DPA Curriculum
The online DPA curriculum is tailored for working, graduate Physician Assistants/Associates.
Students will complete a minimum of 24 semester credits online with no on-campus residency requirements, engaging in scholarly and professional activities on the doctoral level. With four doctoral tracks of study to choose from, you will participate in faculty-guided research and dissemination through peer-reviewed journals and/or conferences, applying new skills to your area of expertise.
Pathway Options
There are two curriculum pathways to successfully complete the DPA program. All accepted students are initially placed into the three-semester Standard Curriculum Pathway. Those who qualify may transition to the two-semester Individualized Program Curriculum Pathway upon verification of requirements.
Standard Curriculum Pathway
The Standard Curriculum Pathway is delivered over 3 semesters (approximately 12 months) for a total of 24 semester hours credits.
Semester 1
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| DPAV 701 | Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| DPAV 702 | Advanced Discussions in Doctoral Track 1 | 3 |
| DPAV 703 | Capstone Doctoral Project Phase 1 – DPA Scholar Preparation | 3 |
Semester 2
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| DPAV 704 | Healthcare Law | 2 |
| DPAV 706 | Advanced Discussions in Doctoral Track 2 | 3 |
| DPAV 709 | Capstone Doctoral Project Phase 2 - Proposal | 3 |
Semester 3
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| DPAV 708 | Advanced Discussions in Doctoral Track 3 | 3 |
| DPAV 710 | Capstone Doctoral Project Phase 3 – Final Project | 3 |
| DPAV 711 | Contemporary Issues in Clinical Medicine and Practice | 1 |
Individualized Program Curriculum Pathway
This curriculum is delivered over two semesters (7-8 months) for a total of 24 semester hours. Candidates must meet Individualized Program Curriculum Pathway qualifications to participate, reducing required coursework to 9 semester hours each semester.
Note: The curriculum shown below is a sample Individualized Program Curriculum Pathway. Your final course sequence will be determined through the qualification process.
Semester 1
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| DPAV 701 | Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| DPAV 702 | Advanced Discussions in Doctoral Track 1 | 3 |
| DPAV 703 | Capstone Doctoral Project Phase 1 – DPA Scholar Preparation | 3 |
| DPAV 709 OR DPAV 715 | Capstone Doctoral Project Phase II – DPA Proposal OR Capstone Doctoral Project – DPA Scholar Preparation/Proposal | 3 |
Semester 2
| CODE | TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| DPAV 704 | Healthcare Law and Professional Practice | 2 |
| DPAV 706 | Advanced Discussions in Doctoral Track 2 | 3 |
| DPAV 708 | Advanced Discussions in Doctoral Track 3 | 3 |
| DPAV 710 | Capstone Doctoral Project 3 – Final | 3 |
| DPAV 711 | Contemporary Issues in Clinical Medicine and Practice | 1 |
