DMU has partnered with other universities and colleges to create opportunities for students enrolled in select degree programs to earn credit toward both degrees concurrently.
Participating students will expand their knowledge and will become better equipped to advance as effective members of health care teams, public policy advocates, researchers in clinical or public health areas, developers of community-based health programs, and leaders in their professions and organizations. These students will also benefit from applied experiences within the community and increased interactions with health care professionals.
Students must separately apply to and be admitted to each program. Applications to the programs are not linked in any way. Each university and college will separately administer their respective admissions processes.
Partnership Opportunities
Buena Vista University
The purpose of this agreement is to provide an opportunity for students enrolled at Buena Vista University (BVU) and the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Program at Des Moines University (DMU) to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
In order to interview for any DMU program, BVU students must meet all DMU general admission requirements and the below. BVU students meeting these criteria will be granted an interview.
- Meet all DMU DPM program admission requirements
- Present a science GPA of 2.8 and cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Obtain an MCAT score of 490 or higher
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encouraged candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
DMU reserves the right to deny recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all the qualified requirements who has been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violate the BVU honor code or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
Timing of Application
BVU students can apply to the DPM program at DMU as early as fall of their junior year. At the conclusion of that academic year, it is expected they would have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours of coursework toward a Bachelor degree. An acceptance decision will be contingent upon receipt of the final transcript for that semester verifying they have completed the minimum 90 credit hours. Required prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation.
Completion of Degrees
Both BVU and DMU have specific courses, hours, and grade requirements that must be met before their respective degrees will be awarded.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Buena Vista University students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the courses they take at DMU. Financial aid will be administered through the Des Moines University financial aid office if applicable.
For more information on this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, Buena Vista University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview at DMU in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for Buena Vista University students who:
- Meet all DMU DO program admission requirements
- Present a science GPA of 3.35 and overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3 .35 or greater
- Obtain an MCAT score of 503 or higher
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
Buena Vista University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the Buena Vista University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, Buena Vista University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview at DMU in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for Buena Vista University students who:
- Meet all DMU DPT program admission requirements
- Present a science GPA of 3.40 and overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3 .40 or greater
- Obtain a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 304 or higher
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
Buena Vista University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the Buena Vista University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, Buena Vista University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview at DMU in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for Buena Vista University students who:
- Meet all DMU DPM program admission requirements
- Present a science GPA of 2.8 and overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Obtain an MCAT score of 490 or higher
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
Buena Vista University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the Buena Vista University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, Buena Vista University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview at DMU in the Physician Assistant program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for Buena Vista University students who:
- Meet all DMU PA program admission requirements
- Present a science GPA of 3.40 and overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3 .40 or greater
- Obtain a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 304 or higher
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
Buena Vista University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the Buena Vista University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, Buena Vista University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview at DMU in the Master of Science in Anatomy program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for Buena Vista University students who:
- Meet all DMU MSA program admission requirements
- Present a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or greater
- Take the GRE, MCAT, PCAT, or DAT and submit scores to DMU
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
Buena Vista University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the Buena Vista University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, Buena Vista University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview at DMU in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for Buena Vista University students who:
- Meet all DMU MSBS program admission requirements
- Present a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or greater
- Take the GRE, MCAT, PCAT, or DAT and submit scores to DMU
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
Buena Vista University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the Buena Vista University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
Drake University
To provide an opportunity for undergraduate health sciences students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) at Drake University and the Master of Health Care Administration Program at Des Moines University to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
To begin your application for admission to the Master of Health Care Administration program at DMU, please plan to submit the following directly to Des Moines University through our online application:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- One letter of support from the CPHS Dean’s Office or academic advisor
- Official transcripts
For additional information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit: www.dmu.edu/mha/how-to-apply/
Timing of Application
Drake students may apply to the M.H.A. program at DMU as early as the Spring of the third year of the BSHS curriculum.
Completion of Degree
The M.H.A. degree requires the successful completion of 48 credit hours. Students may complete remaining M.H.A. courses after the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree. There is a 5-year time limit for completion of the M.H.A. program from the date of admission to the M.H.A. program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Drake students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the M.H.A. courses they take at DMU. To be eligible for financial aid for DMU coursework tuition, you must apply separately with DMU and be enrolled in a minimum of 5.0 credit hours of DMU coursework.
To provide an opportunity for students enrolled in the Doctor of Jurisprudence program at Drake University and the Master of Health Care Administration Program at Des Moines University to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
To begin your application for admission to the Master of Health Care Administration program at DMU, please plan to submit the following directly to Des Moines University using our online application:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- One letter of support from the Dean’s Office or academic advisor
- Official transcripts
For additional information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit: www.dmu.edu/mha/how-to-apply/
Timing of Application
Drake students may apply to the MHA program at DMU to begin enrollment during the 2nd year of their Law School curriculum.
Completion of Degree
The MHA degree requires the successful completion of 48 credit hours. Students may complete remaining MHA courses after the completion of the J.D. degree. There is a 7-year time limit for completion of the MHA program from the date of admission to the MHA program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Drake students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the MHA courses they take at DMU. To be eligible for financial aid for DMU coursework tuition, you must apply separately with DMU and be enrolled in a minimum of 5.0 credit hours of DMU coursework.
To provide an opportunity for undergraduate health sciences students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) at Drake University and the Master of Public Health Program at Des Moines University to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
To begin your application for admission to the Master of Public Health program at DMU, please plan to submit the following through the centralized application system (SOPHAS):
- $135 application fee
- Resume
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- One letter of support from the CPHS Dean’s Office or academic advisor
- Official transcripts
For additional information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit: www.dmu.edu/mph/how-to-apply/
Timing of Application
Drake students may apply to the M.P.H. program at DMU as early as the Spring of the third year of the BSHS curriculum.
Completion of Degree.
The M.P.H. degree requires the successful completion of 42 credit hours. Students may complete remaining M.P.H. courses after the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree. There is a 5-year time limit for completion of the MPH program from the date of admission to the M.P.H. program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Drake students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the MPH courses they take at DMU. To be eligible for financial aid for DMU coursework tuition, you must apply separately with DMU and be enrolled in a minimum of 5.0 credit hours of DMU coursework.
To provide an opportunity for students enrolled in the Pharmacy program at Drake University and the Master of Public Health Program at Des Moines University to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
To begin your application for admission to the Master of Public Health program at DMU,please plan to submit the following through the centralized application system (SOPHAS):
- $135 application fee
- Resume
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- One letter of support from the CPHS Dean’s Office or academic advisor
- Official transcripts
For additional information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit: www.dmu.edu/mph/how-to-apply/
Timing of Application
Drake students may apply to the MPH program at DMU during the fall of the P2 year or after completion of 116 credits.
Completion of Degree
The MPH degree requires the successful completion of 42 credit hours. Students may complete remaining MPH courses after the completion of the Pharmacy degree. There is a 5-year time limit for completion of the MPH program from the date of admission to the MPH program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Drake students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the MPH courses they take at DMU. To be eligible for financial aid for DMU coursework tuition, you must apply separately with DMU and be enrolled in a minimum of 5.0 credit hours of DMU coursework.
To provide an opportunity for students enrolled in the Doctor of Jurisprudence program at Drake University and the Master of Public Health Program at Des Moines University to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
To begin your application for admission to the Master of Public Health program at DMU, please plan to submit the following through the centralized application system (SOPHAS):
- $135 application fee
- Resume
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- One letter of support from the Dean’s Office or academic advisor
- Official transcripts
For additional information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit: www.dmu.edu/mph/how-to-apply/
Timing of Application
Drake students may apply to the MPH program at DMU to begin enrollment during the 2nd year of their Law School curriculum.
Completion of Degree
The MPH degree requires the successful completion of 42 credit hours. Students may complete remaining MPH courses after the completion of the J.D. degree. There is a 5-year time limit for completion of the MPH program from the date of admission to the MPH program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Drake students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the MPH courses they take at DMU. To be eligible for financial aid for DMU coursework tuition, you must apply separately with DMU and be enrolled in a minimum of 5.0 credit hours of DMU coursework.
To provide an opportunity for undergraduate health sciences students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) and the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program at Des Moines university to concurrently earn credit toward both degrees.
Admission Requirements
To begin your application for admission to the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program at DMU, please plan to submit the following through the DMU direct application:
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- One letter of support from the CPHS Dean’s Office or academic advisor
Test scores and official transcripts should be emailed to: dmuadmit@dmu.edu. You may also mail them to:
MSBS Admissions
Des Moines University
3200 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
For additional information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit: https://www.dmu.edu/mbs/how-to-apply/
Timing of Application
Drake students may apply to the M.S.B.S. program at DMU as early as the Spring of the third year of the BSHS curriculum. At the conclusion of that semester, it is expected students will have completed the 95.5 credit hours of coursework toward the BSHS degree. An admission decision will be contingent upon receipt of the final transcript for that semester verifying that the student has completed the required 95.5 credit hours.
Completion of Degree
The M.S.B.S. degree requires the successful completion of 47 credit hours. Students may complete remaining M.S.B.S. courses after the completion of the Bachelor of Sciences in Health Sciences degree. There is a 5-year time limit for completion of the M.S.B.S. program from the date of admission to the M.S.B.S. program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Drake students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the M.S.B.S. courses they take at DMU. To be eligible for financial aid for DMU coursework tuition, you must apply separately with DMU and be enrolled in a minimum of 5.0 credit hours of DMU coursework.
Mercy College
Undergraduate (3 years) & Masters of Science in Biomedical Science (2 years) Degree Pathway
Students enter Des Moines University (DMU) as Master of Science in Biomedical Science students and complete the two-year program after having completed three years of course work at Mercy College of Health Sciences in the Health Sciences program. Participants follow a 3+2 schedule, entering DMU after their junior (third) year and then completing their Bachelor of Science in Health Science at the end of the first professional (P1) year. Students who wish to complete four years of course work at Mercy College of Health Sciences may also be considered for admission under this pathway but would not be required to transfer courses back to Mercy College of Health Sciences.
The following curricular plan outlines a possible course of study that includes the prerequisites for the Master of Biomedical Science program and the major program courses for the Health Science degree. Also included in the plan is the opportunity for students to fulfill course requirements at Mercy College of Health Sciences to earn a minor in Chemistry in addition to the BS in Health Sciences.
Admission Requirements
Students enrolled in the DMU – Mercy College of Health Sciences Pathway will be given full consideration for admission to DMU’s professional Master of Science in Biomedical Science program, including the opportunity to complete the required interview and writing assessment. In addition, a faculty mentor/advisor and the Office of Admissions are available to provide resources and support for students seeking admission. Finally, one (1) seat will be reserved on an annual basis for a Mercy College of Health Science student in an admitted cohort. While more students may be admitted, this is the minimum number that will be accepted.
Requirements that applicants must meet in order for their applications to be considered complete:
- Submit a MSBS Application to Des Moines University.
- Earned a baccalaureate degree from Mercy College of Health Sciences or 103 credit hours toward the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) at Mercy College of Health Sciences must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
- Submit a letter of support from the Health Science Chair's Office to Des Moines University.
- Take the official GRE, MCAT, PCAT or DAT and submit scores to Des Moines University.
- Completion of all specific prerequisites are required as described on the current DMU website
- Submission of letters of recommendation and official transcripts sent from Mercy College of Health Sciences to Des Moines University as well as official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Mercy students may apply to the MSBS program at DMU as early as the 6th semester of the BSHS curriculum. At the conclusion of that semester, it is expected students will have completed the 103 credit hours of coursework toward the BSHS degree. An acceptance decision will be contingent upon receipt of the final transcript for that semester verifying that the student has completed the required 103 credit hours with minimum GPA requirement met.
All accepted students are required to complete a criminal background check through the DMU preferred vendor. Results must be released to DMU prior to matriculation, and the cost of this process will be paid by the applicant. Applicants are required to disclose all past or present charges, convictions, dismissals, deferred judgments and expunged records as related to a misdemeanor or felony. They are also obligated to disclose any additional charges and convictions which occur following completion of the initial criminal background check. Admission to the program may be revoked if misrepresentations or omissions from the application are noted in the background check.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Mercy College of Health Science students completing DMU coursework are responsible for paying tuition for the courses they take at DMU. Financial aid will be administered through the Des Moines University financial aid office if applicable.
South Dakota State University
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, South Dakota State University and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an Interview Day at DMU in the Physician Assistant program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive Interview Day is for up to eight South Dakota State University students who:
- Meet all DMU PA program admission requirements
- Present a science and overall undergraduate GPA of 3.40 or greater OR a science and overall MS Human Biology GPA of 3 .40 or greater
- Obtain a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 304
- Obtain a minimum of 750 hours of direct patient care experience
- Present documented PA shadowing experiences
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Receive a positive mock interview evaluation from the South Dakota State University Pre-Medical committee
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
If more than eight qualified candidates submit an application prior to the deadline, DMU reserves the right to select the candidates who will be granted an interview on the Interview Day.
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers. Studies have shown that students from rural or medically underserved areas are more likely to provide medical care to disadvantaged populations.
South Dakota State University reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the South Dakota State University honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.
University of Cincinnati
Due to the diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States and the chronic shortage of providers and those providing care for underserved populations and medical missions, the University of Cincinnati and Des Moines University partnered to create a program by which qualified students are offered an interview opportunity at DMU in the Physician Assistant program by following a distinct academic protocol and by demonstrating high achievement.
This exclusive interview opportunity is for University of Cincinnati students who:
- Meet all DMU PA program admission requirements
- Present a science GPA of 3.40 and cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3 .40 or greater
- Obtain a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 304 or higher
- Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites
- Are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
DMU encourages candidates from rural areas, low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, and underrepresented minorities to enter health careers.
The University of Cincinnati reserves the right to deny the recommendation to any candidate otherwise meeting all of the qualified requirements who have been subject to substantial disciplinary procedures, violated the University of Cincinnati honor code, or otherwise demonstrated an unfit character for admission to DMU, the study of medicine, or the provision of healthcare services.
To learn more about this opportunity, please email dmuadmit@dmu.edu.