About the program
The South University, Austin 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 South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) is to educate a diverse student population and prepare graduates to practice the art and science of medicine while providing high-quality, equitable, and inclusive patient-centered healthcare."
We are the first PA program in the Austin, Tx area. The program’s primary focus is on the development of physician assistants capable of expanding into clinical leadership roles by demonstrating proficiency in critical thinking and creative problem solving, utilizing evidence-based skills gained through innovative approaches.
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 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
South University's Austin campus offers a 27-month program awarding the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, currently holding Provisional ARC-PA accreditation. It holds the distinction of being the first PA program located in the Austin, Texas area, and it accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, with some exceptions for the latter. The program operates on a rolling admissions basis with applications reviewed first-come, first-served, carrying a deadline of September 1, 2026, and a January 2027 start date. Prospective applicants should treat the early submission of materials as a meaningful strategic priority given this structure.
The program's mission centers on educating a diverse student population and preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, equitable, and patient-centered care. Its stated emphasis on developing clinical leadership through critical thinking, creative problem solving, and evidence-based practice distinguishes the program's philosophical orientation, even in the absence of a defined curricular specialty focus. The incoming class is estimated at 40 students.
On the admissions side, this program sets a relatively accessible floor - a 3.00 minimum overall GPA and a 2.00 minimum prerequisite GPA - though matriculants have arrived with a 3.7 overall and 3.6 science GPA, reflecting the competitive reality of who actually gains entry. Healthcare experience and paid direct patient care are recommended but not required, making this a reasonable option for applicants still building their clinical hours. The GRE is required; the MCAT will not be accepted. Three letters of recommendation are mandatory, and applicants must complete an onsite interview, which may take a traditional, panel, or group format.
Prerequisite coursework includes eight credits of general chemistry with lab, six credits of general biology, and four credits each of human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology - all with labs except general biology - and the program imposes no time limit on when these courses were completed. There is no part-time option and no distance learning component. Total tuition sits at $97,704, with a $1,000 seat deposit required upon acceptance.
Applicants who fit this program well are those drawn to an urban Texas setting, comfortable with a newer provisionally accredited program, and interested in building toward clinical leadership roles; anyone prioritizing established accreditation status or who needs flexible scheduling should weigh those factors carefully before applying.