About the program
The Kean 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: "The Kean University Physician Assistant Program prepares clinically competent, compassionate, and reflective physician assistants to practice evidence-based and patient-centered care to diverse communities. Graduates are trained to think critically, practice ethically, and engage in lifelong learning across evolving healthcare environments."
small class size, personalized attention, sim lab
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 considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is 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
Kean University in New Jersey offers a 29-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, with the next cohort scheduled to begin in September 2027. Applicants should be aware upfront that the program currently holds ARC-PA probationary accreditation status, which is a meaningful factor to weigh when evaluating fit and long-term credential recognition.
The program admits a small cohort of approximately 25 students, which translates into personalized faculty attention and a close learning environment supported by simulation lab resources. Curriculum delivery follows an organ-based and systems-based framework, a structure that integrates material across disciplines as students work through each body system. The program's mission centers on preparing graduates to serve diverse communities through evidence-based, patient-centered care, with an explicit emphasis on critical thinking, ethical practice, and lifelong learning.
On the admissions side, Kean sets minimum GPA thresholds of 3.00 across overall, science, and prerequisite coursework, and matriculants have averaged a 3.3 overall GPA and 3.1 science GPA - numbers that reflect a realistic floor rather than a highly competitive ceiling. Required prerequisites include general chemistry with lab (8 credits), general biology with lab (4 credits), human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, and statistics with lab. All prerequisites must have been completed within the past ten years, and applicants may carry no more than two outstanding prerequisites at the time of application. The program requires the GRE and will not accept the MCAT as a substitute.
Direct patient care experience is required at a minimum of 500 hours, and those hours must be paid - volunteer or unpaid experience will not satisfy this requirement. Healthcare experience beyond direct patient care is not separately required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of March 1, 2027, so submitting early is strategically important. The process includes a required on-site traditional interview. Three letters of recommendation are needed. The program accepts both out-of-state and international applicants and operates entirely in-person with no distance learning or part-time options.
Total tuition is estimated at $92,879, with a $500 seat deposit required upon acceptance. There are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students.
An applicant considering Kean should weigh the probationary accreditation status carefully alongside the program's small cohort environment and accessible GPA benchmarks, and directly research the implications of that status before committing a seat deposit.