Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX | Public | MMS/MMSc: Master of Medical Science
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | April 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-Provisional |
| First accredited | 2025/09/20 |
| Next ARC-PA review | TBD |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
The mission of the Tarleton State University Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Medicine is to educate servant leaders from a broad spectrum of experiences as Physician Assistants who will provide exceptional healthcare in an interprofessional setting; and serve rural and medically underserved populations through community involvement, public health policy and advocacy.
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 | Not reported |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | 3.00 |
| Reported matriculant overall GPA | 3.45 |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | 3.35 |
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
- Biochemistry 3 Credit(s)
- Microbiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Human Physiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Genetics 3 Credit(s)
- Medical Terminology 1 Credit(s)
- Statistics 3 Credit(s)
- Psychology 3 Credit(s)
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | Anatomy with lab (4 hours) AND Physiology with lab (4 hours) OR Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (8 hours) |
| Course recency | No Requirement |
| Outstanding-course deadline | December 31st 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 | Yes, required |
| Paid healthcare experience | Recommended but not required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Recommended but not required |
| Healthcare experience hours | 500 |
| Healthcare experience time limit | No Requirement |
| Paid direct patient care | Recommended but not required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Recommended but not required |
| Direct patient-care hours | No numeric minimum reported |
| Direct patient-care time limit | No Requirement |
| PA shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Physician shadowing | Not Required |
| Other-provider shadowing | Not Required |
| Clinical or non-clinical research | Not Required |
| Virtual healthcare accepted | No |
| Virtual shadowing accepted | No |
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 | $68,106 |
| Reported non-resident tuition | $116,506 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Supplemental deadline | The supplemental application is to be completed after the learner receives an invitation for an interview. The learner will be informed via email. |
| Supplemental fee | $50 |
| Reference letters | 2 |
| Reference types | Employee/Supervisor; PA; Physician; Other health care provider; Academic Reference (e.g. Teacher/Professor or Academic Advisor) |
| Seat deposit | Yes, $750 |
| 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 | No |
| On-campus housing | No |
| Veteran support | Clinical partnerships: Partnerships with veteran organizations for rotations.;Special admission consideration: Processes that recognize military veterans.;Veteran faculty: Faculty members who have veteran status. |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Published Admissions Considerations
Holistic Admissions Review, Last 60 credits taken into consideration
Mission alignment
The mission of the Tarleton State University Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Medicine is to educate servant leaders from a broad spectrum of experiences as Physician Assistants who will provide exceptional healthcare in an interprofessional setting; and serve rural and medically underserved populations through community involvement, public health policy and advocacy.
Recent cohort context
Reported matriculant averages were 3.45 overall and 3.35 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.
- No more than 1 prerequisite course may remain outstanding.
- A supplemental application is reported, due The supplemental application is to be completed after the learner receives an invitation for an interview. The learner will be informed via email..
- An interview is required (Traditional Interview).
- International applicants are not accepted under the reported policy.
Interview Preparation
Reported requirement: Yes · Traditional Interview
| Format | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Traditional Interview | Prepare concise answers for motivation, readiness, ethical judgment, and program-specific fit, supported by concrete examples. |
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: 2025/09/20. Next review: TBD.
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 June 24th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |