Oakland University School of Health Sciences launches Master of Physician Assistant Science degree program

The first cohort of Oakland University Master of Physician Assistant Science students recently started classes at the School of Health Sciences.

The Master of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) program prepares students for licensure and confident entry into the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, where they will often serve as patients' principle health care providers and meet the changing needs of communities.

Constance Burke, J.D., M.S., PA-C, associate professor, led the faculty/staff team in intensive program development over the past several years as the founding director. Now, as Professor Burke further engages in teaching and research responsibilities, Carol Piesik, DHSc, M.S., PA-C, associate professor of practice, is assuming the role of interim program director.

"The Master of Physician reflects OU's commitment to providing quality education to the next generation of health professionals," said Burke. "The program provides exceptional academic and clinical education to our students through hands-on learning, mentorship from faculty members who are licensed PAs with extensive experience, and collaboration from interdisciplinary professors in the School of Health Sciences and our valuable community partners."

OU's MPAS program is a rigorous 28 continuous month graduate program that includes didactic and clinical coursework. Located at Oakland West Center, less than three miles from Main Campus, the program hosts newly designed, MPAS-dedicated lecture and lab spaces with advanced technology to enhance student learning and preparation.

In celebration of the program start, an open house will be hosted from noon-2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Oakland West Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the students and faculty/staff members, and enjoy light refreshments. That same evening, the students will partake in the inaugural White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic entry into the profession.

OU'S MPAS degree is supported in part by a generous $200,000 gift from Humana, which, over the next four years, will provide eight students (a quarter of the program's 32 students) a scholarship each year. These scholarships will specifically support students intending to practice primary care - a critical health care need in the Michigan community.

"Access to quality health care is dependent on a strong, sustainable workforce. By lifting financial barriers to education, we can prepare future providers for careers that will help close gaps in care and improve the health of their communities," said Eric Doeh, Michigan CEO, Humana. "Humana is thrilled to support Oakland University's Physician Assistant program, which will improve health care access in our region and beyond."

Oakland University - with the School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine - already provides leading health education in Michigan, and the MPAS program is an important step in training the next generation of health care professionals who will serve Southeast Michigan and beyond. "The need for health care professionals continues to grow," said Kevin Ball, Ph.D., dean of the School of Health Sciences.

"The beginning of the MPAS program reflects Oakland University and the School of Health Sciences' commitment to preparing a highly skilled, compassionate workforce of clinicians who will meet the changing health care needs of communities in our region and beyond through excellence in academic and clinical education, service and interprofessional collaboration."

To learn more about OU's MPAS program, visit the School of Health Sciences website.