Pepperdine's Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is based at its Calabasas campus. Its systems-based curriculum integrates biomedical science, clinical reasoning, diagnostic methods and patient care skills before supervised clinical rotations. The program emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care and service. Admission is rolling and includes Casper and an invitation-only on-campus interview.
- Program
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Credential
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
- Location
- Calabasas, California, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- December 1, 2026 (CASPA application verification deadline)
- Interview
- Interview
- Length
- 27 months
Casper Requirement for Pepperdine University Physician Assistant
Pepperdine University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- CASPer Exam
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Pepperdine scores Casper in selection and does not review an application until results arrive.
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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Pepperdine University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- April
- Application fee
- $75 Pepperdine supplemental application fee
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASPA application verification deadline | December 1, 2026upcoming |
| Outstanding prerequisite completion deadline | June 1, 2027upcoming |
CASPA verification is due by 11:59 p.m. ET. Review begins in early June and is rolling; apply early because review stops when interview slots fill. Admission may be conditional; Pepperdine does not honor requests to defer after acceptance.
Eligibility Requirements for Pepperdine University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited US institution; conditional acceptance is possible while completing it.
- Citizenship
US citizen or US legal permanent resident.
Other requirements
- Prerequisite coursework: Take graded courses at a US institutionally accredited institution; AP credit does not count. Completed courses need C or higher. List all completed, in-progress and planned courses in CASPA; no more than two may remain at application. Finish outstanding courses with B- or higher by the prerequisite completion deadline. Courses taken within ten years are strongly encouraged.
- Official transcripts: Send transcripts from every college or university attended directly to CASPA.
- Technical standards: Meet and verify the MSPAS technical standards at matriculation.
- Seat deposit: Pay a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit within ten days of acceptance to hold a seat.
- Enrollment health clearances: Complete the required physical and fitness statement, immunization documentation, TB screening and background-check requirements. Admitted students who submit a deposit must complete a drug screening.
Selection Factors Pepperdine University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 6 semester/8 quarter credits Must include biochemistry or organic chemistry |
| Human anatomy with lab | 3 semester/4 quarter credits Cover all organ systems; combined anatomy and physiology accepted |
| Human physiology | 3 semester/4 quarter credits Cover all organ systems; combined anatomy and physiology accepted; lab recommended |
| Human-focused genetics | 3 semester/4 quarter credits Lab recommended |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA-calculated cumulative and science GPAs
- Minimum
- 3.0/4.0 in each
Higher GPAs earn more points in application evaluation.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
At least 500 health care experience hours at application. Paid and volunteer experience count; virtual health care hours do not. More hours earn more selection points. Community service is preferred, has no minimum and also earns points.
Supplementary application
Complete the CASPA personal narrative about motivation for the PA profession and the Waves Essay in CASPA's Questions section about commitment to Pepperdine's mission and vision. Provide three professional recommendations: one professor, one volunteer/work supervisor and one PA, NP, MD or DO. Friends, family and personal health care providers are unacceptable references.
How applicants are ranked
Pepperdine holistically evaluates eligible applications on CASPA cumulative and science GPAs, recommendations, Casper, both essays, health care experience, community service and professionalism. Interview scoring combines a professionalism scenario, writing sample, individual and group interviews, and the earlier application score; outcomes are offer, waitlist or no offer.
Interview Format at Pepperdine University
Format: Interview
On-campus interview with a professionalism scenario, writing sample, individual interview and group interview. Applicants are assessed on communication, readiness, persistence, problem-solving, collaboration, professionalism and mission alignment.
- Who is invited
- Selected applicants by invitation after holistic application review
- When
- Interviews are expected to begin in July.
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Prepare for Casper and Your Interview
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Pepperdine University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 27 months
- Structure
120 credits across seven trimesters, with four didactic trimesters followed by three clinical trimesters
- Campuses
- Calabasas campus
Systems-based biomedical and clinical training, research and professional-practice courses, medical Spanish, a summative seminar, and rotations in behavioral, emergency, family and internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, women's health and an elective.
Campus and facilities
The College of Health Science's Calabasas campus includes a shared simulation center for PA, nursing and speech-language pathology students. Clinical rotations may require commutes of up to 90 minutes each way or travel beyond commuting distance; students need reliable transportation and cover their travel and housing costs.
Tuition and Funding at Pepperdine University
- Estimated program tuition: $171,150
- Estimated program fees: $18,000
- Estimated university fees: $1,500
- Estimated total program cost: $190,650
Fall 2027 cohort estimates, subject to change; additional estimated indirect costs are $19,885 and living and transportation expenses $112,000.
Pepperdine University's Mission and Values
Prepare physician assistants grounded in Christian faith for clinically excellent, ethical service and patient care marked by humility, integrity and empathy.
How to Prepare Your Pepperdine University Physician Assistant Application
- Check your cumulative and science CASPA GPAs against the 3.0 minimums
- Map every prerequisite and list any planned courses in CASPA
- Document 500 eligible in-person health care hours
- Request recommendations from a professor, supervisor and eligible clinician
- Complete Casper early enough for results to reach Pepperdine
- Prepare the personal narrative, mission-focused Waves Essay and on-campus interview
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperdine University Physician Assistant
When is the application due?
CASPA must verify the application by the deadline listed above at 11:59 p.m. ET. Review is rolling and ends when interview slots fill.
Is Casper required?
Yes. Pepperdine will not review an application before receiving its Casper results.
What GPA do I need?
At least 3.0 in both CASPA-calculated cumulative and science GPA.
What health care experience counts?
At least 500 hours at application; paid or volunteer experience counts, but virtual hours do not.
Can I apply with unfinished prerequisites?
Yes, with at most two outstanding. List them in CASPA and complete them with B- or higher by the prerequisite completion deadline above.
What happens at the interview?
Invited applicants attend on campus for a professionalism scenario, writing sample, individual interview and group interview.
Can I apply if I am not a US citizen?
US legal permanent residents may apply; a US bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited institution is also required.
Is the first class guaranteed to start?
No. The start depends on ARC-PA Accreditation-Provisional. If it is not obtained, deposits and tuition paid will be refunded, but application fees will not.
Sources
- Pepperdine general admission requirements
- Pepperdine application selection process
- Pepperdine MSPAS program
- Pepperdine curriculum
- Pepperdine tuition
- Pepperdine simulation center
- Pepperdine Program Policies of Interest to Prospective Students
Last updated: September 26, 2026