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 Studies.
- Duration: 29 months.
- Location: Meridian, Mississippi.
- Cohort size: up to 30 students.
- Entry: early January; the current page does not publish the exact January 2027 first day.
- Interview: in-person panel.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2035.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree before matriculation, minimum 3.0 cumulative or last-60-hours GPA, required prerequisites with C-or-better grades, GRE scores, at least 80 direct-patient-care hours, 20 hours shadowing a medical provider and three recommendations including one from a PA. Official admissions
Important dates
- April 2026: CASPA cycle opens.
- August 1, 2026: application must be verified in CASPA.
- May-September 2026: rolling interviews.
- Early January 2027: recurring orientation and matriculation window; exact first day is not published.
How selection works
The program reviews verified applications holistically and on a rolling basis. Its rubric considers academics, leadership, patient-care experience, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, teamwork, professionalism, service and knowledge of the profession. Selected applicants attend an in-person panel interview. Official admissions
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants attend an in-person panel interview on the MSU-Meridian campus during the May-September rolling window. Decisions are normally issued within 30 days.
Not published
Exact dates, duration, panel size, prompts, file access, rubric and interview weights are not public. Official admissions
Who this program may suit
MSU Meridian may suit applicants seeking a January-start program who can communicate their preparation clearly in a traditional in-person panel. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession and Mississippi State Meridian fit your goals. Review whether your example demonstrates preparation and service. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application due?
August 1, 2026, verified in CASPA.
When does the cohort start?
The program begins each cohort in early January; the exact January 2027 first day is not published.
Is the interview in person?
Yes. Selected applicants attend a panel interview at MSU-Meridian.
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