About the program
The University of Detroit Mercy 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 University of Detroit Mercy Physician Assistant Program mission is to produce highly ethical, clinically competent medical professionals thoroughly prepared to deliver quality care and dedicated to serve diverse and underserved populations."
Part-time option, 5-year program, Special consideration for veterans, diverse student body; student-centered
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. A part-time enrollment option is available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 6 Years
Program overview
This 24-month program at the University of Detroit Mercy leads to a Master of Science degree and holds Continued ARC-PA accreditation. It opens in August 2027 and accepts applications on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis through January 15, 2027, making early submission a practical priority for serious candidates.
The program's mission centers explicitly on producing ethical, clinically competent practitioners who are prepared to serve diverse and underserved populations - a clear signal that applicants motivated by community and equity-focused medicine will find the mission aligned with their goals. This orientation is reinforced by a student body described as notably diverse and a program culture described as student-centered. Veterans receive special consideration in admissions, and the program is one of the few that offers a part-time track structured as a five-year option, which may suit applicants managing professional or personal obligations that make a traditional full-time timeline difficult.
Academically, the curriculum is built around case-based, problem-based, and organ/systems-based learning - an integrated, applied approach rather than a traditional lecture-heavy model. Instruction is delivered entirely on-site with no distance learning component, and interviews are conducted in a traditional format requiring an in-person visit.
The minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA is 3.00, though matriculants have averaged a 3.75, so competitive applicants should expect the bar in practice to sit considerably higher. Prerequisites include human physiology, microbiology with a lab component, and statistics, each requiring at least three credits, and all coursework must have been completed within the past six years. The program requires 1,000 direct patient care hours; paid experience is recommended but not required. Healthcare experience beyond direct patient care is also required. The GRE is mandatory - the MCAT is explicitly not accepted. At least two letters of reference are needed, and out-of-state and international applicants are both eligible.
Total tuition runs $115,074 with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate distinction, and a seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance. The estimated incoming class size is 70 students.
An applicant should honestly assess whether their GPA sits competitive relative to the 3.75 matriculant average, whether their patient care hours reflect genuine clinical exposure, and whether the program's mission of serving underserved communities genuinely reflects their own professional intentions - because fit here is as much about values as credentials.