Academics
Welcome, future health professionals!
We designed this degree with help from real students, parents, doctors, physical therapists, and others. You’ll gain a holistic health care education built on Iowa State’s strengths in science, technology, and the humanities.
Whether you want to launch your career right after graduation or apply to medical or professional school, you’ll be ready with a comprehensive understanding of health care’s real-world complexities.
Major in integrated health sciences
The bachelor of science degree in integrated health sciences prepares you for a future in health care. You’ll study health and wellness from all angles – anatomy, genetics, nutrition, statistics, the humanities, and more – while having the freedom and flexibility to dig deep into your unique interests.
What classes you will take
Every student in the major completes a core curriculum with classes in life sciences, behavior and social sciences, data sciences, and the humanities. Learn to apply knowledge from biology, chemistry, genetics, nutrition, health and wellness, statistics, social sciences, and other disciplines.
You’ll also take a combination of required and elective courses specific to your focus area and choose a small number of credits from other focus areas.
- 33-34 core credits for all integrated health sciences majors
- 22-32 required credits in your focus area
- 9 credits you pick from any other focus area
As you refine your interests, you can always choose to change focus areas. You’ll be able to stay in health care and stay on track for graduation.
Specialized Focus Areas to Chart Your Future
Science of Health and Disease
This choice emphasizes the biological and molecular mechanisms that underlie health and disease. Students will explore genetics, cellular biology, and the role of environmental factors in health outcomes, preparing them for careers in medical research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.
With a focus on understanding how diseases develop and progress, students gain the foundation necessary for advancing into health care professions such as medicine or research-based graduate programs.
Laboratory work and research experiences in areas such as gene therapies and disease prevention provide hands-on learning that complements rigorous academic coursework.
Human Health and Nutrition
In this program focus, students examine the complex relationships between diet and exercise on human biology and overall health.
Focused on the role of diet and physical activity in promoting health and preventing disease, this program focus is ideal for students pursuing advanced health care professional degrees and careers in medicine, public health, clinical research coordinators, nutrition, and wellness.
Courses cover a wide range of topics, including personalized medicine, metabolism, nutritional biochemistry, and the impact of dietary habits and physical activity on public health.
Practical experiences in laboratory work, clinical and community settings prepare students for the dynamic challenges of health careers.
Data Science and Health Studies
Students with this focus will develop expertise in analyzing and interpreting large datasets related to health outcomes, such as electronic health records and clinical trials.
With training in bioinformatics, statistics, and computational methods, students will be equipped to drive innovations in personalized medicine, public health initiatives, and health care technology.
Careers in health data analysis, epidemiology, and bioinformatics are just a few of the many paths open to these graduates.
Public Policy, Ethics, Communications, and Human Health
This program focus is designed for students interested in the intersection of health care, society, and policy.
Combining social sciences and humanities, this program focus prepares students to understand and influence public health policies, communicate effectively about health issues, and address ethical challenges in health care.
Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers in health care administration, public health policy analysis, health care consulting, and health communications.
Coursework emphasizes how health care decisions impact society, from policy formulation to equitable access to care.
Behavioral and Mental Health Studies
Behavioral health is a critical component of overall wellness. This program focus provides students with an understanding of the psychological, emotional, and social factors that influence health.
Courses cover topics such as mental health disorders, behavioral interventions, and the impact of stress on physical health.
With a strong emphasis on understanding health disparities and community-based interventions, students are prepared for careers in mental health, social services, and psychiatric services. The program focus also explores the complex ways that mental health and physical health intersect, emphasizing holistic approaches to care.