The basic science medical curriculum meets core course requirements for the PhD program.  MD/PhD students are required to take a minimum of six credits of advanced graduate coursework, as recommended by their Supervisory Committee.  Detailed information about graduate course offerings are available at the Interdisciplinary Program (IDP) in Biomedical Sciences website.

Fall Semester        Spring Semester        Summer Semester

Three to four years are usually required to undertake and complete a PhD program.  Thus, MD/PhD students typically require seven to eight years to obtain their combined degree.  We do not feel that onerous course requirements or administrative burdens are the best way to achieve this goal.  The dissertation Supervisory Committee is selected by the student and mentor and plays a major role in setting the academic requirements for the PhD degree beyond those stipulated by the Graduate School.  The Committee determines specific course requirements, administers the written and oral qualifying exam, and decides when the student graduates.  Most importantly, the Committee provides research and career advice throughout the period of graduate education.  At least one member of the MD/PhD Advisory Committee must be a member of each student's Dissertation Committee. 

Academic majors available to MD/PhD students include: