Frequently Asked Questions
Apply today! Applications are accepted throughout the year. New students are admitted following application deadlines for each term.
Individuals interested in enrolling in select non-degree courses are encouraged to apply throughout the year. Applications are “approved” on a rolling basis for the applicant to begin taking courses right away in the next term. Registration and/or completion of a professional development course does not guarantee admission to a degree program at DMU. We encourage you to contact Admissions for more information.
An M.H.A from DMU provides opportunity! The entry-level requirement for many careers is becoming a master's degree, so position yourself wisely in your career path with a graduate degree in health care administration. Management positions in every industry (not just health care) require strong leadership skills which you will develop through DMU's MHA degree. Many of our students currently work in health care, business, insurance, finance or management, but they desire to advance into higher level management positions-the M.H.A. degree will position you for this advancement opportunity. For students with limited health care experience, or those looking to transition their career into health care, an M.H.A. degree can supplement their academic and professional experience by providing an introduction to health care delivery system and an opportunity to fine tune their business and leadership skills.
The M.H.A. program at DMU provides web-based instruction with a face-to-face and technology driven curriculum proven to optimize learning outcomes. Students are able to apply what they learn immediately and gain confidence in their ability to lead.
DMU’s M.H.A. program prepares students to lead their organizations and to meet the needs of their communities. The program’s real‐world curriculum and interaction among students and faculty equip individuals to become leaders in all industries. Financial pressures, policies and regulation, system complexities and the enduring need for effective, accessible health care all add up to great demand and opportunity for these leaders.
If your career goals include leadership or management, DMU's M.H.A. degree may be a great option for you to advance your career. For those currently employed or planning a career in the health care industry (hospital, health system, clinic, long-term care facility, insurance company, etc.) the M.H.A. is the right choice for your career.
No. Students enroll in the M.H.A. program from a variety of backgrounds. All professional experience will be reviewed within the application process, but it is not required that students come from a background in health care. We value students from varied backgrounds coming together to expand their knowledge.
Yes! The M.H.A. program, available entirely online, offers web-based instruction to create a flexible experience for each student. In the traditional course model, our variety of enrollment options allow much of the program to be completed online and while you are working full-time, so it fits both your life and your goals, and flexible enrollment allows students the ability to earn their degree in as little as two years.
DMU’s M.H.A. program received full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education in 2018.
We suggest a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 for best consideration. Our average GPA of recently admitted students was approximately 3.30, while the range was 2.60 – 3.80.
The program recommends a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for best consideration for our program. Applicants with below 3.0 GPAs are encouraged to apply and in doing so, highlight the strengths of their individual application file based on the criteria detailed on the Admissions Criteria page. Each individual application is reviewed for the student's ability to be successful within the program.
No, the M.H.A. program does not require submission of graduate testing scores (GMAT or GRE). We prefer to evaluate candidates on the criteria detailed on the Admissions Criteria page. See also the How to Apply for detailed application requirements.
We require a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university.
Students may apply to transfer in up to 12 semester hours of coursework. Transfer coursework is subject to approval of the Dean and/or Program Director, and will only be reviewed if it was completed within the past 4 years at a grade of B or better. Students must apply for transfer credit within one term of enrolling in a master’s degree at DMU. Requests for transfer credit will only be processed once an applicant is admitted to the degree program.
Many of our students work full-time, care for their families, serve on committees and juggle many other commitments outside of school. The format of the M.H.A. program provides a great deal of flexibility to students in completing the program. Students often take two or three courses each semester but also have the option to accelerate their pace with our eight-week sessions as well. Course calendars are available in advance to allow students to plan their schedules around the courses they need.
Enrolled full-time, taking 2 or 3 courses each term, a student can complete the degree in 2 years. As a part-time student, taking 1 or 2 courses each term, a student can complete the degree in just 3 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 your degree plan that fits your personal, professional, and educational plans.
Visit the Dual Degree page for information.
You will need to choose a primary program to begin your coursework at DMU. After successfully completing a minimum of 9 credit hours in your primary program (M.H.A. or M.P.H.) with a GPA of 3.0 or above, you may apply for the second program. You should plan to be in close contact with your faculty advisor if applying for the dual degree option.
International students applying for admission are eligible for online study only; therefore, qualified international students may be considered for admission to only the Master of Health Care Administration program or the Master of Public Health program. More information is available on the International Students Page.
All application documents must be received by Des Moines University by the posted deadlines to eligible for admission for the upcoming term. Applicants must plan to allow for adequate time for application materials to arrive at Des Moines University.
Frequently Asked Questions for Online Classes
Convenience and flexibility are the most common advantages of online classes. Taking classes online is ideal for someone who wants to continue working while earning a master’s degree. Online classes allow you to fit school into your schedule when it's convenient for you.
The time you spend on a class can vary. No two instructors will format their classes exactly the same. Plan to spend 6-12 hours a week on one class. The number of credits per class varies by course.
Online classes are delivered using a learning management system, called Desire2Learn. Students log into Desire2Learn and can select their course sites. Once a student is in their course site, they can access lectures, PowerPoint, emails, assignments, readings, documents, videos, links, discussion boards, their advisor and the assignment dropbox.
All students attend three online Professional Development seminars. Through this virtual experience, you will meet your academic advisor and most program faculty. This enhances the relationship throughout the M.H.A. degree, as you will always have a face to connect with the name. Professors are very accessible and responsive to students. Students and instructors communicate primarily through course sites and emails in online courses. Some instructors utilize Adobe Connect or Skype for class chats or conference calls.
Through the online Professional Development seminars, you will develop relationships with other students who are beginning their M.H.A. degree. While you may not progress at exactly the same pace as other students as in a true cohort program, you will find yourself among familiar faces throughout your degree. There is quite a bit of interaction between other students including group assignments, online discussion forums, online posting boards, reading reflections and class discussions.
Yes, group projects are often a part of online courses. Students are grouped together and given a topic to investigate. The intent is for the students to work together electronically to accomplish their goals. Often, groups prepare and give PowerPoint presentations electronically by emailing each other draft versions, and then posting the final product to the student discussion board. Students are often divided into groups or learning communities to discuss questions or cases developed by the faculty. By dividing students into small groups (versus entire class) the faculty can facilitate students getting to know each other better and achieve a higher level of interconnectivity.
Courses are broken into weekly modules consisting of instructor videos, readings, discussion posts, supplemental synchronous activities, and engagement with faculty and other students.
There are assignments due throughout the term, with most courses having papers, presentations, or projects due throughout the term. These assessments are designed to help you develop real-world skills that will be valuable to potential employers.
One of the keys to being a successful online student is self-discipline. Because you are not required to be in class at a specific time you have to be motivated to get the work done on your own. If you have a family and/or a full-time job while you are taking online classes it is important that you establish schedule of when and how you will get your work done.
If you don’t understand an assignment it is important to ask questions for clarification so you don’t fall behind. Instructors make themselves available to students via e-mail, discussions boards, virtual office hours and conference calls.
Online courses are graded just like classroom courses. High-level critical thinking is required, and students leave the course with an understanding of the subject and an ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Standard assignments include reading the course text and additional materials, active participation in online discussions, quizzes or tests, writing papers etc.
Yes. Many instructors assign tests in their online classes. Students may sign an ethical agreement saying they will not copy or share their exam, and that the person taking the test is the person registered for the course. Tests may be timed, and do not typically allow for open-book responses. Learn more about DMU’s Honor Code.
Online classes at Des Moines University have a specific start and end dates along with due dates for assignments. The programs are not self-paced or independent study.
The academic year is composed of three 12-week semesters (fall, spring and summer). New students are admitted each term. See course calendars.
Students are expected to be confident with their skills regarding standard computer applications for completion of their coursework. You should plan to review our posted technical requirements for a list of the minimum standards of technical equipment and competencies required of students.
The Solutions Hub (515-271 1522 or solutionshub@dmu.edu) is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT to address technical problems students may encounter with online classes.
As a medical school and graduate health sciences university, DMU has an extensive system of online library resources available to its students including multiple databases and full text articles. The inter-library loan service allows you to reserve books, order journal articles and receive materials from other libraries.
Online courses require weekly logins and weekly assignment submissions. Students must ensure they are able to meet the course requirements throughout the duration of the semester.
Online classes may include conference calls, online chat rooms or Skype engagements that require a specific time commitment. Students should expect weekly due dates for assignments that require them to participate in the online course throughout the week.
To ensure quality course delivery, online courses have an enrollment cap of 25- 50.
Contact Admissions
We encourage all interested students to contact the Admissions Office directly with questions regarding their application. Email us at mhaadmit@dmu.edu.