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Admissions

Application fee waivers are available! Contact Haley Ellison, the DPAS enrollment specialist for more information.

Admission Requirements 

The Doctor of PA Studies (DPAS) program is a post-professional program designed for practicing PAs.

  • Graduation from a PA training program accredited by an appropriate accrediting body.
  • Completion of 30 graduate health-related credits (even if you don't have a master's or other graduate-level degree).
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0) in all graduate-level coursework.
  • Completion of all sections of the program application.
  • Verification of English Language Proficiency is required unless the following apply:
    • the applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English,
    • the applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or
    • the applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.

Application Requirements

  • Complete the GradCAS application.
    • Summer 2024 (May) applicants start here.
    • Fall 2024 (August) applicants start here.
    • Spring 2025 (January) applicants start here. Application opens May 1.
  • Submit the GradCAS application fee of $50 (U.S.).
  • Upload two personal statements that address the following:
    • Please explain your reasons for pursuing a DPAS and how earning this degree will help you achieve your administrative, leadership and/or academic goal(s). Your coursework in the program will include the development of an improvement or implementation science project. Please discuss a possible project idea that is based in your place of practice (Maximum 2,500 characters).
    • Please discuss how any of your experiences, identities, and/or background will inform and/or support your journey through the DPAS program and as a leader in the PA profession (Maximum 2,500 characters).
  • Request two letters of recommendation through GradCAS: one from an educator or supervisor and one from a personal reference. Letters should address any or all of the following:
    • Applicant’s academic, clinical, and/or teaching ability
    • Leadership skills
    • Other characteristics that demonstrate the potential to succeed in a doctoral level program
  • Upload a résumé or curriculum vitae.
  • Transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended.
  • Submit a course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversation for all higher-level institutions attended outside the US. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), Inc.
  • All admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and/or credential evaluations to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

If applicable:

  • Request official English Language Proficiency test scores from one of the following options. Minimum scores accepted follow:
  • Unofficial scores may be provided via GradCAS (in addition to the official scores required).

Your application will be reviewed once it is complete.

Application Dates and Deadlines

All admission requirements must be completed by the application deadline of the term in which you are intending to enroll.

  • Summer Start (May)
    • Application Opens: September 18
    • Application Deadline Extended to April 22
  • Fall Start (August)
    • Application Opens: January 15
    • Application Deadline: July 15
  • Spring Start (January)
    • Application Opens: May 1
    • Application Deadline: December 1

Additional Information

Entrance exams, including the GRE General Test, are not required for admission into the DPAS program.

Tuition Costs

Click here to view current tuition costs

All of the figures below are estimated.

  • Tuition (per term): $6,732
  • Students who take a reduced courseload will pay the per credit rate: $480
  • Mandatory University Computing and Network Services Fee (per term): $175
  • Total Tuition and Mandatory Fee (per term): $6,907
  • Estimated Total Cost of Program (all tuition and fees for 3 terms): $20,721

Other University fees and costs may apply.

Financial Resources

  • Tuition Assistance: Many working clinicians and staff have access to tuition benefits through their place of employment. Check with your employer for information on existing tuition assistance programs.
  • Scholarships:
    • The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences offers multiple scholarship opportunities (DPAS students taking a full course load are “full-time students” by University standards, even though the program fits nicely into the schedule of a working PA).
    • We recommend the FastWeb scholarship search site for external scholarships.
  • Loans: The Federal government provides loan options for graduate students, even if they do not qualify for need-based financial aid. The Pitt Financial Aid Office works with two types of U.S. federal government loans:
    • Federal Direct Loans: This is generally the lowest cost loan available, for up to $20,500 every academic year. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, take at least six credits per semester and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify. Pitt’s school code for the FAFSA is 008815. We recommend checking out Frank’s FAFSA Application Platform to help.
    • Federal Graduate PLUS Loans: If you need to borrow more, then a Graduate PLUS loan can generally cover the remainder of your tuition. You will need to submit the application for the Federal Direct Loan prior to applying for the PLUS.
    • Private/Alternative Loans: If federal loans are unavailable or insufficient, you may want to explore private or alternative education loans. Unlike federal loans, private loans do not require a FAFSA to apply. Private loans are not based on need and approval is generally based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Some students may need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. Interest rates, grace periods, repayment options and fees are determined by the lender and can vary considerably from lender to lender; generally, they charge higher rates than Federal loans.