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

MD/Masters in Clinical & Epidemiological Research (MD/MS)

Medical students interested in receiving rigorous training in the methods and conduct of clinical research can obtain a Masters of Science (MS) degree in the 5-year combined MD/MS program. Coursework includes advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods courses, an advanced version of the Designing Clinical Research program, and electives in specialized topics including causal inference, prediction science, molecular methods in clinical research, implementation science, and decision and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Degree requirements include 38 quarter-units over six quarters, a comprehensive review of the literature, presentation of original work at a national scientific meeting, submission of a peer-reviewed manuscript, and service as a teaching assistant for a course. Students graduating from the program will be poised for careers as leaders in both clinical research and medicine.

Program Structure

The MS portion of study is six total quarters when combined with the Bridges Curriculum. Otherwise the MS program of study is identical to the main MS program.

UCSF medical students follow the typical Bridges Curriculum through Foundations 2, otherwise known as Year 3. Then, students take the first three Career Launch blocks. Subsequently, students in the MD/MS program take one year away from the School of Medicine to enroll in courses in for their MS program. Year 4 includes four full quarters whereas Year 5 includes two quarters of MS coursework plus Specialty Practice Ambulatory sub-internship (SPAN), and additional MD degree Career Launch blocks. The combined MD/MS program is a 5-year program which satisfies the Deep Explore requirement for UCSF medical students. Students receiving the additional distinction of an MS degree do not need to pursue the MD with Distinction pathway.

 

View a model of the 5-year program calendar and learn more about the MD/MS Program.

Tuition and Funding
Application and Timeline

Successful applicants will demonstrate a passion for a career in clinical research.  Prior experience in research is useful but not required. It is recommended that students identify a research mentor and seek advising about the MD/MS program early in Year 3.

Application for the Yearlong Inquiry program is completed via the Inquiry Funding Office Yearlong Research Funding process.

The MS program application should be submitted by May 15th. Graduate School application deadlines, forms, and fees are waived for UCSF medical students.

Special exemption from Inquiry Curriculum’s Designing and Conducting Research course is possible with early advising and commitment prior to Year 3.  Designing Clinical Research (DCR) will not be required for students who are committed to the MS and have been accepted prior to March of Year 3, since they will take a similar course as part of their MS coursework during the Summer II Quarter of Year 4.  

Download a detailed MD/MS planning timeline.

Contacts