Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program

Medical University of South Carolina PA Program Mission Statement

The mission of the MUSC Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is to graduate highly competent physician assistants who are compassionate, demonstrate cultural humility, and are attuned to the primary health care needs of the people of South Carolina and beyond. They will be prepared to: Provide quality, evidence based, patient-centered health care as integral members of interdisciplinary health care teams Advocate for the physician assistant profession Help meet the health care needs of the larger community through education, research, and service

PA PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

• Accredited Status: Continuing Accreditation
• Campus Location: Charleston, South Carolina
• Degrees Offered: Masters
• Class Start Month: May
• Class Duration: 27 months
• Class Capacity:  97 (max approved entering class size)
• Seat Deposit: $500
• International Students: Accepted
• TOEFL: Not Required

TUITION

• Total cost with required fees: $63,553 (resident) · $116,156 (nonresident)
• Resident tuition: $57,918 (excludes program fees)
• Nonresident tuition: $108,689 (excludes program fees)

PANCE PASS RATE

• First-time PANCE pass rate: 95%
• Five year first-time PANCE pass rate: 87%

APPLICATION INFORMATION

• CASPA Participant: Yes
• Application Deadline: September
• Multiple Start Dates: January and May — January start: apply by August 1, 2026; May start: apply by September 1, 2026. Each cohort has its own CASPA deadline; confirm with the program.
• Supplemental Application: Supplemental Application Required
• CASPA Deadline Type: Verified 
  
• Fee: $80

GPA

• Overall GPA: 3.0
• Science GPA: 3.0
• Prereq GPA: 3.0
• Average Applicant GPA Accepted:
  • Overall: 3.74
  • Prerequisite: 3.79
• Prerequisite GPA: Minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites
• Prerequisite completion: must be completed within 10 year(s)
• Prerequisite Coursework: General Chemistry (8 cr); Organic Chemistry (3 cr, or Biochem); General Biology (4 cr); Anatomy (4 cr); Physiology (4 cr); Microbiology (4 cr); General Psychology (3 cr); Medical Terminology (1 cr); Statistics (3 cr) — must be completed within 10 years

EXPERIENCE

• Required Experience Hours (PCE/HCE): Recommended

SHADOWING

• PA Shadowing Recommended

EVALUATIONS

• Three references from a healthcare provider (PA, MD, NP), a science professor, and/or someone who saw the applicant interact with patients

GRE

• Not Required

CASPer

• CASPer Not Required
• For more information on CASPer click here

PA-CAT

• PA-CAT Not Required
• For more information on PA-CAT click here

PAEA Program Directory

• PAEA PA Program Directory Link