The Master of Public Health program participates in the Centralized Application Service for Public Health. Applications are reviewed once they are verified by SOPHAS and students may start the program at the beginning of the next available term (spring, summer or fall).
Start dates for upcoming terms are:
- Summer 2025 — June 2, 2025
- Fall 2025 — August 11, 2025
- Spring 2026 — January 5, 2026
Individuals may also consider applying to enroll in select non-degree coursework.
Application Process
Applicants must apply through SOPHAS. All supporting documents may be submitted through SOPHAS. As transcripts and test scores may take several weeks to process by SOPHAS, it is strongly recommended that you begin your application well in advance of your desired start term.
Additional Application Materials
In addition to your online application, you must submit the following:
Official Transcripts
Transcripts showing all previous undergraduate and graduate work with grades and degrees. Transcripts must be submitted directly to SOPHAS. For those with degrees completed outside the U.S., please review the information for international students regarding transcript evaluation requirements.
Evaluations/References
Contact information for a minimum of three references. Evaluations may come from an employer, supervisor, academic advisor, professor, or mentor and address the following:
- Academic background
- Experience in leadership
- Future career goals
- Commitment to service and the industry
- Qualities that make you a strong candidate
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
The Statement of Purpose and Objectives should address the following:
- Why do you want to pursue your M.P.H. at Des Moines University (please specify your desired M.P.H. concentration)?
- Discuss the most challenging issue facing the U.S. Public Health system today, and explain what contributions you hope to make and with your M.P.H. degree.
- How will the M.P.H. degree build upon your previous academic, professional, or clinical experiences toward the attainment of your professional career goals?
- Describe any unusual obstacles or hardships you have encountered, and explain how these experiences have shaped your professional growth and leadership potential.
Résumé or CV
Applicants must compose a professional resume or CV and upload to the SOPHAS application.
TOEFL Requirement for International Applicants
TOEFL is required of all international applicants. Please use the TOEFL code 5688 when completing your application. TOEFL scores will then automatically be included in the SOPHAS application. A TOEFL score of 600 on TOEFL paper exam or score of 100 on the online exam and writing score of 27 are strongly recommended to be considered for admission.
Application Review
Each application is reviewed by our admissions committee. The committee reviews applications for evidence of the applicant’s intent and purpose in pursuing the degree, work/volunteer/leadership experience and past academic performance.
If you have any questions, contact:
Des Moines University
M.P.H. Admission
8025 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Email: DMUAdmit@dmu.edu
Phone: 515-271-1499
Fax: 515-271-7083
Accommodations in Education Policy
The university complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and other laws relating to the Accommodations of disabilities in its educational programming. Review the Accommodations in Education Policy
for more information.