Loading…

Address & Contact

Our Address

Mississippi College Box 4053 Clinton, MS 39058

GPS

32.337685964172294, -90.33056964447228

Telephone

601-925-7383

Email

[email protected]

Web

Email PA Program
← Find PA SchoolsProgram profile
PROGRAM PROFILE

Mississippi Christian University Physician Assistant Program

Clinton, Mississippi · Master of Science in Medicine (MSM)

Continued accreditation ↗On Campus ↗30 months ↗
Save schoolCheck my fitSee where you're competitive — Match AIProgram website
Application deadline Jan 15, 2027Must be CASPA-verified by this date — submit weeks earlier
Tuition $98,000Same for residents and nonresidents
Tuition + fees $106,005
Based on the current program table and the 2026-27 semester rate; fees may change.
Class size 42 studentsThe maximum class size is 42 starting with the May 2027 entering class; it was 36 before. ARC-PA's approval takes effect May 17, 2027.
Program length 30 monthsFull program
GRE requirement Required; minimum scores are Verbal 146, Quantitative 141, and Analytical Writing 2.5.The GRE General Test is required, with minimum scores of Verbal 146, Quantitative 141 and Analytical Writing 2.5 (school code 0598). Competitive scores are about V155, Q150 and AW 4.0. The program does not publish how old scores can be. The MCAT is not accepted. CASPer and PA-CAT are neither required nor waived, so check with the program about both.
Patient-care minimum No required minimumNo minimum; 1,000 direct hours recommended. No minimum patient-care hours are required for general admission. The program recommends at least six months, defined as 1,000 hours, of direct hands-on care before you start; paid or volunteer work is accepted. Report both direct and indirect experience. The 500-hour requirement for the separate PA Direct pathway does not apply to general admission.
Overall GPA minimum 3.00
Science GPA minimum 3.00
PANCE pass rate 100%First-time pass rateFive-year first-time: 98.8%
U.S. News PA rank #135 (tie)2025 PA edition · Peer-assessed reputation
YOUR PROFILE & THIS PROGRAM

Check my fit with this school

START HERE · FREE CHECK

Check three basics

Enter any GPA or patient care hours you know. We’ll compare them with this school’s published numbers. This is a starting point, not an eligibility decision.

The quick check needs JavaScript.

THE PROGRAM

A closer look

A full-time, on-campus, 30-month, 143-credit Master of Science in Medicine program in Clinton, with four continuous classroom semesters followed by a 66-credit clinical phase.

143-credit standard curriculum77-credit, four-semester classroom (preclinical) phaseEight core and elective clinical practicums plus an advanced clerkshipTeam-based, problem-based, simulation and supervised clinical learning

Mission & approach

Educate students through academic excellence and the integration of faith and learning to serve as compassionate healthcare-team members providing high-quality care in Mississippi and nationally, with emphasis on underserved populations.

Mississippi College campus, home of the Physician Assistant program
Program campus
BEYOND THE NUMBERS

Admissions insights

What this program looks for in applicants

Holistic review considers academics, BCP quality points, direct and indirect patient-care quality and quantity, GRE, recommendations, mission-aligned essay, honors, awards, community service, prior work and MMI performance. Strong direct care and higher GPAs/GRE scores improve competitiveness.

Summarized from the program’s admissions information. Confirm current selection criteria with the program.

Program admissions information

How this program interviews

On campusMultiple Mini Interview

A required on-site MMI (multiple mini interview); the program uses MMI scores in selection.

Source checked Sep 13, 2026. Interview formats and dates can change between cycles.

Program interview information
YOUR STARTING POINT

Admissions & prerequisites

Admission requirements

Overall GPA3.00 minimum
Science GPA3.00 minimum GPA in biology, chemistry, and physics (BCP (biology, chemistry, physics)).
Patient careNo minimum; 1,000 direct hours recommendedNo minimum patient-care hours are required for general admission. The program recommends at least six months, defined as 1,000 hours, of direct hands-on care before you start; paid or volunteer work is accepted. Report both direct and indirect experience. The 500-hour requirement for the separate PA Direct pathway does not apply to general admission.
GRERequired; minimum scores are Verbal 146, Quantitative 141, and Analytical Writing 2.5.The GRE General Test is required, with minimum scores of Verbal 146, Quantitative 141 and Analytical Writing 2.5 (school code 0598). Competitive scores are about V155, Q150 and AW 4.0. The program does not publish how old scores can be. The MCAT is not accepted. CASPer and PA-CAT are neither required nor waived, so check with the program about both.
Other testsThe MCAT is not accepted. Check with the program about CASPer and PA-CAT.The GRE General Test is required, with minimum scores of Verbal 146, Quantitative 141 and Analytical Writing 2.5 (school code 0598). Competitive scores are about V155, Q150 and AW 4.0. The program does not publish how old scores can be. The MCAT is not accepted. CASPer and PA-CAT are neither required nor waived, so check with the program about both.
Recommendations3 letters; one must be from a healthcare provider. A letter from a PA is not required.Three references are required, and at least one must be a healthcare provider who knows you personally. The program's FAQ recommends a physician clinical supervisor and another health professional but does not require a PA letter. Academic references are accepted with less weight. Relatives, friends and character references are not accepted.
ApplicationCASPA-verified by January 15, 2027; rolling reviewThe 2026-27 CASPA cycle opened April 30, 2026. For May 2027 entry, your application must be CASPA-verified by January 15, 2027 (the Green deadline). The program reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Supplemental and feesNo supplemental application; no separate program fee publishedCASPA service fees are $185 for the first program and $65 for each additional program. No supplemental fee is published.
International eligibilityAccepted with conditions. Whether DACA applicants have exceptions is not published.International applicants are accepted with conditions. Foreign bachelor's or graduate degrees may be accepted with CASPA-approved verification, but all prerequisites must come from a U.S.-accredited institution. DACA applicants are reported to be considered with exceptions, but those exceptions and the rules for permanent residents are not published. The university provides I-20/F-1 processing after admission and financial verification; the PA program does not separately guarantee visa sponsorship or eligibility for clinical placements.
English proficiencyConditional: international and non-native English speakers need a TOEFL iBT score of at least 79 (paper 600, computer 250).The PA program requires the TOEFL for international non-U.S. citizens and applicants whose second language is English, with minimums of 79 internet-based, 250 computer-based or 600 paper-based. University graduate policy depends on your first language and also lists TOEFL 79 (old scale) or 4 (new scale), IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, iTEP 3.7, Duolingo 110, OTE 120 and IGCSE thresholds, plus a country-based waiver you may qualify for. The PA pages do not list these alternatives, so check with the program. No section minimums or score-age limit are published.
InterviewOn-site MMI (multiple mini interview) required.An on-site multiple mini interview (MMI) is required, and the program lists MMI performance as a selection factor.
Seat deposit$1,000, nonrefundable.

Prerequisite coursework

semester credits

Review each course, its lab, and the program’s policies. Your links are planning records; the program decides equivalency.

CourseCreditsLabMin grade
Human Anatomy
Course notes & alternatives

Part of 8-credit A&P sequence; within 10 years.

4semester creditsRequiredC
Human Physiology
Course notes & alternatives

Part of 8-credit A&P sequence; within 10 years.

4semester creditsRequiredC
Microbiology
Course notes & alternatives

Entry-level course for pre-med or science majors; within 10 years.

4semester creditsRequiredC
General Chemistry
Course notes & alternatives

Complete the science-major sequence with labs; within 10 years.

8semester creditsRequiredC
Organic Chemistry
Course notes & alternatives

With lab; within 10 years.

4semester creditsRequiredC
Statistics
Course notes & alternatives

Must include statistical tests and analysis; only prerequisite allowed online.

3semester creditsNot requiredC

Policies that can change your plan

How experience hours are classified
No minimum patient-care hours are required for general admission. The program recommends at least six months, defined as 1,000 hours, of direct hands-on care before you start; paid or volunteer work is accepted. Report both direct and indirect experience. The 500-hour requirement for the separate PA Direct pathway does not apply to general admission.
GRE and other tests
The GRE General Test is required, with minimum scores of Verbal 146, Quantitative 141 and Analytical Writing 2.5 (school code 0598). Competitive scores are about V155, Q150 and AW 4.0. The program does not publish how old scores can be. The MCAT is not accepted. CASPer and PA-CAT are neither required nor waived, so check with the program about both.
Recommendations
Three references are required, and at least one must be a healthcare provider who knows you personally. The program's FAQ recommends a physician clinical supervisor and another health professional but does not require a PA letter. Academic references are accepted with less weight. Relatives, friends and character references are not accepted.
Prerequisite requirements
Required coursework must be from a U.S.-accredited institution, completed with a C or better within 10 years: Anatomy and Physiology sequence with labs (8 credits), Microbiology with lab (4), General Chemistry sequence with labs (8), Organic Chemistry with lab (4) and Statistics (3). Only Statistics may be taken online. CLEP and other credit by exam are not accepted. Up to two courses, not counting labs, may remain at application, and all must be complete by matriculation. Medical terminology, Biochemistry and certain advanced sciences and Psychology are recommended, not required.
International eligibility
International applicants are accepted with conditions. Foreign bachelor's or graduate degrees may be accepted with CASPA-approved verification, but all prerequisites must come from a U.S.-accredited institution. DACA applicants are reported to be considered with exceptions, but those exceptions and the rules for permanent residents are not published. The university provides I-20/F-1 processing after admission and financial verification; the PA program does not separately guarantee visa sponsorship or eligibility for clinical placements.
English proficiency
The PA program requires the TOEFL for international non-U.S. citizens and applicants whose second language is English, with minimums of 79 internet-based, 250 computer-based or 600 paper-based. University graduate policy depends on your first language and also lists TOEFL 79 (old scale) or 4 (new scale), IELTS 6.0, PTE 52, iTEP 3.7, Duolingo 110, OTE 120 and IGCSE thresholds, plus a country-based waiver you may qualify for. The PA pages do not list these alternatives, so check with the program. No section minimums or score-age limit are published.
Cost scope
The program lists tuition of $98,000 plus required fees of $8,005, or $106,005 for the 30-month program, at one rate regardless of residency. Estimated living and other costs run from $41,326 to $62,326, which brings the total cost of attendance to between $147,331 and $168,331. Another national listing shows a different tuition of $110,070. Fees and living costs may change. The $1,000 seat deposit is nonrefundable and is not added to tuition because the program does not say whether it is credited.
Outcomes
First-time PANCE pass rate: 31 of 31 (100%) in 2025, and 159 of 161 (98.8%) across 2021–2025 (28/30, 34/34, 32/32, 34/34 and 31/31). The Class of 2024 entered 40 and graduated 34, which is 15% attrition and 85% graduation. That attrition triggered a required report to ARC-PA, which accepted it in January 2026 and requested no further information.
Advanced standing and transfer
No transfer admission or advanced placement.
Part-time and delivery
No part-time or distance-learning option.

Required coursework must be from a U.S.-accredited institution, completed with a C or better within 10 years: Anatomy and Physiology sequence with labs (8 credits), Microbiology with lab (4), General Chemistry sequence with labs (8), Organic Chemistry with lab (4) and Statistics (3). Only Statistics may be taken online. CLEP and other credit by exam are not accepted. Up to two courses, not counting labs, may remain at application, and all must be complete by matriculation. Medical terminology, Biochemistry and certain advanced sciences and Psychology are recommended, not required.

When courses must be complete: No more than two prerequisite courses, excluding labs, may remain at application; every prerequisite must be complete before May matriculation.

MCU PA admissions Checked 2026-09-13
BUILD YOUR TIMELINE

Dates & application steps

2026-27 CASPA cycle opensApr 30, 2026 · Passed

Official CASPA cycle opening date.

Published date
CASPA verification deadlineJan 15, 2027

The 2026-27 CASPA cycle opened April 30, 2026. For May 2027 entry, your application must be CASPA-verified by January 15, 2027 (the Green deadline). The program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Published date
Entering class startsMay 2027

The program says the class starts in May; the exact day is not published.

Month-only dates stay month-only.
THE FINANCIAL PICTURE

Know what the total includes

Published cost estimate

Based on the current program table and the 2026-27 semester rate; fees may change.
Resident tuitionConfirm with program
Nonresident tuitionConfirm with program
Required program fees$8,005
Tuition + required feesAttendance estimates shown below
$106,005

Tuition is $98,000 plus required fees of $8,005, for $106,005 over the 30-month program, with one rate regardless of residency. Estimated living and other costs run from $41,326 to $62,326, so the total cost of attendance is between $147,331 and $168,331. Fees and costs may change.

Estimated cost of attendance

Program total plus the low estimate for living and other costs$147,331
Program total plus the maximum estimate for living and other costs$168,331

Each is a full published estimate including tuition and fees above. Do not add the two totals together.

See additional expenses & assumptions
Tuition$98,000
Clinical skills/simulation fee$800
Clinical phase fee$1,360
Graduation fee$170
General registration fee$5,675
Required tuition and fees$106,005
Maximum estimated living and other costs$62,326
Maximum estimated total cost of attendance$168,331

One rate applies regardless of residency. Each required fee is counted once. Living and other costs are estimates, separate from billed tuition and fees. The seat deposit is not added.

HOW YOU’LL LEARN

Curriculum & clinical training

01Preclinical

Four continuous semesters / 77 credits

Advanced science, clinical medicine, diagnostics, pharmacology, professional development, behavioral and community medicine, and evidence-based medicine.

02Clinical

66 credits

Eight five-credit practicums, a 14-credit advanced clerkship, advanced professional seminars and evidence-based medicine.

The standard track totals 143 credits (77 plus 66). Deceleration or remediation can add coursework and means a longer program.

MCU PA curriculum and mission Checked 2026-09-13
WHO STUDIES HERE

The admitted class

Matriculants reported in the national PAEA directory (updated March 16, 2026); the cohort year is not published.

Published class statistics
Overall GPA3.69
Science GPA3.59
Patient-care hoursNot recorded
Compare published cohorts
ClassPublished GPAPublished science-related GPAPublished experience hours
Matriculants reported in the national PAEA directory (updated March 16, 2026); the cohort year is not published.3.693.59Not recorded

The reported entering class had 36 matriculants (29 women and 7 men), a 3.69 overall GPA, a 3.59 science GPA and GRE averages of V153, Q150 and AW 3.94. The cohort year is not given, and the acceptance rate and average experience hours are not published. The maximum class size becomes 42 in May 2027, so 36 is not the class size for the new cycle.

Published class statistics describe the named cohort or population. They are not admission minimums or acceptance probabilities.

OUTCOMES & OVERSIGHT

The program’s track record

Graduate outcomes

PANCE pass rates

See first-time program performance with clearly dated national context.

  • First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%

NCCPA report generated March 16, 2026: 2025 first-time result is 31/31 = 100%. Across 2021-2025, first-time results are 28/30, 34/34, 32/32, 34/34 and 31/31: 159/161 = 98.7578%, displayed as 98.8%. All-taker 161/164 exam attempts is a different measure and is not substituted. The home-page 98% summary is retained as rounded/older context.

  • Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate: 98.8%

Graduation & attrition

2024 graduating cohort

Published attrition15%
Entering students40
Graduates34

The Class of 2024 entered 40 and graduated 34, which is 15% attrition and 85% graduation. That cohort triggered the report ARC-PA requires at 10.9% attrition or higher; in January 2026 ARC-PA accepted the report and requested no further information.

Accreditation history

Continued
First accreditedMarch 4, 2011
Next reviewJuly 2034
  1. March 2011Initial Accreditation-Provisional

    First accredited by ARC-PA.

  2. March 2024Accreditation-Continued

    ARC-PA's current listing shows the next comprehensive review in July 2034.

  3. January 2026Class-size increase and attrition report accepted

    ARC-PA approved 42 students effective May 17, 2027 and accepted the 2024 attrition report with no further information requested.

ARC-PA status: Accreditation-Continued. First accredited March 2011; next review July 2034 (the program's FAQ says March 2034, but ARC-PA's current listing is the one that counts). ARC-PA approved a class-size increase from 36 to 42, effective May 17, 2027.

ARC-PA currently accredited programs — sponsoring-institution directory Checked 2026-09-26
NCCPA exam performance report hosted by MCU Checked 2026-09-13
CHECK THE EVIDENCE

Sources you can open

Links to the program’s own pages and the official directories we use.

About the U.S. News rank

The U.S. News PA rank uses the 2025 PA edition, matched to the listed program and campus. It reflects peer-assessed reputation, not admissions odds or a personal fit score. Programs without a separate entry are labeled “Unranked.”

YOUR NEXT STEP

How competitive are you for this program?

Match AI compares your full profile with this program and every other one, then sorts your list into Reach, Target and Safety.

See where I’m competitive →Plan deadlines, budget and essays in your free planner →
PA School Finder × My PA School PlannerOne program record. One application plan.