Frequently Asked Questions — MPH

The MPH program at DMU requires a total of 42 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.

The Master of Public Health program at Des Moines University offers concentrations that prepare students for leadership and practice across diverse areas of public health. Available concentrations include:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Administration and Policy
• Public Health Practice

Both part-time and full-time options are available. However, students in the epidemiology concentration should be aware that:

• Courses must be taken in sequence due to prerequisites
• Each concentration course is typically offered once per year
• Taking time off may delay progress in the program

Yes. Students complete both an internship and a capstone project. These can be completed virtually or in person, often within your community.

Students in the epidemiology concentration build on this foundation with additional courses in:

• Data management
• Intermediate statistics
• Intermediate epidemiology

These courses prepare students to:

• Analyze large datasets
• Investigate disease outbreaks
• Assess disease burden across populations (e.g., cancer trends among Iowans)
• Develop and test research questions

Yes. Students can pursue a dual degree with DMU’s MPH 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 MPH, typically during the first year of their clinical program.

Yes. DMU’s MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

Graduates of the MPH program at Des Moines University pursue careers in public health practice, policy, prevention and population health. Common job titles include:

• Public Health Analyst
• Infection Prevention Manager
• Consumer Safety Officer
• Health Educator
• Epidemiologist*

* Graduates of the MPH program’s epidemiology concentration are prepared for a wide range of career paths, including:

• Local, state and federal public health agencies
• Health care systems and hospitals
• Academic and research institutions
• Private sector organizations
• Nonprofit and non-governmental organizations