Physician Assistant

The College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, and the School of Health and Medical Sciences offer a dual degree program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (B.S./M.S.). This six-year (3+3) program offers an opportunity for high-performing students to study in a traditional liberal arts environment as well as in diverse clinical settings.

Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe treatments. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services. Physician assistants are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in the areas of primary care medicine (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology) as well as in surgery and the surgical subspecialties.

At the conclusion of the junior year, students in good standing in the dual degree track will be invited to begin their graduate studies in the PA program during their senior year. Students who are not eligible for admission into the dual degree program may apply for entry to the PA program in the general applicant pool. Requirements for application to the PA program can be found in the Graduate Catalogue.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is awarded at the completion of four years of study and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant is awarded at the completion of the sixth year of study.

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Curriculum

B.S. in Biology

The biology major at Seton Hall University provides a strong foundation in the modern sciences, including cellular/molecular, organism and population biology, as well as chemistry and physics. Students will build a repertoire of essential and advanced laboratory skills. Experiential learning is encouraged through independent study, laboratory research and working off campus in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related industries. Laboratory research can be used to fulfill the Biology Honors Program requirements.
Learn more about the B.S. in Biology »

M.S. in Physician Assistant

The Seton Hall M.S. in Physician Assistant curriculum centers on extensive clinical experience. It also emphasizes research competence, basic sciences knowledge and physical examination skills. In each of the small classes, traditional lectures fuse with online coursework and problem-based learning to ensure everything that is covered is directly applicable. Students will learn from practicing physician assistants, physicians and instructors with doctoral training in a variety of medical areas. Students will also work with patients from their first semester onward, eventually completing at least 64 weeks of core and elective rotations in a variety of settings. As a result of this extensive real-world preparation, students will be ready to make an immediate impact in clinical settings upon graduation.
Learn more about the M.S. in Physician Assistant »

Note: Students must adhere to the requirements outlined in the Catalogue according to their year of matriculation.

Undergraduate Catalogue
Graduate Catalogue
Academic Calendar
Prerequisite GPA Calculator
Prerequisite Coursework Completion Form
Observation Hours Form

Program Faculty

The faculty in our internationally recognized research and teaching programs are committed to guiding students to success. Seton Hall is a Catholic University where great thinkers do more than think.They teach.

View a full listing of all Arts and Sciences faculty »
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