Master of Science in Palliative Care
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Master's in Palliative Care Program Overview
Support people and caregivers facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. The online Master of Science in Palliative Care (MSPC) degree program is designed to give you the flexibility you need to earn a degree and grow your expertise in palliative care without putting life on pause. This 33-credit-hour program can be completed fully online in a minimum of 22 months.
Implement new strategies and skills in your current career path or set yourself on a new one. With practical assignments and projects, the MSPC program prepares you to offer consultation and care to patients and caregivers facing serious and life-limiting illnesses in your area. The MSPC program is 100% online with synchronous virtual intensives required twice during the program
Program at a Glance
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Tuition In-State$854*Per Credit*2026-2027 Tuition for Colorado Resident. Subject to change.
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Tuition Out-of-State$1,250*Per Credit*2026-2027 Tuition for Non-Colorado Resident. Subject to change.
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Application DeadlineFeb. 15 Priority; April 15 Final
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Credit Hours33
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Time To Completion22 Months
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Format100% Online
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Standardized TestsNo GRE or GMAT Required
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Interprofessional TeamCourses taught by biomedical + allied health instructors
Palliative Care Career Outlook
Career Outlook
The MSPC program prepares healthcare and allied health professionals to lead and expand palliative care services in their communities. Graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, hospice organizations, health systems, and community-based care programs.
Many careers associated with palliative care offer strong salaries and positive job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages in 2025 included $97,550 for registered nurses, $61,780 for social workers, $135,880 for physician assistants, and $140,910 for pharmacists. Employment for these professions is projected to remain strong through 2035, driven in part by growing healthcare needs and an aging population.
Master's in Palliative Care Program Details
Interprofessional Learning | Walk with people and caregivers through chronic and life-limiting illnesses as you learn to integrate both biomedical and psycho-social-spiritual perspectives into a holistic care plan. The Master of Science in Palliative Care gives you the opportunity to learn alongside an interprofessional body of student peers, from clinical professionals to death doulas and medical ethicists.
Aligned with Your Profession | No matter what kind of professional you are right now — a physician, nurse, physician assistant, pharmacist, social worker, psychologist, therapist or spiritual care professional — our palliative care degree prepares you to provide high quality, compassionate care.
Flexible Education | The MSPC program is offered fully online with two synchronous virtual weekend intensives on Zoom. Because the palliative care programs were developed with working professionals in mind, you also have the flexibility to balance your schedule and take breaks when you need them.
Graduate Certificate vs Master’s Degree Comparison
CU Anschutz offers both a graduate certificate and master’s degree in palliative care, but what’s the difference between the two?
| PROGRAM COMPARISON | Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care | Master of Science in Palliative Care |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 12 | 33 |
| Time to Completion | 9 Months | 22 Months |
| Curriculum | The graduate certificate consists of the first 12 credit hours of the MSPC program. | Courses cover communication, symptom management, ethics, psycho-social-spiritual aspects of care, systems thinking, and more. |
Lilia Ponton, M.D., M.S.P.C., M.H.S.A. Medical Director, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine | Olmsted Medical Center
Kacey Boyle, MSPC, BSN, RN, CHPN University of Vermont Medical Center
Jeff Sung, MD MS Palliative Care Alumni
Tuition & Fees
Investing in your future is a big decision, and a degree program at CU Anschutz is an investment that will benefit you for years to come. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career.
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Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that's why we're here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
Financial aid and scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
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Please note that the Master of Science in Palliative Care (MSPC) program is no longer participating in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for students applying for Fall 2027 and beyond.
Questions can be directed to the program administrator at PallCareEdPrograms@cuanschutz.edu
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An individual must have been domiciled in Colorado for one calendar year before he or she is entitled to in-state tuition. A domicile is a person's true, fixed, and permanent home. Having a domicile in Colorado involves more than mere physical presence or "residence" in the state. In order to establish a domicile for tuition purposes, there must be 1) physical presence for at least 12 months within the state along with 2) demonstrated intent to make Colorado one's permanent home. Intent is demonstrated by several kinds of connections with the state dated one year prior to the beginning of classes. Please contact the program administrator for more details.
Admissions Information
A list of required application materials is available through CU Anschutz Palliative Care Admissions.
International Applicants: Please visit the international graduate student admissions page for more information.
Applications submitted after April 15 will be considered until the cohort is filled. Once the cohort is filled, we will put all other eligible students on a waitlist.
Get Started with Your Application
This comprehensive application guide provides screenshots and detailed instructions to help you complete your application to the University of Colorado Anschutz Master of Science in Palliative Care program.
Fall 2027
- September 1
- Feb. 15
- April 15
Master’s Degree in Palliative Care Completion Time
The MSPC program can be completed in less than two years (22 months).
Palliative Care Information Sessions
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about the Palliative Care programs. Information sessions are offered virtually at various times each month. Faculty will provide an overview of the curriculum, program format, time commitment, admissions requirements and student experience. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, connect with faculty and explore which program is the best fit for your goals.
Your application fee will be waived if you attend an information session! Currently, the application fee is $50 for domestic applicants and $75 for international applicants.
CU Anschutz offers flexible and convenient digital learning opportunities. Discover what you can accomplish when you learn from one of the digital education programs at CU Anschutz.