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Pepperdine University
Physician Assistant students reviewing medical chart

Welcome to the School of Physician Assistant Studies

Physician Assistant Studies Programs

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program is designed to develop highly skilled, compassionate, and caring physician assistants (PAs) who will positively influence the medical profession, transform health care systems, and impact communities. The MSPAS curriculum uses an organ-system based approach that is built around foundational biomedical sciences that are interwoven with clinical reasoning, diagnostic methods, and patient care skills. Courses progress systematically from system-specific content into more complex multisystem applications that culminate in readiness for clinical practice through skills assessments and evidence-based training.

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Accreditation Statement

Pepperdine University, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The MSPAS program anticipates matriculating its first class in September 2027 pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the April 2027 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.

If the MSPAS program does not achieve Accreditation - Provisional status, the program will not commence, and students will not matriculate. Accepted students will be refunded for any deposits or tuition paid. Application fees are not refundable.

The MSPAS program at Pepperdine University has been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).