About the program
The Keck Graduate Institute 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 Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA) program at Keck Graduate Institute is to develop high quality physician associates (PAs) who are dedicated to advancing healthcare through leadership, commitment to their communities, and the compassionate care of all populations."
Training in understanding health policy, leadership skill development, and entrepreneurship. Additional focus on surgery and emergency medicine. Community health focus with incorporation of the social determinants of health throughout the curriculum.
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
Keck Graduate Institute offers a 28-month MSPAS program based in California, currently holding Provisional ARC-PA accreditation, with a planned cohort start of August 2027. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants and has no distance learning or part-time options, making it a full-time, in-person commitment. Incoming classes are capped at approximately 40 students, creating a relatively small cohort environment.
The program's mission centers on producing physician associates who lead within their communities, advance healthcare policy, and deliver compassionate care across diverse populations. These priorities are reflected directly in the curriculum, which weaves the social determinants of health throughout the coursework and gives particular attention to surgery and emergency medicine. Beyond clinical preparation, the program distinguishes itself by incorporating training in health policy, leadership development, and entrepreneurship - a combination that suits applicants who see themselves eventually influencing healthcare systems or taking on administrative and advocacy roles rather than purely clinical ones.
Admissions standards are accessible but competitive. The minimum GPA threshold sits at 3.00 for both overall and science coursework, while recent matriculants averaged a 3.51 overall and a 3.46 science GPA, suggesting the admitted pool skews meaningfully above the floor. All prerequisite science coursework must have been completed within the past ten years, and no more than two prerequisites may be outstanding at the time of application. Required coursework includes general chemistry with lab, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology, and statistics. Paid direct patient care experience is mandatory, with a minimum of 1,000 hours required - a meaningful distinction from programs that accept unpaid or observational hours.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of November 1, 2026, so early submission is strategically important. Three letters of reference are required. The interview process includes traditional, group, and multiple mini interview formats, and attendance is not required to be in-person, which reduces logistical burden for distant applicants.
Total tuition runs approximately $130,000, with a seat deposit of $1,500 upon acceptance. There are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state applicants. At that price point, applicants should factor in California's cost of living and plan financial aid strategy carefully before committing.
An applicant with a solid but not exceptional GPA, verifiable paid patient care hours, and genuine interest in the intersections of clinical medicine, community health, and healthcare leadership would be well-positioned to assess whether Keck Graduate Institute's program aligns with both their academic profile and long-term professional direction.