DMS Degree Curriculum

The Doctor of Medical Science degree program is a fully online and asynchronous, 50-credit hour post-professional academic program for PAs. Each module is six weeks in length and taught by doctorate-level faculty. Students may choose between one of four concentrations: Foundations in Critical Care, Foundations in Orthopedic Care, Healthcare Practice and Administration, and PA Educator. All students will participate in scholarly activity through a required programmatic capstone.

There are two start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. See Important Dates for specific start dates. Module selection will be determined by the student and the course availability. The length of time it takes to complete the program is dependent on the number of modules a student enrolls and successfully completes in a given term and the availability of the module due to enrollment minimums being met (minimum eight students). The program’s projected “standard pace” will be one module per term (equaling two per semester) and will result in program completion in nine semesters. Students are required to complete the program in 5 ½ years.

Required courses by concentration are listed below. See a full list of DMS courses.

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, schedule a meeting with our admission coordinator, or sign up to receive information about application reminders and more.