Degree Timeline

Typical timeline

The average time-to-degree is eight years. Most students enroll for two years of medical school, followed by four or five years completing the PhD, and then a final year of medical school.

Year 1; Medical School, Core Basic Science Year

Year 2; Medical School, Core Clinical Science Year

Years 3, 4, 5, 6; Graduate School, PhD research

Final year; Medical School, Elective Clinical Science Year

 

Early-research timeline

Some students enter medical school with well-defined research interest and, if aligned with their goals, may begin the PhD at the start of their second year. These students complete the final two years of medical school after the PhD, with no expected impact on the total time to degree.

Year 1; Medical School, Core Basic Science Year

Years 2, 3, 4, 5; Graduate School, PhD research

Year 6; Medical School, Core Clinical Science Year

Year 7; Medical School, Elective Clinical Science Year

 

Alternative timeline 

The program may also admit a small number of DukeMed MD students who have discovered a keen interest in a research career. These students have already completed two years of the DukeMed MD curriculum prior to entering MSTP. 

Years 1, 2, 3, 4; Graduate School, PhD research

Final year; Medical School, Elective Clinical Science Year