Oakland University’s Master of Physician Assistant Science prepares students for entry into the PA profession through a full-time, experience-based education. Students develop clinical reasoning through classroom study, skills labs and patient simulation at Oakland West Center in Auburn Hills. The curriculum combines didactic study, clinical rotations and research experiences. The program emphasizes evidence-based medicine, compassionate care and collaboration across health care teams.
- Program
- Oakland University Master of Physician Assistant Science
- Credential
- MPAS
- Location
- Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Interview
- Interview
- Length
- 28 months, full time, year-round
Casper Requirement for Oakland University Physician Assistant
Oakland University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- Casper Situational Judgment Assessment
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
All applicants must complete Casper, and the score contributes to the application ranking. The program page does not specify a test code or accepted test languages.
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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Oakland University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- April 30, 2026
- Application fee
- $100 nonrefundable Oakland University supplemental fee
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Submitted and CASPA-verified application | August 1, 2026passed |
| Supplemental application fee payment | August 15, 2026passed |
The published cycle is closed to new applications; the program has not published a subsequent cycle on its admissions page. The Graduate School emails payment instructions after CASPA verification; neither step can be omitted.
Eligibility Requirements for Oakland University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution by CASPA submission; holders of degrees earned outside the U.S. must follow graduate international-admission policies and submit an evaluation from a current NACES member.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency under Oakland University requirements.
Other requirements
- Technical standards: Applicants and students must meet the program’s published technical standards
- Pre-matriculation clearances: Health screening, immunization verification, drug screening, criminal background check and fingerprinting; applicant pays associated costs
- Immunizations: Required for enrolled students; documented medical exemptions may be considered, but religious exemptions are not permitted
Selection Factors Oakland University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy with Lab | In-person lab; online lab accepted only for 2020-2021 coursework Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Human Physiology | Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| English Composition | AP accepted. Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Statistics | AP accepted. Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry | Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Medical Terminology | Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Microbiology | Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Developmental Psychology | Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
| Nutrition | Must be complete before applying, with at least 3.0, within 10 years of the deadline. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA-calculated overall and prerequisite GPAs; AP credit is not included in CASPA GPA calculations.
- Minimum
- 3.0 cumulative and 3.0 prerequisite GPA on a 4.0 scale
Admissions tests
- GRE (not required): Scores not considered
- MCAT (not required): Scores not considered
- PA-CAT (not required): Scores not considered
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
At least 500 hours of paid direct patient care in the U.S., completed within four years before submission. Also complete at least 16 hours of dedicated, in-person observation with two PAs; virtual, workplace and non-PA shadowing do not count. Document each PA’s name, credentials and observed duties.
How applicants are ranked
The admissions committee ranks verified applications with a point-based rubric covering undergraduate and prerequisite GPAs, shadowing, Casper and direct patient-care experience. Final offers combine application-rank and interview scores. Equally qualified applicants receive preference for specified underserved-area residence, economic disadvantage, first-generation status or veteran/active-reserve service.
Interview Format at Oakland University
Format: Interview
In-person interview with admissions committee members assessing PA-profession understanding, academic readiness, professionalism, communication, ethical judgment, leadership and service; interview structure is not specified.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Oakland University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 28 months, full time, year-round
- Structure
100 credits, with 16 months of didactic study followed by 12 months of clinical training
- Campuses
- Oakland West Center
The curriculum combines didactic study, clinical rotations and research experiences, with classroom study, skills labs and patient simulation supporting clinical reasoning development.
Campus and facilities
Students develop clinical reasoning through classroom study, skills labs and patient simulation at Oakland West Center in Auburn Hills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland University Physician Assistant
How do I apply?
Submit a CASPA application and pay Oakland University’s $100 nonrefundable supplemental fee; the Graduate School emails payment instructions after CASPA verification.
Can I still apply for the January start?
No. The application must be submitted and CASPA-verified by the application deadline, and the supplemental fee must be paid by the supplemental fee deadline.
Is Casper required?
Yes. All applicants must complete the Casper Situational Judgment Assessment; its score contributes to application ranking. GRE, MCAT and PA-CAT scores are not considered.
What GPA and coursework do I need?
At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 prerequisite GPA. Complete every prerequisite before applying, with a grade of at least 3.0 in each course.
What clinical experience and shadowing are required?
Complete 500 hours of paid U.S. direct patient care within four years before applying, plus 16 hours of dedicated, in-person observation with two PAs.
Are interviews in person?
Yes. Selected applicants interview in person with admissions committee members; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation.
How long is the program?
It is a 28-month, full-time, year-round program requiring 100 credits: 16 months of didactic study followed by 12 months of clinical training.
Can I apply with a degree earned outside the U.S.?
Follow Oakland University’s international graduate-admission policies and submit a current NACES-member transcript evaluation. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency under university requirements.
Sources
- Master of Physician Assistant Science — Oakland University
- ESL Proficiency Policy — Oakland University
- oakland.edu
Last updated: September 26, 2026