Combined Degree Programs
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) offers three combined degree programs, the M.D./Ph.D., the M.D./MPH, and the M.D./MBA.
For the M.D./MPH options or the M.D./MBA combined programs, students apply to the combined program after matriculation to medical school. Applicants to the M.D./Ph.D. may apply directly to the combined program or after matriculation to medical school.
Important Information for:
M.D./Ph.D. students complete all components of the M.D. Program including USMLE Step examinations, clinical skills, and training, and all components for the PhD program including required coursework, a comprehensive exam, and laboratory-based dissertation research.
Q. When are M.D./Ph.D. Program applications due?
A. For medical school applicants applying directly to the combined M.D./Ph.D., AMCAS applications must be complete and submitted by September 1, including three letters of evaluation and a posted MCAT score.
Q. How many seats are available for direct admission to the combined M.D./Ph.D. Programs?
A. Two seats in the MD/PhD are reserved for incoming medical students per application cycle.
Q. How do I designate that I want to be considered for the M.D./Ph.D.?
A. Select the Applicant Type option for Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program on the AMCAS (primary) application.
Q. What are the requirements to apply to the MD/PhD?
A. In addition to meeting all residency, MCAT, GPA and prerequisites required to apply to the M.D. program, M.D./Ph.D. applicants complete two additional essays within the AMCAS application and submit a research letter of evaluation, in addition to the required academic and clinical letters of evaluation.
Q. What areas of study are available?
A. Applicants can select one of the following tracks within the Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program:
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology
- Cell & Molecular Biology
Q. What is the timeline to complete the MD/PhD Program?
A. M.D./Ph.D. students typically complete the program in 6-7 years. Before beginning graduate coursework and research, M.D./Ph.D. students must complete two years of didactic medical education and pass the USMLE Step 1. Each M.D./Ph.D. student will work one-on-one with their advisors to identify the best prescribed order to complete graduate coursework, dissertation research, clerkships, and medical school electives.
Q. Is funding available to MD/PhD students?
A. Yes. Students entering the M.D./Ph.D. are guaranteed three (3) years of funding for Graduate Research Assistantships contingent on maintaining good standing and progress in the program. Upon admission to the M.D./Ph.D., applicants will submit a scholarship application to be considered for additional funding or scholarships from both the medical school and graduate program.
Q. Who can I contact with questions about the combined MD/PhD Program?
A. Contact Caroline Cobine, Ph.D. at ccobine@med.unr.edu
Q. How do I apply to the combined MD/PhD Program?
A. Review the M.D./Ph.D. section of UNR Med’s application requirements.
MPH specialization areas include:
- MPH in Epidemiology
- Public Health (Health Administration and Policy), MPH
- Public Health (Social and Behavioral Health), MPH
The School of Public Health and UNR Med offer students the opportunity to pursue dual M.D./MPH degrees. The dual program integrates the two areas of study and allows for 6 units to count toward both degrees. M.D./MPH students may complete the training for the MPH degree between their second and third or third and fourth years of medical school.
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine students interested in administration and policy in health care may choose to complete a Master's of Business Administration while in medical school. The School of Medicine offers this program in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business. The University of Nevada, Reno's MBA program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest accreditation available for MBA programs. The University's MBA program has appeared on several lists of top business school in recent years. This combined degree is personalized for each student, working with MBA and M.D. faculty and is tailored to meet the career goals of each participating M.D. student. Students complete Years I and II of medical school, then begin the intensive MBA program, which most students can complete in one year. Students then return to Years III and IV of medical school. This customized MBA program for M.D. students is structured for one year, at much less cost and time to students. Selected elective credits in the medical student's fourth year will count jointly towards the two degrees.
This combined degree is ideal for students considering advancement in medical leadership, either in group medical practices, government agencies, healthcare companies, or research and pharmaceutical firms.