Academics
HMS-HBS Joint Degree Program: FAQs
What is the mission of the joint degree program?
The program's mission is to develop outstanding physician leaders, skilled in both medicine and management, to take positions of influence through which they will contribute substantially to the health and well-being of individuals and society.
Why should I consider the joint degree program?
The MD/MBA joint degree is for individuals whose ambitions will be fulfilled at the intersection of medicine and business: for example, in hospital administration, medical device entrepreneurship, health and public policy, and more.
What are the typical career objectives of students?
Students in the MD/MBA program combine a passion for practicing medicine with a growing desire to expand their interests into new ventures — to conduct research, manage hospitals, shape public policy, launch health care-related entrepreneurial ventures, balance medical needs with economic realities, reduce costs to patients while increasing quality, and apply engineering to medicine to produce the best medical devices.
How is the degree curriculum structured?
For a curriculum timeline, see the MD/MBA Curriculum Overview.
What is the structure of the tuition and fees, and how is financial aid managed?
See the MD/MBA Tuition and Financial Aid page for information.
How do I apply to the joint degree program?
Applicants apply to HMS and HBS separately and must be admitted independently. Please see the MD/MBA Admissions page for further information.
What are the admissions deadlines?
Students currently enrolled in the HMS MD Program can apply to HBS only during their second year at HMS and only in the first of three rounds of HBS admissions.
While each school will maintain its separate admissions timetables, all applicants interested in the joint degree program are required to apply to HBS in the first two of three rounds. All applicants interested in the joint degree program are required to apply to HMS by the November deadline.
Can I change my mind about the joint degree program after I start?
No. Once students are admitted to and enrolled in the joint MD/MBA program, they must complete both degrees successfully in order to graduate from Harvard.
With whom can I speak to get more information?
Information about admission requirements can be obtained by contacting both the HBS and HMS admissions offices.
