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Graduate Admission

Three graduate students have a discussion while walking to class on Drake's campusEmbrace Your Boundless Ambition

Whether striving to advance their careers in business, education, or healthcare, training to become a lawyer, or pursuing a completely new passion, graduate students at Drake University learn from professors with deep industry experience and opportunities that connect their talents with the thriving city we call home.

Here, your ingenuity and unfettered aspirations aren’t just recognized. Drake encourages you to channel your visionary ideas and desire to uplift society into tangible impact—whether that’s engaging tomorrow’s students in the classroom, improving community health one patient at a time, or developing a winning trial defense.

Learn more about what sets Drake’s graduate programs apart and how to apply.

Pick Your Path. Establish Your Place.

Explore graduate education at Drake, where diverse program options coupled with a strategic location build the foundation for dynamic careers.

Graduate students, seated around a table with their laptops, smile and focus in a Drake classroom

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Master’s, doctoral, certificate, and professional degree programs—including online options—across five colleges and schools.

Two Drake Law students in blazers stand in front of the Law School building, also the home of the Drake Legal Clinic

Cases handled each year by the Drake Legal Clinic, where law students serve real clients and extend access to legal representation.

Three Drake graduate students, in school garb, walk along a sunny street in Des Moines

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Des Moines, home of Drake University, ranks second on Forbes’ list of the top 10 cities for young professionals.

How to Apply

Review Program Requirements and Complete Your Application

The admission process and requirements differ between graduate programs. Find your program to explore the details and reach out to your representative with any questions.

On-Campus Programs

In our traditional on-campus programs, you’ll uncover a sense of community and an environment built for close faculty and student collaboration. Plus, you’ll have access to facilities and events that enhance your learning.

Dual and Accelerated Programs

Expand your career options and get started at your own pace with innovative joint, dual degree, and accelerated programs that combine your interests and define your niche.

Online Programs

Career advancement begins wherever you are: log in to Drake’s flexible, fully online classes to enrich your knowledge and network with students like yourself across the country.

Talk With Your Program Representative

Have questions? Connect with your representative, whose knowledge of your program’s structure, expectations, and admission requirements can guide your next steps.

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Apply for Financial Aid

Learn about costs, the resources available to help you fund your graduate studies, and the process of applying for financial aid.

Why Drake

Context is critical when it comes to your professional preparation. At Drake, being surrounded by exceptional faculty in an energetic city results in a personalized education that sets you apart.

A Drake graduate student meets with a counselor to discuss possible careers in a room where light passes through glass bricks

Career Preparation

This is where possibility becomes your reality. You’ll enjoy robust career services and a thriving regional hub of business, healthcare, education, and government that embraces your resolve.

A faculty member holds a meeting with a Drake student, supporting a laptop, in a common area with couches

Our Faculty

Learn from faculty mentors who are active scholars and skilled instructors. Drawing on a wealth of industry and research experience, they’ll support your journey and equip you to be the leader your field and community needs.

A Drake graduate student stands, hands on their hips, near the Capitol building in Des Moines

Des Moines

Des Moines isn’t just a strategic place to launch a career. It’s also a great place to live. Discover why it’s one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest.

Student Testimonials

“Through community-engaged learning, I had multiple opportunities to work with real clients. This experience throughout my education at Drake helped me develop important skills that will translate into my occupational therapy practice.”
Bri Brewster, OTD'24
“As a young teacher, I didn’t understand the core role of assessment and how to utilize data to modify instruction. After completing my program at Drake, I feel confident in the fact that I can motivate students and teach them how to challenge themselves. I have learned to better understand and utilize these assessment tools.”
Yolanda Christiansen, MSE'10
“Drake’s program is very hands-on and prepares students to practice at the top of their license with high-quality training and clinical expertise.”
Lexie Bennett, PharmD'25
“Drake stands out because of all the opportunities it provides. Aside from the clinics where students can help individuals with free legal help while learning how to practice law, Drake has amazing connections with Polk County and neighboring communities.”
Catherine Dukelow, JD'24

Take the Next Step

Unleash the next stage of your career with a community ready to challenge you and cheer on every accomplishment.

Contact

Mailed or emailed documents should be labeled with your full name and date of birth and directed to:

Office of Admission
Drake University
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505
admission@drake.edu

1-800-44-DRAKE (1-800-443-7253), x3181
515-271-3181

Request Info Apply
A Drake graduate student in glasses and a blazer smile while standing near a classroom building and trees