University of California San Francisco
UCSF School of Medicine UCSF Medical Center

Degrees and Programs

There is no single way to become a UCSF physician. At UCSF, you can tailor your educational journey to do what you love and explore new opportunities to discover new passions. Whether you have set your sights on challenging health disparities in California, the U.S., or abroad, or advancing basic or clinical research, UCSF has educational programs that can expand your horizons as you realize your future as physician leader.  

We believe that students who play an active role in their education emerge with deeper knowledge, better skills, and a clearer sense of how they want to practice medicine.

Interdisciplinary, case-based courses; problem-based learning, a small group discussion format in which students determine the learning objectives; the clinical skills center that helps students develop strong clinical and communication skills; a pass/fail grading system – these and many other innovations distinguish the UCSF Bridges Curriculum.

Education Programs

  • MD Program
    The UCSF School of Medicine Bridges Curriculum educates MD graduates to excel in the competencies needed by tomorrow's physicians. The Bridges Curriculum is a three-phase, fully integrated curriculum for the MD, delivered over four years. Please see the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar. Course and schedule information can be found here. Review the MD Educational Program Objectives. 
  • MD/Masters in Advanced Studies (MD/MAS)
    Medical students interested in receiving rigorous training in the methods and conduct of clinical research can obtain a Master's in Advanced Studies (MAS) degree in the 5-year combined MD/MAS program. 
  • MD with Distinction
    Distinction in Yearlong Research is available to UCSF learners who pursue rigorous research or scholarship projects that span 12 contiguous months. Intramural and extramural grants are available to support living expenses and some include project, travel, education, and loan interest expenses. Completion requirements include: 
    • 12 months Leave of Absence (LoA) from any university enrollment 
    • UCSF faculty mentorship 
    • Abstract and poster presentations at the Inquiry Symposium and a professional conference 
    • Committee-approved legacy product (e.g., thesis, curriculum, published manuscript)
  • Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
    A combined MD/PhD program, the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) prepares a small group of students for careers as physician/scientists. With funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, trainees receive full tuition support and a stipend while pursuing the superb training opportunities offered by both the School of Medicine and one of our renowned graduate programs. Review the program timeline and find more information about the MSTP program.
  • UC Berkeley - UCSF Joint Medical Program (MD, MS)
    The UC Berkeley - UCSF Joint Medical Program (JMP) is a five-year graduate program. Students spend their pre-clerkship years at UC Berkeley, engaging in a leading-edge integrated Problem Based Learning medical curriculum, while simultaneously earning a Master's Degree in the Health and Medical Sciences at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health. After two and a half years, JMP students move across the Bay to UCSF to finish their medical education and receive their MD. Please see the JMP academic calendar. Review the JMP Educational Program Objectives here.
  • Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved (PRIME-US)
    UCSF's Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved (PRIME-US) is a special five-year track for medical students interested in working with urban underserved populations. Please see the PRIME-US academic calendar.
  • San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (SJV PRIME)
    San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (SJV PRIME) is a tailored track at UCSF School of Medicine for medical students who are committed to ensuring high quality, diverse and well distributed medical care to improve health for populations, communities and individuals in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Please see the SJV PRIME academic calendar. Review the SJV PRIME Educational Program Objectives here. 
  • MD/Master's in Public Health (MPH) Program
    The joint UCSF/UC Berkeley MD/MPH program allows UCSF medical students to earn a master's degree in public health (MPH) at UC Berkeley during an additional year between the third and fourth medical school years or after completing the MD degree. The program requires two semesters at UC Berkeley (equivalent to three quarters at UCSF); students are simultaneously enrolled on both campuses (but only pay registration and education fees to Berkeley). Review the general UC Berkeley Academic Calendar for current students, and find more information about the MD/MPH program. 
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Program
    Students enrolled in the residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) program receive the MD degree and certification in OMFS. Review the Academic Calendar and find more information about the OMFS program.
  • MD-PhD in the History of Health Sciences
    The program in History of Health Sciences (located in UCSF's Department of Anthropology, History, and Social Medicine) offers medical students the opportunity to earn a PhD in History of Health Sciences in addition to the MD degree. MD/PhD students will complete the first two or three years of the medical school curriculum, and then join the PhD program in History of Health Sciences. The PhD program begins with two years of coursework in preparation for the qualifying exams. After the qualifying exams, students work independently on researching and writing their dissertations. When the dissertation is completed, students return to the medical school to complete the MD curriculum. 

Research Institutes, Global Programs, and Other Opportunities

UCSF offers a multitude of programs, institutes, and research centers that will help you connect with the peers and mentors that will help you build your unique career path. Find information on these exciting career-building opportunities below.

Opportunity and Belonging

Get A Global Perspective

Research 

As a leader in health sciences research, UCSF provides medical students an array of research opportunities to further their academic journeys while advancing health worldwide.