Combining an MS in Clinical and Epidemiological Research with a professional degree will help train you to be a health sciences leader, generate impactful knowledge, and have the skills to be successful during professional training and beyond.
Students currently enrolled in a professional degree program (e.g., MD, PharmD, or DDS) can combine their professional degree with a UCSF MS in Clinical and Epidemiological Research, often with only 1 additional year of study. UCSF professional degree students are required to complete 38 units of coursework, serve as an educational apprentice, and complete required research products, but may shorten their enrollment to 6 quarters. The cost of completing both degrees in a coordinated sequence will be less than if you had pursued the two degrees independently.
I wanted to become fluent and self-sufficient in the entire life cycle of a clinical research project, from forming a research question, designing a study protocol, building a database, collecting data, interpreting the data, and finally disseminating the results via national conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The TICR MAS program helped me achieve this and more.
Michael Sadighian, MD, MAS
Resident, Department of Urology, University of Southern California
Dual Degree Details
Advising
Advanced planning is required to complete both the MD and MS requirements in 5 years. Students should speak with the MD/MS Director ([email protected]) and the School of Medicine Student Experience Team ([email protected]).
Application
Students apply to the MS program through the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, typically at the end of the 3rd year of the MD program. Standard MS application requirements apply. The deadline for UCSF MD/MS students to apply is May 15.
Program Timeline
Students can complete both the MD and MS requirements in 5 years.
Years 1-3: MD Program
Year 4: CER MS Program
Year 5:
- Summer Quarter: MD Program
- Fall Quarter: MS Program + SPAN
- Winter Quarter: MS Program + SPAN
- Spring Quarter: MD Program
Completing the MS satisfies the MD Deep Explore Requirement. Students participate in SPAN during the Fall and Winter Quarters of the final year.
Financial Aid
UCSF MD/MS students may apply for funding through the Inquiry Funding Office. Applications are due at the end of March.
You may ask your research mentor if they have funds available to support your tuition.
Students are also encouraged to speak with Student Financial Services.
Application
Students may apply to the PharmD/MS program at the time of application to the PharmD program through PharmCAS. Applications are due by November 1. Please see the PharmD/MS site for more information about applying.
Program Timeline
Students can complete both PharmD and MS requirements in 4 years.
Years 1 & 2: PharmD Program
Year 3: CER MS Program + PharmD Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
Year 4:
- Summer Quarter: PharmD Program
- Fall Quarter: MS Program + PharmD Discovery Research Project
- Winter Quarter: MS Program + PharmD Discovery Research Project
- Spring Quarter: MD Program
Advising
Advanced planning is required to be able to complete both the DDS and MS requirements in 5 years. Students should speak with Dr. Perkins ([email protected]) in the School of Dentistry if they are interested in pursuing a dual degree.
Application
Students apply to the MS program through the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, typically at the end of the 1st year of the DDS program. Standard MS application requirements apply. The deadline for UCSF DDS/MS students to apply is May 15.
Program Timeline
Students can complete both the DDS and MS requirements in 5 years.
Year 1: DDS Program
Year 2: CER MS Program
Year 3:
- Summer Quarter: DDS Program
- Fall Quarter: MS Program + DDS Program
- Winter Quarter: MS Program + DDS Program
- Spring Quarter: DDS Program
Years 4 & 5: DDS Program
During Year 2, students should aim to take all required courses and electives totaling at least 34 units.
During Year 3, students will be primarily enrolled in the School of Dentistry and will complete MS research products, the educational apprentice requirement (2 units), and participate in MS seminar (every other Tuesday) for 2 quarters (2 units).
