Doctor of Philosophy In Biomedical Sciences
Help Unearth Promising Medical Findings
Your Future in Biomedical Discovery Starts Here
Are you ready to be part of the next wave of discovery in health and science? Biomedical research is key to solving today’s most pressing health challenges — and the world needs bold thinkers like you to lead the way.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences will equip you with the advanced skills, knowledge and experience to make a real difference. Our rigorous curriculum blends academic inquiry with scientific innovation, empowering you to reach your highest professional goals.
Whether you see yourself as a scientist, educator, physician-scientist, consultant or administrator, the PhD program gives you the foundation to shape the future of biomedical science and improve lives around the globe.
4 Years
Program Length
$32,800
Annual Stipend
Plus 100% Tuition Waiver
10
Faculty-Led Research Pathways
Choose a Focus Aligned With Your Interests
1 : 1
Mentorship
Personalized Guidance From Thesis to Defense
Am I on Track for the PhD Program?
A Quick Check. You Might Be More Prepared Than You Think.
Undergraduate Coursework
A bachelor’s degree with a broad background in biological sciences or a related discipline from an accredited college or university is required.
GPA
A minimum cumulative and science grade point average of 3.0 is required.
Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of three references are required.
Entrance Exams
Medical College Admission Test, Graduate Record Examination or Dental Admissions Test scores are accepted.
Why DMU?
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences at DMU prepares you to advance meaningful scientific discovery through rigorous research, collaboration and innovation. With access to advanced research technologies and expert faculty mentorship, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to address complex biomedical challenges.
Research in Cutting-Edge Spaces
Advanced tools and modern labs let you explore big biomedical questions using advanced techniques like as electrophysiology, multi‑probe intracellular imaging, biosensor development and more.
Learn from the Experts
Join a small, focused cohort and work closely with faculty mentors invested in your success.
Affordable Excellence
Earn your PhD with tuition fully covered and receive a stipend. You’ll just need to cover your living expenses.
Lead in Discovery
Collaborate with expert faculty on impactful research in areas like brain tumors, cardiovascular disease and mood disorders — with our intentionally small PhD program, you’ll have the chance to join multiple projects.
Explore Your Research Potential
As a student in DMU’s Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences program, you’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful, real-world research projects that align with your interests and career goals. From molecular mechanisms of disease to cutting-edge therapeutic development, our faculty-led projects are designed to challenge and inspire you.
Because innovation never sits still, research opportunities for incoming PhD candidates evolve every year. You’ll engage in research that responds to the most pressing challenges and boldest breakthroughs in biomedical sciences. Explore our current research opportunities — and picture where your curiosity could take you next. Because our biomedical PhD program is purposely kept small, you’ll be able to join multiple research projects and become broadly trained as a biomedical scientist.
What You’ll Learn
In DMU’s four-year, 86-credit PhD in Biomedical Sciences program, you’ll dive deep into both research and discipline-specific coursework designed to prepare you for leadership in biomedical science.
- 40 credit hours are dedicated to hands-on research, allowing you to explore, experiment and innovate.
- 46 credit hours cover advanced coursework, dissertation proposal development and presentation and dissertation writing and defense.
You’ll learn in a highly interactive, collaborative environment where faculty and peers challenge and support you at every step. You can expect to join leading investigators in research on brain tumors, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, obesity, prostate cancer and more.
Quick Facts: Curriculum and Courses
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Interdisciplinary Scientific Foundation
Coursework integrates biomedical sciences, research design and discovery
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Immersive Research Experience
Engage in faculty-led research from the start of the program
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Progressive Scholarly Development
Build from foundational concepts to independent dissertation research
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Collaborative Research Environment
Work alongside faculty and students across DMU programs and research areas
“Students who pursue the PhD want to have research as a central part of their careers and to assume leadership roles in research-related fields.
Beyond building foundational knowledge, students learn to design and execute original research projects with creativity, strong analytical thinking and scientific rigor.
They also gain experience in grant writing, mentoring junior researchers, teaching and overseeing aspects of lab management.”
LiLian Yuan, PhD
Interim Program Director and Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology
Where Will Your PhD Take You?
Ready. Set. Go.
After earning your PhD in Biomedical Sciences, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career, whether as a postdoctoral researcher, teaching fellow or research fellow.
You’ll also be prepared to thrive in academic institutions, government regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, or private-sector research and development in a field with a median annual salary of $100,590* for a PhD graduate.
Learn here. Succeed everywhere.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Quick Facts: Program Highlights
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Dual Degree Options
With a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
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Complete Your PhD in 4 Years
Unlike traditional PhD paths that may span six to eight years
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University Partnerships
Through partnerships with select universities and colleges in the health sciences, DMU offers a guaranteed interview opportunity for admission to the PhD program
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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
“My experience at DMU is unique in that the PhD program guides students based on their strengths, interests and future goals. Faculty, staff and my peers all have a common interest in facilitating my journey to becoming a successful PhD candidate.
DMU’s PhD program has been an exceptional choice for me.”
Elizabeth McConnaha, PhD’25
“Our mentors are driven, and they instilled that upon us from the very beginning. Within six months of joining the PhD program, I already had two publications.
It’s a rare opportunity to have the chance to work one-on-one with a mentor throughout the entirety of your program.”
Tanner Wetzel, DO’27, PhD’25
Feel the Connection
When you’re not in class, training in the field or studying for exams, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved on campus and beyond.
- Join one of 50+ student clubs and organizations to connect with peers and build community.
- Get involved with the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs to build the cultural intelligence and communication skills needed to thrive in diverse workplaces.
- Explore everything the Greater Des Moines community has to offer, from cultural events to outdoor activities and local favorites.
The Stories That Define DMU
DMU Graduates Over 430 Health Care Professionals
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences awarded graduate degrees in medicine and health sciences to over 430 new health care professionals at its 126th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026.
DMU and Merrimack College Announce Partnership to Expand Pathways to Health Care
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Merrimack College, a private college in North Andover, Massachusetts, have entered into a new partnership that expands pathways for Merrimack students pursuing careers in the health sciences.
Des Moines University Names 2026 Commencement Speaker
George Rust, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FACPM, author of “Healing in a Changing America: Doctoring in a Nation of Needless Suffering,” will deliver the keynote address at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences’ 2026 Commencement ceremony in May.
Become Who You’re Meant to Be
Earn your biomedical science PhD from DMU and step into your career with confidence and purpose.