Admission / Apply
Health Sciences Doctorate in Downers Grove
Admission Requirements
International Applicants
Technical Standards
Application Process
Interview/Selection Process
Matriculation Process
Health Sciences Doctorate Admission
The College of Health Sciences Doctor of Health Science degree program considers for admission those students who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as leaders, advocates and advanced practitioners within the healthcare community. To select these candidates, a competitive admissions framework has been established. Within this competitive admissions framework, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates.
The Doctor of Health Sciences degree program operates on a rolling admissions basis in which completed applications are reviewed throughout the admissions cycle to determine applicant eligibility for interviews. Admission decisions are generally made within one to two weeks of the interview.
Degree Information
The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) degree is a part-time program designed for working health professionals. The degree is intended for licensed health professionals who wish to enter academia, pursue areas of clinical research, or gain extensive knowledge and skills in a pediatric or geriatrics. Evening and weekend coursework combined with independent study enable students to complete degree requirements on a part-time basis while they maintain full-time employment. Students taking 8 credits per quarter can complete the degree in 2.5 years. Students taking 4 credits per quarter would require 4.5 years.
Admissions Requirements
- Practice as a health educator in a United States jurisdiction. A current license may not be required of applicants to the Health Professions Education track only.
- Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. It is anticipated that most students will have a Master’s degree or higher. Students matriculating in the DHS Degree program without a Master’s degree or higher will be required to demonstrate mastery of content equivalent to a Master’s degree. A committee of three DHS faculty members will evaluate an applicant’s knowledge in a clinical area and utilization of scholarly information. Evidence of knowledge in a clinical area requires achievement of one of the following criteria: graduation from a credentialed residency or fellowship program, or certification as a clinical specialist, or certification from a recognized professional organization (e.g.; certified by National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist®, certified by Academy of Lymphatic Studies as a lymphedema specialist, neurodevelopment therapy certificate), or instructor of two or more distinct short courses on advanced practice topics approved by a professional association or state licensing body for continuing education of health professionals or completion of two or more clinically-oriented graduate courses with a grade of B or higher. Evidence of the ability to utilize scholarly information includes completion of one of the following criteria: a scholarly publication in a peer-reviewed journal, or two or more scholarly presentations in peer-reviewed venues, or two or more chapters published in professional textbooks, or completion of two or more graduate courses with a grade of B or higher in research and statistics or requiring the analysis and synthesis of research. Applicants must submit notarized copies of certificates of completion, copies of publications, copies of handouts from invited presentations and documentation of teaching experience.
- Provide transcripts for all post-secondary and professional education.
- Demonstrate achievement of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale; applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 will be considered on an individual basis.
- Provide two completed DHS reference forms that describe a candidate’s potential to complete the DHS degree program.
- Successfully complete an interview with DHS faculty.
- Provide a statement of how the DHS degree fits into the applicant’s career goals.
- Possess oral and written communications skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
- Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
- Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, six hours in non-remedial English composition, and three hours in speech/public speaking.
Applicants who wish to receive transfer credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the US or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following evaluation services:
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Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411
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World Education Services (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100
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Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338
International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable US or Canadian course/degree equivalency will not receive credit, and will be required to complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university in the United States, or at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.
For clarification about recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada that use English as a primary language of instruction and documentation, international applicants should contact the Midwestern University Office of Admissions.
Technical Standards for Admission
A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
1. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.
2. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.
3. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.
4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.
Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the CHS Dean and Program Director, will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College(/Program) would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The College(/Program) is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their program.
Application Process and Deadlines
- Completed Applications
- The application forms and instructions are accessible at www.midwestern.edu. For questions about the application or admissions process, contact the Office of Admissions as noted below. Applications must include a nonrefundable, nonwaivable application fee of $50.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Applicants are required to submit a minimum of two signed and sealed DHS reference forms sent directly to the Office of Admissions from professionals who know the applicant well.
- Official transcripts from every undergraduate, graduate, or professional school attended. Each transcript MUST be signed and sealed by the registrar of each institution.
Please Note: Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or e-mail address. All application withdrawal requests must be made in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to:
Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Email: admissil@midwestern.edu
Fax: 630/971-6086
Interview/Selection Process
If after reviewing the completed admissions file the applicant is considered eligible for an interview, the applicant is notified of available interview dates and invited by the Office of Admissions to schedule an on-campus interview.
A typical interview day involves participation in the following activities, which are coordinated by the Office of Admissions: an interview with at least one DHS faculty member and an opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor and the financial aid office.
During each interview session, the interviewer questions the applicants about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission, and rate(s) prospective students on a standardized evaluation form. These evaluations are included in applicant files provided to the Doctor of Health Science Admissions Committee. The Doctor of Health Science Admissions Committee meets periodically to review the completed application files of applicants who have been interviewed and then formulates and submits recommendations to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of the admissions committee's decisions.
Matriculation Process
The matriculation process begins after applicants receive notification of their acceptance into the Doctor of Health Science degree program. Students must return both a signed matriculation agreement and deposit to the Office of Admissions. Students must also:
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Submit deposit monies by the date designated in their matriculation agreements. Deposits are applied toward the first quarter's tuition.
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Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the first day of classes. Students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes will have 30 calendar days from the date of their acceptance to submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Any special circumstances or requests for exceptions to this policy must be sent to and approved by the Office of the Dean of the College. Students who fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College.
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Submit proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio (opv), diphtheria, and hepatitis B. A titer verifying immunity to the previously mentioned diseases may be required.
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Provide evidence of testing for tuberculosis within the last 12 months.
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Submit proof of medical insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice. Students are required to carry low-cost disability insurance that is offered through the University.
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If an international student, provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending CHS.
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Provide documentation that any additional coursework or service requirements stipulated by the Admissions Committee have been completed.
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Meet the Technical Standards of the Program.
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Submit additional documents as required by the Office of Admissions.
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Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
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Sign and submit a Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.
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Complete a physical exam and submit form.
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Sign and submit a Credit Policy Statement.
Students who either fail to satisfy the above matriculation requirements or omit or falsify information required on official admissions documents automatically forfeit their seat. Any individual accepted for admission into the Doctor of Health Science degree program of the College of Health Sciences who does not comply with stated timelines for submission of all required materials will not receive further notification from College of Health Sciences regarding forfeiture of his/her seat.
