Doctor of Medical Science

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree must meet the following admissions requirements. Exceptions may be made individually with the program director’s approval.

  • Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program within a regionally accredited institution.
    • Physician assistants without a master’s degree may be eligible for the Bachelor’s to Doctorate Pathway.* See below for equivalency requirements and contact an admissions advisor for additional information.
  • Proof of current NCCPA certification, active state licensure, or eligibility for licensure (e.g., completion of an ARC-PA accredited PA and eligible to register for the NCCPA certification exam).
    • State licensure or NCCPA certification must be received prior to matriculation into the DMSc program. NCCPA PA-C Emeritus is accepted.
    • New PA graduates must submit state licensure or NCCPA certification by the last day of the first term of the DMSc program.
  • A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale upon completion of the physician assistant program.*
  • Meet the technical requirements to successfully complete the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The GRE is not required.

Bachelor’s to Doctorate Pathway

To enter the Bachelor’s to Doctorate Pathway, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in physician assistant/associate AND provide documentation of at least one (1) of the criteria below:

  • Completion of an approved military or civilian post-professional PA residency or fellowship.
  • Completion of an approved medical specialty graduate certificate program (e.g., public health certificate, healthcare administration certificate).
  • A Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) by the NCCPA.
  • At least 15 credit hours of post-secondary education toward a master’s degree.
  • Currently certified by the NCCPA with a minimum of at least ten (10) years of continuous certification maintenance.

*Please be prepared to submit unofficial transcripts and copies of licensure/certification when completing the online application form. Official copies are required during the enrollment process through the Office of the Registrar.

Transfer Credit Eligibility

Up to 12 transfer credits toward the DMSc may be considered on an individual basis.