
First-year students not admitted directly to the College of Public Health may be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a Public Health Interest major.
Current undergraduates at Iowa are eligible to apply for Standard Admission to the College of Public Health after completing prerequisite courses and earning the required GPA.
Transfer students
Transfer students are encouraged to apply to Public Health and will be reviewed for direct admission.
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Careers and Outcomes
Within six months of graduating, 95 percent of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing education, or not seeking work. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Health administration graduates are in high demand. Graduates will be prepared for careers in hospitals, physician practices, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, insurance organizations, and health administration setting. Graduates will also be well prepared to continue their education in health administration, health science graduate degrees, and professional programs.
Student Opportunities
In addition to over 600 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from multiple Living-Learning Communities, Study Abroad Programs, and Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
Health administration majors are required to complete an experiential learning experience, which may be an internship, research project, or study abroad. Additionally, students pursue service opportunities within the community, join Public Health Clubs, such as Strike Force or Here to Help, work in Public Health labs and participate on advisory committees.
Scholarships
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Coursework
Students will complete public health core coursework which includes instruction in health systems, policy, data analysis, health law, ethics, and the determinants of health as well as required experiential learning. In addition, students will complete coursework in health economics, systems operations and quality improvement, finance and resource management, and health technology and innovation.