School of Health & Human Sciences
Preparing a healthier future for Iowa
The School of Health & Human Sciences empowers students to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in Iowa and beyond.
Programs within the school help prepare tomorrow’s health and human science professionals for high-demand careers by offering community-centered and hands-on learning opportunities within state-of-the-art facilities and through dedicated field experiences. A collaborative advising model ensures students interested in health-focused majors and pre-professional tracks are supported every step of the way.
In Demand
& Growing
Over the next 10 years, the health care sector is projected to add 2 million new jobs with an additional 2 million openings each year due to retirements, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Supporting Mental Health
The job outlook for careers focused on substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health counselors are projected to grow 22% over the next 10 years.
Preparing for Iowa's Future
Health care and social assistance remain one of Iowa’s largest industry sectors, with an average employment of 219,321 jobs reported in Iowa Workforce Development’s 2022 Q3 report.
A new path for health professionals
The University of Northern Iowa is addressing the increasing needs in Iowa for health professionals with a new School of Health and Human Sciences, recently approved by the Iowa Board of Regents. Following the announcement of a new nursing major, this comprehensive reorganization of health-focused programs will make the University of Northern Iowa an even more desirable destination for students seeking a career in one of the nation’s most in-demand fields.
“Students will graduate with a better understanding of wellness across the lifespan, as it relates to the whole person, both body and mind.”
— BRENDA BASS
Dean, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
SCHOOL VISION
Empowering students to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in Iowa and beyond.
SCHOOL MISSION
We prepare tomorrow’s health and human science professionals for high-demand careers by creating collaborative and inclusive learning environments, developing and delivering innovative and evidence-based practice, and promoting ethical standards of care. We offer community-centered and hands-on learning experiences to empower the next generation of impactful leaders.
The strength and academic excellence of the founding departments and programs will serve as the cornerstone of the School of Health & Human Sciences. The following inaugural members will lead efforts to establish the new school.
"I'd always been interested as a young child to be in some type of medical field. And through sports, I got to recognize what physical therapy was, and it fascinated me."
Abe, Kinesiology & Exercise Science Major
"It feels really good to be able to know that I can help people in many ways — not just in athletic training but in medical and emergency situations too."
Jayden, Athletic Training & Rehabilitation Studies Major
"I chose social work because I really wanted to make a difference. I really thrive off of helping others and wanted to make a difference in any way I could."
Samantha, Social Work (BSW) Major
“Public health is all about helping people and I’m really passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. I also really love the people that I’ve met so far — a lot share the same passions as me, so being around that atmosphere is really cool.”
Trey, Public Health Major
"Nursing education is truly my passion, and that’s why I am so excited to develop this much-needed program at UNI."
Nancy Kertz, Executive Director of Nursing
"Not a lot of colleges have this major. We get the opportunity to learn about concepts and ideas that really helps us understand people as a whole."
Kaleah, Family Services Major
"I think that UNI is helping me prepare for this degree by really going over things in-depth. It's very connected, very personal."
Emily, Counseling MA Student
"No matter what you do, or where you are working with this population, you sit down at night and you're like, wow, I made an impact."
Lauren, Gerontology Major