The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program is designed to prepare PAs with the advanced skills needed in today’s dynamic healthcare environment as doctorally prepared clinicians. The focus of this clinical doctorate program is to advance student knowledge in healthcare science, evidence-based practice, health equity and leadership.  

Graduates of Shenandoah University DMS program will be excellently prepared to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; culturally competent practitioners and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.

This distance-based program will be delivered in an online format with 100% of coursework being completed asynchronously with individual and peer work. This model will allow students to hone critical thinking skills through independent and collaborative problem-solving experiences. The degree program is designed to be flexible for working professionals. 

Degree Requirements:

Doctoral level graduation requires a total of 30 credits. Students MUST transfer in 14 credits from their PA masters degree. Only courses in which the student has earned the equivalent of a “pass” or “B-” or higher will be considered for transfer credit. SU DMS students are required to complete an additional 16 credits in the SU DMS program in addition to the 14 graduate level credits that had been transferred in from their previous degree totaling the 30 credits for the DMS degree. The degree program layout is designed for working professionals to offer flexibility by offering accelerated courses lasting 7 weeks each. All course work must be completed within 24 months.

Progression in the DMS program is based on: maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), Payment of all university tuition and fees by due date deadline. Students who receive grades of “D+,” “D,” “D-,” or “F” in a course are not permitted to take any new courses in the program and are placed on academic probation until all required work has been successfully completed with a minimum of “C-” or better.

Admission Requirements:

Application materials are reviewed as they are received. Applicants must meet and submit the following:

1. Completed Shenandoah University graduate school application including any applicable fees.
2. All official higher education transcripts.
3. Non-Native English Speaking (NNES) applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language as described in the admissions requirements for international students in this catalog.
4. A current CV or resume
5. A personal narrative.