Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree was developed specifically for the physician assistant and focuses on real-life application of healthcare science principles. 

The four-semester Doctor of Medical Science program is for the physician assistant who is certified and actively practicing and follows the same curriculum as the Doctor of Health Science program.

The one-semester Doctor of Medical Science program is designed for recent graduates from U.S. ARC-PA accredited physician assistant programs.  Applicants may apply for admission to the one-semester DMSc program within 24 months of graduation from their PA program (example: for 2023-2024, the graduating classes of 2022 and 2023 are eligible for the program). Eligibility approval procedures include (but are not limited to) a curriculum review by the DMSc program director, and confirmation that the PA program completed by the applicant was ARC-PA accredited and in good standing at the time of attendance. The program adds one semester after completion of PA education. Physician assistant graduates who are applying to the one-semester program do not need to be currently working.

Students in the one-semester DMSc program will utilize their learning across courses in the semester to develop a scholarly paper that addresses a diversity, equity, and inclusion topic. The scholarly project will include an extensive review of literature and a proposal for how to integrate change into the workplace. Students will also focus on the application of evidence-based decision-making to address problems in healthcare practice and administration. Throughout the program students will reflect on the role of healthcare leaders as change agents for social justice. 

Online Curriculum

The Doctor of Medical Science degree will be delivered in an online manner (100% online). The curriculum will be presented primarily asynchronously on the Moodle® learning management system. Synchronous sessions will facilitate collaborative learning and discussion of content. Students will participate in 12 credits for the one semester.

Accreditation

The DMSc program is accredited as part of Pacific University’s institutional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and subject to review by Pacific University’s Graduate Council.