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College of Graduate Studies
The M.D./Ph.D. program at MUSC is an NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program with the goal of training future leaders in academic medicine.
Mission: Train the future generation of physician-scientists and leaders in academic medicine.
Funding: The MUSC MSTP is funded in part by a training grant from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences, the Colleges of Medicine and Graduate Studies and numerous scholarships. As of July 1st 2024, trainees receive a stipend of $37,000 a year and tuition, fees and health insurance are paid for. The College of Graduate Studies provides a $2,000 bonus for each year that a trainee receives a NIH NRSA fellowship. The MUSC MSTP was ranked third in the nation, per capita for obtaining the highly competitive NIH NRSA individual fellowships.
Commitment to the trainees: We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for both the PhD and MD degrees. Our program provides a collegial and nurturing environment in which each student’s intellectual and personal potential is nurtured, encouraged and challenged. This ensures that our trainees achieve their full potential. Upon completion of their training, our students go on to the highest quality internships, residency training programs and post-doctoral research fellowships, followed by outstanding career positions.
Program of study: The MSTP offers maximum flexibility and guidance for the student to select a mentor and training experience. There are also several mechanisms available that allow the trainee to get significant exposure to clinical and translational research during the graduate years in addition to time in medical school. They include but are not limited to the Translational Sciences Clinic (during graduate years), Translational Medicine Seminar Series, a Month in the Research Nexus (during senior year) and the CARES Clinic, an evening clinic serving the medically indigent. Our students publish their research in top-tier journals and receive numerous honors and awards for their research.
Earning an M.D./Ph.D. opens the door to impactful careers at the intersection of medicine and research. Graduates are equipped with the expertise to succeed in the following roles:
Graduates may find employment in academic medical centers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device firms, government agencies such as the NIH and FDA, and research institutions worldwide. The specialized skills acquired through this program also provide a strong foundation for those pursuing leadership roles in translational medicine, clinical trials, and healthcare innovation.
Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
Professor of Surgery
BMW Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Co-leader, Developmental Cancer Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center
Associate Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
Professor, Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
We are particularly interested in why you want to come to MUSC for the MSTP and what research you would like to pursue in graduate school. The committee takes a holistic approach in the evaluation of the applications. GPA and MCAT scores are a large factor in obtaining an interview, at which point we are looking for the other traits essential to becoming great physicians. These include:
Start Term | Application Type | Available | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Fall 2026 | Regular | Jul 1, 2025 | Dec 1, 2025 |
Begin your online application to the Medical University of South Carolina.
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.