Welcome to DMU!
Hear congratulatory messages from DMU alumni Tyler Sten, DPM’20, and William Bui Tran, DPM’23, MSA’22.
What’s Next?
Review these helpful resources as you prepare for the year ahead at Des Moines University.
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Secure Your Seat
Submit your non-refundable seat deposit and matriculation agreement by the deadlines listed on your DMU admissions account. You will be able to view the deadlines and additional items within one week following your acceptance.
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Success Meeting
Your success meeting phone appointment with a DMU Admissions staff member will help you understand the DMU onboarding process. Your success meeting must be scheduled by the deadline listed on your DMU Admissions account. The actual appointment may be held following the deadline.
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Credentials
Beginning in the spring, watch for your DMU credentials to be sent via email following your deposit submission. Your credentials will give you access to Pulse, which houses important information, such as financial aid, student health resources, health insurance and more.
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Next Steps
Review our admitted student checklist to keep on track for a successful onboarding as a DMU student.
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Stay Connected
We can't wait to see you on campus! Connect with other incoming DMU students through the DMUBound Instagram page!
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Background Check Process
All incoming students must complete a background check and drug screen through DMU’s vendor prior to matriculation. Instructions and additional details will be provided in April.
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Consider a Dual Degree
Students enrolling in DMU’s DPM program may be eligible for a dual degree in one of the following programs: Master of Health Care Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Anatomy, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
Contact us to learn more!
Mark Your Calendar
Be sure to note these important dates and upcoming events.
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Admissions Events
Admissions Open House
Join us on campus for an open house event designed just for admitted students! Mix and mingle with faculty and current DMU students while receiving a tour of our state-of-the-art campus.
- Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. CT — Register
Virtual Hangouts With Student Ambassadors
Connect with future classmates, explore the DMU experience and learn how to succeed in medical school during these casual, 30-minute hangouts.
Advance registration required.
- Tuesday, April 7, at Noon CT — Register
Financial Aid Information Sessions
Join Loran Coder, financial literacy administrator, for a virtual session focused on preparing you for the next steps in your enrollment at DMU.
- Monday, April 20, at 2 p.m. CT — Register
- Past Session, Feb. 23 — Watch Recording
DPM Virtual Class Meetings
Join Dr. Kevin Smith, Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, in these virtual meetings to welcome you to the Des Moines University community. During this event, you will hear from faculty, current students and campus support resources. Bring your questions!
Each of these sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Central Time.
- DMU Community — April 2, 2026 — Register
- Tips for Med School Success — May 7, 2026 — Register
- Pre-Orientation Session — June 25, 2026 — Register
Join Dr. Smith to review sample materials and schedules in preparation for your upcoming first term at DMU.
Watch Past Sessions
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Orientation
Orientation is mandatory and will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Class meetings may be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, and the first day of class will be Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
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White Coat Ceremony
One of every clinical student’s earliest and best memories is putting on their white coat for the first time. The 2026 White Coat Ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 a.m.
Additional details will be shared in the spring.
DMU Wants You to Succeed And Provides Resources So You Can
DMU’s supportive, collaborative environment and variety of resources will equip you to achieve your goals. They’ll also let you enjoy the journey as you learn with peers and professors, explore new cultures and communities and get help when you need it.
Check out our videos to learn more.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, please reach out to our Admissions team at DMUAdmit@dmu.edu.
Welcome to Greater Des Moines: Your New Favorite Place
Greater Des Moines is consistently ranked as the best city for young professionals to live and work.
Our low unemployment, affordable housing and low costs of living mean you can live comfortably right away.
Housing opportunities: Finding your perfect place
The areas around DMU offer plenty of reasonably priced apartments a short distance from campus. Restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, pharmacies, banks and a variety of shops are located nearby.
Greater Des Moines offers a great variety of accessible attractions and amenities. Visit Iowa’s beautiful Capitol Building and enjoy lunch and shopping in the East Village or historic Valley Junction. Wander through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Water Works Park, Gray’s Lake and the Jordan Creek Mall. Throughout the metro, you can enjoy many unique restaurants, eclectic shops, art galleries, farmers markets and more. Both Des Moines and West Des Moines feature diverse options that make our community a vibrant, welcoming and dynamic place. You will find a contemporary urban area with something for everyone.
Places to worship: Find a space to practice your faith
The residents of Greater Des Moines come from all around the world, and the city has countless religious services and institutions to serve the surrounding communities.
Fine Dining: Nearby Restaurants and Grocery Options
The local businesses and restaurants that surround DMU are some of the best the Des Moines metro has to offer. An abundance of ethnic grocery stores and a thriving culinary scene make Greater Des Moines a great place to live – and eat.
Disability Services: Des Moines University welcomes qualified candidates with disabilities who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations. If you are a candidate with a disability who requires reasonable accommodations to reasonably access the curriculum and educational services offered at DMU, please contact the Accommodations and Educational Support Specialist in the Center for Educational Enhancement in person, by phone (515-271-4452) or by email (accommodations@dmu.edu). Accommodations are not determined by faculty. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Candidates who require accommodations are directed to register with the Accommodations and Educational Support Specialist as far in advance of the start of the program as possible.