Dual Degree MPH Program - MPH/MMS

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Arcadia University offers a dual degree program leading to a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies. The program aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in meeting community healthcare needs by integrating individual patient management with health promotion and disease prevention strategies at local and global levels. The mission emphasizes fostering resilience and preparing students for excellence in professionalism, leadership, and service.

The MPH component of the dual degree features a Community Health concentration and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). It focuses on population health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and achieving health equity. The Physician Assistant (PA) component is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) with a status of Probationary Accreditation.

Delivery Modes

This is a full-time program. The MPH coursework is completed during the first year primarily at the Glenside, PA campus. The Physician Assistant studies in years two and three may be completed at either the Glenside, PA, or Christiana, DE campus. While primarily on-campus, some hybrid elements may be incorporated into the curriculum. On-campus housing is available.

Curriculum Overview

The dual degree program has a total duration of 30 months. The MPH curriculum emphasizes population health, epidemiology, biostatistics, program planning and evaluation, public health policy, and health communication. It includes an in-depth fieldwork thesis or capstone project and internship opportunities. The MMS (PA) curriculum is designed to equip PAs for high-quality, cost-effective primary healthcare delivery. The program incorporates interprofessional education experiences.

Key prerequisite courses include:

• Human Anatomy (4 credits, lab required)

• General Biology (8 credits, lab required)

• Microbiology (4 credits, lab required)

• General Chemistry (8 credits, lab required)

• Organic Chemistry (4 credits, lab required)

• Human Physiology (4 credits, lab required)

• Statistics (3 credits)

• Psychology (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must gain acceptance into both the MPH and PA programs. A bachelor's degree is required. Key admission criteria include a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00. Three letters of recommendation are required. Applicants need 200 hours of paid direct patient care experience; other healthcare or volunteer experience is recommended. Shadowing a PA, physician, or other healthcare provider is also recommended (virtual shadowing is accepted). Standardized tests like the GRE or CASPer are not required. Applications are submitted via CASPA, with a deadline of October 1st (application must be submitted by this date). The program uses a rolling admissions process, and an interview is part of the selection. International applicants are considered, with TOEFL possibly required.

Cost & Financial Aid

The total estimated program tuition for the dual MPH/MMS degree is $151,065. A non-refundable seat deposit of $1,500 is required upon acceptance. For detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid options, including scholarships and FAFSA procedures, prospective students should consult the university's graduate financial aid resources. See Arcadia's Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid page .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in community health, effectively combining clinical PA practice with a strong foundation in public health principles. The program targets careers for PAs who possess an enhanced understanding of population health dynamics, health policy, and community health needs assessment.

The MPH component offers internships in various public health settings and capstone projects that integrate practical experience with research. Students have opportunities for domestic and international service projects. The PA component provides diverse clinical experiences across a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices, along with opportunities for service learning in international contexts.