The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at The College of St. Scholastica is designed for physician associates/assistants (PAs) who are ready to expand their impact beyond clinical care and into the future of healthcare leadership, education, and policy. This program provides a systems-level perspective on healthcare, empowering PAs to influence the trajectory of the profession and the broader healthcare landscape.
Expected to launch in Summer 2027, the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program provides a systems-level perspective on healthcare, equipping PAs to engage beyond individual patient encounters and address the root causes of complex healthcare challenges. The program prepares graduates to influence policy, advance education for the next generation of PAs, and lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams, empowering them to shape the trajectory of the profession and the broader healthcare landscape.
In a time of growing care shortages, evolving healthcare policies, and increased demand for PA leadership, this program prepares graduates to not only adapt to change but actively shape the future of medicine.
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for PAs who are ready to take the next step in their careers—whether leading a healthcare system, developing transformative medical education programs, or implementing policy changes that enhance access and equity in care.
As the PA profession grows and evolves, those with the skills to lead will define its future. This is more than a doctoral program - this is an opportunity to influence the direction of healthcare.
Join the inaugural DMSc cohort and position yourself as a leader in the next era of medicine.
Contact Information
DMSc@css.edu
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for the DMSc program include the following:
- Demonstrate the ability to use scholarly research methods to identify and solve problems in professional environments.
- Analyze the impact of theory on leadership, including ethical considerations in decision-making and problem-solving.
- Apply critical thinking and expand knowledge and skills to evaluate problems and create plans for professional improvement.
- Compile and write organized, well-referenced essays and research papers.
- Enhance understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in healthcare and professional settings through written work
Requirements
Students must achieve the following program requirements for all courses listed under Program Requirements and Program Required Courses for the Medical Science, DMSc.
Program Requirements
Major Credits: 36
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Program Required Courses
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| DMS 8115 | Healthcare Systems and Innovation: U.S. and Global Perspectives | 3 |
| NSG 8673 | Epidemiology and Population Health | 3 |
| DMS 8210 | Evidence-Based Medicine and Scholarly Writing in Healthcare | 3 |
| NSG 8323 | Quality Improvement | 3 |
| EDU 8130 | Equity and Social Justice in Action | 3 |
| |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Capstone I) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Capstone II) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Capstone III) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
Leadership Track
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| DMS 8501 | Healthcare Leadership and Organizational Development | 3 |
| DMS 8600 | Policy and Economics in Healthcare Systems | 3 |
| DMS 8620 | Ethics and Law in PA Leadership & Health Administration | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Healthcare Delivery Systems) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Education Track
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Curriculum Design & Delivery) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Educational Technology & Simulation) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Adult Learner) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Assessment & Evaluation Methods) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Clinical Track
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| DMS 8663 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Clinical Practicum II) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Clinical Practicum III) | 3 |
| DMS 8777 | Topics in Medical Science (Clinical Practicum IV) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Degree Requirements
To graduate from The College of St. Scholastica, graduate students must meet the following minimum degree requirements.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
