About the program
The Clarkson University 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: "To prepare skilled, compassionate clinicians who embody Clarkson's values (teamwork, integrity, diversity, service) to meet community healthcare needs, focusing on clinical excellence and holistic care within a technology-rich, interdisciplinary environment"
Cadaver Lab, Sim Lab, small class size, rural healthcare
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: yes. DACA status applicants are not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Clarkson University offers a 28-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, fully accredited by ARC-PA with Continued status, that accepts its next cohort beginning January 2028. The program also offers a dual-degree pathway allowing students to earn an MPH alongside the MSPAS, a distinction worth noting for applicants interested in public health or population-level work. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants and has no part-time or distance-learning options, so candidates should plan for a full-time, on-site commitment.
With a matriculant GPA hovering around 3.6 for both overall and science coursework and a minimum threshold of 3.0 across overall, science, and prerequisite categories, the program is accessible to a range of competitive applicants without requiring near-perfect academics. Paid direct patient care is required, as is general healthcare experience, so applicants still accumulating hours should move deliberately to meet this bar before applying. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the last ten years, and no more than two outstanding prerequisites are permitted at the time of application - a meaningful constraint that rewards early planning. Required science prerequisites include general chemistry with lab (8 credits), general biology with lab (8 credits), human anatomy with lab (4 credits), human physiology (4 credits), microbiology (3 credits), and statistics (3 credits).
Clarkson's mission centers on preparing clinicians who reflect values of teamwork, integrity, diversity, and service, with an explicit orientation toward community and rural healthcare needs. That rural health emphasis is reinforced by program features including cadaver and simulation labs and a small class size of approximately 30 students, all of which support hands-on, individualized training. The curriculum integrates case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning alongside early clinical exposure - a pedagogical approach that suits students who learn by doing and thinking through real clinical scenarios rather than purely through lecture.
Total tuition is $97,713 with a $500 seat deposit; there are no separate in-state or out-of-state tuition rates, which simplifies cost planning for non-New York residents. The application deadline is March 1, 2027, and admissions are rolling on a first-come, first-served basis, which means submitting a complete, polished application early is a concrete strategic advantage. Applicants need a minimum of three letters of reference. Interviews are conducted using a Multiple Mini Interview format with a scenario room component and are not required to be completed onsite, offering logistical flexibility.
Applicants should weigh this program seriously if they have solid science preparation, confirmed paid patient care experience, a genuine interest in rural or community medicine, and learn best in small, collaborative, case-driven environments - then apply early to take full advantage of rolling review.