About the program
The University of the Pacific 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 Program at University of the Pacific is to provide students with an exceptional learning-centered educational experience that will produce highly qualified, compassionate healthcare professionals committed to life-long learning and leadership in their careers and communities."
On Campus Simulation Lab, Advanced Procedures Training, Point of Care Ultrasound, Medical Spanish Training, Leadership, Affiliated with DMSc Program, Robust Interprofessional Education, Nationally Recognized Experienced Faculty, Peer Mentorship Program, Strong PANCE Pass Rate
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. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
University of the Pacific offers an MPAS degree completed in 27 months, with the next cohort beginning January 2027. The program holds ARC-PA Continued accreditation, accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, and enrolls an incoming class of approximately 90 students, making it one of the larger cohorts applicants will encounter. There is no part-time option and no distance learning component, so candidates must commit to full-time, on-campus study in California.
The academic bar is moderately competitive. Matriculants carry an average overall GPA of 3.7 and science GPA of 3.6, though the program's stated minimums are 3.0 in both categories. Applicants need at least 1,000 direct patient care hours; paid experience is recommended but not required, and general healthcare experience is required separately. There is no time limit on prerequisite coursework, which offers some flexibility to non-traditional candidates. Prerequisites include eight credits of general chemistry with lab, six credits of general biology with lab, four credits of human anatomy with lab, four credits of human physiology, three credits of microbiology, and three credits of statistics.
The curriculum blends case-based, team-based, systems-based, and traditional instructional approaches, which reflects a practical, integrative design rather than a purely lecture-driven format. Distinctive training opportunities include a on-campus simulation lab, advanced procedures training, point-of-care ultrasound, and Medical Spanish training - features that directly address clinical skill-building and patient communication. The program also emphasizes leadership development, robust interprofessional education, and a peer mentorship structure. Faculty are described as nationally recognized and experienced, and the program maintains affiliation with a Doctor of Medical Science program for graduates considering advanced credentials.
The mission centers on producing compassionate, lifelong-learning healthcare professionals who take on leadership roles both clinically and within their communities, so applicants with demonstrated leadership or community engagement will find that background relevant here.
Total tuition is $141,666 with a $1,000 seat deposit; there are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students. The application deadline is August 1, 2026, and all applications are reviewed together after that deadline passes rather than on a rolling basis, meaning early submission does not confer a competitive advantage beyond ensuring completeness. A minimum of two letters of reference are required. Candidates who advance will complete an on-site interview that may include traditional one-on-one, panel, and group formats in the same process.
An applicant should assess fit here by weighing whether the January start, large cohort size, and on-site California commitment align with their timeline and circumstances, and whether the program's combination of simulation-heavy skills training, Medical Spanish, and leadership programming matches the type of clinician they intend to become.