MPAS Admission Requirements

The CASPA application process for each of Trine MPAS admissions cycle opens March/April and closes March/April of the next year. Please check the CASPA portal for exact dates. Applications may close before the cycle closes. One should apply early so all materials are entered and verified by CASPA by the closing date. Rolling Admissions means competitive, completed and verified applications will be considered as they are received. Applicants are invited for an interview based on the competitive pool for that year. Qualified candidates will be invited for a personal interview with MPAS Program faculty and staff. Candidates can expect to participate in individual and panel interviews, along with critical thinking exercises. Additional information can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Graduate admission requirements for the Trine University Master of Physician Assistant Studies include:

• All applicants must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States or Canada (with proper qualifications to study in the US)
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited United States institution prior to entry into the PA program
  The degree does not have to be in a science major, but the applicant must have successfully completed all required prerequisite coursework
• Each prerequisite course must be taken at an institutionally accredited US college or university or equivalent
  See FAQ 28 and 29 for equivalency
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
• Prerequisite courses must have no grade lower than C or must be successfully repeated at the same or higher level and credit hours
• Prerequisite hard science courses are required to be of a rigorous nature designed for science majors as opposed to lower-level survey courses
  See FAQ 8 for program description of rigor
• Completion of the GRE General Test within the last 5 years
  The CASPA GRE Designated Institution Code for Trine University is 7343
• All matriculating applicants must meet the Technical Standards
  Included in enrollment checklist and documentation
  
• No history of felony conviction, as defined by U.S. Code
• At least two academic or professional letters of recommendation
• Discernment into the profession, including but not limited to, health care experience, patient contact, shadowing
  See FAQ 21 and 24 for definition and examples

Coursework specifically designated for healthcare providers or premedical classes is preferable (when available) as these will better prepare you for the level of study in the MPAS Program. If you have completed a course designed for non-science majors or designated as 100 level or survey, we require you upload a copy of the syllabi to the Documents section of CASPA for Admissions Committee review. We will contact you with a determination and recommendation, if deemed non-rigorous, to take a different course that meets requirements.
Prerequisite courses must have no course grade lower than C or else they must be successfully repeated at the same or higher level and credit hours. Advanced Placement (AP) or dual enrollment credit courses can be used toward the undergraduate degree and statistics and psychology but not for hard sciences prerequisites.

• One semester of human anatomy with required lab (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours). Individual or combined A&P (with lab) courses will be accepted.
• One semester of human physiology (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours). Individual or combined A&P (with lab) courses will be accepted.
• One semester of microbiology (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours)
• One semester of biochemistry (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours)
• One semester of organic chemistry (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours)
• One semester of statistics (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours)
• One semester of psychology (minimum 3 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours)
• One semester of medical terminology (minimum 1 semester hour or equivalent quarter hours) or valid certificate of completion

Competitive applicants demonstrate the qualities essential to successful completion of the program and entry into the profession:

• Well-qualified, exceeding standard requirements for admission
  See Admission Requirements and Competitive Guidelines
• Well-prepared, academically equipped to successfully handle the demands of the program’s curriculum
  See Admission Requirements and Competitive Guidelines
• Well-versed, demonstrating strong performance in coursework relevant to the program
  See Relevant Coursework (FAQ 7)
• Well-matched, with academic and career goals aligned with program curriculum, teaching and learning goals and other “FIT” factors
  Assessing Program Fit (FAQ 22)
• Well-suited, demonstrating an interest in and affinity for the planned field of study
  See Professional Discernment (FAQ 21)

Competitive applicants to the Trine University MPAS program have:

• The following grade point averages (GPAs)
  • 3.5 or above cumulative
  • 3.5 or above hard science
• Relevant and rigorous hard science coursework earning a B or better
• The following scores on the GRE General Test
  • 305 or above overall
  • 153 or above quantitative reasoning
  • 152 or above verbal reasoning
  • 4.0 or above analytical writing
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills during the invited interview

This policy will be in effect for undergraduate direct entry candidates for
Fall 2023

"Favored specified individuals or groups" utilize a particular entry pathway into the Trine University MPAS program. Trine University holds 15 seats for those who qualify for the Direct Entry Pathway. Direct entry can be achieved through selecting a 3+2.5 option, three years of accelerated undergraduate work followed by the seven-semester master's program, or the more traditional 4+2.5 option, four years of undergraduate work plus seven semesters of the master's program in physician assistant studies. Direct entry is a highly selective program limited to 15 students each year on a first come first serve basis.

Trine University Direct Entry Pathway Criteria:

• A high school transcript showing a minimum 3.50 GPA (4.0 scale)
• A minimum ACT Composite of 25 or SAT (R+M) 1210 or test optional
• Major in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or biomedical engineering
• Maintain a Trine undergraduate overall GPA ≥ 3.50
• Achieve a Trine undergraduate overall science prerequisite GPA ≥ 3.50
• Must achieve a B or better in the following prerequisite courses:
• BIO 114
• CH 104
• CH 114
• Complete a CASPA application
• Must have completed ≥ 200 hours of health care experience including, but not limited to, health care experience or patient contact
• Successfully complete a Trine University Bachelor's degree
• Must meet all other applicable admissions standards
• Must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States or Canada (with proper qualifications to study in the US)
• Must meet the Technical Standards
• No history of felony conviction, as defined by U.S. Code