About the program
The Fairleigh Dickinson 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 future PAs as socially responsible members of interprofessional teams, empowered to promote health, provide compassionate patient-centered care, and advocate for the well-being of local and global communities."
On campus Simulation Lab, Virtual Cadaver Lab, Clinical Skills Lab; Preclinical Experiential Learning during Didactic Phase; Simulation Learning Course; IRB-approved Research Studies; Diverse Clinical Experiences; 17 months of Clinical Rotations; Faculty with Diverse Clinical Backgrounds; Community Outreach; Interprofessional Education Activities
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 not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey offers a 29-month MPAS program currently holding Provisional ARC-PA accreditation, with its inaugural cohort scheduled to begin in January 2027. The program accepts out-of-state applicants but does not consider international applicants and offers no part-time or distance-learning options, making it a traditional, full-time, on-campus commitment for a class of approximately 40 students.
The admissions bar is moderate but deliberate: a minimum overall GPA of 3.20, a science GPA of 3.00, and a prerequisite GPA of 3.00. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past ten years, and applicants may carry no more than two outstanding prerequisites at the time of application. Required science courses include general chemistry with lab (six credits), 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 mandatory - a meaningful distinction for applicants whose hands-on experience comes through volunteer or unpaid roles. Three letters of reference are required.
The curriculum integrates case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning approaches, reflecting the program's mission to develop socially responsible PAs capable of working within interprofessional teams and advocating for both local and global communities. Students gain early clinical exposure during the didactic phase, supported by an on-campus simulation lab, a virtual cadaver lab, and a clinical skills lab. A dedicated simulation learning course and access to IRB-approved research studies round out the preclinical experience. The clinical phase spans 17 months and emphasizes diverse rotation experiences, consistent with the program's commitment to community outreach and interprofessional education.
Total tuition is $115,000 with no differentiated rates for in-state versus out-of-state students, and a seat deposit of $1,500 is required upon acceptance. Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis, with an application deadline of August 1, 2026, so early submission carries a real strategic advantage. Interviews are conducted in a Multiple Mini Interview format and do not require an onsite visit.
An applicant should weigh this program seriously if they meet the GPA thresholds, have accumulated meaningful healthcare experience in any capacity, are comfortable enrolling in a provisionally accredited program launching its first class, and are seeking a structured, simulation-rich curriculum grounded in community and interprofessional values.