DMSc Program

• Expand Your Impact: As healthcare evolves, PAs have an increasing role in shaping care delivery, driving clinical and educational innovation, and leading interdisciplinary teams. The Wake Forest University DMSc program is specifically designed for PAs seeking the professional growth necessary to advance their careers, expand their impact, and make meaningful contributions within their fields and communities.
• Earn Your Seat at the Table: In today’s complex healthcare landscape, a doctoral degree is increasingly essential for PAs who aspire to drive change and influence decision-making at the highest levels. The Wake Forest University DMSc program equips you with the advanced expertise and leadership skills needed to champion the PA profession and ensure a voice in shaping the future of health care.

• Unique Multidisciplinary Approach: Our program offers a rich multidisciplinary learning experience through prestigious partnerships with the Wake Forest School of Medicine, School of Business, School of Law, and School of Professional Studies. This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to an unparalleled academic experience and the development of well-rounded, influential leaders in the PA profession.
• Publish Original Research: Guided by a mentor, PA doctoral students engage in the full original research process, tackling healthcare issues important to them by addressing their own original research question. From data collection to analysis, this hands-on approach builds essential skills and positions PAs to confidently lead change in their fields through meaningful, publishable research.
• Shape the Future: No matter the track of study chosen, this flexible online program is designed to equip PAs with advanced leadership skills and the expertise to influence the future of the PA profession. Graduates will be prepared to navigate and lead within dynamic healthcare and academic environments, setting the standard for excellence in their roles.

• Students are expected to conduct original research, including data collection and analysis, to address and improve existing gaps or challenges within their field.
• The capstone course series consists of 4 separate courses over the 24-month curriculum. Doctoral students will engage in student-driven scholarly inquiry and address a current clinical, educational or health system gap. Coursework and faculty mentors will help the doctoral student build foundations for conceptual frameworks in research, quality improvement, or evidence-based practice to support students in actualizing an investigative framework through the proposal, implementation, analysis, and scholarly writing process. 
• The rigor of the capstone courses will prepare graduates for peer-reviewed dissemination and subsequent scholarly work.

• Identifying characteristics of effective PA leaders
• Analyzing mentorship and networking in PA leadership
• Improving provider wellness (clinical or leadership)
• Examining student performance and learning preferences in PA education
• Assessing skill and/or knowledge acquisition in an online environment (pre- and post-module)
• Implementing andragogical strategies for PA training
• Developing a certificate program
• Generating PA workforce predictions and models
• Incorporating a functional or integrative medicine component in MMS training
• Developing or evaluating a medical protocol
• Evaluating standardized procedures or assessments
• Optimizing patient education regarding a particular disease state or process
• Investigating preventative care for a particular disease or patient population
• Evaluating medication or therapeutic intervention effectiveness

Example Capstone Project Outlines

No, the program is fully online and asynchronous. While we would love for students to join us at graduation, there is no requirement to travel to Winston-Salem, NC, at any point in the program. Coursework is delivered 100% online; however, there may be opportunities for group work and peer collaboration that help foster a stronger sense of community and enhance the overall learning experience.

There are 3 concentrations within the program:

• Leadership: For PAs who serve or aspire to serve in an array of health system roles, including clinical management, administrative, and executive leadership positions.
• Research: For PAs who desire to hone research skills and increase PA scholarship. Also applicable to those who desire to serve in a variety of research settings (clinical, translational and/or professional).
• Medical Education: For PAs who serve or aspire to serve in PA education by building skills in educational theory, instructional strategies, and scholarly approach to medical education scholarship.

View Our Course Descriptions and Curriculum

• Competitive applicants will have 3+ years as a practicing PA and meet the following requirements to apply to the program.
• Current medical license.
• PA certification.
• A master’s level degree in PA Studies, Medical Science, or equivalent.
• Meet the DMSc program technical standards.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or Resident.
• Complete a background check prior to matriculation.
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of email, word processing, and Internet navigation.

View Current DMSc Application Requirements and Admission Processes

Yes, admission to the Wake Forest DMSc program is competitive. We seek exceptional candidates who align with our commitment to advancing PA practice through excellence in leadership, medical education, and research.

View Cost of Attendance

Financial aid is available. To determine eligibility, a student should fill out the FAFSA form.

Learn more about financial aid at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Yes, the Wake Forest University DMSc program is approved to offer Category I CME.

Yes, this program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).