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Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is designed to educate and prepare healthcare professionals, specifically physician assistants (PAs), for roles in education, administration, and research within the medical field. The DMSc curriculum provides a comprehensive education, integrating insights from diverse fields such as medical and social sciences, business, leadership, and social justice. This interdisciplinary approach equips PAs with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles, making them well-prepared and confident in their work. DMSc graduates will have the empowerment to make a meaningful impact in the complex and ever-evolving healthcare field. 

In contrast to the clinical Medical Doctorate (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees and the research-focused PhD degree, the DMSc degree is an applied doctorate emphasizing practical, real-world applications in healthcare, emphasizing the development of professional expertise and leadership skills. The Augsburg DMSc is not a clinical doctorate. This degree helps bridge the gap between expertise in PA clinical practice and expertise in effective research, leadership, business, and teaching skills within the PA profession and in healthcare. 

The DMSc program will accept students who have a masters degree in PA studies (MPAS, MSPAS, or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree and have been practicing as a licensed physician assistant for a minimum of 5 years.

Courses:

Semester 1:

  • PA 703: Facilitating Professional Growth
  • PA 702: Practice-Based Research and Improvement
  • PA 701: Foundations of Doctoral Studies

Semester 2:

  • PA 704: Wellbeing for the Healthcare Leader
  • PA 705: Advanced Healthcare Strategy and Innovation
  • PA 706: Communities and Change

Semester 3:

  • PA 707: Leadership for Health Equity
  • PA 708: Business of Healthcare
  • PA 709: Applied Scholarly Practice

Semester 4:

  • PA 801: Leadership Application and Critical Reflection
  • PA 802: Teaching and Learning Strategies in Healthcare
  • PA 803: Capstone

For a complete list of courses and descriptions, see the Course Description Search.

 

Graduation Requirements

Students who are admitted into the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree program will be responsible for completing the program requirements that are in effect at the time of their admission. To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements.

  • The satisfactory completion of 36 semester credit hours. The total credit hours must include:
    • 33 credit hours of core courses
    • 3 credit hours of the Capstone project
  • GPA of at least 3.00 (B average)
  • Completion of these requirements within four years of matriculation into the program
  • A completed Petition to Graduate approved by program administration and submitted to Augsburg’s registrar.
  • The Capstone Project is approved by all committee members as final and submitted into IDUN, Augsburg University’s Online Repository for Scholarly and Creative Work.
  • Students are required to retake a core course if they receive a grade below “B-.” The course must be retaken no later than the end of the next calendar year with an earned grade of “B-” or better.

Students are expected to complete the DMSc degree program in 16 months or 4 semesters. Students must complete the program within three years after matriculation. Students typically maintain full-time enrollment in the program until all course requirements have been completed. Continuous registration in the program is typical for all students.

Extensions allowing enrollment beyond the three-year limit may only be granted by the program director. Such extensions will only be granted under extenuating circumstances to allow completion of all degree requirements within a short period of time.