Curriculum requirements - 30 credits
Core courses
Specializations/concentrations
Cyber Security
Data Sciences and Data Analytics
Deep Learning and Computer Vision
Robotics and Automation
MS project option - 9 courses required*
- CPSC 597 MS Project 3 credit(s)
MS thesis option - 8 courses required*
- CPSC 598 MS Thesis 6 credit(s) (to be split over two semesters)
Computer Science- New Course
CPSC443 Foundations of AI
This course provides an introduction to the mathematical and computational foundations essential for graduate-level study in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Topics include linear algebra, probability and statistics, calculus, optimization, programming skills in Python for data manipulation, algorithm implementation, and model development. Students will also explore core AI concepts such as supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and gain an overview of AI-related fields including machine learning, data sciences, deep learning, reinforcement learning, adversarial machine learning, natural language processing, and the fundamentals of how large language models work. Hands-on programming assignments and theoretical problem sets will be assigned throughout the course.
Physician Assistant (MSPA) Updates
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Institute is to prepare future PAs with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive, patient-centered care and foster life-long learning and professionalism, emphasizing commitments to diversity, global perspective, and integrative approach benefiting all patients. This mission is reflected in our motto: Adiuvare, Mederi, Communiter – To help, To heal, Together.
Graduates of the University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Institute will be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
PO1: Elicit and interpret an accurate medical history from a patient. (MK, IS, CS)
PO2: Perform an appropriate physical examination and accurately interpret findings. (MK, CS, PB, CR)
PO3: Utilize pertinent patient data and diagnostic interpretation to formulate a differential diagnosis. (MK, CS, CR)
PO4: Demonstrate clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to create a management plan. (MK, CS, CR)
PO5: Accurately perform the technical skills utilized in care of the patient. (MK, TS)
PO6: Demonstrate effective communication skills necessary to work in healthcare teams. (IS, PB)
PO7: Demonstrate culturally sensitive care with a patient-centered approach. (IS, PB)
PO8: Counsel and educate for disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle. (MK, IS, PB)
PO9: Understand the role of the PA and adhere to professional standards in healthcare settings. (IS, PB)
PO10: Identify the roles of various providers in the healthcare team including alternative or complementary practitioners. (IS, PB)
Definitions of the abbreviations are as follows: Medical Knowledge (MK), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical Skills (CS), Technical Skills (TS), Professional Behaviors (PB), Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities (CR). Abbreviations are based on the Competencies defined by the Accreditation Standards for PA Education, Sixth Edition.
MSPA511 Anatomy I with Lab
Introduces the functional anatomy of the human body with a focus on clinical application. Students will have the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens, with a focus on the head, neck, and thorax.
MSPA512 Anatomy II with Lab
Introduces the functional anatomy of the human body with a focus on clinical application. Students will have the opportunity to locate, identify, and dissect all major muscular, nervous, vascular, bony, and soft tissue structures using cadaveric specimens, with a focus on the abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system.
MSPA529 Clinical Medicine I
An ongoing body systems-based course that integrates the skills and learning from the curriculum. The course focuses on medical problems encountered in general medicine settings. Emphasis is placed on the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs and symptoms of disease in various medical subspecialties. Students will learn to develop differential diagnosis, select and interpret diagnostic tests, create and implement treatment plans including therapeutic procedures, pharmacology, and patient education. Specific modules covered in this course are Psychiatry, Diagnostic Medicine and Radiology, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Dermatology, and EENOT (Ears, Eyes, Nose, Oral cavity, and Throat) medicine.
MSPA565 Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine (new title)
This course introduces students to the foundations of Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to disease prevention, health promotion, and whole-person care. Students explore the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine-nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances-alongside exposure to integrative modalities such as chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathic, and botanical medicine. Through lecture, reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, students develop skills to apply safe and effective lifestyle and integrative strategies within the Physician Assistant scope of practice.
MSPA 575 Global Health and Preventive Medicine
This course provides an introduction to key concepts in comparative world health, healthcare policy, and preventive medicine in the United States. The first portion of the course focuses on concepts related to global health including healthcare delivery, financing, infrastructure, cultural competency, and health disparities. The second portion of the course focuses on healthcare prevention and the key disease prevention strategies employed in our country.
MSPA 622 Internal Medicine Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the internal medicine setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the internal medicine setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 623 Pediatrics Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the pediatric setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the pediatric setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 624 Surgery Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the surgical setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the surgical setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 625 Emergency Medicine Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the emergency medicine setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the emergency medicine setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 626 Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the OBGYN setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 627 Family Medicine Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the family medicine setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the family medicine setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 628 Behavioral Health Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the behavioral health setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, encountering patients typically seen in the behavioral health setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 629 Elective Clerkship
This is a 5-week clinical clerkship course. During this course, second year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in the elective-specific setting. Students will apply medical knowledge and skills developed during the didactic phase of their education. Students will actively engage in assessment, analysis, evidence-based approaches, and management of conditions in a culturally sensitive and patient-centered manner, in the elective-specific setting. Students will work with the clinical education team and under the supervision of their preceptor(s) to provide care. Students will follow their preceptor’s schedule when on clinical site.
MSPA 630 Special Populations Selective Clerkship
This is a 5-week selective clinical clerkship course. During this course, second-year PA students develop skills necessary to function as a PA in a unique clinical setting with a special population of patients. Special populations include patients who are underserved or underrepresented, such as those found in the following health care communities or settings: addiction medicine, community health, correctional facility, geographically isolated/resource limited, indigenous persons, LGBTQIA+, unhoused/nontraditional environments, veterans, and patients with rare diseases, physical or intellectual disabilities. Occurring in outpatient, inpatient or institutional settings depending on the patient population, the student may be exposed to acute, chronic or emergent medical and surgical conditions. This selective rotation will increase students’ competence in addressing clinical challenges associated with the care of vulnerable populations, enhance cultural competence and sensitivity and address disparities in healthcare.
|
