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To apply to the Master of Health Care Administration program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, here’s what you need to know:
Academic Prerequisites and Admission Criteria
We take a comprehensive, student-focused approach to admissions. In addition to academic performance and professional experience, we value the many ways you may demonstrate your commitment to health care and your community. This includes:
- Volunteer service and community involvement.
- Additional degrees, certifications or achievements.
- Life experiences that have shaped your goals.
- Successful completion of the application process.
Our comprehensive review allows us to admit a qualified cohort of students who are ready to grow personally and professionally. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about the unique strengths you will bring to our community.
Bachelor’s Degree
To be considered for admission to the MHA program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution from within the United States or equivalent based on a course-by-course Foreign Transcript Evaluation through World Education Services.
Grade Point Average
A strong undergraduate academic record shows your readiness for graduate-level work. While a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred, all applications are thoroughly reviewed and considered. Majors in health care or business may provide helpful background knowledge but are not required.
Health Care or Management Experience
The MHA curriculum is designed to develop professionals who seek to build careers in health care, public health, business or management. Your experience in these fields helps ground your learning in real-world applications and supports accelerated growth across the National Center for Healthcare Leadership competencies.
Leadership Potential
Strong leaders are reflective, adaptable and committed to growth. We consider letters or recommendations from individuals who are currently in health leadership and/or management, who are familiar with your work and leadership capabilities and who can attest to your potential. Your application essays are a vital opportunity to show your leadership potential and demonstrate your competence as a leader.
Perseverance and Determination
We seek students with excellent communication skills who are resourceful, capable of solving problems and determined. These traits are essential for completing this program and for being an effective health administrator. In your application, we invite you to reflect on why you are interested in pursuing a MHA degree at DMU, how you learn and what support you’ll need to succeed. Your understanding of the U.S. health care system, the rigors of an academic program and your ability to plan for both academic and career success, are important indicators of your readiness.
Writing and Technical Skills
Applicants are expected to have strong writing and composition skills, as well as basic technical computer skills to perform graduate-level coursework.
Technology is incorporated throughout the program to support your education. It is essential that students possess the computer skills necessary for success in the program as detailed in the technology requirements.
International Students
International students applying for admission to DMU are eligible for online study only. Qualified international students may be considered for admission to only the MHA program or the Master of Public Health program.
Applicants with degrees and/or coursework from higher education institutions outside the U.S. must plan to fulfill all standard application requirements, and additionally are required to submit a course-by-course Foreign Transcript Evaluation through World Education Services. Coursework taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence by WES, and an official copy must be sent from the service directly to DMU or the Centralized Application Service. Your application will not be complete and cannot be verified without an official course-by-course evaluation. Certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates does not waive this requirement.
TOEFL Requirement for International Applicants
Test of English as a Foreign Language exam scores are required of all international applicants unless the applicant has earned a degree from an accredited university in any country whose sole national language is English. Results from the International English Language Testing System or the United States Medical Licensing Examination are not accepted in lieu of TOEFL. ECFMG certification does not waive this requirement.
Note the following, depending on your application method:
- Use the TOEFL code 6847 to have scores submitted directly to Des Moines University.
- Use the TOEFL code 5688 to automatically include TOEFL scores in the SOPHAS or HAMPCAS application.
A TOEFL score of 600 on the TOEFL paper exam or a score of 100 on the online exam and a writing score of 27 are strongly recommended to be considered for admission.
Other Important Requirements
Background Checks
Complete a criminal background check, which may include a drug screen, as well as Iowa Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Registry checks through the DMU preferred vendor and process. Results must be released to DMU prior to matriculation. The cost of this process will be paid by the student. Students are required to disclose all past or present charges, convictions, dismissals, deferred judgments and expunged records related to a misdemeanor or felony. They are also obligated to disclose any additional charges and convictions that 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. DMU students are required to complete annual criminal background checks, which may include drug screening, while enrolled at DMU.
States Authorizing DMU Online Programs
Institutions of higher education are obligated to comply with all state requirements for registration, licensure or authorization to deliver online or distance education to students residing in states other than the home state of the institution. Applicants who reside outside of the State of Iowa are eligible for admission only if DMU has secured formal approval or is exempt from the requirements in the applicant’s state of residence.
Learn more about state authorization and view the list of ineligible states.
Technical Standards
A candidate who is seeking a MPH or MHA degree at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences must be capable of completing core educational requirements and achieving all foundational knowledge items (MPH), all core competencies (MHA and MPH) and all concentration competencies (MPH) to qualify for graduation. DMU seeks to develop candidates who will acquire a deep and robust knowledge base with the ability to apply it, effectively interpret information, and contribute to decisions across a broad spectrum of public health and/or health care management settings.
The critical skills required to be successful are outlined in the academic catalog and include the ability to observe, communicate, understand, integrate core knowledge and skills and to behave appropriately in varied educational and professional situations.
We encourage you to review the MHA program’s comprehensive technical standards.
Accommodations in Education Policy
DMU is committed to providing equal education opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. Our Accommodations in Education Policy ensures compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Iowa Civil Rights Act and other relevant laws.
To learn more about our policy and how we support students with disabilities, view the Accommodations in Education Policy.