Iowa State University Launches Cutting-Edge Online Master of Digital Health Program

Ames, Iowa – Iowa State University is proud to announce the launch of the online Master of Digital Health program. Housed in the kinesiology department, the program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals at the intersection of data analytics, technology, and healthcare.

The program received approval from the Iowa Board of Regents this month and will welcome its inaugural cohort this fall.

This groundbreaking program marks a significant milestone in addressing student and workforce demands by introducing innovative degree programs that align with emerging trends in various industries.

According to Kira Werstein, associate teaching professor and director of graduate education for the program, “digital health is an emerging and high-growth area, making this program particularly relevant for both prospective students and employers across the United States and even internationally.”

“Digital healthcare is currently transforming healthcare, allowing patients and healthcare providers better access and follow up with real-time feedback of their medical conditions. The addition of the Master of Digital Health puts Iowa State as a leader in training professionals to be at the forefront of helping people in their healthcare needs,” added Dr. Sarah Bancroft, sports medicine physician with McFarland Clinic (a multi-specialty clinic in central Iowa), and a team physician for Iowa State University Athletics.

The fully online program can be completed from anywhere. It is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as fast as one year, offering the flexibility to balance coursework with professional commitments. It opens doors to diverse career paths in a range of sectors.

Adrienne Silberstein, a 2022 graduate of the kinesiology department at Iowa State, uses digital health tools daily in her role as wellness coordinator at Northcrest Community, a retirement community in Ames, Iowa. “My work in digital health research as a graduate student was extremely beneficial because it allowed me to jump right in with my position and implement so many things I learned in the work I am doing now, but the biggest success is being able to pass that on to the people I work with every day,” she said.

The online Master of Digital Health at Iowa State University offers a comprehensive curriculum through 30 credits, including foundational courses introducing students to the field and research methods; immersive courses exploring data governance and analytics, machine learning/AI, personalized medicine, wearables, telemedicine, rehabilitation, behavioral health, public health, and more; and a capstone project in which students gain real-world experience and become job-ready in the digital health landscape.

The Master of Digital Health program at Iowa State boasts an esteemed research faculty from the Department of Kinesiology. The world-renowned faculty is engaged in high-impact research spanning areas like biomechanics, exercise psychology, physical activity epidemiology, ergonomics, cardiovascular exercise physiology, adapted physical activity, motor learning and control, health promotion, and more. These leaders bring their expertise to the virtual classroom, ensuring students receive a world-class education.

“We are so excited to see the culmination of the efforts from so many individuals and units across campus over the last 18 months to bring this cutting-edge program to life,” said Susan W. Arendt, director of Iowa State Online.

Applications for the program are being accepted now. Individuals interested in the online Master of Digital Health program are encouraged to contact the program’s director of graduate education, Kira Werstein, at 515-294-8009 or werstein@iastate.edu for questions.