An innovative new degree will prepare students for health care professions through a unique blend of coursework. The Iowa Board of Regents approved the Iowa State undergraduate degree -- bachelor of science in integrated health sciences -- during its Feb. 27 meeting. Enrollment in the on-campus program will open this fall.
The program is the first undergraduate degree in Iowa to offer a fully integrated, interdisciplinary approach to health sciences. Unlike traditional pre-health majors, the comprehensive program focuses on health and wellness from multiple angles, with classes in life sciences, behavior and social sciences, data sciences and the humanities.
Graduates with the degree will be equipped for broad career opportunities, such as genetic or medical counselor, physician assistant, health care data analyst, medical doctor, insurance company specialists, public health officials or health policymaker. By learning about the complex factors in health care, evidence-based solutions and community service, they'll also be prepared to address Iowa-specific challenges in rural health care and caring for an aging population.
Professor and chair Yanhai Yin and teaching professor Karri Haen Whitmer of the department of genetics, development and cell biology; and Elizabeth McNeil, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, teamed up to develop the degree with collaboration from 12 other academic departments in three colleges.
One of the strengths of the degree is the flexibility it provides as students explore their academic and career goals.
"What excites us most about this new degree is its adaptability and student-centered approach. It directly addresses a longstanding gap in health care education by giving students the freedom to explore multiple pathways without using the usual financial or academic penalties of switching majors," Yin said. "The integration of sciences such as anatomy, genetics and nutrition, and the humanities is a standout feature, allowing for a more holistic approach to health care education that reflects the real-world complexity of the field."
Five tracks for students to personalize their path
The program offers students five specialized tracks, allowing academic flexibility to tailor their education to their unique career goals:
- Science of health and disease
- Human health and nutrition
- Data science and human studies
- Public policy, ethics, communications and human health
- Behavioral and mental health studies
Degrees of the future
Approved
- Master of digital health
- B.S. integrated health sciences
- B.S. game design
Approval phase
- Master of financial technology
- B.S. digital and precision ag
- B.S. digital storytelling
Students will complete 31 required core credits as well as a combination of required and elective courses from their chosen track. They also must complete nine credits they select from any of the other tracks. They will learn to apply knowledge from biology, chemistry, genetics, nutrition, health and wellness, statistics, social sciences and more. If a student's goals change, they can transition to a different track without sacrificing time or credits.
"Instead of forcing students into rigid, traditional tracks, it empowers them to refine their interests while staying within health care, which is something many pre-med and health-focused students struggle with," Yin said. "The fact that this program was co-developed with student and parent input makes it even more meaningful. It's built for real people with real goals.
"This degree could redefine how we prepare future health care professionals making education more accessible, resilient, and aligned with workforce needs. That's an exciting shift in higher education," he added.
Growing demand for health professionals
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care occupations are projected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Iowa faces a critical shortage of health care professionals. According to the 2021 Iowa Physician Workforce Profile from the Association of American Medical Colleges, Iowa ranked 44th out of 50 states in health care provider-to-patient ratio.
Iowa Workforce Development reports (January 2023) show health care professions will experience high to moderate annual growth in Iowa in positions such as nurse practitioners, medical and health services managers and physician assistants. Employers also are seeking job candidates with skills in clinical research, public health and data analysis, all of which will be taught in the new degree curriculum.
In addition to student and parent feedback, Iowa State faculty sought insight from area health professionals and providers while developing the degree.
"We have talked with doctors, medical assistants and physical therapists, and they all liked the interdisciplinary nature of the major and believe that it will train well-rounded professionals in human health," Yin said.
He said the program is now part of a new health care collaboration committee at Mary Greeley Medical Center, an initiative designed to strengthen connections between academia and health care to address workforce needs, enhance education and drive research innovation. Program leaders also hope to establish future partnerships with medical schools and other health care institutions to create a pipeline for students seeking advanced training after completing their bachelor's degree.
Integration: academics and experiential learning
The program draws upon expertise from across the university, with a focus on experiential learning, community engagement and evidence-based practices. Examples include job shadowing, internships with local and regional providers and businesses, undergraduate research ranging from biomedicine to health policy, participation in student organizations and project-based capstones. It will be managed by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with collaboration from the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Health and Human Sciences.
