About the program
The University of Pittsburgh 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 Physician Assistant Studies Program is to develop highly qualified Physician Assistants who will serve as collaborative leaders in patient care, professional service and advocacy for all populations."
PASPDI/PASS student organizations, PA students are given the opportunity to present scholarly posters at the Pennsylvania State Physician Assistant annual conference. Well established, long-standing department: DPAS, MS Hybrid program, and residential MS program faculty and students collaborate.
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.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
This 24-month, residential Master of Science program at the University of Pittsburgh holds Continued ARC-PA accreditation and admits a class of approximately 60 students each January, with the next cohort beginning January 2027. The application deadline is August 1, 2026, and all applications are reviewed together once that deadline passes, so there is no advantage to applying early beyond having a complete file ready.
The program's mission centers on developing PAs who function as collaborative leaders across patient care, professional service, and advocacy for all populations - language that signals an expectation of engagement beyond clinical competency alone. The curriculum blends case-based, problem-based, organ- and systems-based, and team-based approaches, with early clinical exposure built in, reflecting a hybrid instructional model. Students from this residential program share faculty and collaborate with the department's other degree pathways, providing access to a well-established departmental infrastructure. A notable professional development opportunity is the chance to present scholarly posters at the Pennsylvania State Physician Assistant annual conference, and students have access to the PASPDI and PASS student organizations.
Competitive matriculants carry both an overall and science GPA of 3.5, though the program's floor is 3.0 across overall, science, and prerequisite coursework. There is no time limit on prerequisite completion. Required science coursework includes eight credits each of general chemistry and general biology (both with labs), four credits each of human anatomy and human physiology (both with labs), three credits of microbiology with lab, and three credits of statistics. Healthcare experience is required for admission; paid direct patient care is recommended but not mandatory, which gives applicants with volunteer or non-paid clinical hours a viable path.
The interview process involves group interviews, Multiple Mini Interviews, and a scenario room format - none of which require on-site attendance, as remote participation is accepted. A minimum of three letters of reference are required. The program accepts both out-of-state and international applicants but offers no distance learning or part-time enrollment options. Tuition is assessed at separate in-state and out-of-state rates, and a $1,000 seat deposit is required upon acceptance.
An applicant should honestly assess whether their healthcare experience - regardless of whether it was paid - demonstrates the depth of patient exposure Pitt expects, and whether their academic record and interest in collaborative, multi-method learning align with what this program's structure and mission actually reward.