Stanford supports a range of opportunities for candidates to pursue more than one advanced degree. MD students may expand their academic aspirations to include a Master's or PhD. Doctoral students may apply to the new MS in Medicine program. Students may venture to other Stanford schools to obtain an MBA, JD, or even to Berkeley to get an MPH.
Decisions about second degrees can involve many factors and second degree options must be discussed with both academic and financial aid advisors, as well as with admission officers of the program of interest, to ensure each student can meet academic, admission, and tuition requirements.
In a joint degree program, a single course may count toward multiple degrees. In a dual degree, you may apply credit from a course to only one degree.
Below are some of the degree combinations that may be of interest to the clinical and translational researcher. Click on any of the following headings for more information.
Undergraduate Program in Bioengineering
BIOE is an IDP, or interdisciplinary program, with its home in the School of Engineering. Students who major in BIOE will obtain a solid background in the basic sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) and mathematics. They will take three engineering fundamentals courses including an introductory bioengineering course and computer programming. Starting in the sophomore year, BIOE students will take six core classes to gain essential knowledge to pursue a career in bioengineering and will then have the opportunity to pursue elective courses suited to their own interests.
Bioengineering students have a wide variety of options upon graduation. Many will continue on to graduate school or medical school. Others will choose to work in the biotechnology, medical device, medical imaging or other medical and non-medical industries. Other BIOE graduates may choose to pursue advanced degrees in business or law or follow a different career path.
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MS in Bioengineering
The Master of Science in Bioengineering curriculum core courses focus on quantitative biology and biological systems analysis. Approved technical electives can be selected from graduate course offerings in mathematics, statistics, engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, and medicine. Seminars highlight emerging research in bioengineering and provide training in research ethics.
Students are assigned an initial faculty advisor who assists the student in designing a plan of study that creates a cohesive degree program with a concentration in a particular bioengineering focus area. Among these focus areas are Biomedical Computation, Regenerative Medicine/Tissue Engineering, Molecular and Cell Bioengineering, Biomedical Imaging, and Biomedical Devices.
It is expected that the requirements for the MS, Bioengineering can be completed within approximately one year. There is no thesis requirement for the MS.
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Coterminal BS and MS Program in Bioengineering
The Bioengineering Department will be admitting students seeking to pursue a coterminal degree in Bioengineering. This option is available to outstanding Stanford undergraduate students who wish to work simultaneously toward a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. The degrees may be granted simultaneously or at the conclusion of different quarters, though the bachelor’s degree cannot be awarded after the master’s degree has been granted.
As Bioengineering does not currently offer an undergraduate program, the BS degree will be from another department.
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PhD in Bioengineering
A student studying for the PhD degree must first complete a master’s degree and must, in essence, fulfill the requirements for the Stanford MS degree in Bioengineering. Students may be admitted directly to the PhD program if they have completed a MS degree prior to matriculation at Stanford. At least 90 units of work must be completed at Stanford.
Prior to being formally admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree, the student must demonstrate knowledge of bioengineering fundamentals and a potential for research by passing a qualifying oral examination.
Students will be assigned an initial faculty advisor on the basis of the research interests expressed in their application. Initial faculty advisors will assist students in selecting courses and identifying research opportunities.
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PhD Minor in Bioengineering
Doctoral students pursuing a PhD degree in a major other than Bioengineering may apply for the PhD minor in Bioengineering. A minor is a not a requirement for any degree, but is available when agreed upon by the student and the major and minor department.
A student desiring a PhD minor in Bioengineering must have a minor program advisor who is a regular Bioengineering faculty member.
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PhD in Bioengineering, and MD
Students interested in a career oriented towards bioengineering and medicine can pursue the combined MD /PhD degree program. Stanford has two ways to do an MD/PhD.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply to the Medical Scientist Training Program (contact Lori Langdon, 723-6176) and can be accepted with funding from both MD and PhD with stipend/tuition. They can then select a bioengineering laboratory for their PhD.
Students not admitted to the Medical Scientist Training Program must apply and be admitted separately to the MD program and the PhD program of their choice.
The PhD degree is administered by the Department of Bioengineering.
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MS in Bioengineering, and MBA (Graduate School of Business)
This dual degree allows you to pursue an MBA at the Graduate School of Business and an MS in Bioengineering from the Stanford School of Engineering.
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MS in Bioengineering, and JD (Law School)
Students who pursue a joint degree in law and bioengineering will find many exciting career opportunities with law firms, medical device makers, biotech companies, venture capital firms, government regulators, and other institutions.
The joint JD/Masters program may be of great interest to those planning to practice law in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or medical device fields, as well as patent prosecution or litigation.
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PhD in Bioengineering, and JD (Law School)
Students who pursue a joint degree in law and bioengineering will find many exciting career opportunities with law firms, medical device makers, biotech companies, venture capital firms, government regulators, and other institutions.
The JD/PhD program will be useful for all of those fields, but also for students interested in academic careers working at the intersections of law and bioscience in schools of law, medicine, public health, or engineering.
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MD Scholarly Concentration in Bioengineering
Stanford University provides, through a combination of the MD Program and the Department of Bioengineering, a scholarly concentration for students seeking the MD Degree with an interest in Bioengineering.
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BS in Biomechanical Engineering
An interdisciplinary major, Bachelor of Science: Biomechanical Engineering, integrates biology and clinical medicine with engineering mechanics and design. Research and teaching in the Biomechanical Engineering Group are primarily focused on neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and cell and tissue biomechanics. Research in other areas such as hearing, vision, biomaterials, biosensors, and imaging informatics are also conducted in collaboration with associated faculty in medicine, biology and engineering. This degree introduces fundamental biological and biophysical principals while developing strengths in traditional mechanical engineering areas.
The Biomechanical Engineering major provides a fundamental understanding of mechanics in fields of biology and medicine. However, it is not normally recommended as a terminal degree. This major is well suited for those interested in future graduate studies in bioengineering, medicine or related areas. The course of study allows students to satisfy many premedical, pre-dental, or pre-paramedical fields.
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MS in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Students interested in graduate studies in biomechanical engineering can choose one of the programs: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME), or Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering (MSE:BME).
The MSE:BME program has a math and engineering depth requirement similar to the MSME degree.However, this program allows students more flexibility in taking courses in the life sciences and generally emphasizes a more interdisciplinary curriculum. The admission requirements for this degree are the same as for the MSME degree with the exception that students are also expected to have introductory undergraduate biology. If admitted to this degree program, those lacking a biology background will be required to make-up the deficiency.
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MS in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering (MSE:BME)
Students interested in graduate studies in biomechanical engineering can choose one of the programs: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME), or Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering (MSE:BME).
The MSE:BME program has a math and engineering depth requirement similar to the MSME degree.However, this program allows students more flexibility in taking courses in the life sciences and generally emphasizes a more interdisciplinary curriculum. The admission requirements for this degree are the same as for the MSME degree with the exception that students are also expected to have introductory undergraduate biology. If admitted to this degree program, those lacking a biology background will be required to make-up the deficiency.
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PhD in Biomechanical Engineering
Students in biomechanical engineering receive their PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Students may enter the PhD program from either master's degree path (Biomechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering). The PhD qualifying examinations are flexible enough to accommodate students with any master's degree preparation. Students can also apply with master's degrees from other universities, but arrangements for an advisor should made first.
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PhD in Biomechanical Engineering, and MD
Students interested in a career oriented towards biomechanical research and clinical medicine can pursue the combined PhD/MD degree program.
The PhD degree is administered by the Dept of Mechanical Engineering (School of Engineering). To be formally admitted as a PhD degree candidate in this combined degree program, the student must apply through normal departmental channels and must have earned an MS in Mechanical Engineering, or an MS in Biomechanical Engineering, or a comparable master's degree. Students must pass the Department of Mechanical Engineering PhD qualifying examination and pursue a doctoral thesis in a biomechanical engineering area.
The MD degree is administered by the School of Medicine. Students must apply separately through regular channels for admission to the MD program.
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Coterminal Masters in Biomedical Informatics
The Biomedical Informatics Training Program does not offer an undergraduate major, however, Stanford undergraduates may choose to combine their undergraduate major with the co-terminal Masters degree. The Biomedical Informatics program may be combined with many undergraduate majors, but, Computer Science, any of the biological science programs or the Biomedical Computation major offer the most efficient combination of the two degrees.
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MS in Biomedical Informatics, and MD
The MD/MS is a terrific option for anyone who wishes to either perform research in Biomedical Informatics as clinical faculty at a school of medicine or for those who wish to continue into the health care industry or government.
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PhD in Biomedical Informatics, and MSM
The Masters in Medicine or MOM program is designed for students interested in the doctoral degree. The MOM and PhD is especially designed to train graduates who will conduct basic research with relevance to current problems in medicine.
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PhD in Biomedical Informatics, and MD
If you are interested in a career as research faculty in a school of medicine, you will need to consider an MD/PhD.
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MBA, and MD
This dual degree allows you to pursue an MBA at the Graduate School of Business and an MD from the Stanford School of Medicine in 5 academic years of residence.
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Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources E-IPER
Stanford’s E-IPER offers a Joint Master of Science degree (MS) in Environment and Resources for selected professional school students with interests and career goals in the environment, resource management, and sustainability fields. E-IPER's Joint MS degree gives professional school students the opportunity to gain a background in the science, engineering, and technology that underlies current environmental problems, preparing them to be influential and innovative environmental leaders in their chosen careers.
Applicants to the School of Medicine with an interest in the Joint MS should contact E-IPER directly.
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Masters in Epidemiology, and MD
The Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Epidemiology is a research oriented program that offers instruction and research opportunities leading to the M.S. degree in Epidemiology – the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases in populations
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Masters in Epidemiology, and JD
The masters program in epidemiology trains students in statistics and in their application to the real problems of populations. Although this program traditionally examines issues like the incidence of disease, its methods also apply to the diagnosis of social conditions.
Stanford students with a JD and a masters degree in epidemiology will find themselves in demand by law firms; government agencies; hospitals and clinics; insurers and other parts of the health care financing system; pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices firms and the entities that finance them; and academia.
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Masters in Health Services Research, and MD
The Master’s Degree program in Health Services Research is a research-oriented program with a concentration on economics and statistics, outcomes research, cost-effectiveness, and technology assessment. The program is designed to complement training in the medical and social sciences and prepare students for research careers in health services or health policy analysis. The program provides specialized training in selected areas of health care policy, research methodology, and the application of these skills to a specific research problem.
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Masters in Health Services Research, and JD
The masters program in health services research focuses on how health care is delivered and how that delivery can be improved. This degree generates knowledge concerning the incredibly complex and fragmented American health care system and educates students in methods to assess particular interventions, whether they are new surgical procedures, new forms of health care financing, or new methods of quality assurance in medicine.
Stanford students with a JD and a masters degree in health services research will find themselves in demand by law firms; government agencies; hospitals and clinics; insurers and other parts of the health care financing system; pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices firms and the entities that finance them; and academia.
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Master of Science in Medicine (MOM Program)
The Master of Science in Medicine program provides funding and structure to allow PhD candidates serious exposure to clinical medicine with a view to fostering translational research. The program will include biomedical science course work from the MD program curriculum, translational medicine seminars designed especially for MSM participants, and a brief clinical experience.
In practice, the program will extend the total time of training by about one year beyond the usual length of PhD training. The Master of Science in Medicine degree will be conferred with the PhD degree upon each student's successful completion of her or his doctoral program.
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Master of Science in Medicine (MOM Program), and PhD
The Master of Science in Medicine program provides funding and structure to allow PhD candidates serious exposure to clinical medicine with a view to fostering translational research. Students selected to interview with any of the PhD programs offered at Stanford University will have the opportunity to apply for admission to this program on a competitive basis. The program will include biomedical science course work from the MD program curriculum, translational medicine seminars designed especially for MSM participants, and a brief clinical experience. In practice, the program will extend the total time of training by about one year beyond the usual length of PhD training. The Master of Science in Medicine degree will be conferred with the PhD degree upon each student's successful completion of her or his doctoral program.
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MD and PhD
Many medical students undertake a PhD while they are at Stanford. Popular choices are School of Medicine programs in Bioengineering, Biomedical Informatics, or one of the 13 Biosciences home departments.
At the School of Engineering, the Biomechanical Engineering MD/PhD program also makes a special effort to work with MD students.
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) provides funding and structure for a select group of incoming MD students to train in biomedical research with a view to attaining the PhD.
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MD and PhD — Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) provides funding and structure for a select group of incoming MD students to train in biomedical research with a view to attaining the PhD.
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Master of Public Health (MPH with UC Berkeley), and MD
A unique collaboration with UC Berkeley allows our MD students to pursue and obtain a Master of Public Health degree while still at the Stanford School of Medicine. This dual degree MD/MPH program is open to students who participate in the Scholarly Concentration in Community Health. Students must apply to and be admitted by the UC Berkeley program; course work is undertaken at the UC Berkeley campus.
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Masters Degrees in Public Policy
Courses in the Public Policy Program develop the skills necessary to assess the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation, evaluate the effectiveness of policies, understand the political constraints faced by policy makers, and appreciate the conflicts in fundamental human values that often animate the policy debate.
Stanford University offers two masters programs in public policy. A Masters in Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year professional degree and the Masters of Arts in Public Policy (MA) is a one-year non-professional degree.
At this time, only currently-enrolled students in other Stanford graduate programs or applicants to those programs may apply for either of the public policy masters programs. All Public Policy masters programs require at least one year of study at Stanford beyond the requirements for the other joint or dual degree.
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Joint and Dual Degrees in Public Policy
Courses in the Public Policy Program develop the skills necessary to assess the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation, evaluate the effectiveness of policies, understand the political constraints faced by policy makers, and appreciate the conflicts in fundamental human values that often animate the policy debate.
Students enrolled in or applying to the Law, Education, Business, or Humanities/Social Science schools or departments are eligible to apply for Public Policy joint degrees. All other Stanford graduate students are eligible to apply for a dual degree - either the MPP or the MA - in addition to the degree program in which they are first enrolled.
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Opportunities to pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree at the Stanford University School of Medicine are available through the following programs:
- Masters of Biomedical Informatics
- Masters of Epidemiology
- Masters of Health Services Research
- Masters of Medicine (MOM)
- Masters of Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
- Master of Public Health (dual MD/MPH; MPH from UC Berkeley)
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Interdisciplinary Programs
Interdisciplinary academic programs at Stanford cross the boundaries between traditional departments and disciplines.
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Dual Degree and Multi Degree Programs
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