About the program
The Franklin Pierce University (Goodyear) 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 Arizona-based, hybrid 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program is designed to prepare PAs to provide compassionate care with the highest level of clinical excellence and ethical standards. We develop PAs who are patient advocates, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. We nurture the development of culturally sensitive leaders who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to serve patients within their communities."
online/hybrid curriculum delivery
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, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is available. 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
Franklin Pierce University's Goodyear program awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) over 24 months, with the next cohort scheduled to begin August 2027. The program is based in Arizona and operates on a hybrid model, meaning a meaningful portion of coursework is delivered online through asynchronous formats. This structure suits applicants who need geographic flexibility or who balance existing work or family obligations alongside graduate study, though it demands strong self-direction and time management.
Academically, the program sets a floor of 3.00 for both overall and science GPA, and recent matriculants have averaged a 3.58 overall and 3.53 science GPA - competitive but not among the most selective in the field. Prerequisite coursework carries only a 2.00 minimum GPA requirement, and up to two outstanding prerequisites are permitted at the time of application, provided all are completed within the last ten years. Direct patient care experience is recommended but not required, making this one of the more accessible programs for career changers or applicants still building clinical hours. International applicants are considered with some exceptions, and out-of-state students are welcome.
The curriculum is built around asynchronous, case-based, problem-based, and systems-based learning with a strong collaborative component, reflecting the hybrid delivery format. The mission emphasizes cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and positions graduates as patient advocates and community-oriented clinicians - language that suggests the program actively values applicants with experience serving underserved or diverse populations.
Total tuition is $110,240 with a $1,500 seat deposit required upon acceptance. The incoming class size is approximately 48 students. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of September 1, 2026, so early submission is strongly advantageous. Three letters of reference are required. The interview process includes group interviews, Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), and a scenario room component, none of which require on-site attendance, consistent with the program's distance-friendly approach.
One important consideration: the program is currently on ARC-PA accreditation probation, which means it has been found out of compliance with accreditation standards. Applicants should visit the ARC-PA website and the program's own disclosures to understand the nature and timeline of that probation before committing a seat deposit, as accreditation status can affect licensure eligibility and employer perception after graduation.
Prospective students should weigh whether the hybrid format, accessible entry requirements, and mission alignment fit their learning style and career goals against the current accreditation probation, which warrants careful, independent due diligence before accepting an offer.