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To apply to the Master of Public Health program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, here’s what you need to know:
Academic Prerequisites
Bachelor’s Degree
To join DMU’s MPH program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent credential 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.
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 Master of Health Care Administration 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 5688 to automatically include TOEFL scores in the SOPHAS 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 Des Moines University 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.
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.