Q: Is the GRE Required?

No. The GRE is not required for admission to DMU’s MHA program.

Q: Is the MHA Program Offered Online?

Yes. DMU’s MHA program is 100% online. The program consists of five 8-week terms each year.

Q: How Do I Apply?

You can apply to DMU’s MHA program in the following ways: Directly through DMU’s website , Centralized Application Service for Schools of Public Health Healthcare Administration, Management and Policy Centralized Application Service . Applications are accepted year-round. Applicants must submit: Official transcripts A minimum of three references Statement of purpose and objectives A résumé or CV

Q: Is it Required That I Have Experience Working in Health Care Before Applying to the MHA Program?

No. Students from a variety of backgrounds enroll in DMU’s MHA program. All professional experience will be reviewed during the application process, but it is not required that students come from a health care background.

Q: Does DMU Accept Transfer Credits From Another Master’s Program?

Yes. A student may request up to 12 hours of graduate credit from a previously attended accredited institution after being admitted to the program. Coursework will only be reviewed if it was completed within the past four years at a grade of B or better.

Q: How Long Does It Take To Complete the MHA Program?

The MHA program at DMU requires a total of 47 credit hours. Enrolled full time, taking two or three courses each term, a student can complete the degree in two years. As a part-time student, taking one or two courses each term, a student can complete the degree in just three years. Students have the flexibility to take courses offered in the fall, spring and summer terms each year. A faculty advisor will work with you to determine a degree plan that fits your personal, professional and educational needs.

Q: Are There Any Hands-On Learning Opportunities?

Yes. You may complete a field-based learning experience or a long-term care internship. Projects may be completed virtually or in person with organizations such as UnityPoint Health, MercyOne or Broadlawns.

Q: Can I Pursue Licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator?

Yes. Students can pursue a long-term care internship. Students interested in becoming licensed nursing home administrators may enroll in the MHA program’s long-term care internship course for their culminating experience. Completion of the MHA curriculum at DMU may waive a portion of the required hours.

Q: Is the MHA Program Accredited?

Yes. The Master of Health Care Administration program at Des Moines University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education .

Question 1

What Are the Minimum Academic Requirements for Admission?

Accepted Answer

To be considered for the Master of Health Care Administration program at Des Moines University, students must satisfy the following:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA recommended
Professional experience in health care or related fields is recommended but not required

Question 2

Is the GRE Required?

Accepted Answer

No. The GRE is not required for admission to DMU’s MHA program.

Question 3

Is the MHA Program Offered Online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DMU’s MHA program is 100% online. The program consists of five 8-week terms each year.

Question 4

How Do I Apply?

Accepted Answer

You can apply to DMU’s MHA program in the following ways:

Applications are accepted year-round. Applicants must submit:

Official transcripts
A minimum of three references
Statement of purpose and objectives
A résumé or CV

Question 5

Is it Required That I Have Experience Working in Health Care Before Applying to the MHA Program?

Accepted Answer

No. Students from a variety of backgrounds enroll in DMU’s MHA program. All professional experience will be reviewed during the application process, but it is not required that students come from a health care background.

Question 6

Does DMU Accept Transfer Credits From Another Master’s Program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A student may request up to 12 hours of graduate credit from a previously attended accredited institution after being admitted to the program. Coursework will only be reviewed if it was completed within the past four years at a grade of B or better.

Question 7

How Long Does It Take To Complete the MHA Program?

Accepted Answer

The MHA program at DMU requires a total of 47 credit hours. Enrolled full time, taking two or three courses each term, a student can complete the degree in two years. As a part-time student, taking one or two courses each term, a student can complete the degree in just three years.

Students have the flexibility to take courses offered in the fall, spring and summer terms each year. A faculty advisor will work with you to determine a degree plan that fits your personal, professional and educational needs.

Question 8

Are There Any Hands-On Learning Opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may complete a field-based learning experience or a long-term care internship. Projects may be completed virtually or in person with organizations such as UnityPoint Health, MercyOne or Broadlawns.

Question 9

Can I Pursue Licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students can pursue a long-term care internship. Students interested in becoming licensed nursing home administrators may enroll in the MHA program’s long-term care internship course for their culminating experience. Completion of the MHA curriculum at DMU may waive a portion of the required hours.

Question 10

Is the MHA Program Accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Master of Health Care Administration program at Des Moines University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

Question 11

Can I Pursue a Dual Degree With the MHA Program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students can pursue a dual degree with DMU’s MHA program. Options include:

MHA/MPH Dual Degree

You may apply after completing 9 credit hours in your primary program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Overlapping coursework allows you to complete both degrees in 78 credit hours.

Clinical Program Dual Degrees

Students enrolled in DMU’s DO, DPM, DPT or OTD programs may also apply to earn an MHA, typically during the first year of their clinical program.

Question 12

What Career Paths Do MHA Graduates Pursue?

Accepted Answer

Graduates of DMU’s Master of Health Care Administration program pursue leadership, management and consulting roles across the health care industry. Some job titles include:

Chief Operating Officer
Director of Human Resources
Provider Compensation Specialist
Health Care Consultant
Nursing Home Administrator

Question 13

What Is the Tuition for the MHA Program at DMU?

Accepted Answer

Tuition for the MHA program at Des Moines University is $908 per credit hour, with an estimated total program cost of $42,676.

Review our MHA Tuition and Cost of Attendance Budget information for a complete breakdown.

Question 14

Is There a Difference in Tuition for In-State vs. Out-Of-State Students?

Accepted Answer

No. DMU is a private institution and charges the same tuition for all MHA students.

Question 15

Are There Any Tuition Discounts Available for MHA Students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DMU offers several tuition discounts for eligible students in the MHA program — including American Osteopathic Association members and preceptors who support student learning.

Question 16

What Financial Aid Options Are Available?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to invest in your future at DMU:

Federal student loans
DMU scholarships
External scholarships and loan repayment programs
Federal Work-Study (for eligible students)

Explore our financial aid materials for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions — MHA

About the MHA Program

Admissions and Application Process