Doctor of Medical Science

Overview

A Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree is a post-professional doctorate for physician assistants/associates (PAs) who want to build upon their existing experiences, knowledge, and skills to expand their professional opportunities. Earning a DMSc empowers PAs with advanced education, skills, and professional status to open new doors into clinical leadership, administration, teaching, research and publishing, policy and advocacy, and more.

SCU’s uniquely flexible DMSc program is designed specifically for busy, working PAs. Delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format, it can be completed in as little as one year (or slower if preferred) and without putting your current career on hold.

Program at a Glance

• 100% online program designed for busy, working physician assistants/associates (PAs)
• Option to complete in 1 year, 2 years, or at an even slower pace
• Ability to enter without a master’s degree*
• Choice of two concentrations: one preparing you to teach or lead in academia, and the other preparing you to lead in community and public health settings.
• Qualifies for 165 AAPA Category 1 CME credits through the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel
• May qualify for tuition reimbursement through your employer-provided Continuing Medical Education (CME) benefits
• Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional scholarship opportunities

*Minimum eligibility requirements apply

Upcoming Start Dates

• • Fall: September 2nd, 2025
  • Spring: January 5th, 2026
  • Summer: May 4th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

FLEXIBLE FORMAT FOR WORKING PAs

At SCU, you can earn your DMSc while working full time, and without relocating.  Our 100% online program features courses that are facilitated by seasoned faculty members but are almost entirely “asynchronous”—meaning you can watch lectures and complete your weekly assignments when it works best for you within a given week. In addition, we offer three Tracks that enable you to move through the program at whatever pace makes most sense for you. Our 3-Term Accelerated Track enables you to earn your doctorate in just one year by taking 12-14 credits per term. Our 6-Term Track allows you to complete your degree in two years by taking a decreased load of 4-8 credits per term. And our Flex Sequence Track enables you to set your own pace, increasing or decreasing your courseload each term to fit your life circumstances. Students should expect to spend approximately 6-9 hours per week on each course during the program.

ABILITY TO ENTER WITHOUT A MASTER’S*

Most DMSc programs require students to earn a master’s-level PA degree before entering the program, but our Bachelor’s-to-Doctorate Pathway enables U.S. licensed (or eligible for licensure) PAs to enter the program with just a bachelor’s and advance straight to their doctorates—saving significant time and money.
*Minimum eligibility requirements apply

CHOICE OF TWO CAREER-FOCUSED CONCENTRATIONS

We enable you to tailor our curriculum to your unique career goals by choosing one of two concentrations. Our Health Professions Education Concentration will build your expertise in adult learning theory, curriculum design, and educational assessment—preparing you to teach or serve as a senior administrator in higher education settings. Our Population & Whole Person Health Concentration will deepen your understanding of societal health issues and public health planning and management—preparing you for leadership roles in wide-ranging community and public health settings. A third of your coursework (12 out of 36 credits) will be directly related to your chosen concentration.

FACULTY-MENTORED CAPSTONE PROJECT

One of the most rewarding portions of our DMSc program, the doctoral capstone project will give you the opportunity to learn about and conduct scholarly research on a medical, educational, or community health-related topic of interest to you—under the close advisement of a Capstone Mentor. A Doctoral Capstone is an academic and professional milestone, often leading to publications, future research opportunities, and other career advancements.

BROADER INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.

AN INTEGRATIVE, WHOLE HEALTH APPROACH

All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.

Learn More

Have a question for SCU or the Program Director?
Submit an inquiry for more information on the program or call/email to speak to the Program Director.

• • • Email: DeannaOliverDMSc@scuhs.edu
    • Call: 562-475-5147