Applying for the Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies Program

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college of university. No specific major is required.
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for consideration.
• Complete 18 hours of prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited college or university. Coursework does not need to be complete to apply, but a reasonable plan must be in place to complete all coursework before matriculation. (See course list below).
• At least eight hours shadowing in an anatomic pathology lab, specifically surgical pathology (preferably in more than one setting), or surgical pathology laboratory work experience is required. Shadowing may occur with either a Pathologists’ Assistant or a Physician Pathologist Autopsy shadowing is also preferred, but not mandatory.
• Two references from individuals who know you and your abilities. Your references may be professional or academic. Personal references will not be accepted.
• Complete the MUSC application and submit supplemental materials specific to the program. These forms are available in PDF format within the application and are also sent by email once an application is submitted.
• Submit a personal essay (no more than 1 typed page).
  • Write a brief essay explaining your interest in this pathologist’s assistant program, past related experiences, and why you believe you are a good candidate for the profession. Describe the resources you used in researching the profession as a career choice.
• Submit a resume.
• Official TOEFL scores, if applicable.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite Courses	Semester Hours
General Biology (includes lab)	4
General Chemistry (includes lab)	4
Organic or Biochemistry	4
College Mathematics (Algebra or Statistics)	3
College English	3

Prerequisite Special Notes

• To speak with an admissions specialist about your coursework, please call 843-792-2536 or email oesadmis@musc.edu.
• Advanced placement and dual enrollment courses are accepted for prerequisite courses so long as the course appears on your college transcript.
• In-person and online courses are accepted.
• Prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of application submission with a minimum grade of C per course.

Application Checklist

1. Confirm you have met the prerequisite requirements.
2. Complete and submit the MUSC application (including all supplemental materials) and $50 application fee.
3. Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended even if no degree was earned.
4. Using the MUSC electronic reference process or PDF forms (provided in the application), submit two professional references.
5. Submit a resume/curriculum vitae.
6. Submit the Prerequisites / Coursework in Progress Form (provided in the application).
7. Submit the required personal essay. See details in the requirements above.
8. Review and meet the Minimum Abilities for all MUSC students and the program's technical standards (PDF).
9. Official copy of your TOEFL scores if English is not your native language, and you have not studied within the United States.

Note: All above information must be received by October 31, 2025, to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of his/her application by viewing the Application Progress Portal and ensure that all application materials (including official reference forms, and all official transcripts are received by the application deadline).

Admissions Timeline

July 1, 2025	MUSC Application Opens
October 31, 2025	Application & Application Materials Due
November - December 2025	Interviews
January 2026	Admission Offers Made
May 2026	Classes Begin

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina, even if purchased legally in another state. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.