Combining physician training with experience in advanced, independent research, the Keck School of Medicine offers M.D./Ph.D. programs designed for those pursuing careers in academic or industrial biomedical research. To learn more about the programs offered please visit Keck School M.D./Ph.D. Programs.

The Keck School of Medicine offers two tracks leading to both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees, one with participating graduate programs of the Keck School and USC, and the other with select departments of the nearby California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

The Keck School-USC M.D./Ph.D. Program

This program enrolls a maximum of six students annually. Students select the basic science, clinical or engineering program of their choice during the first two years of the medical curriculum.

Keck School-Caltech M.D./Ph.D. Program

The Keck School of Medicine offers a joint M.D./Ph.D. program with Caltech, which selects just two candidates each year from the Keck School-USC M.D./Ph.D. applicant pool. Students do their preclinical and clinical work at USC and their Ph.D. work with any member of the Caltech faculty in the Biology, Chemistry and Engineering and Applied Sciences Divisions.

Both programs are administered by the Keck School Office of Curriculum and have the same admissions requirements and application procedures. Students interested in being considered for either program should apply to the main M.D./Ph.D. program when they apply for first-year admission to the Keck School M.D. program. All M.D./Ph.D. applicants must be accepted by both the medical school admissions committee and the M.D./Ph.D. admissions committee to be accepted into the program. The programs do not consider applicants under the Early Decision Program.

Admissions Requirements

Fourth-year undergraduates with exceptional qualifications and research potential may apply for the Keck School M.D./Ph.D. training programs. In general, requirements for admission to the M.D./Ph.D. programs mirror those of the M.D. program and at least one of the Ph.D. programs (however, students need not commit to a specific Ph.D. program at the time of application). A special M.D./Ph.D. Admissions Committee reviews each applicant’s scholastic aptitude, academic performance, letters of recommendation and previous research experience.

Application Process

Qualified individuals interested in the M.D./Ph.D. programs should inquire about the program at the time of application to the medical school. In order to complete an application to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, students must first submit an AMCAS application indicating the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Shortly after receipt of the completed AMCAS application, the Office of Admissions will direct an applicant to the Keck School of Medicine's online application. A portion of the school’s supplemental application will be specifically for the M.D./Ph.D. program. Applicants who wish to be considered for the combined degree program are asked to complete and submit the additional section.

In addition to the standard medical school application, two letters of reference should be provided from individuals familiar with the student's research potential. Although not required, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores will help the committee in the evaluation of student applicants and are encouraged.

Those applicants meeting the basic criteria will be notified of their acceptance into the pool of candidates for the M.D./Ph.D. programs and will be invited for an interview with members of the M.D./Ph.D. Committee. Following interviews at the Keck School, a subset of M.D./Ph.D. applicants will be invited to interview at Caltech for the Keck School-Caltech Joint M.D./Ph.D. Program. An average of two students per year will be accepted into the highly selective joint program with Caltech.

Students selected for the coming year will be notified between January and May. Students begin their program in the fall semester and register for courses of the medical curriculum at that time.

Students who are currently pursuing the medical curriculum at the Keck School of Medicine may also apply to the M.D./Ph.D. program.

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