About the program
The Towson 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: "Our PA Program educates and empowers resilient graduates to practice collaborative, evidence-based medicine in the ever-changing and diverse health care environment."
The Towson University Physician Assistant Program builds on a more than 50-year legacy of excellence in PA education. Classes are held in newly opened (2024), state-of-the-art health professions facility. Students benefit from access to diverse patient populations and clinical opportunities. Our faculty brings diverse clinical backgrounds across multiple specialties. Towson University is recognized as the No. 1 public university in Maryland.
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. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
Towson University offers a 24-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, set to begin in May 2027, with an application deadline of August 1, 2026. The program holds ARC-PA Continued accreditation and accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, though no distance learning or part-time options are available. Applications are reviewed on a regular cycle after the deadline passes, so there is no advantage to submitting early beyond meeting the cutoff.
The program's mission centers on preparing resilient graduates to practice collaborative, evidence-based medicine across diverse healthcare environments. This is reflected directly in the curriculum, which emphasizes both team-based learning and organ- and systems-based instruction - an approach that mirrors how medicine is increasingly organized and practiced clinically. Classes are held in a health professions facility that opened in 2024, and faculty bring clinical experience across multiple specialties, giving students exposure to varied perspectives throughout their didactic training. Clinical rotations are supported by access to diverse patient populations in the surrounding region.
Applicants should expect a competitive but realistic admissions profile. The average matriculant carries a 3.55 overall GPA and a 3.53 science GPA, with a minimum science GPA of 3.20 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.70. Required prerequisite science coursework includes human anatomy with lab (4 credits), human physiology with lab (4 credits), microbiology with lab (4 credits), and statistics (3 credits). No time limit is imposed on when these prerequisites were completed. The program requires 500 direct patient care hours, and paid experience is not mandatory, making it accessible to applicants who have accumulated hours through volunteer or unpaid roles. Healthcare experience beyond direct patient care is also required.
The incoming class size is 36 students, which makes for a relatively small cohort and likely a close learning environment. A seat deposit of $1,500 is required upon acceptance. The program does list separate tuition rates, so prospective students should verify the distinction between in-state and out-of-state costs directly with the institution. At least two letters of reference are required, and all interviewed candidates must complete an on-site Multiple Mini Interview, a format that evaluates interpersonal and situational reasoning skills rather than traditional question-and-answer exchanges.
Applicants who thrive in collaborative academic settings, have a genuine interest in team-based clinical practice, and meet the science GPA floor comfortably will find this program worth a close look alongside its specific cost structure.