Joint Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science and Mechanics

The Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics and the Penn State College of Medicine offer a joint degree program in which a student can receive a doctor of medicine (M.D.) from the College of Medicine and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in engineering science and mechanics from the College of Engineering. The joint degree program forms the basis for an interdisciplinary, transformational program dedicated to educating a new generation of physician engineering scientists working at the frontiers of clinical and translational research. 

The program provides the opportunity for students interested in careers in academic medicine and research to obtain the necessary training in clinical and basic sciences in a seven-to-eight-year period. The dual degree provides the student with knowledge of the breadth of clinical science plus the ability to design experiments and conduct biomedical research, with modern technology.

Integration of the medical and graduate curricula is emphasized from the beginning of the program and sustained even during the predominantly medical or graduate years of training.

Students in the program will complete four years of medical studies in the Medical School, College of Medicine, and three or more years of graduate study in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics. After successful completion of the first two years of medical school, including all required rotations and Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, the candidate will apply for admission to the Ph.D. program in engineering science and mechanics.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics

Candidates for the Ph.D. in engineering science and mechanics typically take a minimum of 59 total credits beyond the baccalaureate degree (42 graduate course credits, 5 seminar credits, and typically 12 research credits). Master’s degree holders typically take 33 credits (18 graduate course credits, 3 seminar credits, and up to 12 research credits). Exceptions to these requirements may be approved by petition.

Students may enter the Ph.D. program after completing an appropriate baccalaureate or master’s degree prior to admission. At least 18 graduate credits must be earned in 400- and 500-level lecture/laboratory courses approved by the department, and 3 credits of a graduate seminar (E MCH 514 or E SC 514) must be earned beyond the master’s degree requirements.

College of Medicine Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all Year 1 required courses
2. Completion of the Year 1 Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
3. Satisfactory completion of all Year 2 required courses
4. Completion of the Year 2 OSCE
5. Satisfactory completion of all Year 3 required clerkships, 3 Island courses, and 1 required elective month
6. Satisfactory completion of the Year 3 choice procedures by the end of Year 3
7. Passing score on the Year 3 OSCE
8. Completion of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE); a requirement for residency application
9. Satisfactory completion of all Year 4 required acting internships, Neurology clerkship, Year 4 Island, the Humanities requirement, and 4 electives

10. Passing score on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1
11. Passing score on USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge
12. Passing score on USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills
13. Completion of the Medical Student Research (MSR) Project
14. Observed History and Physical Examination:
    1. Completed during the acting internship or the electives taken during the fourth year of medical school
    2. Complete two examinations that must be signed off by an attending physician, chief resident, or a fellow

Joint Program Requirements

The joint M.D./Ph.D. in engineering science and mechanics degree program will require four years of medical study and three or more years of graduate study in engineering science and mechanics fields. While there will be some level of double-counting of courses, the candidates will fulfill the full requirements of both programs as detailed in the Graduate Programs Guide.

For more information about the joint M.D./Ph.D. in engineering science and mechanics, please refer to the Graduate Programs Guide.