msc and phd combined

  • Integrated Masters with PhD – Explained
  • Types of Doctorates

An Integrated Masters with a PhD (iPhD) is a four-year postgraduate level programme that combines a one-year Masters course with a three-year PhD course. They allow students to familiarise themselves with their chosen topic, research methods and academic writing techniques before embarking on their own independent research project. An Integrated Masters with a PhD is particularly popular with international students and students who initially lack specialised knowledge or research skills.

Introduction

An Integrated Masters with PhD, also commonly referred to as either just an Integrated Masters degree or an Integrated PhD, offers a relatively new way to undertake postgraduate training. They maintain the depth and focus of a conventional PhD but offer a more comprehensive doctoral training experience.

Due to their growing popularity, both the number of universities offering these newer forms of PhD and the number of students applying to them has steadily increased.

This page describes what Integrated Masters with PhDs are, who they are for, their advantages and disadvantages, how they differ from conventional PhDs and how they are structured in terms of programme, eligibility and costs. This page is for you if you are considering applying for an integrated course, or simply want to know more about them.

What is an Integrated PhD?

An Integrated PhD is a four-year postgraduate programme. They involve undertaking a one-year Masters degree (MRes or MSc) in your first year, followed by a three-year PhD programme in your second to fourth year. Although the courses run back-to-back, a student can only progress to the second year if they show satisfactory performance in their first year. The one-year Masters and the three-year PhD are considered separately in terms of qualifications; therefore, a student who completes an Integrated PhD will receive both a Masters degree (MRes or MSc) and a PhD as opposed to a single postgraduate qualification.

The aim of an Integrated PhD is to provide a structured approach to doctoral studies, combining advanced PhD research with formal teaching in relevant subjects, research methods and communication skills.

As Integrated PhDs are relatively new compared to more regular doctoral pathways such as stand-alone or MPhil-upgraded PhDs, some professors informally refer to them as ‘New Route PhDs’.

Difference Between Integrated PhD and Regular PhD

The most significant difference between an Integrated PhD and a regular PhD is the addition of the one-year Masters degree at the beginning of the programme. This results in an Integrated PhD typically lasting four years, as opposed to the three years as with regular PhDs.

Integrated PhDs are structured in such a way that they provide students with a broader range of foundational skills than a regular PhD. The first year introduces you to a combination of taught elements, practical experience and advanced research skills. In a regular PhD this mode of teaching is missing as it is assumed you already have this level of knowledge.

The last significant difference between the two types of doctoral programmes is the ‘group’ aspect associated with the Integrated version. Since the Masters programme also includes other students enrolled in Integrated PhDs, you will have a small cohort with whom you will work closely alongside during your studies.

Who are Integrated PhDs suitable for?

Integrated PhDs can be an effective pathway for any student, but they stand out in two situations:

Scenario 1: International Students

The Higher Education system differs across countries , although not by a large amount, enough to where an unfamiliar student may struggle, especially when working independently. An Integrated PhD allows you to adapt to the UK education system by offering a more guided and hands-on approach to your learning and research process before you embark on your three-year research project.

It also has visa benefits. If an international student seeking a Masters degree in the UK already knows they want to follow it up with a PhD, enrolling in an Integrated PhD will save them from having to leave the country and re-apply for a visa after completing their initial postgraduate degree.

Scenario 2: Lack of undergraduate research experience or a relevant Masters degree

An Integrated PhD is useful for students who have academic abilities but lack the necessary background to be considered for a standard-route PhD. This usually occurs under one of three scenarios:

  • The applicant is currently an undergraduate student or only holds a Bachelor’s degree,
  • The student has a Masters degree, but in a subject only loosely related to the discipline they wish to pursue at doctoral level,
  • The student has a relevant Masters degree, but the programme lacked a research focus, leaving the student with underdeveloped research skills.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Integrated PhD

The advantages of an Integrated PhD are strongly linked to the international and inexperienced students they cater for. They offer students an effective means of gaining more confidence, knowledge and research skills in their field before starting a doctorate, and also provide visa benefits to international students who will be undertaking prior postgraduate study.

Integrated PhDs also enable students the possibility of receiving funding for the Masters phase of their programme, as will be explained in more detail in the ‘Funding Opportunities’ section.

Integrated doctorates have no obvious disadvantages, but are generally not suitable for those who already have a Masters degree or well-developed research skills in their chosen field. For these students, the additional costs and duration of an Integrated PhD can be avoided by opting for a traditional PhD for which they will already be suited for.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

The programme of study is naturally divided into two parts, the first for your Masters studies and the second for your PhD studies.

Your Masters studies will usually be divided into 180 module credits, half of which will focus on taught components and the other half on research components.

The modules will be tailored to your course, but they will include a variation of:

Taught modules:

  • Subject-specific module – You choose one or two modules from a predefined list of topics within your subject area. Your selection should reflect the research area you want your PhD to focus on.
  • English and Communication – Academic language and communication skills will be taught to prepare you for the ‘writing-up’ phase of your doctorate. A common misconception is that this module is similar to the English language requirement tests required to apply to a iPhD. In reality, the module will focus on learning how to critically evaluate research sources, write abstracts, literature reviews and conclusions, communicate in lab-based environments and present to audiences.
  • Research Techniques  – You’ll receive in-depth training to familiarise you with the different research methods and analytical techniques available to modern researchers.
  • Research Proposal Development  – You’ll work with your intended PhD supervisor to prepare a research proposal for your three-year PhD research project.

Research Modules:

You will carry out one or two small laboratory research projects under supervision for practical experience.

Integrated PhD in UK - Lectures and Lab Work

If you complete these modules with satisfactory performance, you will be awarded a Masters degree and will be considered for the following three-year PhD programme.

Each university has its own process for making this consideration, but most invite you to an interview with the supervisor you wish to conduct research with. The interview is used to confirm that you have acquired the specialised knowledge and research skills expected at masters level, and beyond that of someone capable of completing doctoral study.

If your interview goes well, you will be enrolled in your PhD programme. From this point on, your path will be the same as a regular PhD student. During your doctoral phase, you will conduct independent research and laboratory work for two years, followed by a final year of writing up and formally submitting your findings as a thesis. Your thesis, expertise and research competence will be assessed in an oral examination known as a viva. Upon successful completion of your viva, you will be officially awarded a PhD, and your studies will come to an end.

It should be noted that aside from the above, your university may offer optional modules which can equip you with a wide range of transferable skills.

Eligibility

Entry requirements for an integrated masters degree in the UK will vary from university to university, but the typical requirement is an Upper Second Class (2:1) honours Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.

If you are an international student and English is your second language, most universities will require proof of your English language proficiency through an exam certificate. It’s best to check directly with the universities which certificate types they accept, but the most common English language qualification requirement is an IELTS certificate, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each category.

The typical annual tuition fee for an Integrated PhD in the UK is £4,712 per academic year for home/EU students (or £2,356 for part-time study) and £19,596 per academic year for international students (or £9,798 for part-time study).

As with all doctoral programmes, there are likely to be additional costs associated with your studies, such as bench fees for lab work, travel costs for collaborating and potential write-up fees for students who need more time to submit their thesis. You can get more information about these additional costs on our cost breakdown page .

Funding Opportunities

You can obtain funding for Integrated PhDs in the same way as for regular PhDs. Funding is usually provided by one of the seven UK Research Councils  and research charity organisations such as the  Wellcome Trust ; grants, scholarships and funded opportunities can be found directly in our searchable database .

Funding can either be partial (tuition fees only) or full (tuition fees and living costs). Most funding providers also cover the tuition fee for the Masters degree programme due to being integrated with the PhD, however, you should confirm this on a case-by-case basis.

As with regular PhD funding, the fully-funded opportunities are generally limited to home and EU students.

It’s also worth noting that PhD programmes which include an integrated Masters degree are eligible for a Doctoral Loan , even if you already have a postgraduate Masters degree from a previous university. Applications for Doctoral Loans must be made directly to Student Finance England and you must first be registered for a full doctoral degree. Due to application restrictions, you won’t be able to apply for a separate Postgraduate Masters Loan for the integrated Masters phase of your degree.

Availability

You can search for Integrated PhDs in three ways:

  • Our Search Page  – Search for the term ‘Integrated’ in our  comprehensive database of STEM PhDs .
  • University Search Pages – Universities advertise their Integrated PhDs on their postgraduate search pages. You can find them by searching the name of the university followed by “ search postgraduate courses ” directly in Google.
  • Funding Body Websites – Funding bodies which provide studentships for Integrated PhDs sometimes advertise the positions on their website. A list of the most common funding providers can be found here: PhD Studentships .

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

  • JEE Main 2024
  • MHT CET 2024
  • JEE Advanced 2024
  • BITSAT 2024
  • View All Engineering Exams
  • Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
  • Top Engineering Colleges in India
  • Engineering Colleges in India
  • Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
  • Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
  • Top IITs in India
  • Top NITs in India
  • Top IIITs in India
  • JEE Main College Predictor
  • JEE Main Rank Predictor
  • MHT CET College Predictor
  • AP EAMCET College Predictor
  • GATE College Predictor
  • KCET College Predictor
  • JEE Advanced College Predictor
  • View All College Predictors
  • JEE Main Question Paper
  • JEE Main Cutoff
  • JEE Main Advanced Admit Card
  • AP EAPCET Hall Ticket
  • Download E-Books and Sample Papers
  • Compare Colleges
  • B.Tech College Applications
  • KCET Result
  • MAH MBA CET Exam
  • View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

  • MBA College Admissions
  • MBA Colleges in India
  • Top IIMs Colleges in India
  • Top Online MBA Colleges in India
  • MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
  • BBA Colleges in India
  • XAT College Predictor 2024
  • SNAP College Predictor
  • NMAT College Predictor
  • MAT College Predictor 2024
  • CMAT College Predictor 2024
  • CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
  • CAT 2023 College Predictor
  • CMAT 2024 Admit Card
  • TS ICET 2024 Hall Ticket
  • CMAT Result 2024
  • MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
  • Download Helpful Ebooks
  • List of Popular Branches
  • QnA - Get answers to your doubts
  • IIM Fees Structure
  • AIIMS Nursing
  • Top Medical Colleges in India
  • Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
  • Medical Colleges accepting NEET
  • List of Medical Colleges in India
  • List of AIIMS Colleges In India
  • Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
  • Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
  • NEET College Predictor
  • NEET PG College Predictor
  • NEET MDS College Predictor
  • NEET Rank Predictor
  • DNB PDCET College Predictor
  • NEET Admit Card 2024
  • NEET PG Application Form 2024
  • NEET Cut off
  • NEET Online Preparation
  • Download Helpful E-books
  • Colleges Accepting Admissions
  • Top Law Colleges in India
  • Law College Accepting CLAT Score
  • List of Law Colleges in India
  • Top Law Colleges in Delhi
  • Top NLUs Colleges in India
  • Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
  • Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

  • CLAT College Predictor
  • MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
  • AILET College Predictor
  • Sample Papers
  • Compare Law Collages
  • Careers360 Youtube Channel
  • CLAT Syllabus 2025
  • CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
  • NID DAT Exam
  • Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

  • NIFT College Predictor
  • UCEED College Predictor
  • NID DAT College Predictor
  • NID DAT Syllabus 2025
  • NID DAT 2025
  • Design Colleges in India
  • Top NIFT Colleges in India
  • Fashion Design Colleges in India
  • Top Interior Design Colleges in India
  • Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
  • Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
  • NIFT Result 2024
  • NIFT Fees Structure
  • NIFT Syllabus 2025
  • Free Sample Papers
  • Free Design E-books
  • List of Branches
  • Careers360 Youtube channel
  • IPU CET BJMC
  • JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
  • IIMC Entrance Exam
  • Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
  • Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
  • Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
  • List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
  • Free Ebooks
  • CA Intermediate
  • CA Foundation
  • CS Executive
  • CS Professional
  • Difference between CA and CS
  • Difference between CA and CMA
  • CA Full form
  • CMA Full form
  • CS Full form
  • CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
  • Master of Commerce (M.Com)
  • Company Secretary
  • Cost Accountant
  • Charted Accountant
  • Credit Manager
  • Financial Advisor
  • Top Commerce Colleges in India
  • Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
  • Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
  • Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
  • Top B.Com Colleges in India
  • IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
  • IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
  • MCA Colleges in India
  • BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

  • Information Technology Courses
  • Programming Courses
  • Web Development Courses
  • Data Analytics Courses
  • Big Data Analytics Courses
  • RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
  • Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
  • Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
  • Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
  • Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
  • Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
  • List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
  • GPAT Result
  • GPAT 2024 Admit Card
  • GPAT Question Papers
  • NCHMCT JEE 2024
  • Mah BHMCT CET
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
  • B.Sc Hotel Management
  • Hotel Management
  • Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

  • Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
  • UPSC IAS 2024
  • SSC CGL 2024
  • IBPS RRB 2024
  • Previous Year Sample Papers
  • Free Competition E-books
  • Sarkari Result
  • QnA- Get your doubts answered
  • UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
  • CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
  • SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
  • NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

  • NDA Application Form 2024
  • UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
  • CDS Application Form 2024
  • CTET Admit card 2024
  • HP TET Result 2023
  • SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
  • UPTET Notification 2024
  • SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

  • SSC CHSL 2024
  • UP PCS 2024
  • UGC NET 2024
  • RRB NTPC 2024
  • IBPS PO 2024
  • IBPS Clerk 2024
  • IBPS SO 2024
  • CBSE Class 10th
  • CBSE Class 12th
  • UP Board 10th
  • UP Board 12th
  • Bihar Board 10th
  • Bihar Board 12th
  • Top Schools in India
  • Top Schools in Delhi
  • Top Schools in Mumbai
  • Top Schools in Chennai
  • Top Schools in Hyderabad
  • Top Schools in Kolkata
  • Top Schools in Pune
  • Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

  • JEE Main Knockout April
  • NCERT Notes
  • NCERT Syllabus
  • NCERT Books
  • RD Sharma Solutions
  • Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
  • NCERT Solutions
  • NCERT Solutions for Class 12
  • NCERT Solutions for Class 11
  • NCERT solutions for Class 10
  • NCERT solutions for Class 9
  • NCERT solutions for Class 8
  • NCERT Solutions for Class 7
  • Top University in USA
  • Top University in Canada
  • Top University in Ireland
  • Top Universities in UK
  • Top Universities in Australia
  • Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
  • Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

  • Study in USA
  • Study in UK
  • Study in Canada
  • Study in Australia
  • Study in Ireland
  • Study in Germany
  • Study in China
  • Study in Europe

Student Visas

  • Student Visa Canada
  • Student Visa UK
  • Student Visa USA
  • Student Visa Australia
  • Student Visa Germany
  • Student Visa New Zealand
  • Student Visa Ireland
  • CUET PG 2024
  • IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
  • DU Admission 2024
  • UP B.Ed JEE 2024
  • LPU NEST 2024
  • IIT JAM 2024
  • IGNOU Online Admission 2024
  • Universities in India
  • Top Universities in India 2024
  • Top Colleges in India
  • Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
  • Top Universities in Bihar
  • Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
  • Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
  • Central Universities in India
  • CUET Exam City Intimation Slip 2024
  • IGNOU Date Sheet
  • CUET Mock Test 2024
  • CUET Admit card 2024
  • CUET PG Syllabus 2024
  • CUET Participating Universities 2024
  • CUET Previous Year Question Paper
  • CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
  • E-Books and Sample Papers
  • CUET Exam Pattern 2024
  • CUET Exam Date 2024
  • CUET Syllabus 2024
  • IGNOU Exam Form 2024
  • CUET UG Admit Card 2024 (Out) Live
  • CUET 2024 Admit Card

Engineering Preparation

  • Knockout JEE Main 2024
  • Test Series JEE Main 2024
  • JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

  • Knockout NEET 2024
  • Test Series NEET 2024
  • Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

  • JEE Main One Month Course
  • NEET One Month Course
  • IBSAT Free Mock Tests
  • IIT JEE Foundation Course
  • Knockout BITSAT 2024
  • Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

  • IT & Software Certification Courses
  • Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
  • Programming And Development Certification Courses
  • Business and Management Certification Courses
  • Marketing Certification Courses
  • Health and Fitness Certification Courses
  • Design Certification Courses
  • Specializations
  • Digital Marketing Certification Courses
  • Cyber Security Certification Courses
  • Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
  • Business Analytics Certification Courses
  • Data Science Certification Courses
  • Cloud Computing Certification Courses
  • Machine Learning Certification Courses
  • View All Certification Courses
  • UG Degree Courses
  • PG Degree Courses
  • Short Term Courses
  • Free Courses
  • Online Degrees and Diplomas
  • Compare Courses

Top Providers

  • Coursera Courses
  • Udemy Courses
  • Edx Courses
  • Swayam Courses
  • upGrad Courses
  • Simplilearn Courses
  • Great Learning Courses

M.Sc Ph.D Integrated Course, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Scope & Career

  • What is M.Sc Ph.D

M.Sc Ph.D is a three to six years-long dual degree programme that combines MSc and P.hD. This integrated course rewards a student with a double degree. A M.Sc. is a postgraduate degree in science discipline. Candidates who have completed a B.Sc. are eligible for enrolling in M.Sc. While a PhD is a doctoral level research degree programme. Candidates who have completed 10+2+3+2 or 10+2+4 level course are eligible for enrolling in the Ph.D. course. The multi-disciplinary curriculum covers the core and elective course modules. M.Sc. Ph.D integrated course is designed to fulfil the requirements of a modern researcher of familiarity with the experimental and theoretical fields.

What is M.Sc. Ph.D full form?

M.sc ph.d highlights, m.sc. ph.d fee structure, why choose m.sc ph.d, m.sc ph.d eligibility, m.sc. ph.d. skills, m.sc ph.d admission process, m.sc ph.d entrance examinations, m.sc. ph.d. cut off, m.sc ph.d syllabus, m.sc. ph.d. specialisations, what after m.sc ph.d dual degree, career opportunities after m.sc ph.d dual degree, top private m.sc. ph.d. colleges, top government m.sc. ph.d. colleges.

M.Sc. PhD stands for Master of Science- Doctor of Philosophy. It is an integrated programme designed by combining postgraduate degree M.Sc. and doctoral degree Ph.D. It involves advanced courses, foundation courses, and research work. Students are rewarded with M.Sc and Ph.D degrees on completion of the one-degree program.

This M.Sc. Ph.D dual degree program consists of two semesters, and for the first two years in each, students are dedicated to pursuing some small research projects. They are given a choice to select their guides and laboratories during this period. The next 4.5 to 5 years of the candidate's educational journey revolves around research. M.Sc Ph.D integrated course is ideal as it spares additional years for those students who pursue both M.Sc and Ph.D separately.

M.Sc.-Ph.D dual degree program fee structure varies significantly across government and private-run institutions. The fee structure at public institutions fluctuates between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 2.38 Lakhs per academic year. The fee structure at private institutions fluctuates between Rs. 2.60 Lakh to Rs. 11.20 Lakh per academic year.

On average, top institutions like IIT-Bombay charges Rs. 50,000 per academic year, IIT- Kanpur charges Rs. Thirty-six thousand per academic year, and IIT- Kharagpur charges Rs. 12,000 per academic year. Other than the tuition fee, these charges often include the library fees, hostel charges, campus development charges, museums/ art visits, and incidentals. Public colleges typically charge a lower fee.

It is an integrated course of Master of Science with Doctorate of Philosophy ideal for students with scientific vigour for theoretical knowledge and research.

Depending on the choice or interest, students can choose a specialisation that edges their research-oriented skills and aids them in constructing a career in this field. M.Sc Ph.D integrated course is an ideal programme for students with an inclination towards advanced research in fundamental sciences.

M.Sc. Ph.D dual degree is a program explicitly designed for students who choose to pursue a research-oriented career.

The M.Sc-Ph.D integrated degree program involves research work, foundation courses, and advanced courses that rewards students with both the M.Sc and Ph.D course programs simultaneously on completion of one program.

Students who complete the M.Sc+Ph.D integrated degree course will be paid a stipend for their fellowship associated with the institution.a

The Master of Science with Doctorate of Philosophy degree program typically includes writing a thesis or dissertation in the M.Sc period.

The M.Sc course program is designed for those students with a want to involve themselves in scientific research & theoretical knowledge with specialisations in the field of interest.

Students with an M.Sc+Ph.D integrated degree course can get an average starting pay package of INR 26,000/- to 30,000/- per month, depending on the job profile and employment area.

The institutions like Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar , University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata IIT, Kharagpur , offer the M.Sc+Ph.D integrated course.

The eligibility criterion for the M.Sc Ph.D integrated degree is similar to various integrated programs in other disciplines. The following candidates are eligible for an M.sc Ph.D course -

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology or Chemistry or Pharmacy or Biology or Mathematics or Agriculture or Veterinary Sciences or Physics as applicable to individual disciplines, under the 10+2+3/4 system, can apply to this program.

Candidates with BE or B. Tech degree programs who qualify in the Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics paper in the JAM entrance exam can apply for the Mathematical Sciences.

Students with BE or B. Tech degree programs who qualify in the Biotechnology paper in the JAM entrance exam can apply to the Biological Sciences.

Candidates who have cleared JEST are eligible to apply for an M.Sc Ph.D integrated degree.

Candidates who seek admission for M.sc Ph.D integrated degree at IISc should qualify in the JAM Entrance examination.

Additional Criteria Requirements

The minimum eligibility criteria for admission in M.Sc. Ph.D integrated degree program is an aggregate of 55 percent to 60 percent and above or equivalent grade in the Bachelor’s degree.

The minimum eligibility criteria for SC/ST candidates are relaxed to pass class over the first class in the qualifying examination.

Departmental specifications require an eligibility criterion of subjects at the Bachelor's or 10+2 standard levels. To deem eligible for certain institutional departments, candidates must ensure that these requirements are met.

Final year graduates - students appearing for their final year qualifying examination and awaiting the results are also eligible to apply. However, this sect of students should have met the eligibility criteria for the award of the qualifying degree, including all the entrance examinations, dissertation projects, and viva-voce at the time of admission.

Candidates who pursue M.Sc. Ph.D. integrated course develop following skills over the period of time being enrolled in the dual degree integrated programme.

The admission procedure for M.Sc. Ph.D. dual degree program consists of a written test - Entrance examination. Candidates need to qualify in the written entrance test. Qualified students will be called for final selection. Qualified students will have to complete a six-year course. Upon successful completion, students can successfully start with their course program.

Aspirants must appear for an entrance examination to get admission into M.Sc. Ph.D integrated course there are various institutions-based entrance examinations for the M.Sc. Ph.D dual degree program. However, the top four entrance examination are as follows:

M.Sc Ph.D Entrance Exam

Admissions to M.Sc. Ph.D. programmes are provided on the basis of candidates performance in the entrance examination or merit of previously passing examinations. Several institutions conduct their own entrance examination to provide admissions while the rest accept the scores of national and state level entrance examinations. We have provided below details of major M.Sc. Ph.D. entrance examinations.

JEE Advanced: JEE Advanced is also known as Joint Entrance Examination Advanced. It is a national level entrance examination famous for providing admissions in engineering colleges. JEE Advanced score is valid for admissions in technical and architectural courses.

BITSAT: BITSAT stands for Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test. BIT SAT is a university level entrance examination conducted to provide admissions in various academic courses running in college.

AP EAMCET: AP EAMCET stands for Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture and Medicine Common Entrance Test. It is a state level examination conducted to provide admissions to eligible candidates in academic courses of engineering, agriculture and medicine disciplines.

KIITEE : KIITEE stands for Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Examination. It is a university level entrance examination conducted to provide admissions to various academic courses running in university.

CUSAT CAT : CUSAT CAT stands for Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission Test. It is a university level examination conducted to provide admissions in various academic disciplines running in Cochin University.

Cut off is the minimum requirement of percentage, marks or scores acquired by candidates in the previously passing examination or entrance examination. Cut off is released every year by colleges to provide admissions. Those who secure more scores or higher rank than cut off or equivalent to it are eligible for further participation in the admission process and get themselves enrolled in the respective course and college.

Popular Engineering Colleges in India

We have provided below a list of popular engineering colleges. Aspirants who want to enroll in an engineering programme may check out the admission criteria and other details of these colleges.

Top Ph.D. Colleges by Location

There are plenty of Ph.D colleges in India . Candidates seeking admission in Ph.D. course may check top colleges offering the course in various locations with the assistance of table provided below.

The syllabus of integrated M.Sc. Ph.D integrated course may vary from college to college. After completion of a B.Sc. in any specialisation relevant to physics, chemistry, mathematics or biology, candidates can enroll in M.Sc. Ph.D. programme. We have provided below the syllabus of integrated M.Sc. Ph.D. depending on specialisations.

M.Sc. Ph.D Mathematics Syllabus:

Syllabus for Semesters 1 and 2

Syllabus for Semesters 3 and 4

M.Sc. Ph.D Chemistry Syllabus

Aspirants may check M.Sc. Ph.D. Chemistry syllabus provided below. The M.Sc. Ph.D. syllabus may vary from college to college. The M.Sc. Ph.D. syllabus combines the major subjects of both the course M.Sc. and Ph.D.

List of Electives for Chemistry

M.Sc. Ph.D Physics Syllabus

If you are willing to enroll in the M.Sc. Ph.D. integrated course with the specialisation in Physics. Then, you may check the syllabus provided below. It could vary from college to college. We have listed the majority of M.Sc. Ph.D. dual degree program in Physics subjects in the syllabus provided here.

List of Electives for Physics

There are numerous M.Sc. Ph.D. specialisations. The academic fee may vary depending on the specialisations offered in the MSc. Ph.D. Individuals may opt for a M.Sc. Ph.D. in any relevant specialisation after successful completion of B.Sc. We have listed below the major ones:

After receiving M.Sc. Ph.D dual Degree students have a plethora of options to choose that caters their education. In addition to campus placements, students are offered the roles as Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, or Professor at reputed institutions of their choice. Institutions often offer full-employment right after they complete their internship with the firm.

M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree offers students to experience innovative learning with outstanding knowledge. M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates are educated in sharing techniques and practical execution of ideas at a more significant level. As mentioned earlier, M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates can opt for their dream career in pots such as ONGC (Chemist Post), NTPC (Chemist), IOCL, BPCL, and more.

M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates are eligible to apply for the UPSC Geo-Scientist post for the Geological Survey Department. The job openings at the Geological Survey Department for scientist posts are available in the departments like ISRO, BARC, DRDO, and some more. For foreign universities, examinations like TOEFL and GRE are compulsory.

Students also liked

  • Online Degree and Diploma Courses
  • Online Free Courses and Certifications
  • Online Short Term Courses and Certifications
  • Online Certification Courses
  • View List of all Online Courses and Certifications
  • Top Certification Course Providers

Private Sector Career Options:

M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates have career scope in famous private firms such as IOCL inclusive of Japanese and German universities, Asain Paints, CIPLA, and ONGC. Several other companies such as Walmart, Fuzzy Logics, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and Dunia Finance offer a pay package of Rs. 20 Lacs per annum to M.Sc.-Ph.D graduates.

Government Sector Career Options:

M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates hold a massive career scope in government sectors as follows:

Research or Scientists:

The candidates must qualify the CSIR NET Exam to get the Scientist or Researcher Position in any of the below-mentioned institutions.

  • Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi
  • Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
  • Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata

Officer Jobs Profiles

Career prospects for M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates in India’s prestigious Government Organisations are:

  • Bharat Petroleum
  • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
  • National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
  • Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

Assistant Professors

Career prospects for M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates as Assistant Professors at India’s Top Most Universities. Qualified candidates can apply for the Direct Recruitment process for the job profiles Assistant Professors or Lecturers in any reputed Indian University. However, the pay package depends on the candidate's skills and academic background. Candidates are hired on higher salary packages. Candidates need to qualify the UGC NET Exam to deem eligible to apply for the Lectureship Jobs in any reputed Indian University.

Railway Officer

There are various employment posts for qualified M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates in Indian Railways. Candidates can opt to employ in the following positions:

  • Trainee Officer
  • Honoring Visiting Specialist
  • Project Associate
  • Junior Research Fellow
  • Deputy Country Representative
  • Associate Analyst
  • Research Associate
  • Associate Software Engineer

Other Government Organisations

Below is a list of a few government organisations that offer other various platforms for M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates such as Universities, Ministries, and Banks.

  • Wildlife Institute of India
  • Punjab Agricultural University
  • State Bank of India, SBI
  • Regional Centre for Biotechnology, RCB
  • Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, IACS
  • Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science
  • ICMR - National Institute of Cancer Prevention
  • Bank of India
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL
  • CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology
  • National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, NIBMG
  • Ministry of Agriculture & Welfare Affairs
  • Central University of South Bihar
  • Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
  • National Seeds Corporation Limited
  • National Payments Corporation of India, NPCI
  • Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited, IFFCO
  • Central Silk Board

Salary Prospects

There are numerous universities that offer various academic courses in disciplines of science. But, there are only a few colleges that offer M.Sc. Ph.D. integrated programme. We have listed below such top private M.Sc. Ph.D. colleges in India.

M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree program is a popular integrated course program across government and private-run institutions. Given below are a few public and private institutions that offer M.Sc.-Ph.D Integrated Degree programs. We have listed below top government M.Sc. Ph.D. colleges that offer this course.

M.Sc colleges by States

There are plenty of M.Sc. colleges in India . An M.Sc. can be pursued after successful completion of B.Sc. The admission process, eligibility criteria and fee structure of M.Sc. course may vary college to college.

PhD Colleges by States

PhD is a doctoral degree programme. It is usually offered with a duration of five to seven year. Candidates who successfully complete PhD may conduct their own independent research. They get opportunities in the academic sector as professor, lecturer or researcher in universities and colleges. Aspirants may check top PhD colleges located in various states with the help of table provided below.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

The primary difference that distinguishes between a ‘dual-degree program’ and that of joint M.Sc-Ph.D is that students cannot leave without completing his/her doctorate while pursuing a Joint M.Sc-Ph.D degree course. However, the former course programme gives students the option to move out with a Master's degree if they have no interest in studying further.

The course duration for the M.Sc-Ph.D course programme is between three to seven years.

To pursue M.Sc-Ph.D course programme, candidates should meet the following eligibility criteria:

An aggregate of 55 per cent to 60 per cent and above in B.Sc with first-class specifications in high and higher school ( 10 and 10+2)

Final year graduation students are eligible to apply.

A few of the entrance examinations for students to prepare for the MSc-PhD course are- JEE Advanced, AP EAMCET, BITSAT, CUSAT CAT, Symbiosis Entrance Test, JCECE, and IPU CET.

Graduates from this field have a great scope in both private and government organisations. M.Sc.-Ph.D Degree graduates can opt for their dream career in pots such as ONGC (Chemist Post), NTPC (Chemist), IOCL, BPCL, and more.

  • Latest Articles
  • Popular Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

  • Most Viewed

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

  • Universities

Popular Courses and Specializations

Popular branches.

  • Mathematics

Popular Courses

  • MBA Sustainability Management Course, Subjects, Exams, Admission, Colleges, Fees, Career
  • MBA Forest Management: Course, Admission 2024, Colleges, Syllabus, Fees, Career
  • MA in Public Administration Course, Admissions, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career
  • M.A. HRM (Master of Arts in Human Resource Management)
  • 30+ Job Opportunities After MA

List of M.Sc Ph.D colleges

  • Affiliated Colleges
  • Notable Alumni
  • Courses & Fees

Related E-books & Sample Papers

Gate 2024 aerospace engineering question paper and answer key.

783 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Ecology and Evolution Question Paper and Answer Key

189 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Chemical Engineering Question Paper and Answer Key

221 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Life Sciences Question Paper and Answer Key

222 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Humanities and Social Science Question Paper and Answer Key

140 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Textile Engineering and Fibre Science Question Paper and Answer Key

69 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Production and Industrial Engineering Question Paper and Answer Key

83 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Engineering Sciences Question Paper and Answer Key

132 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Petroleum Engineering Question Paper and Answer Key

82 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Question Paper and Answer Key

37 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Metallurgical Engineering Question Paper and Answer Key

36 + Downloads

GATE 2024 Mining Engineering Question Paper and Answer Key

20 + Downloads

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

student

Certifications

student

We Appeared in

Economic Times

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

msc and phd combined

Imperial and University of São Paulo sign new research and education partnership

msc and phd combined

Chatham House report sets out recommendations for the next UK foreign secretary

msc and phd combined

Imperial teaching experts share breakthroughs impacting student experience

  • Postgraduate doctoral
  • Application process
  • Choose a course

Integrated PhD

Mr Gary Kass, Natural England, gives a talk to SSCP DTP students during the Sustainability module

Studentships

Funding for our CDTs and DTPs is provided by Research Councils so eligibility criteria apply for the studentships that they offer. This is outlined on the UK Research and Innovation website . They may also consider self-funding applicants for non-funded projects.

A new model of Doctoral training

Integrated PhDs provide a new model of postgraduate training. They retain the depth, rigour and focus of a conventional PhD while also providing a broader training experience.

While the specific training routes may vary, they typically consist of a one-year Master's course (MSc or MRes) which leads straight into a three-year PhD.

This new style of doctoral training is available within our Research Council-funded Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).

CDTs and DTPs

Our CDTs and DTPs recruit cohorts of students from a broad spectrum of disciplines, creating vibrant multi-disciplinary communities.

The diversity of students recruited to these centres reflects the breadth of research which they cover.

As well as benefitting from a variety of training opportunities and cohort-building activities, students studying within these centres may also have access to a supervisor and facilities at a partner institution.

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)

We offer the following DTPs:

  • Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet , funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and hosted by the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment.
  • Medical Research Council Studentships – Imperial College Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) , funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC)
  • Photonics , available through several EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) in which Photonics research group members are involved.

Imperial is also a partner in London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS) , funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Imperial currently hosts the following Centres for Doctoral Training. Explore the centres that interest you to find out more about their training programme and available studentships.

  • Advanced Characterisation of Materials
  • Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare – UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training
  • BioDesign Engineering
  • Chemical Biology - Innovation for the Life Sciences
  • Modern Statistics and Statistical Machine Learning
  • Next Generation Synthesis and Reaction Technology
  • Nuclear Energy Futures
  • PhD School of SCIENCE
  • Study Structures
  • The Integrated PhD Pro...

The Integrated  MSc and  PhD programme (3+5)

The Integrated MSc and PhD programme makes it possible to integrate the MSc programmes’ optional programme elements and the writing of the PhD dissertation. This allows students and their supervisors more time for the research element of the PhD programme.

The former 4+4 PhD is now a part of the Integrated PhD Scheme (3+5).

Admission requirements

The Integrated PhD programme is open to applicants who:

  • have completed the Bachelors degree with a good result.
  • are enrolled on an MSc programme offered by SCIENCE  or  have been offered admission to an MSc programme offered by SCIENCE
  • can coordinate and integrate the remaining ECTS of their MSc programme with the proposed PhD programme.
  • is qualified to be admitted to the PhD programme
  • have not  started writing the MSc thesis.

The academic content of the MSc programme must be related to the proposed PhD programme.  Read more requirements in the programme description below. 

Organisation of the Integrated MSc/PhD programme

The prescribed period of study for the integrated programme is five full-time equivalents (FTEs) (two for the MSc programme and three for the PhD programme). If, at commencement of the integrated 3+5 scheme, the student has passed one or more programme elements, the period of study is reduced correspondingly.

The 3+5 scheme is divided into two parts:

Part A: The student completes the MSc programme and concurrently completes one third of the PhD programme (one FTE). Part A is completed when the student completes the MSc programme and must be organized in such a way that the MSc programme is completed two years before completion of the entire integrated programme of study.

Part B : The student is a PhD student exclusively and completes the PhD programme in accordance with the approved PhD plan. Part B can be commenced once the student has completed the MSc programme (part A), and the regular assessments have been satisfactory, meaning that the student has lived up to the requirements in the PhD plan.

You can find more information here.

Find information on financing here

2024 Best Online Masters PhD Combined Programs

Masters and PhD combined programs are designed to help you study two different majors.

Masters PhD Combined Programs

These dual degree programs typically combine complementary courses from the two different majors so you can equip yourself with broad but targeted expertise.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

If you’re after a career with complex professional demands, dual masters and PhD online programs may be an intriguing option.

Universities Offering Online Masters and Doctorate Dual Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a dual degree program for students interested in obtaining both a master’s and a doctorate in a field.

Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for the second degree program while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students may choose to study Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Science, Psychology, Public Health, or Pharmacy and Health Science.

Fairleigh Dickinson University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Mason University

George Mason University offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can usually be completed in 3 years when studying full-time or 4 years when studying part-time. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores and 2 letters of recommendation and may be required to complete an interview when applying.

George Mason University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mercer University

Mercer University offers a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Science in Health Outcomes dual degree program. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and a resume to apply.

Students in the program are given academic advice from the program director and a graduate advisor to help guide them through their thesis or capstone project. A GPA of 2.75 in the Doctor of Pharmacy courses and 3.0 in Health Outcomes must be maintained to graduate.

Mercer University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers a dual degree for those interested in obtaining both a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. The program offers both full-time and part-time options and allows students to take the courses for the master’s degree online.

Applicants can apply year round and may have the GRE score requirements waived depending on their GPA. A team of advisors is available to help applicants through each step of the admissions process.

National University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

New York University

New York University offers a number of dual degree programs for students interested in obtaining either two master’s degrees or a doctorate and a master’s degree.

Applicants must submit additional test scores when applying. Those interested in getting a doctorate and a master’s may get a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration or a Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Business Administration.

New York University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Health Care Science offers a dual degree program for those interested in obtaining Master and Doctor of Health Science degrees.

The program can typically be completed within 7 years. Both programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and prior health care experience.

NSU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master and a PhD in Social Work. The program can usually be completed in 4 years.

Those interested in the program may apply directly to the program or after their first year of study in the Master of Social Work program. Official transcripts, GRE scores, 2 personal statements, and 3 letters of reference must be submitted when applying.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s School of Law offers a number of dual degree programs. Students may receive a Juris Doctorate with a master’s degree in a variety of business, science, engineering, sports management, or government fields.

Applicants interested in a dual degree program may contact the law faculty advisor to learn more about their program of interest.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of St Thomas

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can typically be completed in 4 years, but students may also choose to take the program part-time or online. Applicants must submit LSAT scores, their undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

The  University of St. Thomas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Widener University

Widener University offers a dual degree program for a Master in Criminal Justice and a Doctor of Psychology.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years and offers a clinical experience through practicum training, field placements, and internships. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Though having a major in psychology may help with admittance, it is not required.

Widener University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Masters and PhD Combined Programs

Masters and PhD Combined Programs

Just as some universities offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelors and masters at the same time , there are some doctoral programs that allow you to get a masters as you complete your doctorate. The masters degree serves as a gateway, or an optional exit point, on the longer path to completing the doctoral degree.

In this article, we’ll talk mostly about blended or dual degree programs. These types of programs allow students to work toward simultaneously earning a masters and doctoral degree in two different but complementary majors, such as business and medicine or business and law.

Here are some advantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

  • Combine complementary courses from two distinct graduate degree majors
  • Allow you to earn two degrees within a reasonable time frame
  • Help prepare you for a specific professional niche

The following are some disadvantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

  • Can take longer to complete than a masters degree program alone
  • Can include very different specialty courses designed for distinct majors
  • Might involve coordinating a study plan with two independent departments

Most dual masters and doctorate degree programs online are designed to help you earn the two degrees in a reasonable time frame.

Common Masters and Doctorate Combined Programs

Masters and Doctorate Combined Programs

Many combined degree programs culminate in a professional doctorate and are designed to equip students to work in complex professional settings. A professional doctorate tends to emphasize more practical skills for the workplace.

MBA / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

In this dual program, you’ll learn business administration fundamentals while you gain expertise in a range of concepts, practices, and regulatory standards related to nursing.

This combination can help position you for senior management roles or for positions on HR teams with large hospitals or managed care networks.

MBA / Doctor of Medicine (MD)

MBA / Doctor of Medicine

This graduate degree combination can qualify you to practice medicine while also providing you with lots of business administration skills.

Professionals with these qualifications might work in governance roles at a hospital, help design and manage innovative managed healthcare business models, or work in the development and sale of medical technologies.

MBA / Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Dual masters and PsyD programs combining a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology with a masters degree in business administration can open doors to a range of senior management opportunities in large organizations.

Alternately, professionals might specialize in psychotherapy and use their clinical qualifications and business savvy to manage or develop psychotherapy service networks. They may also fill executive leadership roles with mental health service providers.

MBA / Juris Doctor (JD)

MBA / Juris Doctor

Students in this dual degree program often specialize in business law, accessing and blending course offerings from both MBA and JD graduate programs.

This combined program can create an advanced business law degree pathway for future jobs in the business sector or in private law firms.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) / Juris Doctor (JD)

Legal hurdles and legislative complexities can make or break public policy initiatives. A dual MPP and JD program can be a strategic way to develop expertise doing legal analysis work with regard to developing or improving public policy.

With this double-edged expertise, you might pursue any number of roles in public interest law, legislative work, or public policy analysis and advocacy.

Master of Science (MS) / Medical Doctor (MD)

With preparation in an MS and MD combined degree program, you can equip yourself to practice medicine while also learning specialized science research skills.

Depending on your areas of specialization, you might be positioned to work in medical research and development or with organizations engaged in testing, evaluating, monitoring, or regulating new medical practices or products.

Master of Public Health (MPH) / Medical Doctor (MD)

Master of Public Health

In this blended degree program, you can access a range of graduate courses in the field of public health as you train to become a medical doctor.

If you have an interest in specializing in infectious diseases, preventive medicine, epidemiological research, or public health policy and advocacy roles, this combined degree program can give you advanced training.

Master’s and PhD Admissions Requirements

Master’s and PhD Admissions

Admissions requirements will vary by school and program, but most dual masters and PhD programs online require criteria similar to these:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Satisfactory college GPA
  • GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
  • LSAT or MCAT scores (for JD and MD programs, when required)
  • Letters of recommendation

Depending on the major, graduate degree programs may also require the completion of specified prerequisites in math or science as well as other academic or professional requirements.

Accreditation

Masters PhD Combined Programs Accreditation

It can be beneficial to stick with fully accredited schools and programs. If you anticipate pursuing careers in fields that involve professional licensing, accreditation may be a precondition for licensing. Fields that typically require licensing include law, medicine, psychology, nursing, education, and public health.

Accreditation can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information about accreditation and finding accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Masters PhD Combined Programs Financial Aid

Many graduate students rely on financial aid for help with tuition and other upfront costs. If you plan to apply for need-based aid, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Common forms of aid include state and federal education grants. If you’re eligible, you can also  apply for any number of need-based or merit-based scholarships. Some employers also offer tuition assistance programs.

Many financial aid offers also include student loans. Terms of loan offers and other awards can vary, so it’s helpful to review all financial aid offers carefully.

Can You Get Your Masters and PhD at the Same Time?

masters and doctorate programs

Yes, in most programs you’ll pursue your masters and doctorate together, taking courses that are part of an already blended curriculum or enrolling in courses that straddle two departments.

If you’re in the type of program where you’re pursuing just one major, you’ll typically fulfill your masters requirements first as a qualifying step for proceeding with the PhD requirements.

When you’re pursuing two complementary majors in a dual degree program, you’ll generally be working toward both degrees at the same time.

Can You Leave a PhD Program with a Masters?

PhD Program with Masters

You can leave a PhD program with a masters if you fulfill the required academic and administrative steps for doing so. These requirements can vary by school and program.

Some single-track PhD programs make earning a masters degree programmatic for their PhD candidates, usually awarding the masters after comprehensive qualifying exams. In dual programs, your masters and PhD courses can belong to complementary but distinct academic disciplines, which may complicate matters.

In these cases, you may want to talk to an academic advisor about options that would allow you to exit the doctoral track while still earning a masters in the other major.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

PhD programs without masters degrees

There are many PhD programs that do not require any prior master’s degree for admissions.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you may find options to enroll in online master degree, PhD, or dual degree programs . Admissions requirements can vary by school and by major in some cases. Some PhD programs offer you the opportunity to earn a masters along the way.

Does Your PhD Have to Be the Same as Your Masters?

PhD program after earning a masters

If you are applying to a PhD program after earning a masters, your masters does not typically have to be in the same academic discipline. Requirements can vary, though, by school and program.

What will matter are the more general admissions requirements or prerequisites. You may have more admissions hurdles to overcome if you don’t have the right prerequisite training before you apply, regardless of what kind of masters degree you have.

Holding a masters degree, even if it’s in another discipline, may still help you demonstrate that you’re a motivated and capable PhD candidate. There are also many joint masters and PhD programs that combine separate but complementary disciplines.

What Can You Do with a Joint Master and PhD Degree?

Joint Master and PhD Degree

Receiving training from dual graduate programs can give you a strong foundation for senior research, management, or leadership positions. There is a vast range of career paths you can take, depending on your specializations and degree combinations.

For example, graduates who pair a masters in public health or science with an MD may pursue positions as epidemiologists or medical scientists respectively. Those interested in business law may want to combine their JD with a Master of Business Administration, making them more marketable for prospective future clients or firms.

Getting a PhD can also qualify you for jobs in postsecondary teaching and research. You may join a PhD in your desired field with a masters in education or teaching to boost your credentials.

Professional doctorates are often designed for professionals who want to enhance their practical skills and advance in their field. They may even pursue top executive roles.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Combined Masters-PhD Degree Online?

Masters-PhD Degree Online

It’s common for a dual program to take 4 to 6 years to complete. Time to completion can vary significantly by program, especially when it comes to dissertations, other capstone projects, or supervised field work requirements.

All that said, many of today’s combined masters and doctoral programs online have highly targeted course programs to help you finish more quickly. Some dual masters and doctorate online programs are designed to help you complete most or all of your requirements in as little as 3 to 4 years if you study full-time, year-round.

Is a Masters and PhD Dual Degree Worth It?

Masters and PhD Dual Degree

Yes, a masters and PhD dual degree is worth it for many students. A dual degree program can help equip you with credentials for jobs that require complex management, consulting, or leadership roles.

When considering a dual program option, you may want to plan backwards. In other words, you might ask yourself if the careers that most interest you require specialized knowledge across two different domains.

Some examples include business law or healthcare management. Business law straddles business and law, and a career in healthcare management benefits from knowledge of both business administration and healthcare practices and services.

Dual degree programs can be especially beneficial if your sights are set on careers requiring combined skills.

Getting Your Masters / PhD Combined Degree Online

Masters / PhD Combined Degree Online

Dual degree programs allow you to get creative when it comes to choosing the right kind of masters and PhD combination for your individual career interests and goals.

Regionally accredited schools and programs offer a range of dual degree programs online. Their creative curriculum design options are tailored to today’s complex professional landscape.

You may even try designing your own ideal graduate degree program for the niche you want. There’s a chance that program is already out there and just waiting for you to find it!

msc and phd combined

  • Program Finder
  • Admissions Services
  • Course Directory
  • Academic Calendar
  • Hybrid Campus
  • Lecture Series
  • Convocation
  • Strategy and Development
  • Implementation and Impact
  • Integrity and Oversight
  • In the School
  • In the Field
  • In Baltimore
  • Resources for Practitioners
  • Articles & News Releases
  • In The News
  • Statements & Announcements
  • At a Glance
  • Student Life
  • Strategic Priorities
  • Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
  • What is Public Health?

Combined / Dual Degrees

  • MAS Application Fee Waiver Requirements
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)

  • Master of Arts in Public Health Biology (MAPHB)
  • Master of Bioethics (MBE)
  • Mission, Vision, and Values
  • Student Experience
  • Program Outcomes
  • For Hopkins Undergraduate Students
  • Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Epidemiology
  • Alumni Update
  • MHS Combined with a Certificate Program
  • Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
  • Alumni Highlights
  • Post-Baccalaureate Program in Environmental Health for Pre-Medicine Students
  • Bachelor's/MHS in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
  • MHS HEOR Careers
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Master of Health Science (MHS)
  • Concurrent School-Wide Master of Health Science Program in Biostatistics
  • Master of Health Science - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
  • Master of Health Science Online (MHS) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
  • Careers in Health Economics
  • Core Competencies
  • Meet the Director
  • What is Health Economics
  • MPH Capstone Schedule
  • Concentrations
  • Online/Part-Time Format
  • Requirements
  • Tuition and Funding
  • Executive Board Faculty
  • Master of Science (MS) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
  • Independent Professional Project and Final Essay 
  • Program Objectives and Outcomes
  • Internships
  • Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biostatistics
  • Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Epidemiology
  • Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
  • ScM Faculty Advisers
  • Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
  • Bachelor's/MSPH in Health Policy
  • FAQ for MSPH in Health Policy
  • Field Placement Experience
  • MSPH Capstone
  • MSPH Practicum
  • Required and Elective Courses
  • Student Timeline
  • Career Opportunities
  • 38-Week Dietetics Practicum
  • Completion Requirements
  • MSPH/RD Program FAQ
  • Program Goals
  • Master's Essay Titles
  • Application Fee Waiver Requirements
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Biostatistics
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Epidemiology
  • Program Goals and Expectations
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation
  • Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health
  • Track in Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology
  • Track in Health Security
  • Track in Toxicology, Physiology and Molecular Mechanisms
  • PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Faculty Advisers
  • Recent Graduates and Dissertation Titles
  • PhD Funding
  • PhD TA Requirement
  • Recent Dissertation Titles
  • JHU-Tsinghua Doctor of Public Health
  • Core Course Requirements
  • Concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health
  • Custom Track
  • Concentration in Environmental Health
  • Concentration in Global Health: Policy and Evaluation
  • Concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice
  • Concentration in Health Policy and Management
  • Concentration in Implementation Science
  • Meet Current Students
  • Combined Bachelor's / Master's Programs
  • Concurrent MHS Option for BSPH Doctoral Students
  • Concurrent MSPH Option for JHSPH Doctoral students

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)

  • Adolescent Health Certificate Program
  • Bioethics Certificate Program
  • Climate and Health Certificate Program
  • Clinical Trials Certificate Program
  • Community- Based Public Health Certificate Program
  • Demographic Methods Certificate Program
  • Environmental and Occupational Health Certificate Program
  • Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals Certificate Program
  • Evaluation: International Health Programs Certificate Program
  • Food Systems, the Environment and Public Health Certificate Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs
  • Gender and Health Certificate Program
  • Gerontology Certificate Program
  • Global Digital Health Certificate Program
  • Global Health Certificate Program
  • Global Health Practice Certificate Program
  • Health Communication Certificate Program
  • Health Disparities and Health Inequality Certificate Program
  • Health Education Certificate Program
  • Health Finance and Management Certificate Program
  • Health and Human Rights Certificate Program
  • Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program
  • Humane Sciences and Toxicology Policy Certificate Program
  • Humanitarian Health Certificate Program
  • Implementation Science and Research Practice Certificate Program
  • Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate Program
  • International Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate Program
  • Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare Certificate Program
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health Certificate Program
  • Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program
  • Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services Certificate Program
  • Non-Degree Students General Admissions Info
  • Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Certificate Program
  • Population Health Management Certificate Program
  • Population and Health Certificate Program
  • Product Stewardship for Sustainability Certificate Program
  • Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program
  • Public Health Economics Certificate Program
  • Public Health Informatics Certificate Program
  • Public Health Practice Certificate Program
  • Declaration of Intent - Public Health Preparedness
  • Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
  • Public Mental Health Research Certificate Program
  • Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes Research Certificate Program
  • Quantitative Methods in Public Health Certificate Program
  • Requirements for Successful Completion of a Certificate Program
  • Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice Certificate Program
  • Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate Program
  • Spatial Analysis for Public Health Certificate Program
  • Training Certificate in Public Health
  • Tropical Medicine Certificate Program
  • Tuition for Certificate Programs
  • Vaccine Science and Policy Certificate Program
  • Online Student Experience
  • Online Programs for Applied Learning
  • Barcelona Information
  • Fall Institute Housing Accommodations
  • Participating Centers
  • Registration, Tuition, and Fees
  • Agency Scholarship Application
  • General Scholarship Application
  • UPF Scholarship Application
  • Course Evaluations
  • Online Courses
  • Registration
  • General Institute Tuition Information
  • International Students
  • Directions to the Bloomberg School
  • All Courses
  • Important Guidance for ONSITE Students
  • D.C. Courses
  • Registration and Fees
  • Cancellation and Closure Policies
  • Application Procedures
  • Career Search
  • Current Activities
  • Current Trainees
  • Related Links
  • Process for Appointing Postdoctoral Fellows
  • Message from the Director
  • Program Details
  • Admissions FAQ
  • Current Residents
  • Elective Opportunities for Visiting Trainees
  • What is Occupational and Environmental Medicine?
  • Admissions Info
  • Graduates by Year
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • How to Apply
  • Academic Committee
  • Course Details and Registration
  • Tuition and Fees
  • ONLINE SOCI PROGRAM
  • Principal Faculty
  • Johns Hopkins RAPID Psychological First Aid
  • General Application
  • JHHS Application
  • Areas of Study
  • Important Dates
  • Our Faculty
  • Welcome Letter
  • Descripción los Cursos
  • Programa en Epidemiología para Gestores de Salud, Basado en Internet
  • Consultants
  • Britt Dahlberg, PhD
  • Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
  • Mark R. Luborsky, PhD
  • Marsha Wittink, PhD
  • Rebekka Lee, ScD
  • Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD
  • Theresa Hoeft, PhD
  • Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
  • Program Retreat
  • Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations
  • Announcements
  • 2023 Call for Applications
  • Jennifer I Manuel, PhD, MSW
  • Joke Bradt, PhD
  • Josiemer Mattei, PhD, MPH
  • Justin Sanders, MD, MSc
  • Linda Charmaran, PhD
  • Nao Hagiwara, PhD
  • Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
  • Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
  • Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
  • Susan D. Brown, PhD
  • Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
  • Theresa Hoft, PhD
  • Wynne E. Norton, PhD
  • Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
  • A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
  • Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
  • Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
  • Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
  • Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
  • Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
  • Justine Wu, MD, MPH
  • Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD
  • Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
  • Loreto Leiva, PhD
  • Marie Brault, PhD
  • Mary E. Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
  • Meganne K. Masko, PhD, MT-BC/L
  • PhuongThao D. Le, PhD, MPH
  • Rebecca Lobb, ScD, MPH
  • Allegra R. Gordon, ScD MPH
  • Anita Misra-Hebert, MD MPH FACP
  • Arden M. Morris, MD, MPH
  • Caroline Silva, PhD
  • Danielle Davidov, PhD
  • Hans Oh, PhD
  • J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN
  • Jacqueline Mogle, PhD
  • Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS
  • Joe Glass, PhD MSW
  • Karen Whiteman, PhD MSW
  • Katie Schultz, PhD MSW
  • Rose Molina, MD
  • Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD MPA
  • Andrew Riley, PhD
  • Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
  • Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
  • Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
  • Emily E. Haroz, PhD
  • Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
  • Jessica Magidson, PhD
  • Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
  • Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
  • Kiara Alvarez, PhD
  • LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
  • Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
  • Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
  • Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
  • Virginia McKay, PhD
  • Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
  • Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
  • Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
  • Eliza Park MD, MS
  • Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
  • Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
  • Lingrui Liu ScD MS
  • Meaghan Kennedy, MD
  • Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
  • Paula Aristizabal, MD
  • Radhika Sundararajan, MD
  • Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
  • Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
  • Allison Magnuson, DO
  • Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
  • Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
  • Christopher Woodrell MD
  • Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
  • Jasmine Abrams, PhD
  • Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
  • Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
  • Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
  • Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
  • Robert Brady, PhD
  • Saria Hassan, MD
  • Scherezade Mama, DrPH
  • Yuan Lu, ScD
  • 2021 Scholars
  • Sign Up for Our Email List
  • Workforce Training
  • Cells-to-Society Courses
  • Course/Section Numbers Explained
  • Pathway Program with Goucher College
  • The George G. Graham Lecture

The Bloomberg School offers additional degree programs for students interested in combining various fields and disciplines. Students working toward degrees in medicine, social work, international relations or law may also integrate their degree programs with a public health degree. Even undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University can earn a combined degree with the Bloomberg School.

Combined Bachelor's and Master's Programs

Undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University that are already interested in pursuing advanced degrees can get a head start through these combined degree programs at the Bloomberg School.

We offer the Bachelor's degree and the Master of Health Science (MHS), the Bachelor's and the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), and the Bachelor's degree and the Master of Health Administration (MHA).

researcher working in a lab

In partnership with the  Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , the Bloomberg School offers students the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) alongside a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – a rigorous combination that prepares graduates for prestigious careers in academic medicine.

Students complete two years of medical school before devoting themselves full-time to their PhD studies. After completion of the PhD degree requirements, students then complete their MD degree.

The Bloomberg School’s combination of the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) prepares students for careers that require health expertise plus an understanding of international and political issues.

Many graduates of the MA/MSPH combined degree program go on to manage health services and health systems in a variety of settings around the world.

doctor checking a child's health

Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health (MD/MPH)

The MD/MPH dual degree program provides medical students with a population-based perspective on health and tools to address public health challenges. Two years of training from  Johns Hopkins School of Medicine  or any accredited  U.S. medical school fulfills the two years of health-related work experience required for admission to the Bloomberg School MPH program.

Graduates earn an MD degree from their medical school and an MPH degree from the Bloomberg School. Alumni hold domestic and international leadership positions in top hospitals and medical schools.

medical professionals looking at a spine

Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health (JD/MPH)

The Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health (JD/MPH) dual degree program prepares students in the overlapping fields of law, public health, policy and ethics.

Graduates earn a JD degree from their accredited U.S. law school and an MPH degree from the Bloomberg School. Both degrees are awarded upon completion of the program.

Alumni have pursued careers in public policy, government, advocacy and academia.

Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration (MPH/MBA)

The Bloomberg School and the Carey Business School of Johns Hopkins University offer the Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration (MPH/MBA) dual degree program. Graduates receive two degrees on two separate diplomas.

The MPH/MBA provides experienced professionals with the knowledge and skills to be successful leaders in health-related organizations.

asian man standing, smiling

Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work (MPH/MSW)

The Bloomberg School and the University of Maryland School of Social Work offer the Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work (MPH/MSW) dual degree program.

Students gain a population-based perspective and expertise in the quantitative sciences that, when combined with training in social work, prepare them to be effective members of the social work community with the ability to plan, implement and evaluate service programs.

The MPH degree is awarded upon completion of the MSW degree.

Master of Laws and the Master of Public Health (LLM/MPH)

The Bloomberg School and the  Georgetown University Law Center’s O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law  offer the Master of Laws and the Master of Public Health (LLM/MPH) dual degree program.

Students are trained in public health practice and the role of law in solving critical global health challenges. Graduates earn the LLM degree in Global Health Law from Georgetown University and the MPH degree from the Bloomberg School. Both degrees are awarded upon completion of the program.

woman working on her laptop

Concurrent Master’s Programs for Doctoral Students

The Bloomberg School offers several combined degree programs for doctoral degree candidates who are interested in simultaneously pursuing master’s degrees in either biostatistics or international health. We offer an MHS/Doctoral or a MSPH/Doctoral. 

woman looking at data

Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health (DMV/MPH)

Veterinary students desiring a Master of Public Health (MPH) may enroll in the MPH program after graduation or after at least two years of veterinary school.  Students in the DVM/MPH program will earn a DVM from their veterinary school and an MPH from Johns Hopkins. 

In particular, JHSPH has partnered with the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) to offer combined degrees where JHSPH MPH graduates enter RUSVM to study veterinary medicine and that RUSVM DVM graduates enter the JHPSH MPH program.  

Doctor of Nursing- Executive Track and Master of Public Health (DNP/MPH)

The Bloomberg School and the School of Nursing of Johns Hopkins University offer the Doctor of Nursing- Executive Track and Master of Public Health ( DNP/MPH ) dual degree program.

This program prepares nurse leaders to take on executive level roles in healthcare and tackle critical public health challenges locally and globally. 

two people sitting, working together

Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH)

The Bloomberg School and the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) offer the Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH) dual degree program.

Students pursue complementary studies in public health and international business. They observe first-hand the opportunities and challenges in China’s giant health care market, which is vital for future leaders in global health.

Graduates earn the MBA degree from CEIBS and the MPH degree from the Bloomberg School.

The Magoosh logo is the word Magoosh spelled with each letter o replaced with a check mark in a circle.

Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US

I was asked by a reader if one can opt for a joint master and PhD program in the United States right after an undergraduate degree. My answer to that question would be YES. Most universities in the US accept students into their PhD programs right after a bachelors degree. US universities work according to the credit system. Each degree requires that the student earns a certain amount of minimum credits. In an integrated program, once you finish your master’s coursework (in 2-3 years) and earn the requisite credits/grades you can dive into full time research and the PhD portion coursework.

What are the entry requirements of MS + PhD programs?

The entry requirements are essentially the same that the school asks from its masters and PhD applicants. Undergrad grades, test scores, letters of recommendation and work experience are taken into account. Yes, your profile must be strong enough to be considered for such a position. An applicant must prove that he/she has a strong inclination for research and can continue in the program for 7-8 years. And if English is not your native language, you will likely have to prove your English ability by taking the TOEFL or another English exam. Admissions offices need to know that you can function in an English-only environment.

Masters students are usually offered only partial scholarships, depending on the availability. Many schools at least try that the international students receive some tuition waiver/scholarship. If chosen as a combined masters-PhD candidate it’s likely that the school will offer a fellowship and offer a TA/RA position. If not immediately, the RA/TA position comes in after the first semester or even the first year. Please note, this funding is entirely on the discretion of the department and it’s best to ask admissions/graduate coordinators about such policies when applying.

Practice for your TOEFL exam with Magoosh.

The advantages of such programs

If someone is absolutely sure that a doctoral degree is his/her ultimate goal, I would strongly advice opting for a combined degree. It’s a good career move to set on the research and PhD path right after an undergraduate degree. You’re set once and for all without the hassles of applying again. Additionally, the cost of applying to schools twice- once for masters and then for PhD- can be saved. Test scores are valid for a limited period of time and if it expires before the PhD cycle of admissions, an applicant is expected to appear for it again.

Combined programs are rigorous as there is a lot to learn before embarking on research. An undergrad is a novice when considering the demands of higher research. When choosing such a program be prepared to venture on a demanding, long and tough journey.

On the flipside, it’s completely alright if you want to pursue a doctoral program after completing your masters. Separate masters and PhD degrees offers you the flexibility to change schools, specializations/area of research and the option to work/research for a few years before heading for your PhD.

Best of luck in deciding which way you are headed after your undergrad!

Omanjana

Omanjana is the Magoosh TOEFL Student Blogger. She is a graduate student from India moving to the US in the fall to pursue her doctoral studies in Environmental Science at Rutgers. Each week, she writes posts about her experience with the TOEFL and US admissions!

View all posts

More from Magoosh

Where to find TOEFL Scholarships featured image

47 responses to “Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US”

Shajib Avatar

In a combined MS+PhD program does the student receive masters certificate if he/she doesn’t continue the PhD program after completing the masters?

Magoosh Expert

Typically yes, this is the case that a student earns the MS or MA qualification along the way, but it is not always in the subject matter of the PhD itself. These are questions that should be clarified with an individual university department. 🙂

Rahul Avatar

Can you provide the list of colleges which offers combined masters and PHD course or how to discern from the official website of the college if it offers the above mentioned course ?

David Recine

It’s hard to compile a full list of these kinds of programs, for a few reasons. For one thing, universities don’t always make it obvious that they have a combined grad program. If you see that a university offers a Master’s and PhD in the same subject, there’s a chance that their program combines the two degrees. But you may need to contact the school to find out. It’s also possible that a school may offer a Masters in one subject, a PhD in another, but combine these two grad degrees into one double-major program.

Specific kinds of joint degrees are easier to find lists for. Some types of combined Masters/PhD are very popular and very specific, so that lists of all such programs are available. This is definitely true of the combined JD/MBA. Many different websites have lists of JD/MBA programs. I personally like Wikipedia’s JD/MBA list .

To find a list of combined Master’s/PhD programs that’s useful for you, search just for the subject area (or areas) you intend to study. That should help you come up with a good list of your options.

Zerina Avatar

Hi, I am mechanical engineer, soon I will have my Meng degree. I have two years of work experience and zero research papers. Can you please tell me do i have chance to get accepted and get assistantship at MS+PHd program in Management/Marketing (because of my engineering background)? I haven’t had any connection with bussines-related fields but I am 100% sure I want to study this! Thank you so much!

Hi Zerina 🙂 Unfortunately we don’t have any expertise in admissions chances. You’re welcome to discuss here in the comments, but we can only help you prepare for the exams you need. I recommend reaching out to your schools of interest to ask what admissions standards they use.

ayushi Avatar

What’s the total duration for an integrated masters and PhD course. ?

There is no single answer for this. The masters coursework typically takes 1.5-3 years and then you progress to the PhD portion, which honestly can take a decade sometimes, but typically is a 5-6 year endeavor.

sabrena hausa Avatar

I did only one semester in one of the Universities in the UK in English and then I have withdrawn the course, and I would like to do this Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US.

Do I need to provide TOEFL or IELTS to get the offer?

Or it is enough to provide a proof from the university that I have withdrawn from?

because I do not want take IELTS again.

If you have just one semester complete in an English speaking environment, most American universities will still want to see an English proficiency exam of some sort.

Whether or not you need to take the TOEFL or retake the IELTS depends on how long ago you took the last test. If you took the IELTS less than two years ago, you don’t need to retake it. US universities accept both the IELTS and the TOEFL, so long as your scores are less than two years old at the time of application. (Or sometimes they need to be less than two years old at the time you start your studies— contact the schools you’re applying to if you need to check the exact policy.)

However, if your IELTS scores are more than two years old, and you don’t have newer (less than two years old) TOEFL scores, you’ll need to either retake the IELTS or take the TOEFL.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Anita Joshi Avatar

Hi can we pursue joint ms phd programme in bionformatics after doing a year in master’s from india

There is no way to answer that as it will depend on individual universities and your school’s accreditation. Reach out to the schools you want to attend and see what they say! 🙂

Samalee Banerjee Avatar

Hello, In case of these programs where I will apply for a direct PhD program(combined masters and Phd) will i earn a ms as well as phd degree or will I receive certificate of only the Phd degree at the end of the course? Samalee

Hi Samalee,

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, but I think that in most cases, the school will award you a master’s before you continue onto the PhD coursework and research. My recommendation would be to research schools and programs that interest you in order to determine their requirements and schedule 🙂

Sarthak Agarwal Avatar

Hi, Typically, what are the achievements in the resume of a student that gets selected for the MS + PhD course?

That can be a little hard to predict, since grad programs look at many different factors. That being said, relevant work experience is always a plus. If you have presented at any academic conferences or gotten a subject-related paper published in an academic journal, that helps as well. Past research or TA experience is good too, of course!

Deepshikha Avatar

Hello, I am currently in my first year of Masters and am looking to apply for an integrated MS-PhD program. For such a program, is a subject change possible for PhD? I mean, if I do my MS in Biological Sciences, can I switch to another related subject like Immunology for my PhD? Thank you!

That depends on a lot of factors, so you should ask the departments you would be part of. Some would allow this type of thing and others would not. Unfortunately, we are not experts in this type of thing, so the best source of information is the schools themselves. Good luck!

Arun Avatar

Hi. My wife has done MCA in india and has IT experience of 5 years. Planing to do PHD but her GRE scores are less than 300. We are hoping to choose combined MS+PHD as they are colleges who would allow her MS without GRE. However, would you know if GRE has to be written again once she complete her MS or does this depend on universities? Thanks for your reply

This really does depend on the standards of each university. With a lower, sub-300 GRE score, you wife probably can get into some PhD programs. But can she get into the specific ones she’s most interested in? For the answer to that, she should check the policies of her specific target schools.

Sadia Avatar

First of all thank you so much for such a nice information. i have done two years graduation and afterwards i graduated in Law with 3.8 CGPA. I am fairly keen in master+ Ph. D program in USA and Canada. Could you please recommend some universities who offering full bright scholarship in the said program.

Kindly reply me soon.I will be really great full if you E-mail me.

Kind Regards, Sadia.

reena Avatar

i m having a score of 289 in gre i m having plans for ms as well as phd…i m looking for a teaching proffession in US. Any advices?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so I’m afraid I can’t provide you much more information than what we give in this blog post! I would recommend, however, that you consider retaking the GRE. This depends on your program of study and target schools , but in my experience many graduate schools, especially PhD programs, are looking for minimum scores of 300 or higher. I may be a bit biased here, but if you’re looking for an affordable and high quality test prep program, I highly recommend Magoosh 🙂

Gulmina Avatar

Hey i need guidenss for preparation of ilets can u help. And i want to know that is it compulsory to give both GRE (general and subjective) or do we have option in that?

Hi Gulmina,

We have many resources to help you prepare for the IELTS! Our IELTS blog provides you with study support and study schedules, and our comprehensive Premium IELTS program will provide you with all of the information and practice you need to excel in the IELTS! The GRE requirement varies by school and program. Most graduate schools require that you take the General GRE Test. Some programs also recommend or require a GRE Subject Test. You’ll have to research the requirements of your target schools for more information 🙂 You can start your search with some general information about the GRE General and Subject tests on our GRE blog 🙂

Siri Avatar

Which test is to be written to get into an integrated Phd program?

This depends on your course of study, and you should check the admissions requirements for some of your target schools for the most accurate information! Most schools will require the GRE for graduate studies, along with an English language test like the TOEFL or IELTS .

sanidhya Avatar

Do we need work experience for this joint venture?? And how many letter of recommendation is required? What about GRE do we need to take GRE?

As Omanjana mentioned, work experience is taken into consideration. However, work experience is not necessarily a requirement some combined Masters/PhD programs will require work experience, but others may accept applicants who don’t have work experience. Policies on experience vary from program to program.

Policies for letters of reference also vary from program to program, although you should assume that all programs will want at least one reference letter, usually more.

Policies for GRE vary as well. Most combined Masters and PhD programs at top ranked universities will require the GRE. However, some top programs may require the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or another graduate exam, depending on the program type. Mid-tier programs are not asl likely to require GRE scores if their focus is humanities or teacher training. However, the GRE is commonly asked for if you are applying to a mid-ranked combined Masters or PhD that’s very science oriented.

Sheharyar Avatar

What about work permit after completing PhD in USA?

There are a different ways to get a work permit after your PhD if you are an international student. If you can get an American employer to give you a long-term job and sponsor your visa, that’s one way to stay on and work. To get such a job offer and visa, you need to have unique, advanced skills that few other job applicants have. But with a PhD, you just might.

You can also find short-term work (that could eventually become long-term work) after receiving a degree through a special kind of work status called “optional practical training” (OPT). With an OPT work permit, you can work at a job or do voulunteer work that is relevant to the degree you’ve just completed. So for example, if your PhD is in law, you may be able to get some short-term work through OPT if you work at a law firm.

For more information about OPT, I recommend checking out Magoosh’s interview with Othman Zaimi , an international student services specialist at the University of St. Thomas. I would also recommend contacting the international education offices of the schools you’re applying to. International student regulations can change as time passes, and different schools have their own different work requirements and restrictions. So the offices of your target schools are your best source of accurate, up-to-date information about work after your PhD. But again, the interview with Othman is a great place to start! 🙂

Raviraj Avatar

Hi,I want to Ms and phd integrated course in mechanical abroad. Which university offer this type course.

Hi Raviraj!

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, so unfortunately, we can’t offer you very much help with this. With that said, this website may be a good place to start your search. From there, you can contact the schools directly for more information on their available programs. 🙂

Chirag Gupta Avatar

How can we change our area of research after ms and before PhD? Because since our ms was in a different field won’t our chances of getting rejected increase??

Hi Chirag! That’s a great question, but one that would have to be answered by a specific program. I can only say that it varies. Some programs like students with a diverse background and some might want students who have stuck to one track. Be sure to reach our to your programs of interest and see what sorts of students they look for 🙂

shabana Avatar

Hi, can you please guide me to US universities that offer integrated Phd in biomedical science or biotechnology? Appreciate your help.

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice or school specialties, so I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer this question! I recommend using this post as a starting point, and reaching out to your target schools for more information.

Srikanth Avatar

Thanks for the above information. I have few more questions 1)I heard that the MS+PhD program is 5 years course, Is it true? or it will take more than 5 years.

2)if i join master’s in one university and then transferred to another university which offers combined program, Do i need to start from scratch or some subjects get waived in new university.

3) you are mentioning that there are different requirements to get combined program admit depends on university, What are basic requirements for any university, If i want to apply from India.

Thanks in advance

Hi Srikanth,

These are all good questions, but I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer them. Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice. As we mention in this post, everything depends on the program and school you are applying for. A combined program could take more or less than 5 years, and whether your master’s degree transfers depends on the degree and the program. Each program has it’s own requirements, but generally you would have to take standardized tests (likely the GRE and TOEFL), write essays, provide your transcripts and fill out any supplemental material for the school. I recommend reaching out to an admissions counselor for more information 🙂

Ishita Chakraborty Avatar

Does having a work experience considered as a disadvantage or advantage to apply for MS+PhD programme?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so we aren’t the best people to answer this question. In my experience, work experience is almost always a positive thing in the application process, but you should contact your target schools directly for more information.

Kashmira Ghatge Avatar

Do we have to pay tuition fees for MS-PhD integrated programs in USA?

Hi Kashmira, I’d recommend reaching out to your target schools for more information on tuition and financial assistance offered in these kinds of programs.

Akanksha Avatar

Hi, 1) I initially wanted to pursue my masters from abroad but due to some reasons I couldn’t so I completed my M.Sc. in Biochemistry from India. I now want to pursue my PhD from abroad but since its very tough to get PhD positions in foreign universities, I am wondering if I should try for integrated M.Sc and PhD now ?

2) I also have a question that whether its okay for someone to do M.Sc. Immunology after completing M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences as they had very much interest in it since the beginning ?

Hi Akanksha! If you’re looking for admissions-specific advice, I’m afraid we don’t offer any admissions consulting services ourselves (we focus mainly on test prep!), but here are some other companies whose services we recommend:

Stacy Blackman Consulting

We have worked with them for several years and recommend them highly.

We also have an admissions section on our blog where our partner companies often address common student admissions questions:

GRE Admissions

GMAT Admissions

TOEFL Admissions

I hope that helps at least a little!

Vaidehi Avatar

Hi, do we need a thesis paper published during our graduation period to be eligible for MS/PhD program in USA?

Hi Vaidehi,

Great question. This depends on the kind of program you’re applying to, since different schools will have different requirements. On average, most people that pursue a PhD degrees have their Masters in the same or similar subject, thus they already are coming in with research experience and potentially a published paper. Another thing to note is that research experience doesn’t mean that you need to have a published work; projects like final thesis or volunteering for faculty can also count as research, depending on the field.

Hope that helps!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helpful links:

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Course Schedules
  • Academic Calendar
  • Application System

Resources for:

  • Prospective Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • MS-PhD Combined Program
  • PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program
  • Academics & Curriculum
  • Eligibility & Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Support
  • Careers & Student Bios

The MS-PhD Combined program  at the University of Rochester offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the ability to earn a master’s in one of six nurse practitioner specialty areas, alongside a PhD in Nursing & Health Science.

Jim McMahon

As a bachelor’s-prepared nurse, earn your master’s and PhD in Nursing and Health Science in five years of full-time effort, moving more quickly toward becoming the health care leader and researcher you want to be.

The University of Rochester is dedicated to helping you discover new knowledge in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We offer the resources and challenges you need so you are prepared to embark on a new kind of career as a researcher in nursing and health science.

Below is a map of what it takes to earn your master's and PhD at the UR School of Nursing.

Note:  We are not currently accepting applications to the MS-PhD Combined program.

MS-PhD Combined Program Curriculum

The full-time MS-PhD in Nursing & Health Science Combined program curriculum prepares you to conduct research both independently and as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. Before you begin the program, you will work closely with an advisor to map your degree plan.

MS and PhD courses are taken in a very rigorous three years of full-time enrollment after which the master’s degree is awarded. You will then continue to complete the PhD dissertation proposal and dissertation research. Throughout the program, you will work closely with faculty who are active in research and experts in their field.

The first three years of MS and PhD coursework are very intensive, with five days per week of classes, clinical hours, and study time required to meet the program goals. Having a strong support system while in this program is key to your success. Students are strongly discouraged from taking on employment more than one day per week. Financial support is available for full-time study.

 Sample Degree Plan 

Review a sample degree plan for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-PhD program.

Sample MS-PhD Degree Plan

Please note: This is a sample degree plan only. Please contact Admissions or your program director to discuss your specific degree plan.

 Master’s Specialty Curriculum 

See below for specifics on specialty coursework related to the master’s degree curriculum:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MS-PhD in Nursing Program Phases

 coursework .

The first three years of this program feature fast-paced, intensive MS and PhD coursework. The master’s portion of the program for nurse practitioner students becomes increasingly clinical, including full-day precepted clinical experiences with expert nurse practitioner mentors. The PhD in Nursing & Health Science coursework  then becomes increasingly specialized as students seek out cognate courses to support their individual research interests.

 Proposal Development: One to Two Semesters 

  • Constitution of a dissertation committee
  • Participation in Dissertation Workshop in preparation for proposal defense
  • Finalization and defense of the dissertation research proposal

 Dissertation Research: Six to 18 Months, depending on nature of research 

Once the proposal has been successfully defended and research review board approval has been secured, the student conducts the dissertation research project independently under guidance of the committee. The final dissertation is then written, revised with critique from the committee, and defended publicly with a private critique to follow.

Connect With Us

Interested in earning your PhD? Connect with us to discuss the PhD degree in nursing and health science and the opportunities available at the University of Rochester. 

Request Info

Contact Admissions

Follow the School of Nursing at the University of Rochester

University of Rochester logo in white

  • CHE University Ranking
  • DAAD database on admission requirements
  • Help and Advice

International Programmes 2023/2024

msc and phd combined

Max Planck School Matter to Life – Five-Year Master's to PhD Direct Track Programme Max Planck School Matter to Life (Master of Science/PhD)

Heidelberg university • heidelberg.

  • Course details
  • Costs / Funding
  • Requirements / Registration
  • About the university

University of Göttingen, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, Saarland University, Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Dresden, Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials at RWTH Aachen, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), and various Max Planck Institutes

The daily scientific communication at the institutions is in English. All courses are taught in English.

1 December 2024 for a study start on 1 September 2025

The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers an MSc to PhD direct track programme. Students receive their joint Master's degree in Matter to Life by regularly studying at the two teaching universities (University of Göttingen or Heidelberg University). Subsequently, the students pursue their own research in the PhD phase of the programme under the supervision of a fellow within the Matter to Life Faculty  with a matching research interest.

The joint degree Master's programme will be spent at one of the following two teaching universities, depending on your choice of focus:

  • Complex Systems and Biological Physics (University of Göttingen)
  • Molecular Systems Chemistry and Engineering (Heidelberg University)

The universities share a core curriculum with classes taught in connected classrooms. Laboratory rotations at associated institutions during the Master's phase of the programme are encouraged and the students are supported in building their own research networks in this highly interdisciplinary area. All students are given a buddy and a mentor to guide them through the programme.

After you have successfully completed your Master's, you can continue with a three-year PhD programme under the supervision of one of the school's fellows.

Voluntary preparatory courses in mathematics, chemistry and physical chemistry are offered prior to the start of the Master's programme.

msc and phd combined

  • International guest lecturers
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • Specialist literature in other languages

Six-month internship in collaboration with the fellows of the Max Planck School Matter to Life as part of the Master's programme

  • Other (e.g. state level)

The semester contribution for Göttingen University is approx. 350 EUR (including a semester ticket) and approx. 170 EUR for Heidelberg University.

Between 800 EUR and 1,200 EUR, depending on the chosen living situation

The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers full funding in form of a generous scholarship that covers costs of living (including tuition and fees) as well as, if applicable, a subsidy for health insurance and material costs in the Master's phase and a contract according to the local wage agreement for public service in the PhD phase. This will allow you to fully concentrate on the research and develop your scientific and personal skills.

Applicants with

  • a Bachelor of Science degree (e.g. in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, biochemistry, materials science, biotechnology) or
  • a Bachelor of Engineering (e.g. in the subjects molecular systems engineering, bioengineering) or
  • a completed course of study in a related natural science or engineering discipline in at least six semesters

are welcome to apply for the five-year Master's to PhD Direct Track programme of the Max Planck School Matter to Life. Applicants who already have a Master's degree are eligible to apply as well.

Very good English language skills are required. Proof of a successfully completed test is required when applying (must be submitted no later than 15 July of the year in which the programme begins). 

The accepted tests are:

  • TOEFL paper based: minimum score 570 
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score 90 
  • TOEFL computer based: minimum score 230
  • IELTS: minimum band score of 6.5
  • UNIcert®: minimum UNIcert® II with a minimum grade of 2.3
  • NULTE: minimum B2+
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – minimum score 173 points
  • at least two years of relevant study or professional stay in an English speaking country or successful completion of an English-language study programme within the three years prior to the application submission

The link to our application portal will be available on our website .

The two teaching universities try to make it easier for students to find part-time jobs. As a result, students can benefit from job postings in information centres as well as an online job exchange.

The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers assistance with finding accommodation for the first semester.

A career service is provided at the universities.

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Support with administration issues and enrolment
  • Mentoring programme
  • Skill courses
  • Support on short notice for any topic by the coordination team
  • Monthly coffee hour
  • Support of exchange with MtL (Matter to Life) fellows (meet your future supervisor)
  • Support of student to student exchange
  • Financial support for conference participation

Heidelberg University

The Max Planck School Matter to Life brings together internationally renowned scientists from different locations across Germany under one scientific topic. The school offers an interdisciplinary and unique study programme within an excellent research environment to outstanding undergraduate students from all over the world.

University location

Activate map.

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.

We need your help to improve our website!

we are re-designing our website and want to include you in the process. Please fill out a short questionnaire. This will only take a few minutes, but will help us tremendously to determine how we can improve the usability of our website. Thank you very much for your support!

Best regards, Your DAAD Team

© DAAD

Max Planck Neuroscience

5-Year combined MSc/PhD program – scholarships available

msc and phd combined

International Max Planck Research School – The Mechanisms of Mental Function and Dysfunction

The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and the University of Tübingen invite students from all over the world to apply for their interdisciplinary 5-year combined MSc/PhD program leading to a PhD in Neuroscience. MSc scholarships will be available for top-ranked applicants.

We are seeking talented, curious, and open-minded young scientists with strong backgrounds in neuroscience, psychology, biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, computational science, applied mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, or engineering. Successful candidates will possess a burning aspiration to shape the future of neuroscience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, environment.

The application deadline is 30th November 2022. Please visit:

https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/imprs-mmfd

https://www.neuroschool-tuebingen.de/about-imprs/

for more details and information about applying.

The MSc/PhD program is a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and the University of Tübingen. It is closely affiliated with the renowned Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, the centerpiece of neuroscience training in Tübingen. Students (who should have been awarded a Bachelor’s degree by September 2023) will receive a broad interdisciplinary training in neuroscience, including expert teaching by international renowned scientists and individual and intensive mentoring.

Potential research topics cover a variety of fields in systems neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, computational neuroscience, translational and clinical neuroscience as well as cellular and molecular neuroscience.

Teaching and research are conducted in English.

You may also like

msc and phd combined

Food in sight? The liver is ready!

msc and phd combined

From Cybernetics to AI: the pioneering work of Norbert...

msc and phd combined

Stress hormones can lead to enhanced cognitive...

msc and phd combined

Insights into epigenetics: Mouse as a model organism

msc and phd combined

In-sights into depression

msc and phd combined

Gilles Laurent awarded prestigious ERC Advanced Grant...

Keep informed about our groundbreaking discoveries

  • Undergraduate
  • Transfer Students
  • Departments & Programs
  • Interprofessional Education
  • Continuing Education
  • Career Paths
  • Centers & Labs
  • Research Funding Administration
  • Student Opportunities
  • Sargent Center for Simulated Clinical Experience
  • Clinical Education Services
  • Clinical Education Centers
  • Sargent at a Glance
  • Dean’s Welcome
  • Advisory Board
  • Leadership & Administration
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Work with Us
  • Distinguished Lectures
  • Publications
  • Our History
  • Room Reservations

Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Combined master of science/phd in speech-language pathology.

Study the neurological processes involved in speech recognition. Discover what happens in the mind of an infant about to speak his first words. Advance our understanding of treating language disorders in patients who have aphasia. Or ask a fascinating new question about human communication processes and begin your own search for the answer.

If you are an exceptional student with a bachelor’s degree who wants to pursue a career in speech-language pathology with a focus on research, you may qualify for this innovative, combined MS/PhD program. For the first two years, you will focus on meeting the requirements for the MS-SLP degree and will graduate with this degree at the end of two years of study.  If you complete all of the MS-SLP academic and clinical requirements with a GPA of 3.5 and a thesis, you’ll be formally admitted to the doctoral program. After completing a year of core topics and research design coursework, you’ll work with your selected research mentor to complete a qualifying research project and begin your dissertation research.

We’re a small program in a large research university

We’re proud that Boston University ranks among the country’s best educators of future speech-language pathologists. U.S. News & World Report ’s latest graduate school rankings rated our graduate Speech-Language Pathology program #10 out of 261 accredited programs .

Because you’re at Boston University, you’ll have access to outstanding academic resources and research opportunities—many in Sargent’s own research centers and labs , as well as interdisciplinary projects in other departments at BU. You’ll also find extensive learning and research options in Boston, a world-renowned center of scientific and medical research. Learn more about our faculty’s work in Sargent research centers and labs in Special Edition Inside Sargent : Accomplishments in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences .

You’ll get broad clinical experience, on campus and off

Starting in your first semester, your clinical practicum courses will give you the broadest possible exposure to patients across the lifespan with communication disorders at all levels of severity. You’ll work in many settings, too, from early intervention to nursing homes, from schools to private practice.

This breadth of experience is possible for two reasons. First, Sargent College operates its own clinical centers right on campus. Our graduate students, supervised by faculty practitioners, treat groups and individuals from the Boston community at the Academic Speech, Language & Hearing Center . Specialized clinics, such as the Aphasia Resource Center , provide greater depth of experience with specific disorders.

Secondly, our location in a world-class medical hub gives us access to premiere institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital Boston for student internships. Our students learn from and work with master clinicians at the city’s most respected medical facilities.

A PhD in Speech-Language Pathology will prepare you for a leadership position in the field. Most of our doctoral students plan to pursue careers in research, university teaching or administration of clinical practice. The MS/PhD program welcomes students with diverse educational backgrounds from all over the world. We invite you to read more about the program.

Want to learn more?

We invite you to introduce yourself by filling out the   Request Information   form. You can also contact us by email at   [email protected] .

msc and phd combined

U.S. News & World Report Gives Sargent High Grades in its Latest Graduate School Rankings

OTD program is once again #1 in the Nation, SLP is #5, and DPT ranks #11

msc and phd combined

Discovering the Hidden Cause of Voice Injury

Cara Stepp has established a connection between hearing impairment and vocal hyperfunction—and perhaps a new diagnostic category

msc and phd combined

Sargent Welcomes Guest Speaker Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, NBA Veteran and NCAA Champion

msc and phd combined

Sargent Faculty Inducted into the 2024 Class of the AIMBE College of Fellows

msc and phd combined

BU Aphasia Resource Center Volunteerism Group

Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

College of engineering and information technology, computer science (m.s., m.p.s. and ph.d.).

msc and phd combined

UMBC’s Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science. Below you will find information on both Computer Science graduate programs, and information about how to apply.  We also offer a M.P.S. (Masters in Professional Studies) in Cybersecurity, two graduate certificate programs in Cybersecuity and are developing an M.P.S. program and graduate certificate programs in Data Science.

M.S. in Computer Science

Students pursuing a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science must choose between the thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires the completion of 30 credits, including six credits of CMSC 799.  The thesis must be defended with an oral examination and approved by the student’s master’s thesis committee. The non-thesis option requires the completion of 33 credits.  All students must complete CMSC 641 Algorithms, one course chosen from the “system” area, and one course chosen from the “applications” area.  The degree must be completed within five years and students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. For more details about the Master’s program in Computer Science, see the Computer Science Graduate Handbook (linked in the main menu above).

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Students pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science are required to complete 11 courses, including three core courses in addition to 18 credit hours of doctoral dissertation research. Ph.D. students must complete and defend their dissertation, pass the comprehensive portfolio, and pass the preliminary examination and admission to candidacy. In addition, Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of three years of full-time graduate study, with at least one year of full-time study at UMBC. The program must be completed within 4 years after admission to doctoral candidacy and students must maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0. For more details about the Ph.D. program in Computer Science, see the Computer Science Graduate Handbook (linked in the main menu above).

Core Courses

  • CMSC 641: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
  • one course chosen from the “system” area
  • one course chosen from the “applications” area

In addition to the core courses, a wide range of elective and special topics courses are offered in areas such as: cybersecurity and information assurance, natural language processing, databases, data mining, mobile and wearable computing, cognitive systems and architectures, semantic web, machine learning, and networking. For a list of Computer Science graduate courses, see the Graduate Course Catalog .

Research Areas

  • Artificial Intelligence : Intelligent decision support, semantic representations and ontologies, interactive AI systems, preference modeling, reasoning under uncertainty.
  •   Machine Learning and Data Mining : Knowledge-intensive learning, preference learning, unsupervised perceptual learning, privacy-preserving data mining, ML applications.
  •  Multi-Agent Systems : Trust modeling, self-organizing agent networks and swarm systems.
  •   Wireless sensor networks : mobile applications, context-aware systems.
  •   Web 2.0 : Semantic web, knowledge discovery and modeling, policy models, service-oriented computing.
  • Graphics and Visualization : Light and shading, realistic and artistic rendering, graphics hardware, understanding data, use of color and texture for visualization, perceptual studies and evaluation.
  • Game Development : Use of computer science concepts in game programming, especially graphics and AI, networks, parallel programming, and databases. Multidisciplinary team development.
  • Systems:  Operating systems, distributed systems, cloud computing, and high-performance computing.
  • Security:  cognitive security, IoT security, cryptography, system security, code and malware analysis.

Meet the Professors

msc and phd combined

Dr. Tim Finin specializes in artificial intelligence and has been working on developing smart phones that can gauge their user’s “context.” “What I have always found interesting since I was an undergraduate was the idea that we could make machines as smart as people,” explains Dr. Finin, whose research involving semantic web technology is directed towards realizing that goal.

A list of the Department’s Regular Faculty is here .

How to Apply

Pre-requisites for Admission

An applicant to the graduate program in computer science is expected to have a strong background in computer science and mathematics courses. Applicants are expected to have taken the equivalent of the following UMBC courses:

  • CMSC 203: Discrete Structures
  • CMSC 313: Computer Organization & Assembly Languages
  • CMSC 331: Principles of Programming Languages
  • CMSC 341: Data Structures
  • CMSC 411: Computer Architecture
  • CMSC 421: Principles of Operating Systems
  • CMSC 441: Algorithm Design and Analysis
  • MATH 151: Calculus I
  • MATH 152: Calculus II
  • MATH 221: Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • At least one more advanced math course

AND, at least 1 course from the following list:

  • CMSC 435: Computer Graphics
  • CMSC 451: Automata Theory & Formal Languages
  • CMSC 455: Numerical Computations
  • CMSC 461: Database Management Systems
  • CMSC 471: Artificial Intelligence
  • CMSC 481: Computer Networks

The Application Process

Apply online through UMBC’s Graduate School Website . Applicants must also submit:

  • An Official Transcript
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
  • TOEFL scores (International students only)

Application Deadlines

International Students

  • Fall: January 7th
  • Spring: June 1st

Domestic Students

  • Fall: January 7th (for financial consideration), June 1st
  • Spring: June 1st (for financial consideration), November 1st

Further details can be found by following these links:

  • Accreditation
  • Consumer Information
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Privacy PDF Download
  • Web Accessibility

Subscribe to UMBC Weekly Top Stories

I am interested in:.

  • I am interested in: Undergraduate
  • I am interested in: Graduate
  • I am interested in: Professional Masters

PhD-Track MSc Program

Our PhD Track is designed to allow graduate students without an MSc degree from a North American university to move into our PhD program after the first year without having to complete a Master’s degree or reapply for admission. This track provides applicants with more choices.

How it Works

Unlike our regular-track Master's students, PhD Track Master's students will be admitted by a specific supervisor, and expected to work with their supervisory team on a research project over several months during their first year in the MSc program. At the end of this period they will take their Research Proficiency Evaluation (RPE) , just as direct entrants to our PhD program do. Subject to successfully passing the RPE and approval from Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies, the student will be transferred to the PhD program the following term.

Students who decide at any point before the RPE that they would prefer to stop at the Master's, and/or do not pass the RPE, will continue in the regular Master's program . There are thus clear benefits to this approach: direct PhD entrants, who are also required to take the RPE, do not have the option of reverting to a MSc program.

Apply to our regular Master's program, and on the CS online application, select "yes" for the PhD Track program.. Selected exceptional Master's applicants will be offered a choice of admission to either the PhD Track or the regular Master's program.  Students who apply to our PhD Track program will also be considered for our MSc program.

For a detailed requirements and timeline see the  PhD Track Program

Students are expected to either transfer to PhD program after passing  RPE or decide to remain in the MSc program. For students starting in September, we expect students to pass RPE the following October (year 2).  For students starting in January, we expect student to pass RPE the following February (year 2).

Upon entering the PhD track program, students will need to submit the Comprehensive Course Requirement proposal for satisfying the Comprehensive Course Requirement .  Once the proposal is approved, student will take courses according to the plan. Students who decide at any point before the RPE that they would prefer to stop at the Master's, and/or do not pass the RPE, will continue in the regular Master's program. Students can refer to our Master's program requirements and options.

  • Vice-Chancellor's Message
  • Chairman's Message
  • Director's Message
  • List of Directors

Academic Programme

  • Special Academic Program
  • Univ Imp Numbers
  • Governing Body
  • Achievements
  • Publications
  • Post Doctoral
  • Research Associate
  • Sports Facility/Co_Cu_Activities
  • Adminstration
  • Other Projects
  • Instrumentation
  • Scholarship
  • Cultural Council
  • Computer Facility
  • Co-curricular Activities
  • Research Support
  • Administrative Staff
  • Scientific Events
  • Awards and Achievements
  • Facilities/Infrastructure

M.Sc. - Ph.D. Combined Degree Program in Biomedical Sciences has five core and compulsory courses in each of the first three semesters. In the last semester each student has to choose two optional courses among the courses offered and take up a dissertation project in consultation with faculty.

The duration of M.Sc. course is full time two years. The students who qualify for continuation into Ph.D. program will either continue their dissertation project or may be allowed new project.

The fellowship is awarded to meritorious students based on the recommendations of the selection committee comprising of one nominee of the donor. The number of scholarships depends upon the interest accrued on the endowment fund given by the donor. The Jean and Ashit Ganguly Education scholarship for M.Sc. will be Rs. 1500/- per month.

The Jawahar Lal Memorial Trust, New Delhi, has instituted two merit-cum-means fellowships of Rs. 1,000/- for M.Sc. students each year

Prof. Gurbaksh Singh Education fellowship Rs.6000 (per annum) is awarded to one M.Sc. student each year. The selection procedure is based on academic merit and interview with an additional consideration of financial needs of the students.

Ms.Meena Datta w/o Late Dr. Major S.P. Datta has instituted an endowment fund for the award of cash prizeto the two toppers of M.Sc Biomedical Sciences (Final year). The two awards consist of a one-time annual book award, equivalent to the interest which accrues on the Principal Amount invested with a difference of Rs. 1000/- between the award forfirst and second position.

Prof. H. C. Gaur Education fellowship of Rs. 4000/- (per annum) is awarded to one M.Sc. student each year. The selection is based on academic merit and interview with an additional consideration of financial needs of the students.

internal assessment December-2017 I & III Semester

internal assessment June-2018 II & IV Semester

Time Table:  Semester-II    Semester-IV    Date Sheet May 2018

The Master's & Ph.D. program of ACBR provides an unparalleled opportunity for highly self-motivated independent minded young scholars to acquire superb academic training, while participating as colleagues in research of fundamental importance. Prospective students should develop a commitment to a career in scientific research. Admissions to this program are granted on the basis of test conducted on all India basis, followed by interview and group discussion. Students are selected, given an opportunity to explore the research interest before selecting their field of research in specific laboratory.

Under the M.Sc.-Ph.D. Combined Program in Biomedical Sciences students usually spend the first two years in both course work and the laboratory, and the remaining years predominantly pursuing their thesis research.

Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences / Zoology / Botany / Microbiology / Chemistry / Biochemistry / Environmental / Biology / Biotechnology / Laboratory Techniques / B.Pharma / B.V. Sc. or M.B.B.S. with at least 55% marks from University of Delhi or any other examination recognized by the University or equivalent thereto.

There is no minimum age bar for admission to this course.

Number of Seats in M.Sc. Degree Programmme in Biomedical Sciences:

In total 48 students (including all reservations) are admitted to the course every year and allocation of seats is as given below:

Unreserved - 23 seats; SC – 07 seats; ST – 04 seats; OBC – 12 seats; PwD – 01 seat; CW – 01 seat.

There shall be no entrance test for Ph.D. Specializations available are: Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bio-inorganic Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Reproductive Biology, Developmental Genetics, Microbiology and Cell Biology, Genomics, Molecular Oncology, Tumor Virology, Cancer genetics, Human Genetics, Molecular biology & Immunology of infectious disease.

Master's Degree in the appropriate field of Science, MVSc, M.Pharma or MD with a minimum of 55% marks.

The academic year of M.Sc. program commences from the 2nd week of July and consists of two semesters. The first semester begins in July and ends in the middle of November, and the second semester runs from the December till the end of April every year. Each semester consists of fourteen weeks of instruction followed by semester examinations.

Foreign students seeking admission are required to apply directly to Foreign Students Advisor, to Foreign Students Registry, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, who will arrange for their admission.

Foreign students who are stationed in India and have passed last examination from Board/ University in India may seek admission on the basis of the merit through entrance examination along with other students after obtaining No Objection Certificate from the Foreign Students Advisor.

Foreign National having qualifying degree from foreign Universities are exempted from the entrance Test requirements.

Copies of marksheets are required to be submitted along with the Application From. The Candidates who have passed their qualifying examinations from Universities outside India are required to enclose the photocopy of certificates and mark-sheets of examinations passed by them along with the application from. In case the certificates/ mark-sheets are in a language other than English, the English version of such documents duly attested should also be enclosed.

The fee M.Sc. –Ph.D. combined degree course and M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences is payable in three installments every year. The approximate annual fee is Rs.20,000 /-. The fee payable at the time of admission is Rs.7,000 /- approximately. Examination fees is payable separately. The fee concession to students in reserved categories will be applicable in consistent with University of Delhi Rules.

If a student withdraws his/ her admission on or before 16th of August, an amount of Rs. 1000/- shall be deducted.

Thereafter, only Library/ Security deposit shall be refunded

Limited number of free student-ships is also available for the needy and deserving students as per University rules.

Liberal financial assistance is available from Government of India, Government of Delhi, Financial Institutions including Banks for the economically weaker sections of Society including SC/ST/Backward Classes and Physically Handicapped students. Students belonging to the above categories and those who are not receipt of any scholarship /fellowship or financial assistance from any other sources are eligible to apply for financial assistance directly to the concerned agencies through the Director, ACBR.

COMMENTS

  1. Integrated Masters with PhD

    Learn about the benefits, structure and eligibility of Integrated Masters with PhD, a four-year postgraduate programme that combines a one-year Masters course with a three-year PhD course. Find out how they differ from regular PhDs and who they are suitable for.

  2. Dual Degrees: Combined Master's and Ph.D. Programs

    If you're looking for career versatility and high salary potential, combined master's and doctoral programs can help you advance quickly in your field.These specialized programs combine a master's degree in one area with a doctorate in another area, such as a master's in business and a law degree.. Our guide to master's and Ph.D. combined programs offers information on popular programs, career ...

  3. M.Sc Ph.D Integrated Course, Full Form, Eligibility, Admission

    M.Sc Ph.D is a three to six years-long dual degree programme that combines MSc and P.hD. This integrated course rewards a student with a double degree. A M.Sc. is a postgraduate degree in science discipline. Candidates who have completed a B.Sc. are eligible for enrolling in M.Sc. While a PhD is a doctoral level research degree programme ...

  4. Joint Masters and PhD Programs

    Dual masters and PhD programs in Education could bridge courses in constitutional law with organizational theory. Students analyze theories, techniques, and methods of comparative and international education while they study civil procedure, contracts, and legal analysis. Penn State University Law (PSL) and the Higher Education (HI ED) Program ...

  5. Integrated PhD

    A new model of Doctoral training. Integrated PhDs provide a new model of postgraduate training. They retain the depth, rigour and focus of a conventional PhD while also providing a broader training experience. While the specific training routes may vary, they typically consist of a one-year Master's course (MSc or MRes) which leads straight ...

  6. Integrated PhD Programmes in the UK

    The cost of an integrated PhD in the UK is similar to the cost of a standard PhD. Most universities charge around £4,500 per year for UK students. Fees for international students range between £17,890-28,000. Most universities charge the same amount each year for integrated PhDs, but some divide fees into a postgraduate taught rate for your ...

  7. The Integrated PhD Programme

    PhD programme (3+5) The Integrated MSc and PhD programme makes it possible to integrate the MSc programmes' optional programme elements and the writing of the PhD dissertation. This allows students and their supervisors more time for the research element of the PhD programme. The former 4+4 PhD is now a part of the Integrated PhD Scheme (3+5).

  8. Concurrent Master's Programs for Doctoral Students

    The Bloomberg School offers several combined degree programs for doctoral degree candidates who are interested in simultaneously pursuing master's degrees in either biostatistics or international health. The Department of Biostatistics provides students who are candidates for doctoral level ...

  9. 2024 Best Online Masters PhD Combined Programs

    Rutgers University. Rutgers University offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master and a PhD in Social Work. The program can usually be completed in 4 years. Those interested in the program may apply directly to the program or after their first year of study in the Master of Social Work program.

  10. Combined / Dual Degrees

    In partnership with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the Bloomberg School offers students the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) alongside a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - a rigorous combination that prepares graduates for prestigious careers in academic medicine. Students complete two years of medical school before devoting themselves full-time to their PhD studies.

  11. Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US

    Additionally, the cost of applying to schools twice- once for masters and then for PhD- can be saved. Test scores are valid for a limited period of time and if it expires before the PhD cycle of admissions, an applicant is expected to appear for it again. Combined programs are rigorous as there is a lot to learn before embarking on research.

  12. MS-PhD Combined Program

    As a bachelor's prepared nurse, you can earn your master's and PhD in Nursing and Health Science in five years of full-time effort. Put your nursing education in high gear with our MS-PhD Combined pathway. This full-time program offer master's preparation in one of six nurse practitioner specialty areas or a master's in nursing education alongside advanced preparation in a research ...

  13. MSc/PhD Combined Program Admissions

    MSc/PhD Combined Program Admission Requirements. Applicants to the combined MScSLP/PhD program must meet the entrance requirements of both the MSc-SLP program and the PhD in Rehabilitation Science program. Briefly, they must have completed a four-year honours baccalaureate degree or a master's degree in a related field from a recognized ...

  14. Max Planck School Matter to Life

    The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers an MSc to PhD direct track programme. Students receive their joint Master's degree in Matter to Life by regularly studying at the two teaching universities (University of Göttingen or Heidelberg University). Subsequently, the students pursue their own research in the PhD phase of the programme under ...

  15. 5-Year combined MSc/PhD program

    International Max Planck Research School - The Mechanisms of Mental Function and Dysfunction. The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and the University of Tübingen invite students from all over the world to apply for their interdisciplinary 5-year combined MSc/PhD program leading to a PhD in Neuroscience.

  16. Combined Master of Science/PhD in Speech-Language Pathology

    A PhD in Speech-Language Pathology will prepare you for a leadership position in the field. Most of our doctoral students plan to pursue careers in research, university teaching or administration of clinical practice. The MS/PhD program welcomes students with diverse educational backgrounds from all over the world.

  17. Computer Science (M.S., M.P.S. and Ph.D.)

    UMBC's Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science. Below you will find information on both Computer Science graduate programs, and information about how to apply. We also offer a M.P.S. (Masters in Professional Studies) in Cybersecurity, two graduate certificate programs in Cybersecuity and are developing an M.P.S. […]

  18. Combined Degrees

    MD-PhD The Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program at Harvard Medical School (HMS), sponsored primarily by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through its Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) since 1974, provides fellowship support for selected and highly qualified students who have elected to pursue both the MD and PhD degrees. The overall mission is to train the next generation of premier and ...

  19. PhD-Track MSc Program

    PhD-Track MSc Program. PhD-Track MSc Program. Our PhD Track is designed to allow graduate students without an MSc degree from a North American university to move into our PhD program after the first year without having to complete a Master's degree or reapply for admission. This track provides applicants with more choices.

  20. Combined MSc/PhD Program

    The combined MSc/PhD program allows a select group of highly motivated students to complete the MSc in speech-language pathology and the PhD in rehabilitation sciences within a single integrated program of study. Students may indicate their interest in the combined program at the time they apply to the MSc-SLP program, or during the first ...

  21. M.Sc & Ph.D DD Information

    M.Sc - Ph.D Dual Degree programme is the M.Sc - Ph.D degree combined together. That means that upon successful completion of the necessary academic requirements, a student is awarded two degrees. URL: ...

  22. Integrated Ph. D. Programmes

    The Institute offers exciting opportunities to motivated and talented Bachelor's degree holders with a keen sense of scientific enquiry for pursuing advanced research in frontier areas of Biological, Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences leading to a Ph D degree. Experience shows that students entering this program save nearly a year ...

  23. Dr Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research

    M.Sc. - Ph.D. Combined Degree Program in Biomedical Sciences has five core and compulsory courses in each of the first three semesters. In the last semester each student has to choose two optional courses among the courses offered and take up a dissertation project in consultation with faculty. The duration of M.Sc. course is full time two years.