Program Overview
The MD/MBA dual-degree program responds to an increased need for specialists with an advanced understanding of both health education and business administration. The dual-degree program will capitalize on both programs’ recognized leadership in their respective fields to offer students a unique blend of health education and business expertise. Those who have combined expertise in health education and business administration will possess substantial career flexibility and attractiveness to prospective employers.
The elective component of the MBA degree is completely student-driven, affording students the opportunity to pursue a concentration in a defined functional area or to simply develop a skill-set specific to their unique interests.
Only second-year MD students currently enrolled in the medical school at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School are eligible to apply for the MBA/Doctor of Medicine dual degree program. In order to apply for the MD/MBA dual degree program, students must be in good academic standing at Dell Medical School.
Through the MBA/MD dual-degree program arrangement, Dell Medical students apply the equivalent of 21 credit hours of Medical School coursework towards requirements for the MBA degree. The MBA/MD degree requires completion of 41 credit hours of MBA coursework.
The timeline:
- Year 1: Student enrolled in MED coursework at UTDMS
- Year 2: Student enrolled in MED coursework at UTDMS
- Year 3: Student enrolled in coursework required for the MBA degree and completing longitudinal courses required for the MD degree program at UTDMS
- Year 4: Student enrolled in coursework required for the MBA degree and the MD degree at UTDMS
MBA and MD degrees simultaneously awarded by UT Austin. This structure saves you a full year compared with pursuing both degrees separately.
Why this matters
for your career
Healthcare is changing. Physicians increasingly need to understand finance, operations, strategy, and leadership to navigate complex health systems, launch innovations, or build their own practices. This dual degree positions you at the intersection of patient care and business decision-making.
The MBA also gives you a strategic advantage in residency matching. While your peers are managing a full medical school course load, you’ll have dedicated time to strengthen your application through research, board exam preparation, and leadership development, all while earning a valuable business credential.
Program Highlights
Top- Ranked Business Education
McCombs’ Full-Time MBA ranks #18 nationally and #1 in Texas, giving you access to world-class faculty, resources, and alumni networks.
Study at Rowling Hall
Every corner of the Rowling Hall, from the expansive entry hall to the Moontower Café, has been created to promote conversation, camaraderie, and idea-sharing.
Built for Medical Students
Application fees and standardized test requirements (GMAT/GRE) are waived.
Real-World Learning
Study alongside experienced business professionals from various industries, expanding your network and perspective.
Healthcare Curriculum Options
Access electives in healthcare business, AI strategy in healthcare, and health entrepreneurship to deepen your expertise at the intersection of medicine and business.
Global Experience
Choose between an international global studies trip or The Washington Campus experience.
admissions
Who should apply
Only second-year MD students currently enrolled in the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin are eligible to apply to the MBA/Doctor of Medicine dual-degree program.
Admissions Requirements
- Dual degree candidates must be admitted and currently enrolled Dell Medical School
- Application fee waived for MD/MBA applicants
- GMAT/GRE/EA requirement waived for MD/MBA applicants
- All other McCombs admissions components apply
MD/MBA Application Process
Applicants go through McCombs’ standard admissions process, which includes:
- Completed MBA application
- Resume
- Essays
- $20 Transcript Fee
- Letter of Recommendation
- Video Assessment
- Interview (Optional)
Check out our MBA Application Guide for tips on submitting your best application.
Tuition & Fees
There is additional tuition associated with this dual degree. See the Tuition page for more information.
The $2,000 tuition deposit will be waived for entering MD/MBA students. You will be required to accept your admission offer to confirm you are attending. There is a $1,200 student fee that is NOT waived for MD/MBA students, due in June. This goes toward orientation and student activities during the duration of your enrollment.
Application deadlines
Round 1
Application Due:
October 15, 2026
Decision Delivered:
December 17, 2026
Round 2
Application Due:
January 15, 2027
Decision Delivered:
March 25, 2027
Round 3
Application Due:
April 1, 2027
Decision Delivered:
May 6, 2027
STEPS FOR SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
The University of Texas at Austin requires graduate school applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.
We also highly recommend having at least 2 years of post-undergraduate, professional work experience by the time the program begins.
To prepare to apply for your MBA:
-
- Start your MBA Application.
- Obtain copies of your official transcripts and have official test scores sent to UT Austin.
- Get to know MBA program details and culture by meeting staff, students, and alumni at an MBA event.
- Review the Texas McCombs MBA Insider blog for tips on the application process.
- Connect with current students to gain additional insight from someone who has successfully gone through the process.
- Email us with any questions.
Curriculum
Through the MBA/MD dual-degree program arrangement, Dell Medical students apply the equivalent of 21 credit hours of Medical School coursework towards requirements for the MBA degree. The MBA/MD degree requires completion of 41 credit hours of MBA coursework.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
What to Expect During Your MBA Year
During your MBA year, you will be fully immersed in the Full-Time MBA experience at McCombs, gaining exposure to the business disciplines that increasingly shape modern healthcare.
You’ll complete core coursework in areas like finance, strategy, operations, and leadership, while also having the flexibility to choose electives aligned with your interests—whether that’s healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, or data-driven decision-making.
Many MD/MBA students also engage in opportunities outside the classroom to deepen their experience, such as:
- Participating in the Health Innovation Fellows (HIF) program, where students collaborate on real-world healthcare challenges
- Joining student organizations focused on healthcare, entrepreneurship, and consulting
- Working on hands-on consulting projects with healthcare organizations or startups
In addition to academic and experiential learning, the MBA year provides time and space to step back from clinical training—allowing you to strengthen leadership skills, expand your professional network, and explore how you want to apply your medical training in a broader system context.
Beyond the Classroom
As a McCombs student, you’ll have access to:
- Healthcare entrepreneurship resources and pitch competitions
- Alumni network of over 100,000+ McCombs graduates
- Career services and executive coaching
- Student organizations focused on healthcare and innovation
- Networking events connecting medical and business communities
Ready to make your move?
Start your application today to be a part of our next class of leaders.
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