MD / Ph.D.

Students can select an emphasis in basic science research to their MD, through the combined MD/Ph.D. program. Students can choose from one of the many advanced degree programs at the School of Medicine for their individualized MD/Ph.D. These include:

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Microbiology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Students choosing this combined degree have exciting research choices, including:

• Applications of plasma physics
• Neural network computing
• Molecular biology of ion channels
• Cardiac and smooth muscle electrophysiology
• Opportunistic infections
• Emerging viruses
• Cancer immunology

Students considering this combined degree program, can experience research the summer between Years I and II of medical school and begin to talk with prospective research mentors. Final selection decisions are made during the spring semester of Year II. The program is customized to meet the needs of each student selected for the combined degree. Students should plan to add three years to their medical degree for this program. Students complete the first two years of medical school, then begin their Ph.D. portion of the program, returning after three years to complete Years III and IV, the clinical years. More info.

MD/Master’s of Business Administration

UNSOM students interested in administration and policy making 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. UNR’s MBA is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest accreditation available for MBA programs. UNR’s MBA program is placed at #17 nationally in BusinessWeek’s annual issue ranking MBA programs across the US.

This combined degree is personalized for each student, working with MBA and MD faculty and is tailored to meet the career goals of each participating MD student.  Students complete Years I and II of medical school, then begin the intensive MBA program, most students can complete this portion in one year. Students then return to Years III and IV of medical school. Most MBA programs take two years. This customized program for MD 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 student considering advancement in medical leadership, either with in group medical practices; government agencies; healthcare companies and research and pharmaceutical firms.

MD/Master’s of Public Health

UNSOM students have the opportunity to obtain both an MD and MPH in just five years, plus selected electives in Year IV of medical school, through a partnership with University of Nevada, Reno’s School of Public Health. Program areas include:

• Epidemiology
• Health ethics, policy, and administration
• Social and behavioral health
• Environmental and occupational health
• Biostatistics

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 elective credits in the medical students 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.

BS/MD

UNSOM offers high-achieving high school students the opportunity to complete their BS and MD degree in seven years. For complete program and application information, check the progam webpage.  More info