Dual Degree Programs

While medical students can develop investigative careers without a PhD degree, the PhD program in the Biomedical Sciences can offer both a broad and in-depth biomedical scientific education that will allow for an expanding clinical investigative career.

The Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers University and Princeton University offer a combined MD/PhD program with fellowships and tuition support for outstanding students. Students who are applying to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School may apply to the MD/PhD program directly in conjunction with their application to this medical school. Students whose undergraduate academic record and/or research accomplishments indicate strength and aptitude for success in a biomedical research environment may be considered for concurrent admission to the combined MD/PhD program. These students are encouraged to begin their graduate experiences during their first year of medical school and the summer prior to the first year of the medical school program. Continuing in the combined program is contingent upon maintaining "Good Academic Standing" (i.e., "B" average or equivalent) in both the graduate and the basic science component of the medical program. Students already enrolled in Robert Wood Johnson Medical School may also apply to join the MD/PhD program.

Candidates pursue their PhD training in a biomedical science discipline offered by Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Piscataway Campus at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Graduate School of Rutgers University, and the Graduate Program in Molecular Biology at Princeton University. Research areas include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell & Developmental Biology, Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Immunology, Physiology & Neurobiology, and Toxicology. By arrangement, PhD studies can also be performed in Public Health at the School of Public Health, and in other graduate programs at Rutgers University. The usual program will be a schedule providing three years in the Graduate School as follows:

For further information and an application form, please contact:
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
675 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854-5635
(732) 235-5016

Course work for the Master of Public Health degree can be integrated into the medical curriculum in several ways. Most students in this dual degree program initiate course work in their first and second years, usually taking one evening class per week instead of the medical school courses in environmental and community medicine. A limited amount of summer course work is also available. Students can complete the 45 credits required for the MPH degree by taking a year of concentrated public health course work between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4 of their medical curriculum or by using the medical school flexible curriculum and integrating public health courses over the three year period. Alternatively, by taking MPH courses in one summer and during 4th year elective time, it is possible to complete the bulk of the MPH program during the four years of medical school without adding a year of study. Students taking this approach can complete the degree by arranging a limited number of credits, including the required fieldwork experience, during their residency training.

The MD/MBA program is a collaborative effort on the part of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Business School-New Brunswick. The MBA requires the completion of 60 credits of course work. This includes 30 credits of required "core" MBA courses focused on accounting, economics, finance, decision analysis, marketing strategy, statistics, information technology systems, business law, and management strategies. Courses on health administration and policy are offered by Rutgers School of Public Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

The MD and MBA degrees are accomplished during the course of a 5 year medical school program. Students apply to the Rutgers Business School-New Brunswick for admission to the MBA during their first year of medical school. During the summer following the first year, students will complete 6 credits of management courses. The second year of the program is devoted to full-time course work in the Business School. During the third year, students resume the medical school curriculum, as well as complete 3 credits of business school requirements. The scheduling of courses within the 5-year period of the program is fixed to assure articulation of MD and MBA requirements within this time frame.

Stephan Kolodiy

Senior Admissions Officer Rutgers Business School
skolodiy@business.rutgers.edu

Daniel J. Mehan, PhD

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
mehanda@rwjms.rutgers.edu

Students interested in the MD/MBA program between New Jersey Medical School and Rutgers Business School-Newark should email or contact Dean Patricia Rotonda at protunda@andromeda.rutgers.edu

Robert Wood Johnson Wood Johnson Medical School has established a MD/JD dual program with Rutgers Law. The Master of Science in Jurisprudence degree in health law "provides health care professionals with a solid foundation in legal aspects of health care delivery and regulation." Study begins following the M2 year with a summer class, The Legal System, Research and Writing, followed by a full academic year of study. Twenty-seven credit hours of course work must be completed at Rutgers Law. An additional 3 credit hours are earned upon completion of an acceptable Master's Thesis.

The MS in Clinical & Translational Science is designed to train future team leaders in clinical and translational science research. The program consists of a combination of integrative didactic and hands-on educational experiences that will provide students with a global, yet detailed, perspective on the complex continuum of translating hypothesis-driven basic research findings into clinically useful and commercially viable tests or treatments. Graduates of the program will utilize the knowledge obtained to design and oversee programs, facilitate and manage collaborations, and lead research teams in clinical and translational research. The Master of Science degree in Clinical & Translational Science will be awarded by Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.