Pennsylvania State University Academic Partnership

Pennsylvania College of Technology and Pennsylvania State University have established an academic partnership designed to support qualified Penn State students enrolled in the Biobehavioral Health Program seeking admission to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program. Through this agreement, Penn College reserves up to three seats annually for eligible Penn State students who meet all partnership and MSPAS admission requirements. Participation in this partnership does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and be selected through the MSPAS admissions process.

Beginning with the Fall 2028 MSPAS cohort, Penn College will reserve up to three seats each year for qualified Penn State students who:

• Complete a bachelor's degree at Penn State.
• Complete all MSPAS prerequisite coursework.
• Meet all partnership eligibility requirements.
• Submit a completed application through the required admissions process.
• Are selected by the MSPAS Selections Committee.

To be considered for a reserved partnership seat, applicants must:

• Earn a minimum science prerequisite GPA of 3.7.
•  Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.8.
• Achieve a minimum PA-CAT composite score of 521.
• Achieve a minimum Casper score of -1.0 or higher.
• Complete and document at least 500 hours of patient care experience and/or healthcare experience within the previous five years.
• Complete and document at least 16 shadowing hours within the previous five years with a practicing PA, NP, MD, or DO.
• Complete all MSPAS prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation.
• Complete a bachelor's degree from Penn State within the same calendar year MSPAS enrollment begins.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident (green card holder), or F-1 visa holder at the time of application submission.

Shadowing hours may be included within the required 500 healthcare experience hours. 

• Apply through CASPA or another application platform designated by Penn College.
• Meet all MSPAS admissions requirements in effect during the year of application.
• Submit all application materials by published deadlines.

• Application Opens: July 1
• Application Deadline: January 15
• Admissions Decisions Released: By March 1
• Program Start: Fall Semester

If more than three Penn State applicants satisfy all eligibility requirements, qualified applicants will be ranked using the following criteria:

• Science prerequisite GPA
• PA-CAT composite score
• Cumulative GPA
• Casper score

Applicants who meet the partnership requirements but are not awarded one of the reserved seats will automatically be considered within the regular MSPAS applicant pool. 

• Participation in this partnership does not guarantee admission.
• Applicants must satisfy all MSPAS admission requirements.
• Admissions requirements are subject to change.
• Students are evaluated using the admissions criteria in effect during the year they apply.