About the program
The Mississippi State University – Meridian 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 Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program will educate highly qualified, competent, health care providers who will increase access to care and provide primary care services to the diverse citizens of Mississippi"
on-campus simulation lab, on-campus Anatomage (digital cadaver) tables
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 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: No Requirement
Program overview
Mississippi State University – Meridian offers a 29-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree with ARC-PA continued accreditation, enrolling an incoming class of approximately 30 students beginning in January 2027. The program is a full-time, on-campus experience with no part-time or distance-learning options, and it does not accept international applicants, though out-of-state domestic applicants are welcome.
The program's mission centers on producing competent primary care providers who will expand access to care for Mississippi's diverse population, making it a particularly relevant choice for applicants with a genuine interest in primary care and underserved communities. Instructional methods integrate case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning alongside early clinical exposure, giving students a varied pedagogical foundation from the start. Practical training resources include an on-campus simulation lab and Anatomage digital cadaver tables, which supplement traditional anatomy instruction.
Admissions requirements set a minimum 3.0 GPA for both overall and prerequisite coursework, and the direct patient care threshold is modest at 80 hours - one of the lower bars found among PA programs. Healthcare experience beyond those hours is required, and while paid direct patient care is not mandatory, the program recommends it. There is no time limit on prerequisite coursework. Required prerequisites include general chemistry with lab (6 credits), human anatomy with lab (4 credits), human physiology with lab (4 credits), microbiology with lab (3 credits), general biology (6 credits), and statistics (3 credits). The GRE is required; the MCAT is not accepted.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of August 1, 2026, meaning early submission is a practical advantage. The program requires three letters of reference and a required onsite panel interview for candidates who advance in the process. The seat deposit is $750, and separate tuition rates apply for in-state and out-of-state students, so prospective applicants should review current cost figures directly from the program.
An applicant who prioritizes primary care in Mississippi, has at least a 3.0 GPA, and meets the relatively accessible patient care floor should assess whether the program's mission alignment and regional focus genuinely match their own practice goals before applying.