The VCU School of Medicine, in conjunction with other schools at VCU, offers everal combined and dual degree options as a way for exceptional students to complete training in two related, complementary areas.
Students pursuing combined or dual degrees can pursue research with clinical training, clinical with administrative training, public health with clinical training, as well as training in other complementary fields. Graduates with combined or dual degrees are rigorously trained in multiple fields, leading to an enhanced breadth that makes them competitive for leadership positions in research, medicine, clinical services, hospital administration and other fields.
Dual Degree Options
Dual degree in medicine and health administration
VCU School of Medicine and VCU College of Health Professions
Program highlights
- For students interested in roles as physicians leaders
- Completion in five years
- Apply during first three years of medical school
Program contact
Rachel Haga, M.H.A.
Director of Graduate Programs
rchaga@vcu.edu
Dual degree in medicine and public health
VCU School of Medicine and Department of Family Medicine and Epidemiology
Program highlights
- In-depth public health training to qualified medical students
- Five-year program with at least 36 credit hours of public health courses
- M.P.H. curriculum is completed after the third year of medical school
Program contact
Lisa Anderson, M.P.H.
Director of Educational Programs
lisa.s.anderson@vcuhealth.org
Dual degree in medicine and science
VCU School of Medicine
Program highlights
- Admits six to eight students each year
- Emphasis on retaining clinical skills during graduate years
- Students receive an annual stipend each year for all years enrolled
Program contact
Georgia Straton
M.D.-Ph.D. Program Administrator
georgia.straton@vcuhealth.org
Dual degree in pharmacy and public health
School of Pharmacy and Department of Family Medicine and Epidemiology
Program highlights
- Combines expertise in pharmaceutical care with the perspective of benefit to populations
- Five-year program, including an M.P.H. capstone project that serves the needs of a public health organization
- Available to current PharmD students
Program contact
Pramit A. Nadpara, Ph.D.
Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Science
panadpara@vcu.edu
Dual degree in human genetics and genetic counseling
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Program highlights
- Prepares genetic counselors for careers that require strong clinical and counseling skills
- Emphasis on independent research
- Minimum of 126 graduate credit hours
Program contact
John Quillin, Ph.D.
Assistant Program Director
john.quillin@vcuhealth.org
Dual degree in social work and public health
School of Social Work and Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology
Program highlights
- Three-year program that combines the overlapping disciplines of social work and public health
- Prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, communities and/or organizations
- Graduates will be able to advocate for social, health care and economic justice in a diverse and multicultural society
- Graduates will know how to promote physical and mental health across the life course
Program contact
Lisa S. Anderson, M.P.H.
Director of Educational Programs, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health
lisa.s.anderson@vcuhealth.org
(804) 628-2512
Financial Support, Tuition and Fees
Each combined and dual degree option is unique and therefore each program has its own costs and (in some cases) support for students. Please contact each program for more information. U.S. citizens and permanent residents should contact the VCU School of Medicine Financial Aid Office for information on financial aid.
VCU School of Medicine Financial Aid Office