Cycle note. Program-supplied directory information was checked Aug 10, 2026. Requirements can change during an application cycle, so confirm final eligibility and deadlines on the official program site and in CASPA before submitting.
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, CA | Ownership not categorized | MSPAS: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Program length24 months
Class size98 seats
Application deadlineNov 1, 2026
PCE minimum1,000 hours
Minimum GPA3.00
Reported tuitionTotal $115,969
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | August 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 | 1990/05/01 |
| Next ARC-PA review | 2033/04 |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
The Department of PA Education supports the University’s mission by educating PAs to deliver high quality competent and compassionate health care as team members within the health care delivery system
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 | Not reported |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | Not reported |
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 3 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biology (general)6 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biochemistry 3 Credit(s)
- Microbiology 3 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Chemistry (general)6 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Organic Chemistry 3 Credit(s)
- Human Physiology 3 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Genetics 3 Credit(s)
- Medical Terminology 2 Credit(s)
- Statistics 3 Credit(s)
- English 6 Credit(s)
- Humanities 9 Credit(s)
- Math (algebra)3 Credit(s)
- Psychology 3 Credit(s)
- Sociology 3 Credit(s)
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | Human Anatomy and Human Physiology must be completed by December 31st. Only 1 science and 1 non-science course are allowed outstanding in Spring. Must complete 3 units of Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry. |
| Course recency | 7 Years |
| Outstanding-course deadline | End of Spring prior to matriculation |
| Maximum outstanding prerequisites | 2 |
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 | Required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Required |
| Healthcare experience hours | 1000 |
| Healthcare experience time limit | Not reported |
| Paid direct patient care | Required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Required |
| Direct patient-care hours | 1,000 |
| 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 | Nov 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 | 2 |
| Reference types | No restrictions |
| Seat deposit | Yes, $1,000 |
| 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. See the program's website for specific requirements. |
| On-campus housing | Yes |
| Veteran support | Yellow Ribbon program: Institutional participation in a university-funded scholarship program for veterans.;Yellow Ribbon Schools program |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Mission alignment
The Department of PA Education supports the University’s mission by educating PAs to deliver high quality competent and compassionate health care as team members within the health care delivery system
Potential Constraints to Resolve Before Applying
- Rolling review means an application submitted well before the deadline may receive earlier consideration.
- At least 1,000 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: 7 Years.
- No more than 2 prerequisite courses may remain outstanding.
- An interview is required (Traditional Interview).
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-Continued. First accreditation: 1990/05/01. Next review: 2033/04.
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 15th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |