Admission
The Butler University DMS Degree Program has six start dates, noted as A and B terms, throughout an academic year. Applicants must submit all required materials at least seven days before their preferred start date.
2025
Spring B
- Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
- First day of class: March 17, 2025
Summer A
- Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
- First day of class: May 12, 2025
Summer B
- Application Deadline: June 16, 2025
- First day of class: June 30, 2025
Fall A
- Application Deadline: August 13, 2025
- First day of class: August 27, 2025
Fall B
- Application Deadline: October 6, 2025
- First day of class: October 20, 2025
2026
Spring A
- Application Deadline: December 29, 2025
- First day of class: January 12, 2026
Spring B
- Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
- First day of class: March 16, 2026
Summer A
- Application Deadline: April 27, 2026
- First day of class: May 11, 2026
Summer B
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
- First day of class: June 29, 2026
Applicants to the Doctor of Medical Science degree program must be PAs who have successfully graduated from an entry-level PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of Physician Assistant and must currently hold either a National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants certification/recertification or a state license to practice as a PA. A high degree of professionalism is expected. A master’s degree is not required. GRE is not required.
Applicants must be able to meet University technology requirements during the entirety of the doctoral program. Students will need access to a reliable computer and high-speed internet. Strong computer skills and/or the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology is necessary for success.
To apply, candidates should submit the following:
- Butler application
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting colleges and universities you have attended directly from the institution- either mailed or sent electronically to gradadmission@butler.edu.
- An updated, comprehensive curriculum vita
- Active state license number or NCCPA certification number
- A maximum 250-word Professional Statement answering the prompt that begins with “With my earned doctorate I…”
A phone interview may be required.
Applicants must be fluent in English (the language of instruction of this program). When the applicant speaks and/or writes in English as a second language, the applicant must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for review. International students must have a TOEFL score and evaluation of any international transcripts. Please note that this takes additional time. A TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073. World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators must evaluate all international transcripts.
Applicants who believe the TOEFL requirement should be waived may petition the Office of Admission.
International applicants who have completed a recognized PA program and are nationally certified and currently licensed/registered in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or New Zealand are eligible to apply for Butler’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program. The applicant is responsible for determining if their country and/or employer recognizes the United States Online Doctor of Medical Science program. Completion of this program will not make one eligible to be certified by the National Certification of PAs (NCCPA).
Applicants must submit the following additional requirements:
- Provide an official course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for their non-US Physician Assistant degree.
- PA degree must be equivalent to the US Master’s in Physician Assistant (PA) degree.
- The PA degree must be from an institution accredited by the appropriate governmental, regional, or institutional body.
- World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) report must be sent directly to Butler University.
- Must meet minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of this proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency can be met by any of the exams or testing systems listed on our website.
- Copy of passport for verification of ID, full name, and citizenship.
- The applicant must have successfully passed a respective country’s national certification examination process and/or hold active unencumbered PA credentials.
Note: Since the Butler DMS is a fully online program and not eligible for a visa, an I-20 is not required. The I-20 form and the evidence of financial support are not required. PAs who graduated from an ARC-PA program in the United States would follow the domestic application process.
Physician Assistants (PAs) entering the Butler University Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program have opportunities to increase their knowledge through their experiences. Butler has adopted a policy to allow a pathway for students to apply and earn credit for prior learning (CPL) in addition to the University’s evaluation for transfer credits. Students will be able to apply for up to 12 credit hours of CPL within 3 months of starting the DMS program. Individuals can submit their application of a portfolio or earned NCCPA Certificate(s) of Added Qualification. CPL will not be eligible to be applied to the DMS Certificates. Specific instructions and forms will be available after submission of one’s application to Butler University’s DMS program.
A request for transfer of graduate credit will be considered. In order for graduate coursework completed elsewhere to be applied towards the Butler DMS degree program, students need to submit the Request for the Transfer of Graduate Credit application. Send completed application requests to the DMS admission committee at DMSadmissions@butler.edu.
For more information, please contact DMSadmissions@butler.edu.
Admission to the Butler Doctor of Medical Science degree program is competitive. The DMS degree program has a rolling admissions process, and applicants will be considered as they apply to the program. Apply early to secure admission to your desired session start! Applicants will be notified as soon as possible following the committee’s decision. Admission decisions are considered final.
A faculty member will be assigned as an advisor. A virtual orientation will be provided at the beginning of coursework. All students must participate in this orientation prior to the first day of the initial session; otherwise, admission may be delayed.
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn how Butler’s DMS program can help accelerate your career? Join us for an upcoming online information session or sign up to receive information about application reminders and more.