Applicant information

We welcome your application to our next cohort. This page will help you understand our admissions process and provide you with the information and resources you need to apply.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2024

Start Dates & Deadlines:

Spring 2024 - Classes begin in January 2, 2024
  • Now accepting applications 
  • Deadline to apply November 3, 2023. (Educational Practicum not offered for a spring start)
Summer 2024 – Classes begin May 20, 2024
  • Now accepting applications
  • Deadline to apply is:  March 22, 2024.

Program Format

The online Doctor of Medical Science program offers students two options for completing the degree.   
A student may choose the One-year track with a Spring or Summer start date or students may choose the expanded Two-year track, summer start date only.

The One-year track combines the five core courses, practicum and scholarly project into five units.   
One core course per unit along with a practicum and a scholarly project. 
•   Unit 1 – 2 courses (6 credit hours) 
•   Unit 2 – 3 courses (8 credit hours) 
•   Unit 3 – 3 courses (8 credit hours) 
•   Unit 4 – 2 courses (7 credit hours) 
•   Unit 5 – 3 courses (8 credit hours) 
•   Degree completed in 1 year = 37 total credit hours + earn 37 Category 1 CME credits 
    Two start dates per year – Spring or Summer

 The Two-year track spreads the five core courses, practicum and scholarly project into ten units.   
The first year will consist of five units with one core course per unit.   
The second year will consist of a practicum and a scholarly project.  
•    Year 1  
•    Units 1 – 5 (1 core course per unit – 3 credit hours per unit)  
•    Year 2  
•    Unit 6 – 1 course (3 credit hours)  
•    Unit 7 – 2 courses (5 credit hours)  
•    Unit 8 – 2 courses (5 credit hours)  
•    Unit 9 – 1 course (4 credit hours)  
•    Unit 10 – 2 courses (5 credit hours)  
•    Degree completed in 2 years = 37 total credit hours + earn 37 Category 1 CME credits  
     One start date per year – Summer only

Enrollment Options

SIU offers three cohorts per year. 

  1. Spring (January) start - 1 year track; 
  2. Summer (May/June) start - 1 year track; 
  3. Summer (May/June) start - 2 year track. 

Students choose either the Clinical or Educational Practicum at the start of the program. Currently, the Education Practicum is only offered for a summer start. The program is completely ONLINE. 

Admissions Process

Students apply via an online application. Students recommended for the program will be notified by the DMSc Director via email and “Officially Accepted” by the SIU Graduate School via email.

Students must meet the following minimum qualifications for application:
  • Earned degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA Program
  • Active / Maintained NCCPA certification
  • A non-refundable SIUC application processing fee is payable upon submission of the application.
Application Material Checklist:
  • Earned degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA Program
  • Official Transcripts (Copy of transcripts to upload to application)
  • Active / Maintained NCCPA certification
  • Current CV
  • Personal Statement (doubles as a writing sample: answering “why are you pursuing your doctorate degree?”)
  • 1-3 Letters of Recommendation

Admission questions? Need additional information? Please contact us.  
DMSc Admissions Office  
Staci Eakins, BS - Administrative Assistant Doctoral Education  
Jacob Ribbing, DMSc, PA-C – Director Doctoral Education  
Victoria Halfacre, MS - Program Coordinator - Marketing and Recruitment

Email us at:  dmsc@siu.edu  
Call us at: 618-453-5528