About the program
The Missouri State University (formerly SWMS) 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: "Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive metropolitan system with a statewide mission in public affairs, whose purpose is to develop educated persons. The University's identity is distinguished by its public affairs mission, which entails a campus-wide commitment to foster expertise and responsibility in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. In accordance with this, the Missouri State University Physician Assistant Program seeks to prepare highly competent physician assistant graduates to practice primary care medicine in the context of team delivered care in a rapidly evolving health care arena."
Students learn in a modern facility which includes a cadaver lab, simulation center, and PA designated spaces including a procedure skill lab, classroom, student lounge, and an on-site clinic that serves uninsured low-income adult patients.
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: 5 Years
Program overview
Missouri State University's physician assistant program awards a Master of Science degree and runs for 24 months, with the next cohort beginning in January 2027. The program operates under ARC-PA continued accreditation and accepts out-of-state applicants, though international applicants are not eligible. No part-time or distance learning options are available.
The program's identity is shaped by Missouri State's institution-wide public affairs mission, which emphasizes ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement. The PA program channels those values into preparing graduates for primary care practice within team-based care environments. That orientation is reflected in the curriculum, which blends case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and collaborative learning alongside early clinical exposure - a methodological mix designed to develop both clinical reasoning and the habits of working across professional boundaries.
The physical learning environment is a practical asset: students have access to a cadaver lab, a simulation center, a procedure skills lab, dedicated classroom and lounge space, and an on-site clinic serving uninsured low-income adult patients. That last feature directly supports the program's community engagement mission and gives students meaningful exposure to underserved populations before they leave campus.
Competitively, matriculants arrive with a 3.7 overall GPA and a 3.6 science GPA, though the stated minimums are 3.0 overall and 2.0 for prerequisites. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past five years and includes nine credits of general chemistry with lab, four credits each of human anatomy and human physiology both with lab, three credits of microbiology, and three credits of statistics. A minimum of 500 direct patient care hours is required, and that experience must be paid - unpaid or volunteer clinical work will not satisfy this requirement. Healthcare experience beyond patient care hours is also required.
The application deadline is July 15, 2026, and all applications are reviewed together after that date closes. The program requires a minimum of three letters of reference, a standardized test score from either the GRE or MCAT (with the PA-CAT specifically recommended), and an in-person panel interview. The seat deposit is $500, and tuition rates differ for in-state and out-of-state students. The incoming class enrolls approximately 34 students.
An applicant should weigh fit here primarily on two dimensions: a genuine commitment to primary care and community-oriented medicine, and the ability to document paid hands-on patient care experience before the application deadline.