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Two concentrations are available to students based on experience and educational background.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION

This concentration broadens the student’s understanding of curriculum development and delivery, adult learning theory, and assessment and evaluation in PA education.

POPULATION AND WHOLE PERSON HEALTH

This concentration broadens the student’s understanding of societal health issues, population health, environmental health, and public health emergency preparedness and disaster response.

16200 Amber Valley Drive Whittier, CA 90604

Online Convenience

The 100% online program allows students to study from anywhere and balance their professional duties. Students can finish in as little as 12 months with both part-time and full-time options. The curriculum, tailored for full-time working PAs, requires 11 hours of commitment per week for coursework and study.

Elevate Your Physician Assistant (PA) career with a Doctor of Medical Science Degree (DMSc)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Specializations

Sports Medicine
Tactical Sports Medicine
Eastern Medicine
Integrative Health Promotion
Business
Functional Medicine

Specialized Concentrations

Students have the opportunity to choose from two distinct concentrations - Health Professions Education and Society and Population Health. This allows individuals to tailor their learning experience based on their background, interests, and career goals.

Practitioner Faculty

All courses are taught by doctoral-trained PAs, physicians, and other healthcare professionals with extensive experience in academia and clinical practice, providing students with a rich learning experience from experts in the field.

Integrative Whole Person Health Approach

SCU is the only DMSc program that provides students with a foundation of integrative whole-person health aligned with healthcare systems leadership and management within an integrative whole-person health model.

DMSc Concentrations

"We're entering a transformative era in healthcare with the adoption of the Whole Person Health model to enhance patient-centered outcomes. The number of PA programs has doubled in 15 years, signifying a need for more PAs in leadership across various sectors. Our unique Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program emphasizes integrative whole-person health, preparing PAs for leadership in interprofessional healthcare teams. The program is fully online, designed for working professionals. Join us to become an effective leader and improve patient outcomes."

Deanna Oliver, DMSc, MSPA, PA-C

Program Director, Doctor of Medical Science

Meet the Program Director

Does SCU offer Financial Aid or Scholarships?

How long is the program and do I need a Master's?

What are career options for a Doctor of Medical Science?

What are the Admission Requirements?

Yes, the DMSc program qualifies for federal financial aid support.
To reward ongoing preceptorship and encourage PAs currently not precepting, SCU offers a 15% tuition discount to DMSc students who commit to routinely precepting SCU MSPA students.

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program spans a manageable 12 months full-time. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive education without feeling overly extensive, ensuring a balanced learning experience.
The master’s equivalency pathway provides an opportunity for U.S. licensed PAs with a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission to the SCU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program.

Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited (or equivalent accrediting body) physician assistant (PA) program from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent degree as determined by the Program Director).
Proof of current or previous licensure and/or certification as a Physician Assistant.
A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale*.
GRE is not required.

DMSc is a doctoral degree for Physician Assistants. Upon completion, graduates will have the training and credentials to pursue opportunities for career progression in a variety of roles including, but not limited to: Influencing healthcare systems policy and advocate for the future of the PA profession, conducting and publishing peer-reviewed research, leading healthcare professions/PA education, and using training and credentials to pursue career opportunities in medical affairs.

Invest in Your Future While Fulfilling Your CME Requirements

This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 165 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Approval is valid from 1/6/2025 to 1/5/2026. AAPA reference number: CME-2012315