Current Student Admission and Dual Degree Procedures

Dual degree

  • Eligibility
    • Students enrolling in the osteopathic medicine or podiatric medicine programs may be eligible for a dual degree leading to a Master of Public Health, Master of Health Care Administration, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science in Anatomy, or a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences.
      • Applicants to a dual‑degree program with a 3.0 gpa or above must submit an approval form from their primary program’s leadership along with their dual‑degree application. The approval form will be provided at the time of application. Students currently on academic or disciplinary probation in their primary program are not eligible for dual enrollment.
  • Students enrolling in the physical therapy or occupational therapy programs may be eligible for a dual‑degree option leading to a Master of Public Health or a Master of Health Care Administration.
    • Applicants to a dual‑degree program with a 3.0 gpa or above must submit an approval form from their primary program’s leadership along with their dual‑degree application. The approval form will be provided at the time of application. Students currently on academic or disciplinary probation in their primary program are not eligible for dual enrollment.
  • Students in their first year of the physician assistant program may be eligible for a dual-degree leading to a Doctor of Medical Sciences.
    • PA applicants to the DMSc program must submit a letter of recommendation from their advisor along with their dual-degree application. Students currently on academic or disciplinary probation in their primary program are not eligible for dual enrollment.
  • Students interested in pursuing both the MHA and MPH degrees must apply separately to each program. It is recommended that students complete 6–9 credits in one program before applying to a concurrent degree program.

Guidelines for applying to another clinical program while enrolled

  • Students enrolled in the osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, or occupational therapy programs must comply with the following if they desire to seek admission and enrollment in a different clinical program at the institution.
    • The student must submit a written withdrawal notice to the Dean of the program in which they are currently enrolled prior to applying for admission into the subsequent program. Prior to withdrawing from the original program, the student is required to meet with the Dean or designee for an exit interview.
    • The student must meet all admission criteria and complete all admission procedures for the program in which they desire to apply
  • Enrolled students in the final year of the osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, or occupational therapy programs who anticipate completion of their degree may apply for admission to another clinical program. If admitted, students are expected to complete the full curriculum in which they are currently enrolled.

Pathway for Master of Science students within the College of Osteopathic Medicine to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program

  • Qualified students in the Master of Science in Anatomy (M.S.A.) and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (M.S.B.S.) programs at Des Moines University (DMU) may apply for two reserved seats per program annually in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree program. These students can also apply and interview for the DO program through the standard admissions process.

Program Summary

  • Admission
    • Students must apply to and be admitted to each program separately. The M.S. and D.O. programs administer their admissions processes independently. For more details on program requirements, refer to the respective program websites:
  • Reserved Seats for the D.O. program
    • To secure one of the reserved seats for the D.O. program, M.S. students must meet all DMU general admission requirements and the criteria below:
      • Maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 in the master’s program and an undergraduate GPA of 3.35 or above.
      • Achieve an MCAT score of 503 or higher.
      • Have no more than two outstanding science prerequisites.
      • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
      • Meet the following deadlines:
        • Application: Must be verified by the Centralized Application Service (CAS) by September 1 of the year prior to enrollment.
        • Interview: Must complete all components of the interview experience by October 1 prior to enrollment.
        • Comply with all other requirements outlined in this agreement.
    • Additional Notes:
      • Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in the DO program.
      • If the reserved seats are not filled by eligible MS students, they will be offered to other applicants.
      • Any unfilled reserved seats will be released after November 15 prior to the next academic year.
  • Standard Interview Eligibility for the D.O. Program
    • MS students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply and interview for the D.O. program:
      • Maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 in the master’s program and an undergraduate GPA of 3.35 or above.
      • Achieve an MCAT score of 503 or higher.
      • Be in good standing with no integrity or academic issues pending before any disciplinary or monitoring committees.

Pathway for Master of Science students within the College of Osteopathic Medicine to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program

  • Qualified students in the Master of Science programs with the College of Osteopathic Medicine (MS-COM): 1) apply and interview for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree program, and 2) apply for reserved seats annually for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree program.

Program Summary and Requirements:

  • Admission
    • Students must separately apply to and be admitted to each program. Applications to the programs are not linked in any way, and the MS-COM and DPM programs will separately administer their respective admissions processes.
  • In order to secure a guaranteed interview or reserved seat for any DMU program, MS-COM students must meet all DMU general admission requirements and the following:
    • Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
    • Must be in good standing and have no integrity or academic issues pending before any of the disciplinary or monitoring committees.
    • Comply with all other requirements set forth in this Agreement.
  • Guaranteed Interview
    • In order to interview for any DMU program, MS-COM students must meet all DMU general admission requirements. MS-COM students meeting the below criteria will be granted an interview provided there are still interview slots available in the cycle; applying early is recommended.
    • Present an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least a 2.7 and a cumulative GPA in the master’s program of 2.7 or above.
    • Have no more than 2 outstanding science prerequisites.
  • Reserved seats in the DPM program are available to DMU MS-COM students meeting the following criteria and if space exists in the class.
    • Present an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least a 2.7 and a cumulative GPA in the master’s program of 2.7 or above.
    • Obtain an MCAT score of 488 or higher.
    • Have no more than 2 outstanding science prerequisite courses.