Physician Assistant Studies
Prepare to Lead in Patient-Centered Care
*This proposed degree program is pending action from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Sam Houston State University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program* offers a 28-month journey combining rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical training. Students build strong foundations in medical science and patient care through pre-clinical study and diverse clinical rotations in Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and more.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain real-world experience, conduct a research project, and prepare for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). SHSU’s MPAS program equips future healthcare professionals to serve with knowledge, skill, and compassion—ready to make an impact in communities across Texas and beyond.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at Sam Houston State University promotes a team-based, student-centered curriculum that encourages personal growth, lifelong learning, and community engagement, advancing future physician assistants who are capable of distinction in caring for the underserved and marginalized populations of Texas and beyond.Program ARC-PA accreditation Status
Sam Houston State University has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Sam Houston State University anticipates matriculating its first class in August 2026, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the April 2026 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website. Entry Level Accredited Programs
Program Purpose Statement of Admissions
The purpose of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at Sam Houston State University is to develop skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals who are equipped with the clinical expertise, interpersonal skills, and cultural competencies necessary to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse medical settings.
Contact Us
Physician Assistant StudiesÂ
Physician Assistant Studies
The Woodlands Center, Suite 312
3380 College Park Dr.
The Woodlands, TX 77384
Athletic Training
Athletic Training
Lee Drain Building, Suite 107
1900 Ave I
Huntsville, TX 77341