Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2

(3+2) Human Biology MSPAS (B.S.)

Prepare for a physician assistant career through an accelerated 3+2 program combining undergraduate study and a master’s degree in five years.

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Biology (B.A.) Zoo Science (B.S.) M.A. Biology w/Major in Biomedical Sciences (MAB) Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2 M.A./M.S. Biology, Zoo Science Option – Online M.A./M.S. Biology Biology Pre-Medicine (B.S.) Biology Pre-Veterinary (B.S.) Biology D.E.A.P. (B.S.)

Accelerate your path

to becoming a physician assistant

Designed for motivated, high-achieving students, the Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2 Major combines rigorous science coursework, hands-on healthcare experiences, and early progression into West Liberty University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students can complete both degrees in five years instead of the traditional six, saving time while preparing for a rewarding healthcare career.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology with transition into the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
Total Credits: 107 undergraduate credits before transition into MSPAS coursework
Outcome: Preparation for entry into the MSPAS professional phase and eventual Physician Assistant practice
Format: On-campus, accelerated 3+2 pathway with shadowing, community service, and experiential learning

Program

Overview

The Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2 Major was created for students who are committed to becoming healthcare professionals and want an accelerated route to physician assistant education. By combining extensive biological science preparation with professional expectations such as community service, healthcare shadowing, and interviews, the program develops the academic excellence, professionalism, and patient-centered perspective expected in today’s healthcare environment.

Who This

Program is For

Aspiring Physician Assistants
Students whose primary goal is to become licensed physician assistants and who are prepared for an academically rigorous pathway.

High-Achieving Science Students
Students who excel in biology, chemistry, and other sciences and wish to advance quickly into graduate healthcare education.

Future Healthcare Leaders
Individuals interested in serving patients, improving community health, and taking on collaborative roles within healthcare teams.

Goal-Oriented First-Year Students
Students entering college with a clear professional objective who want to follow a structured pathway from undergraduate education to graduate study. Transfer students are not eligible for this pathway.

Service-Minded Learners
Students who value community engagement, healthcare observation experiences, and professional development opportunities alongside classroom learning.

What

You’ll Learn

Students develop a strong foundation in biological sciences while gaining the professional competencies, healthcare exposure, and analytical skills needed for success in physician assistant education and patient care.

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Biomedical Science Foundation

  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Genetics and molecular biology
  • Microbiology and immunology

Clinical and Professional Preparation

  • Medical terminology
  • Healthcare shadowing experiences
  • Patient-centered professional development

Research and Critical Thinking

  • Biological statistics and experimental design
  • Scientific problem solvingResearch and internship experiences

Curriculum

Overview

The curriculum balances foundational science coursework, advanced biology study, professional preparation, and experiential learning. Students complete a carefully sequenced plan of study during the first three undergraduate years before transitioning into MSPAS coursework.

Program Structure

Foundational Science Coursework

  • General Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics

Advanced Human Biology Coursework

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Experiential Learning

  • Research/Internship experiences
  • Healthcare shadowing
  • Community service activities

Professional Preparation

  • Medical terminology
  • Developmental psychology
  • MSPAS interview preparation and progression requirements

Required Prerequisites Include:

  • BIO 124/125 Biological Principles and Lab
  • BIO 208 Foundational Cell & Molecular Biology
  • CHEM 110/111 General Chemistry I and Lab
  • CHEM 112/113 General Chemistry II and Lab
  • MATH 145 Pre-Calculus

Admission Requirements to Professional Phase
Students must meet progression requirements to continue toward MSPAS admission, including maintaining a cumulative 3.5 GPA overall and in science, math, and psychology coursework while completing program-specific experiences and evaluations.

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Career &

Outcomes

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Graduates are positioned to continue into professional physician assistant education and pursue careers that support patient care, healthcare delivery, and clinical practice. The program also develops leadership, communication, and analytical skills valued across healthcare settings.

Potential career outcomes include:

  • Physician Assistant (following successful completion of MSPAS and licensure)
  • Primary Care Practice
  • Hospital Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Specialty Medical Practice
  • Community and Rural Healthcare Settings

West Liberty’s combination of scientific rigor, healthcare exposure, and professional preparation helps students enter graduate physician assistant education with confidence and a strong foundation for future licensure and clinical practice.

Program Length
& Format

Time to Completion
Typically five years for students who successfully progress through both the undergraduate and MSPAS components of the program.

Delivery Format
Primarily on-campus with laboratory coursework, healthcare shadowing experiences, community engagement, and graduate-level professional education.

Experiential / Clinic Training
Students complete:

  • Minimum 135 hours of healthcare professional shadowing
  • Minimum 25 hours of community service
  • Internship and research experiences
  • Multiple professional interviews and evaluations throughout the pathway

These experiences help students develop professional readiness, strengthen healthcare competencies, and prepare for the clinical demands of physician assistant education and practice.

Admissions

Requirements

Admission to the Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2 Major is selective and intended for highly motivated students seeking an accelerated pathway into physician assistant studies. The review process helps ensure students are academically prepared for the rigor of both undergraduate science coursework and future professional healthcare training.

Requirements

  • Admission to West Liberty University
  • Entry as a first-time freshman (transfer students are not eligible)
  • Enrollment in the Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2 Major
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA overall
  • Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in science, math, and psychology coursework
  • Earn no grade lower than a C in required coursework
  • Complete prerequisite coursework according to required sequencing
  • Complete healthcare shadowing requirements
  • Complete community service requirements
  • Successfully complete required interviews and progression reviews

Application Deadline

Refer to the current MSPAS admissions and advising materials for the most up-to-date deadlines.

Applicants are evaluated through academic performance, completion of progression requirements, professional readiness, healthcare exposure, and interview performance.

Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.

Cost, Aid

& Value

West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.

Tuition & Fees

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Students may be eligible for:

  • Federal and state financial aid
  • Institutional scholarships
  • Program-specific or need-based assistance

Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.

Why Choose
West Liberty University

West Liberty University’s Human Biology/MSPAS 3+2 Major offers an accelerated route to physician assistant education while maintaining the academic rigor, experiential learning, and personal support that define the Hilltop experience. Students benefit from a structured pathway that aligns undergraduate preparation with graduate-level healthcare education.

Students benefit from:

  • Accelerated five-year pathway to earn both degrees
  • Rigorous curriculum aligned with physician assistant program expectations
  • Extensive biology and health science preparation
  • Healthcare shadowing, service, and experiential learning opportunities
  • Personalized advising and faculty mentorship throughout the pathway
  • Strong connection between undergraduate and MSPAS programs

These elements ensure graduates are well prepared to enter the profession with confidence and credibility.

Become A
Hilltopper

West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.

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