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Integrated Health Sciences

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Iowa State University, a leader in interdisciplinary education, offers the Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) major, to provide undergraduate students with comprehensive knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines that engage critical issues in the healthcare sector. With contributions from a dozen departments across the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Health and Human Sciences, the IHS major uniquely prepares students for careers addressing modern healthcare challenges at individual, community, and systemic levels.

What is Integrated Health Sciences?
Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) refers to a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and improving health outcomes by blending knowledge from diverse fields such as biological, behavioral, and data sciences. The IHS major at Iowa State University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how these disciplines intersect with public policy, ethics, and communication to address modern healthcare challenges.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, the IHS major provides students with a broad yet flexible education, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in healthcare. By integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems and make impactful contributions at individual, community, and systemic levels.

The Integrated Health Sciences major combines the strengths of biological, behavioral, nutrition and data sciences, integrated with a strong foundation in public policy, ethics, and communication. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students receive a rich educational experience that is both broad and flexible, accommodating a wide variety of career aspirations in healthcare, public health, policy, and beyond.

Graduates of the IHS major at Iowa State University will leave with the tools necessary to become leaders in healthcare, equipped to effectively communicate, innovate, and contribute to the betterment of health systems and policies worldwide.

Integrated Health Sciences Program Focus Areas

In addition to declaring the major in Integrated Health Sciences, students will choose a program focus. The five program focuses are Science of Health and Disease, Human Health and Nutrition, Data Science and Health Studies, Public Policy, Ethics, Communications, and Human Health, and Behavioral and Mental Health Studies. 

Program Focus in 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 healthcare 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.

Program Focus in 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 healthcare 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.

Program Focus in 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 healthcare technology. Careers in health data analysis, epidemiology, and bioinformatics are just a few of the many paths open to these graduates.

Program Focus in Public Policy, Ethics, Communications, and Human Health

This program focus is designed for students interested in the intersection of healthcare, 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 healthcare. Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers in healthcare administration, public health policy analysis, healthcare consulting, and health communications. Coursework emphasizes how healthcare decisions impact society, from policy formulation to equitable access to care.

Program Focus in 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.

Senior Year Capstone Experience

All students graduating with a degree in Integrated Health Sciences will take IHS 4010 (3 Cr.) where they will carry out a capstone project that synthesizes their interdisciplinary learning. The capstone provides an opportunity to apply knowledge from their chosen program focus to a current healthcare challenge, often in collaboration with ISU faculty, local healthcare organizations, or research institutions. This experience is a crucial step in preparing students for post-graduate success, whether in the workforce or in advanced degree programs.


Program Learning Outcomes

The Integrated Health Sciences major is designed to equip students with the diverse skill sets required to navigate and succeed in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. These competencies reflect the interdisciplinary approach of the program and are essential for addressing modern healthcare challenges with innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.

Graduates of the IHS major will achieve the following competencies:

  • Critical Thinking -- Analyze complex health issues using interdisciplinary approaches to create evidence-based solutions. Apply problem-solving skills across biological, behavioral, and social science domains to address healthcare challenges at individual, community, and systemic levels.
  • Scientific Literacy -- Use scientific methodology to design, conduct, and interpret health-related research. Graduates will be proficient in evaluating and applying scientific evidence in healthcare decision-making and public health initiatives.
  • Communication -- Effectively communicate scientific and health-related information to diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Utilize various media formats to convey complex concepts clearly and accurately.
  • Cultural Competence -- Advocate for health equity by recognizing and addressing health disparities. Develop a deep understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence health outcomes across different populations.
  • Ethical Decision-Making -- Apply ethical principles in healthcare practice and policy development. Demonstrate accountability and integrity in clinical, research, and public health settings while navigating ethical dilemmas in healthcare.

Integrated Health Sciences Requirements

The Integrated Health Sciences major at Iowa State University offers undergraduate students a unique and flexible academic pathway, allowing them to explore multiple facets of healthcare and tailor their studies to fit their career goals. In addition to a common set of core requirements, each student will complete the required coursework for their program focus area, and complete 9 credits of supporting coursework selected from one or more of the other focus areas described below.

In addition, students in the Integrated Health Sciences major, must meet University-wide requirements for graduation and the general education requirements of this program. Students must earn a minimum of 36 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above and have a 2.0 average GPA in courses that apply to the major.


Total Credits Required: 120 cr. 
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.

University and General Education Requirements

  • International Perspectives: 3 cr. (note that this requirement can be met with courses used to meet other requirements)
  • U.S. Cultures and Communities: 3 cr. (note that this requirement can be met with courses used to meet other requirements)
  • Communication Proficiency/Library Requirement
ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
Advanced Communication Requirement*3
Total Credits10

*IHS Students meet this requirement by taking COMST 4120 Health Communication.

General Education
Students can meet the breadth requirements of the General Education Program through the required and selected coursework in this interdisciplinary major. By the end of their course of study, students are expected to have met the following minimum requirements across these general education areas.

  • Humanities 6 cr
  • Social Sciences 6 cr
  • Math and Statistics 6 cr
  • Natural Sciences 7 cr.


IHS Core Requirements (min. 33 Credits)

IHS 1010Introduction to Integrated Health Sciences2
LAS 1010Orientation1
BIOL 2550Fundamentals of Human Anatomy3
BIOL 2550LFundamentals of Human Anatomy Laboratory1
LAS 2030Professional Career Preparation1
POLS 3370XHealth Politics and Policy3
PHIL 3310Moral Problems in Medicine3
BIOL 2560Fundamentals of Human Physiology3
BIOL 2560LFundamentals of Human Physiology Laboratory1
FSHN 1670Introductory Human Nutrition and Health3
Choose from one of the following:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods
Choose from one of the following:3
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
COMST 4120Health Communication3
IHS 4010: Capstone3
Total Credits33-34

Program Focus and Supporting Coursework (31 to 41 credits)

In addition to the core requirements, each Integrated Health Sciences major will complete the requirements of one of the five program focus areas detailed below.

Choosing a Program Focus

Students are expected to choose a program focus that aligns with their career aspirations by the end of their first year of study.  Each program focus includes a combination of designated courses and courses selected from a list of options, allowing students to tailor their education to their individual interests. Along with classroom learning, students should seek out the practical experiences such as laboratory work, internships, job shadowing and research opportunities, that give students the skills necessary to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.


Program Focus in Science of Health and Disease

A minimum of 23 credits are required for this specialization (table, below), including a year-long sequence of general biology lecture and lab. In addition to the 23 required credits, students must complete 9 credits from the program focus choice list for Science of Health and Disease, and 9 credits of interdisciplinary supporting coursework from the other program focus areas. See the IHS website for a lists of courses for each program focus.

Required Courses
BIOL 2110Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 2110LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 2120Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 2120LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
BIOL 3130Principles of Genetics3
BIOL 3130LGenetics Laboratory1
Choose 1 Chemistry Group:5-10
College Chemistry
Laboratory in College Chemistry
Or
General Chemistry I
Laboratory in General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Laboratory in College Chemistry II
Choose 1 Biochemistry Option:3
Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes
Principles of Biochemistry
Choose 1 Advanced A&P Option:3-4
Comprehensive Human Anatomy
Principles of Human and Other Animal Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Principles of Human Gross Anatomy
9 credits from approved program focus choice list9
Interdisciplinary IHS Supporting Coursework*9
Total Credits41-47

*9 credits from approved lists for other program focus areas.

Program Focus in Human Health and Nutrition 

In addition to the 20 credits required for this specialization, students must complete 6 credits from the program focus choice list for Human Health and Nutrition, and 9 credits of interdisciplinary supporting coursework from the other program focus areas. See the IHS website for a lists of courses for each program focus.

Required Courses
FSHN 2650Metabolism, Nutrition and Health3
FSHN 4670Molecular Basis of Nutrition in Disease Etiology and Health Promotion3
3 credits of designated FSHN course3
KIN 3580Exercise Physiology3
Choose 1 Chemistry Group:5
College Chemistry
Laboratory in College Chemistry
Or
General Chemistry I
Laboratory in General Chemistry I
Choose 1 Biochemistry:3
Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes
General Biochemistry
Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry I
6 credits from approved program focus choice list6
Interdisciplinary IHS Supporting Coursework*9
Total Credits35

*9 credits from approved lists for other program focus areas.

Program Focus in Data Science & Human Health

In addition to the 7 required credits for this specialization, students must complete 15 credits from the program focus choice list for Data Science and Human Health, and 9 credits of interdisciplinary supporting coursework from the other program focus areas. See the IHS website for a lists of courses for each program focus.

Required Courses
STAT 30104
Choose 1:3-4
Statistical Computing for Data Analysis
Data Acquisition and Exploratory Data Analysis
15 credits from approved program focus choice list15
Interdisciplinary IHS Supporting Coursework*9
Total Credits31-32

*9 credits from approved lists for other program focus areas.

Program Focus in Public Policy, Ethics, Communication & Human Health

In addition to the 12 required credits for this specialization, students must complete 12 credits from the program focus choice list for Public Policy, Ethics, Communication & Human Health, and 9 credits of interdisciplinary supporting coursework from the other program focus areas. See the IHS website for a lists of courses for each program focus.

Required Courses
POLS 3350Science, Technology, and Public Policy3
ECON 1010Principles of Microeconomics3
Choose 1:3
Communicating Science and Public Engagement
Media Controversies in Science and Technology
Choose 1:3
Health and Native American Communities
Birth, Death, Medicine, and Disease
RELIG 3610XReligion, Health, and Medicine3
12 credits from approved program focus choice list12
Interdisciplinary IHS Supporting Coursework*9
Total Credits36

*9 credits from approved lists for other program focus areas.

Program Focus in Behavioral and Mental Health Studies 

In addition to the 12 required credits for this specialization, students must select 12 credits from the program focus choice list for Behavioral and Mental Health Studies, and 9 credits of interdisciplinary supporting coursework from the other program focus areas. See the IHS website for a lists of courses for each program focus.

Required Courses
PSYCH 2300Developmental Psychology3
PSYCH 2800Social Psychology3
PSYCH 1010Introduction to Psychology3
or SOC 1340 Introduction to Sociology
This program focus requires both PSYCH 1010 and SOC 1340; the course not chosen in the core must be taken in the focus.
3 credits of designated Sociology course3
12 credits from approved program focus choice list12
Interdisciplinary IHS Supporting Coursework*9
Total Credits33

*9 credits from approved lists for other program focus areas.

Program Focus in Science of Health and Disease 

The program focus in Science of Health and Disease has two pathways:

Standard Path – for students interested in careers in the science-related roles in healthcare.

Pre-Health Path – for students interested in pursuing advanced health-related degrees in medical schools or research-based graduate programs.

Standard Path

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102STAT Choice3
BIOL 25503BIOL 25603
BIOL 2550L1BIOL 2560L1
ENGL 15003Humanities Choice3
FSHN 16703Electives6
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403 
LAS 10101 
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 21103BIOL 21203
BIOL 2110L1BIOL 2120L1
CHEM 17704CHEM 17803
CHEM 1770L1CHEM 1780L1
IHS Supporting Coursework3MATH or STAT3
ENGL 250033000+ Elective3
LIB 16001 
 16 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 31303BIOL 31403
BIOL 3130L1BIOL 33503
CHEM 33103PHIL 33103
POLS 3370X3Elective3
LAS 203013000+ Program Focus Choice3
IHS Supporting Coursework3 
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBMB 316033000+ Program Focus Choice3
IHS 40103International Perspectives3
COMST 41203IHS Supporting Coursework3
Electives6Electives5
 15 14
Total Credits: 120

Pre-health path

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102MATH or STAT3
ENGL 15003PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403
BIOL 25503BIOL 25603
BIOL 2550L1BIOL 2560L1
FSHN 16703CHEM 17704
LAS 10101CHEM 1770L1
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003LAS 20301
LIB 16001BIOL 21203
BIOL 21103BIOL 2120L1
BIOL 2110L1CHEM 33103
CHEM 17803CHEM 3310L1
CHEM 1780L1IHS Supporting Coursework3
Humanities Choice33000+ Program Focus Choice3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 33203PHIL 33103
CHEM 3320L1BBMB 31603
BIOL 31403PHYS 13204
PHYS 13104PHYS 1320L1
PHYS 1310L1COMST 41203
POLS 3370X3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 31303IHS 40103
BIOL 3130L1IHS Supporting Coursework3
STAT Choice3IHS Supporting Coursework3
3000+ A&P Choice3International Perspectives3
Program Focus Choice3Elective2
Elective3 
 16 14
Total Credits: 120

Program Focus in Human Health and Nutrition  

The program focus in Health and Human Nutrition has two pathways:

Standard Path – for students interested in community, preventative, and public health.

Pre-Health Path – for students interested in pursuing health professional programs or clinical research.

Standard Path

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102Choose from one of the following:3-4
ENGL 15003 
FSHN 16703 
BIOL 25503 
BIOL 2550L1BIOL 25603
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403BIOL 2560L1
LAS 10101Humanities Choice3
 Elective3
 16 13-14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003LAS 20301
LIB 16001FSHN 26503
CHEM 16304IHS Supporting Coursework3
CHEM 1630L1BBMB 22103
Elective3International Perspectives3
MATH/STAT3Elective3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMST 41203PHIL 33103
POLS 3370X3FSHN 46703
KIN 35803Elective3
FSHN Precision Medicine Course (Formerly FSHN 3010)33000+ Elective3
Program Focus Choice3 - 43000+ Program Focus Choice3 - 4
 15-16 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
US Cultures and Communities3IHS 40103
IHS Supporting Coursework3IHS Supporting Coursework3
Elective33000+ Elective3
3000+ Electives6Electives6
 15 15
Total Credits: 120-123

Pre-health Path

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102Choose one of the following:3 - 4
ENGL 15003 
FSHN 16703 
BIOL 25503 
BIOL 2550L1Humanities Choice3
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403BIOL 25603
LAS 10101BIOL 2560L1
 CHEM 17704
 CHEM 1770L1
 16 15-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003LAS 20301
LIB 16001BIOL 21203
BIOL 21103BIOL 2120L1
BIOL 2110L1CHEM 33103
CHEM 17803CHEM 3310L1
CHEM 1780L1International Perspectives3
Calculus or Math Choice3 - 4Elective3
 15-16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
POLS 3370X3PHIL 33103
PHYS 13104PHYS 13204
PHYS 1310L1PHYS 1320L1
BIOL 31403BBMB 31603
CHEM 33203FSHN 26503
CHEM 3320L1Elective as needed (Research recommended for Pre-Health)1
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMST 41203IHS 40103
KIN 35803FSHN 46703
US Cultures and Communities3Program Focus Choice3 - 4
Program Focus Choice3 - 43000+ Program Focus Choice3-4
FSHN Precision Medicine Course (formerly FSHN 3010)*3Elective***3
 15-16 15-17
Total Credits: 121-126
*

New FSHN course in Precision Medicine

**

Select PSYCH 1010 or SOC 1340 for medical school if both not already completed

***

Select ECON 1010 for Pharmacy school if not already completed

 
 

Program Focus in Data Science and Health Studies 

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102BIOL 25603
ENGL 15003BIOL 2560L1
BIOL 25503STAT Choice3
BIOL 2550L1Humanities Choice3
FSHN 16703DS 20103
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403Elective3
LAS 10101 
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 25003International Perspectives3
LIB 16001STAT 4279 or DS 20203
STAT 30104IHS Supporting Coursework3
LAS 20301Electives6
IHS Supporting Coursework3 
Elective3 
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
POLS 3370X3PHIL 33103
3000+ Program Focus Choice33000+ Program Focus Choice3
3000+ Program Focus Choice33000+ IHS Supporting Coursework3
Electives6Electives6
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMST 41203IHS 40103
3000+ Program Focus Choice3Program Focus Choice3
3000+ Elective33000+ Elective3
Electives6Electives4
 15 13
Total Credits: 120

Program Focus in Public Policy, Ethics, Communications, and Human Health  

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102BIOL 25603
ENGL 15003BIOL 2560L1
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403STAT or MATH3
BIOL 25503ENGL 25003
BIOL 2550L1LIB 16001
FSHN 16703POLS 33503
LAS 10101 
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ECON 10103PHIL 33103
LAS 20301International Perspectives3
STAT or MATH3IHS Supporting Coursework3
3000+ IHS Supporting Coursework33000+ Program Focus Choice3
Program Focus Choice3Elective3
Elective3 
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
POLS 3370X3JLMC 2600 or ENGL 31023
COMST 41203IHS Supporting Coursework3
3000+ Program Focus Choice33000+ Elective3
Electives6Electives6
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Choose one of the following:3IHS 40103
 3000+ Elective3
 Electives7
RELIG 3610
  
3000+ Program Focus Choice3 
Electives10 
 16 13
Total Credits: 120

Program Focus in Behavioral and Mental Health Studies 

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IHS 10102BIOL 25603
LAS 10101BIOL 2560L1
FSHN 16703Arts/Humanities Choice3
BIOL 25503PSYCH 2300 or 28003
BIOL 2550L1STAT or MATH3
ENGL 1500 or 25003PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403
PSYCH 1010 or SOC 13403 
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 2300 or 28003STAT or MATH3
Program Focus Choice3Designated Sociology Course3
ENGL 250033000+ Program Focus Choice3
International Perspectives3Elective3
LIB 16001IHS Supporting Coursework3
LAS 20301 
 14 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
POLS 3370X3PHIL 33103
Elective3IHS Supporting Coursework3
3000+ IHS Supporting Coursework3Electives6
3000+ Electives63000+ Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMST 412033000+ Program Focus Choice3
IHS 401033000+ Elective3
3000+ Program Focus Choice3Electives8
Electives6 
 15 14
Total Credits: 120