Franklin Pierce University
Round Rock, TX | Private | MPAS: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | March 2027 |
| Review model | Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Delivery | Distance or hybrid learning reported |
| Part-time option | No |
| Testing | None |
| Accreditation | Accreditation-Provisional |
| First accredited | Not reported |
| Next ARC-PA review | Not reported |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
The Texas-based, hybrid 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program is dedicated to the education and growth of the next generation of physician assistant clinicians through innovative, evidence-based education, professional development, and the best-practice of clinical skills. Our program will develop culturally sensitive clinicians who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion when caring for patients within their communities.
Use these details only when they genuinely connect to your prior clinical, service, academic, or teamwork record.
Academic Thresholds and Cohort Context
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Minimum overall GPA | 3.00 |
| Minimum science GPA | 3.20 |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | Not reported |
| Reported matriculant overall GPA | 3.63 |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | 3.66 |
Interpretation: Minimums are eligibility screens. Matriculant averages describe a recent entering cohort and should not be treated as guarantees or hidden cutoffs.
Prerequisite Planning
- Human Anatomy 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biology (general) 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biochemistry 3 Credit(s)
- Microbiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Chemistry (general) 8 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Organic Chemistry 3 Credit(s)
- Human Physiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Medical Terminology 1 Credit(s)
- Statistics 3 Credit(s)
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry are accepted. |
| Course recency | No Requirement |
| Outstanding-course deadline | At any point prior to matriculation |
| Maximum outstanding prerequisites | Not reported |
Compare labs, semester or quarter conversion, minimum grades, recency, online-course rules, and completion timing course by course.
Clinical Experience and Shadowing
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Healthcare experience | No, not required |
| Paid healthcare experience | Recommended but not required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Not Required |
| Healthcare experience hours | Not reported |
| Healthcare experience time limit | Not reported |
| Paid direct patient care | Recommended but not required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Not Required |
| Direct patient-care hours | No numeric minimum reported |
| Direct patient-care time limit | Not reported |
| PA shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Physician shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Other-provider shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Clinical or non-clinical research | Not Required |
| Virtual healthcare accepted | Yes |
| Virtual shadowing accepted | Yes |
Strategy: Even when hours are recommended rather than required, describe role scope, patient contact, clinical judgment, teamwork, and what you learned about the PA profession.
Application Mechanics
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| CASPA deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Reported resident tuition | Not reported |
| Reported non-resident tuition | Not reported |
| Deadline status requirement | Orange-Complete only: the application has been submitted, payment, all transcripts, and at least two evaluation letters must be received by CASPA by the posted deadline. |
| Supplemental application | No |
| Supplemental deadline | Not reported |
| Supplemental fee | Not reported |
| Reference letters | 3 |
| Reference types | PA; Physician |
| Seat deposit | Yes, $1,500 |
| Deposit refundable | No |
Eligibility and Access Policies
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state applicants | Yes |
| Transfer applicants | No |
| DACA applicants considered | Yes |
| International applicants accepted | Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website. |
| On-campus housing | No |
| Veteran support | Not reported |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Mission alignment
The Texas-based, hybrid 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program is dedicated to the education and growth of the next generation of physician assistant clinicians through innovative, evidence-based education, professional development, and the best-practice of clinical skills. Our program will develop culturally sensitive clinicians who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion when caring for patients within their communities.
Recent cohort context
Reported matriculant averages were 3.63 overall and 3.66 science GPA. These are context, not admission cutoffs.
Potential Constraints to Resolve Before Applying
- Rolling review means an application submitted well before the deadline may receive earlier consideration.
- The reported overall GPA floor is 3.00; meeting a floor does not indicate competitiveness.
- The reported science GPA floor is 3.20.
- An interview is required (Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)).
Interview Preparation
Reported requirement: Yes · Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
| Format | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) | Practice timed ethical, communication, teamwork, and health-system scenarios. Explain the reasoning process, not just the conclusion. |
Interview formats can change. Confirm whether the current cycle is onsite or virtual and whether writing, group, or timed scenario components are included.
Accreditation and Outcome Questions
Current status: Accreditation-Provisional. First accreditation: Not reported. Next review: Not reported.
Questions worth answering before enrollment
- What are the latest first-time and ultimate PANCE pass rates, with cohort year and denominator?
- What are the latest graduation and attrition rates?
- How far may students travel or temporarily relocate for clinical rotations, and who bears those costs?
- Are core rotations assigned by the program, and can students be required to secure elective sites?
- What remediation, deceleration, and dismissal policies apply during didactic and clinical training?
Sources
| Source | What it supports |
|---|---|
| Official program website | Current program policies, curriculum, outcomes, and application instructions |
| PAEA program profile (updated January 27th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |