Frostburg State University
Hagerstown, MD | Ownership not categorized | MMS/MMSc: Master of Medical Science
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | May 2027 |
| Review model | Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Delivery | Campus-based |
| Part-time option | No |
| Testing | None |
| Accreditation | Accreditation-Continued |
| First accredited | 2019/03/09 |
| Next ARC-PA review | 2033/07 |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
The Mission of the Frostburg State University's Physician Assistant Program is to educate students in compassionate patient-centered care. Students will learn best practices, use innovative technology, and work in interprofessional teams to deliver quality care, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas in Maryland and beyond. Frostburg State University Physician Assistant graduates will have a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community service.
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 | 3.00 |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | 3.00 |
| Reported matriculant overall GPA | 3.32 |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | 3.16 |
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 8 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biochemistry 4 Credit(s)
- Microbiology 3 Credit(s)
- Chemistry (general)4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Organic Chemistry 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Medical Terminology 1 Credit(s)
- Psychology 3 Credit(s)
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | Microbiology or organic chemistry; science pre-requisites within 5 years, online coursework allowed; abnormal psychology required |
| Course recency | 10 Years |
| Outstanding-course deadline | At any point prior to matriculation |
| Maximum outstanding prerequisites | 1 |
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 | Required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Required |
| Healthcare experience hours | Not reported |
| Healthcare experience time limit | No Requirement |
| Paid direct patient care | Required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Required |
| Direct patient-care hours | 500 |
| Direct patient-care time limit | No Requirement |
| PA shadowing | Required |
| Physician shadowing | Not Required |
| Other-provider shadowing | Not Required |
| Clinical or non-clinical research | Not Required |
| Virtual healthcare accepted | No |
| 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 | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Reported resident tuition | $136,674 |
| Reported non-resident tuition | $150,947 |
| Deadline status requirement | Green-Verified: the application has been submitted, payment, all transcripts, and at least two evaluation letters must be received by CASPA by the posted deadline, and the application has a verified status, meaning all GPAs have been calculated by CASPA. |
| Supplemental application | Yes |
| Supplemental deadline | Nov 1, 2024 |
| Supplemental fee | $30 |
| Reference letters | 2 |
| Reference types | Employee/Supervisor; PA |
| 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 | No |
| International applicants accepted | Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website. |
| On-campus housing | No |
| Veteran support | Special admission consideration: Processes that recognize military veterans.;Veteran faculty: Faculty members who have veteran status. |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Mission alignment
The Mission of the Frostburg State University's Physician Assistant Program is to educate students in compassionate patient-centered care. Students will learn best practices, use innovative technology, and work in interprofessional teams to deliver quality care, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas in Maryland and beyond. Frostburg State University Physician Assistant graduates will have a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community service.
Recent cohort context
Reported matriculant averages were 3.32 overall and 3.16 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.
- At least 500 direct patient-care hours are reported.
- The reported overall GPA floor is 3.00; meeting a floor does not indicate competitiveness.
- The reported science GPA floor is 3.00.
- Prerequisite recency policy: 10 Years.
- No more than 1 prerequisite course may remain outstanding.
- A supplemental application is reported, due Nov 1, 2024.
- An interview is required (Traditional Interview, Group Interview, Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)).
- DACA applicants are not considered under the reported policy.
Interview Preparation
Reported requirement: Yes · Traditional Interview · Group Interview · Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
| Format | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Traditional Interview | Prepare concise answers for motivation, readiness, ethical judgment, and program-specific fit, supported by concrete examples. |
| Group Interview | Show collaborative leadership through active listening, constructive additions, and space-making rather than dominating the discussion. |
| 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-Continued. First accreditation: 2019/03/09. Next review: 2033/07.
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 March 6th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |