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Admissions Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • CASPA application with official transcripts submitted by September 1 deadline at 11:59 PM ET
  • Secondary Application Fee submitted once the application is verified
  • Evidence of U.S. Citizenship, permanent U.S. residence, or current DACA recipient and/or undocumented status
  • International applicants must comply with all Sam Houston State University requirements for international graduate students
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or equivalent, prior to matriculation
  • Completed prerequisite coursework by August 1st
  • Each prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of ≥3.0
  • Minimum cumulative science GPA of ≥3.0
  • Three letters of recommendation by September 1 deadline at 11:59 PM ET

 

 

No Entrance Exams Required. GRE, PA-CAT, MCAT, CASPER and similar exams are not required. If scores are reported in CASPA, they will not be considered during the review process.

Prerequisite Coursework

  • Completed with a letter or numerical grade August 1st
  • Grades of Pass (P) for 2020–2021 coursework will be accepted
  • No grades of pass or credit will be accepted for science courses
  • Minimum 15 SCH must be completed within the last 10 years
  • Science courses must be intended for science majors
  • International degrees must be evaluated by WES or equivalent by Sam Houston State University
  • AP/IB/CLEP and concurrent enrollment coursework documented on official transcript accepted
  • Community college and online/distance courses from regionally accredited institutions accepted

 

Course

SCH

Biology I *

3

Biology II *

3

Chemistry I

3

Chemistry II

3

Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry

3

Anatomy & Physiology I (Human Preferred) *

4

Anatomy & Physiology II (Human Preferred) *

4

Microbiology

3

Genetics

3

Statistics

3

Psychology (Normal or Abnormal)

3

 

* Biology I & II may be replaced with advanced biology coursework, subject to program approval. A combined Human A&P series with lab (two semesters / 8 semester credit hours) can fulfill the A&P I and II prerequisites.

In addition to academic and professional achievements, the following factors are considered during the review of all applications:

  • Highest degree attained (beyond bachelor's degree)
  • Course success, completion, and academic rigor, including overall GPA, science GPA, last 60 hours GPA, and prerequisite GPA
  • Healthcare professional licensure or certification
  • Effective communication, professionalism, and emotional intelligence
  • A clear and compelling motivation to become a physician assistant
  • Resilient self-reflection and a growth mindset
  • Health-related and/or direct patient care experience
  • Academic strengths in science and healthcare related coursework
  • Leadership service experience
  • Community engagement, particularly in underserved areas
  • Economically or educationally disadvantaged background and/or regional history of East Texas residency
  • Military service or veteran status
  • First Generation College Student status
  • Letters of reference and personal statement

The MPAS Program requires that all students be able to meet the program's Technical Standards for admission, progression, and graduation. These standards outline the physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities necessary to complete the program and enter PA practice.