Marshall University's 28-month Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant program in Huntington accepts applications through CASPA. Admission requires Casper and a GRE or qualifying MCAT score. The program considers academics, experience, recommendations, a personal statement and interviews.
- Program
- Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant
- Credential
- MMS
- Location
- Huntington, West Virginia, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP-20100
- Next deadline
- October 1, 2026 (CASPA verification deadline)
- Seats
- Maximum class size: 30
- Length
- 28 months
Casper Requirement for Marshall University Physician Assistant
Marshall University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2 · CSP-20100
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- CASPA ID
- Other Acuity assessments
- Duet (not required)
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper is required; Duet is not. Casper results are valid for one admissions cycle. The application is incomplete until Casper scores are received.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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Marshall University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- April 30, 2026
- Application fee
- CASPA: $185 for the first program and $65 for each additional program; eligible applicants may seek a CASPA fee waiver before submitting.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Marshall graduates' guaranteed-interview eligibility deadline (CASPA submission and verification; minimum requirements apply) | September 1, 2026passed |
| Last Casper test date | September 27, 2026passed |
| CASPA verification deadline | October 1, 2026upcoming |
CASPA applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once verified. Marshall also requires three recommendations, Casper scores and official entrance-exam scores before review. CASPA offers limited fee waivers to eligible applicants.
Marshall University Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Class of 2028, entered January 2026
- Seats / class size: Maximum class size: 30
- Average GPA: Overall 3.64; science 3.52; prerequisite 3.60
- Average test score: Average GRE quantitative: 20th percentile; verbal: 38th percentile
Eligibility Requirements for Marshall University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from an accepted accredited U.S. institution; no particular major is required.
- Citizenship
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident visas.
Applicants completing a degree or prerequisites may receive preliminary admission, subject to completion before entry and an official transcript.
Other requirements
- Technical Standards: Invited applicants must certify before interview that they understand and can meet the standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Computer skills: Applicants need basic email and web-search skills.
- Recommendations: Submit three through CASPA; at least one from a PA or other medical clinician is highly recommended. Family and friends should not serve as recommenders.
Selection Factors Marshall University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry with lab | 8 semester credits |
| Statistics | 3 semester credits |
| Human Anatomy with lab | 4 semester credits |
| Human Physiology | 3 semester credits |
| Organic Chemistry I with lab or Biochemistry | 4 or 3 semester credits, respectively |
| Microbiology with lab | 3 semester credits |
| Medical Terminology | One semester; 1-3 credits |
| Psychology | 3 semester credits |
| College Algebra | 3 semester credits College-level precalculus, calculus or physics may substitute. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA calculates overall and science GPAs; Marshall calculates prerequisite-course GPA.
- Minimum
- 3.0 overall and 3.0 science GPA, calculated by CASPA, plus 3.0 prerequisite-course GPA, calculated by Marshall's PA program; each uses a 4.0 scale.
- Competitive
- Preference is given to applicants with higher GPAs.
Prerequisites should be completed within 10 years, for letter grades of C or better; C-, pass/fail, AP, IB and CLEP credit do not satisfy them. Two semesters of anatomy and physiology with labs, totaling eight credits, can replace separate anatomy and physiology courses. In-person and virtual labs are accepted.
Admissions tests
- GRE (one of several accepted): Submit official GRE scores, or substitute MCAT scores. Scores must be less than five years old when applying. No minimum score; preference is given to applicants in the higher 50%. GRE CASPA code: 4752.
- MCAT (one of several accepted): May substitute for the GRE if taken less than five years before application; submit official scores through CASPA.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
PA shadowing and patient-care experience are highly recommended, not required; applicants with either may receive preference. No reporting form or minimum hours are required.
Supplementary application
Submit a CASPA personal statement, official transcripts from every higher-education institution attended, and three recommendations. An interviewee who accepts an invitation must complete Marshall's supplemental application and questionnaire by the interview. CASPA's Life Experiences Essay is not required.
How applicants are ranked
Rolling review uses an objective rubric for interview decisions. Evaluation considers academics, Casper, recommendations, entrance exam, personal statement and interview; West Virginia residents receive additional rubric points. Offers are sent within 30 days of interview.
Interview Format at Marshall University
Invitations and outcomes are sent by email. Invited applicants receive an interview date and must complete a supplemental application and questionnaire and sign the Technical Standards document.
- Who is invited
- Applicants selected by rubric; qualifying Marshall graduates whose CASPA applications met the stated early deadline receive an interview.
- When
- Interviews begin June 2026; offers are sent within 30 days of interview.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Marshall University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 28 months
- Structure
Four didactic semesters followed by one clinical year; 122 total credits.
- Campuses
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
The curriculum leads to a Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant degree. Students master evaluating, diagnosing, and managing patients across primary and specialty care settings. Longitudinal elements build competency in diverse patient populations, aligning with accreditation standards. Clinical rotations occur at affiliated sites through the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, emphasizing hands-on experience in underserved communities.
Campus and facilities
Located in Huntington, West Virginia, the program operates from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine campus. Facilities support PA education through integrated medical school resources, including simulation labs and clinical partnerships.
Tuition and Funding at Marshall University
- 2026-2027 WV resident tuition and fees per semester: $10,854
- 2026-2027 nonresident tuition and fees per semester: $15,794
- WV resident, seven semesters: $75,978
- Nonresident, seven semesters: $110,558
Published tuition and fees are subject to annual change. Estimated seven-semester total cost of attendance, including living and other expenses, is $184,113 for WV residents and $218,693 for nonresidents.
Marshall University's Mission and Values
The program aims to train physician assistants capable of practicing in primary and specialty care across the lifespan, serving patients in culturally diverse settings.
This program will prepare students to practice as physician assistants in primary and specialty care across the lifespan, to patients in culturally diverse and underserved communities.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a focus on clinical readiness, with program competencies emphasizing evaluation, diagnosis, and management skills essential for entry-level practice. Students report a focused learning environment geared toward practical training.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Marshall University Physician Assistant Application
- Complete prerequisites and check all three GPA minimums.
- Arrange three recommendations, transcripts, a personal statement and an official GRE or qualifying MCAT score.
- Book United States Casper 2 early enough for scores to reach Marshall.
- Describe PA shadowing or patient-care experience in CASPA if applicable.
- If invited, complete Marshall's supplemental application and questionnaire and certify the Technical Standards before interview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marshall University Physician Assistant
Is Casper required for Marshall University PA Program admissions?
Yes. Book United States Casper 2 (CSP-20100). Duet is not required.
What is the minimum GPA for Marshall University Physician Assistant Program?
Minimums are 3.0 overall, 3.0 science and 3.0 prerequisite-course GPA. CASPA calculates the first two; Marshall calculates the third.
Does Marshall University PA Program require GRE or MCAT?
Submit a GRE score or substitute an MCAT score. Scores must be less than five years old; there is no minimum score.
What is the interview format at Marshall University Physician Assistant Program?
Marshall emails interview invitations; invited applicants complete a supplemental application and questionnaire and certify Technical Standards. A specific interview format is not stated.
What are Marshall University PA Program tuition costs?
Seven-semester tuition and fees total $75,978 for WV residents or $110,558 for nonresidents.
Can international students apply to Marshall University Physician Assistant Program?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident visas and have a bachelor's degree from an accepted accredited U.S. institution.
What is the application deadline for Marshall University PA?
Check the application deadlines above for CASPA verification and the last stated Casper test date.
Sources
- Marshall Prospective Students
- Marshall Frequently Asked Questions
- Marshall Class Profile
- Marshall Tuition & Fees
- CASPA Application Cycle Dates
- CASPA Fees and Fee Waivers
Last updated: September 26, 2026