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. 
  • 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 Masters 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 prepares a small group of students for careers as physician/scientists.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education Plus (SJV PRIME+)
    The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) PRIME+ Program is an eight-year BS/MD program that takes place entirely in the San Joaquin Valley, empowering students to take on new, inspiring educational challenges while staying connected with family, friends, and their local communities.

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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, 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.