Combined Degree Programs
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine offers three combined degree programs, the MD/PhD, the MD/MPH, and the MD/MBA.
For the MD/MPH options or the MD/MBA combined programs, students apply to the combined program after matriculation to medical school. Applicants to the MD/PhD may apply directly to the combined program or after matriculation to medical school.
Important Information for:
MD/PhD students complete all components of the MD 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 MD/PhD Program applications due?
A. For medical school applicants applying directly to the combined MD/PhD, 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 MD/PhD 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 MD/PhD?
A. Select the Applicant Type option for Combined MD-PhD 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 MD program, MD/PhD 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. MD/PhD students typically complete the program in 6-7 years. Before beginning graduate coursework and research, MD/PhD students must complete two years of didactic medical education and pass the USMLE Step 1. Each MD/PhD 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. If applicants are not selected for admission to the MD/PhD program, will they be considered for admission to the MD program?
A. Yes.
Q. Is funding available to MD/PhD students?
A. Yes. Students entering the MD/PhD 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 MD/PhD, 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 MD/PhD section of UNR Med’s application requirements.
MPH specialization areas include:
- Epidemiology
- Social and behavioral health
- Health administration and policy
Students who select this program will be prepared for career tracks in prevention, research, and population-based community health. Physicians with this combined degree often work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government, or international health agencies to address health policy and advocacy. Selected medical credits in the medical student's fourth year will count jointly towards the two degrees. Many positions in public health, occupational, aerospace and environmental agencies and companies prefer this degree combination for physicians in many of their leadership positions. This degree combination also prepares practicing physicians to meet the social, behavioral and environmental issues that influence health and the health practices of their patients and communities.
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 MBA program is placed at #24 nationally in BusinessWeek's 2013 ranking MBA programs across the US. 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.