Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Practice.
- Duration: 33 months.
- Entry: Fall 2027.
- Deadline: September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
- Review: rolling.
- Interview: Alhambra or virtual; exercises are not published.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; official sources place the next review in 2029 but disagree on the month.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and prerequisites completed by June 30 before matriculation. USC expects at least 3.0 overall and science GPAs for consideration, requires two to five letters, and evaluates statements, service, and clinical exposure. GRE and MCAT are not required. No minimum patient-care hours apply to 2026-27; the 1,000-hour rule starts with 2027-28. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA and USC supplemental opened.
- September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern: verified CASPA, supplemental, and processing fee due.
- September 2026-March 2027: rolling interview period described on the selection page.
- Fall 2027: entry; exact start date not published.
Official 2026-27 application page
How selection works
USC considers academics, clinical experience, service, understanding of the PA role, multicultural sensitivity, written statements, mission factors, and interview performance. Review and admission are rolling and interviews may stop once the cohort is full. Quantitative weights are not public. Official selection criteria
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants interview with program faculty, alumni and current students. The program says interviews may be held in Alhambra or virtually and generally run September through March. Official selection criteria
Not published
USC does not publish location assignment, interview count, format, duration, exercises, prompts, interviewer file access, rubric or weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with strong service and clinical evidence who can explain their understanding of the PA role, commitment to primary care and diverse communities, and reasons for USC. Official selection criteria
Practice and next step
Record an answer explaining why PA practice and USC's primary-care mission fit your goals. Review whether each claim is supported by one concrete experience, adjust the weakest connection, record a second response, and compare the attempts.
Frequently asked questions
When was USC's Fall 2027 deadline?
September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for verified CASPA, the supplemental, and the fee.
Is the interview virtual or in person?
USC says it may be virtual or in Alhambra.
Was a patient-care-hour minimum required?
Not for 2026-27.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published