About the program
The Baylor University – Waco PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The mission of the Baylor University Physician Assistant Program is to educate and prepare compassionate healthcare leaders within a Christian environment through academic excellence, science, and innovation while dedicated to expanding access to health and wellness through team-based, patient-centered medical care."
The developing Baylor University PA program is offered through an innovative hybrid format that combines distance educational experiences, on campus immersions, research curriculum, and Simulated Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs).
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: no. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is available. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years
Program overview
Baylor University's Waco campus offers a 24-month program awarding the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, currently holding provisional ARC-PA accreditation with a first cohort scheduled to begin in September 2027. Because the program is still in its developmental phase, applicants should weigh that context carefully when considering where it fits within their application cycle.
The program is structured as a hybrid model, combining asynchronous and case-based learning with organ and systems-based coursework, on-campus immersions, a research curriculum, and Simulated Clinical Practice Experiences. This format means students will need to be self-directed and comfortable navigating distance learning components alongside periodic in-person requirements. The mission explicitly situates the program within a Christian university environment, emphasizing compassionate care, team-based practice, patient-centered medicine, and expanding access to health and wellness. Applicants who align with faith-integrated education and community-oriented healthcare will likely find the mission a genuine fit rather than background noise.
The academic floor is a 3.0 for both overall and prerequisite GPA, positioning the program as accessible to a broad range of candidates while still expecting solid academic preparation. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the last ten years and includes general chemistry, two semesters of biology with lab, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, and statistics. Healthcare experience is required, though paid direct patient care is recommended rather than mandated, which gives applicants with volunteer or unpaid clinical backgrounds some flexibility. The GRE is required; the MCAT will not be accepted as a substitute.
The estimated incoming class size of 75 is relatively large, which may translate to broader peer networks and potentially greater geographic diversity, as out-of-state students are accepted. International applicants are not eligible. Rolling admissions means early submission is a practical advantage, with an application deadline of January 15, 2027. Interviews use a Multiple Mini Interview format, which can be conducted remotely given the program's distance learning infrastructure. Three letters of reference are required, and a seat deposit of $1,000 is due upon acceptance.
Total tuition is estimated at $140,000 for the full program, with no differentiated rate for in-state versus out-of-state students. Applicants should factor in living expenses and any costs associated with on-campus immersion travel when budgeting.
An applicant weighing this program should honestly consider whether the hybrid format suits their learning style, whether the Christian mission resonates with their professional values, and whether they are comfortable being part of a provisional program's inaugural or early cohort.