Des Moines University has launched a doctor of medical science program. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines University)
Des Moines University is now accepting outside applications for the state’s first Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, and the University of Iowa will soon be joining the ranks with its own program.
The private medical university announced in a news release applications are open to the program for those who have already completed a master’s-level physician’s assistant program.
“The DMSc program provides PAs with an opportunity to build on their professional expertise while developing advanced skills in leadership and scholarship,” said program director Angela Grundmeyer in the release. “We are excited to offer this pathway at DMU and to prepare PAs for expanded roles in health care administration, public health and health sciences education, equipping them to lead, educate and advance the PA profession.”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
Graduates of DMU’s physician assistant program started their doctoral education this fall semester. According to the release, the new four-term program is offered fully online with eight-week courses provided asynchronously for easier integration with work or other obligations.
Students can select a 12-credit concentration for their degree pathway, the release stated, spanning health sciences education, public health and health care administration.
“As a graduate medical and health sciences university, DMU is highly successful and experienced in offering top quality, high-demand programs like the DMSc,” said Wallace Boeve, dean of the College of Health Sciences, in the release. “This unique program aligns with DMU’s mission to educate diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals to meet the health care imperatives around the world.”
The Iowa Board of Regents last week gave the University of Iowa approval to create its own doctor of medical science program, one of multiple new degrees and centers brought to the board for consideration.
According to board documents detailing the request, the UI was aware of DMU’s program and had communicated with the institution about its plans. The doctorate degrees are “expected to serve Iowa without conflict or limitation due to estimated demand for the degree,” the document stated. With board approval, the UI program is set to begin in January.
by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch
September 21, 2026
by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch
September 21, 2026
Des Moines University is now accepting outside applications for the state’s first Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, and the University of Iowa will soon be joining the ranks with its own program.
The private medical university announced in a news release applications are open to the program for those who have already completed a master’s-level physician’s assistant program.
“The DMSc program provides PAs with an opportunity to build on their professional expertise while developing advanced skills in leadership and scholarship,” said program director Angela Grundmeyer in the release. “We are excited to offer this pathway at DMU and to prepare PAs for expanded roles in health care administration, public health and health sciences education, equipping them to lead, educate and advance the PA profession.”
Graduates of DMU’s physician assistant program started their doctoral education this fall semester. According to the release, the new four-term program is offered fully online with eight-week courses provided asynchronously for easier integration with work or other obligations.
Students can select a 12-credit concentration for their degree pathway, the release stated, spanning health sciences education, public health and health care administration.
“As a graduate medical and health sciences university, DMU is highly successful and experienced in offering top quality, high-demand programs like the DMSc,” said Wallace Boeve, dean of the College of Health Sciences, in the release. “This unique program aligns with DMU’s mission to educate diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals to meet the health care imperatives around the world.”
The Iowa Board of Regents last week gave the University of Iowa approval to create its own doctor of medical science program, one of multiple new degrees and centers brought to the board for consideration.
According to board documents detailing the request, the UI was aware of DMU’s program and had communicated with the institution about its plans. The doctorate degrees are “expected to serve Iowa without conflict or limitation due to estimated demand for the degree,” the document stated. With board approval, the UI program is set to begin in January.
Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.
Brooklyn Draisey is a Report for America corps member covering higher education. She previously worked for the Quad-City Times and The Gazette covering topics ranging from business to culture.
Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
© Iowa Capital Dispatch, 2026
v1.137.1
Iowans value integrity in their government. Free and independent journalism is what keeps our public servants accountable and responsive to the people. That’s why Iowa Capital Dispatch, a nonprofit, independent source for quality journalism, is working every day to keep you informed about what government officials are doing with your money, your freedom and your safety.
We’re part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
DEIJ Policy | Privacy Policy | Ethics Policy | AI Policy
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. (See full republishing guidelines.)
DEIJ Policy | Privacy Policy |
Ethics Policy | AI Policy
© Iowa Capital Dispatch, 2026