Coursework That Prepares You To Lead
The Doctor of Medical Science program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a 4-term, 30-credit, cohort-based degree delivered fully online in an asynchronous format. With 8-week courses designed for flexibility, the program is built for working professionals and focused on practical impact.
Your core courses (18 credits) will strengthen your leadership skills, sharpen your research abilities and help you apply evidence-based practice with confidence.
You’ll also complete a three-part applied research project, giving you the chance to implement a project that matters. You’ll finish with a manuscript that’s ready for publication.
One DMSc Degree, Three Concentrations
In addition to core courses and applied research, you can tailor your learning through a concentration in public health, health care administration or health sciences education (12 credits).
Health Sciences Education Concentration
The Health Sciences Education concentration is designed for PAs interested in teaching, mentoring and developing future health care professionals. Students gain practical skills in instructional design, educational technology, learner assessment and academic leadership. Through this concentration, students also learn how to create effective learning experiences, provide meaningful feedback and support learners in classroom, clinical and online environments.
Public Health Concentration
The Public Health concentration is designed for PAs interested in improving health outcomes through population-based approaches, health advocacy and community engagement. Students gain practical skills in health policy, public health law and ethics, leadership, administration and health program development. Through this concentration, students learn to address health disparities, evaluate population health needs and develop strategies that promote prevention, equity and improved health outcomes across communities.
Health Care Administration Concentration
The Health Care Administration concentration is designed for PAs interested in developing leadership skills to improve health care delivery and organizational effectiveness. Students gain practical skills in health care economics, policy, law and ethics, analytics and population health management. Through this concentration, students learn to navigate complex health care systems, use data to support decision-making and implement strategies that enhance quality, efficiency and patient-centered care.
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Fall Term (August - December) |
Spring Term (January - May) |
Summer Term (June - July) |
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| Year 1 |
Core Courses Introduction to Health Care Research |
Core Courses Instructional Strategies in Health Sciences Applied Research Project I |
Core Courses Social Determinants & Health Systems Applied Research Project II |
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Health Sciences Education Teaching Methods for Graduate Health Sciences |
Health Sciences Education Teaching in the Digital Age |
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Public Health Health Care Economics & Policy |
Public Health Health Policy & Advocacy |
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Health Care Administration Health Care Law & Ethics |
Health Care Administration Health Care Economics & Policy |
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| Year 2 |
Core Courses Effective Leadership Skills Applied Research Project III |
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Health Sciences Education Foundations of Academic Administration Seminar in Teaching & Learning |
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Public Health Public Health Law, Ethics & Policy Public Health Leadership, Administration & Finance |
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Health Care Administration Health Analytics Population Health Management |
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DMSc Program Outcomes
As a student in the DMSc program, you will be prepared to:
- Lead With Confidence
Apply leadership strategies, ethical decision-making and communication skills to guide interprofessional health care teams. - Drive Meaningful Change
Design and implement projects that improve patient care outcomes or enhance clinical and academic learning experiences. - Model Professionalism
Demonstrate excellence through reflective practice, critical thinking, empathy and cultural awareness. - Advance Health Care Knowledge
Engage in research and scholarly work, including evidence-based practice, critical analysis and sharing your findings. - Expand Your Expertise
Apply advanced principles in public health, health care administration or health sciences education within your chosen area of focus.
DMSc Program Mission and Vision
Mission
The mission of DMU’s Doctor of Medical Science program is to educate and cultivate compassionate, highly competent health care leaders who promote patient-centered care, advance health care education and contribute to the continuous improvement and transformation of health systems through integrity, evidence-based practice and lifelong learning.
Vision
To inspire a transformed health care future led by graduates who advance education, champion evidence-based care and innovate for equitable, optimal health in all communities.