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Quick Program Facts

Degree Programs: PhD, MSBS, DO/PhD, DPM/PhD

Application Deadlines: June 1

Learn More About the Programs

MSBS
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Des Moines University (DMU) prepares students for rewarding careers investigating questions. The two-year program aims to educate diverse, highly competent and collaborative biomedical scientists prepared to address human health problems through basic and clinical research.  

Students are immersed in research that generates knowledge and new solutions to benefit people's health worldwide. DMU offers research opportunities in biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology and pathology. Students are matched with mentor investigators who help prepare them for careers in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and government

PhD
The Interdisciplinary PhD in Biomedical Sciences at DMU trains future biomedical scientists, and in conjunction with DMU’s doctoral program in medicine, physician-scientists, with a broad knowledge of the foundational disciplines for a career in biomedical research, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology and immunology.

Graduate faculty actively engage in collaborative research, providing broad and high-quality training for PhD students.

Dual Degree
DMU offers a dual degree option. Students enrolling in DMU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine programs may pursue a dual degree (DO/PhD or DPM/PhD). A dual degree option also is available for the master’s program (DO/MSBS or DPM/MSBS). This option lets students combine the expertise gained in the master’s degree program with their clinical knowledge and practice, helping their patients and enhancing their professional and career options.

Students may also pursue a dual degree with a Master of Health Care Administration or a Master of Public Health.

Curriculum

MSBS students must complete 42 to 48 credit hours, including 16 research credits. Students select a laboratory in their first year while completing most coursework. The second year focuses primarily on research and communication of scientific information in written and oral formats.

The four-year PhD program requires 86 credit hours, with 40 credit hours of research and 46 credit hours of coursework, including discipline-specific content, dissertation proposal preparation and presentation, and dissertation writing and defense. Most coursework is completed in the first two years, with the exceptions of discipline-specific content and biomedical sciences seminars, distributed over the second to last years. Students select their area of study early in the recruitment stage of the program.

The clinician/scientist program (DO/PhD or DPM/PhD) follows a 2-3-2 format where students take preclinical courses in the first two years, spend the next three years on graduate research and move to clinical rotations for the next two years. The three-year research component includes 30 additional credit hours of coursework and 40 credit hours of research. Students typically apply to the clinician/scientist program during their second year of the clinical program and select their areas of study during the application stage. Clinician/scientist students defend their dissertations at the end of the three-year research component before entering the last two years of clinical rotations.

Graduate Research

DMU’s PhD and MSBS programs foster research that generates knowledge and new solutions to benefit the health of people around the world. The programs match individuals with a passion for science with investigators who understand their needs in a variety of settings, including academia, government, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Graduates enjoy careers as advanced technicians, laboratory managers, educators, scientists and other roles, equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience good research requires.

Students involved in research at DMU have published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, traveled to scientific meetings nationwide to present their work and won prestigious national research awards, fellowships and scholarships. Students can present the results of their research projects at DMU’s annual research symposium.

Tuition, Fees & Financial Support

MSBS
Tuition for the 2024-25 academic year is $822 per credit hour for the fall, spring and summer semesters. The program offers various financial support mechanisms like grant-funded stipends, program stipends and Federal Work Study.

PhD
Tuition for PhD students is fully paid or waived by DMU. In addition, PhD students receive a $32,800 annual departmental stipend.

Student health insurance for MSBS and PhD students is $1,697 per semester (fall and spring). Contact the student services office for details.

Students are encouraged to research scholarship information. Scholarships are available from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to: :

  • Fraternal organizations;
  • Unions;
  • Religious organizations;
  • Hospitals, medical offices and clinics;
  • Professional associations;
  • County and state programs; and
  • Employers.
More Details and Contact Information

Program contact information:
Anna Cruz, anna.cruz@dmu.edu