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

Admissions Information

We're here to help on your way to your doctorate degree! Learn about the admissions process and contact your admissions counselor.

Request Info     How to Apply

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 for the physician assistant who graduated from the Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies or the OHSU Physician Assistant program within the past two years. 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.

Contact Us

ADMISSIONS

Emily Josi | Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions and Marketing
503-352-7219 | emcdaniel@pacificu.edu

GENERAL INFORMATION

Amber Vanzant, MAT | Program Administrator
School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership
Phone 503-352-7369 | Fax 503-352-7290 | amber.vanzant@pacificu.edu

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Katie Bell, EdD, RDH | Director | School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership
Director and Professor | Doctor of Science Program
Associate Dean | Interprofessional Education
Director | Program of Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (PIPER)
Director | Pacific Interprofessional Clinic
Phone 503-352-7359 | Fax 503-352-7290 | kathryn.bell@pacificu.edu