Students enrolled in Des Moines University’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine programs may pursue a dual degree in the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program leading to a D.O./Ph.D. or D.P.M./Ph.D. degrees.
The dual D.O./Ph.D. or D.P.M./Ph.D. program is an outstanding option that is specifically designed to train and educate future physicians/scientists. Graduates will be able to combine biomedical research skills honed in the Ph.D. program with clinical knowledge and experience gained from the D.O. or D.P.M. program in numerous rewarding career options that involve medical practice and scientific discovery.
How to apply for a dual degree
- The dual D.O./Ph.D. or D.P.M./Ph.D. degree program follows a 2-3-2 distribution; students will follow the D.O. or D.P.M. curriculum in the first two years, then the Ph.D. curriculum in the next three years, and return to the D.O. or D.P.M. curriculum in the final two years. As such, students will fulfill their financial obligation to the D.O. or D.P.M. component during the first and last two years of the dual program, while receiving a stipend and tuition waiving during the three years of their Ph.D. studies.
- Interested students apply for enrollment in the Ph.D. program during the fall term in the second year of their clinical program.
- If accepted, students will begin the Ph.D. degree component in the summer following their second year.
- Dual enrollees will have completed 16 credit hours of the Ph.D. curriculum that are shared with the D.O. or D.P.M. curriculum before starting the Ph.D. component.