Program Description

The Medical Scientist Program (MSP) at Loma Linda University is designed to attract those students who are energized by doing biomedical research and wish to contribute substantially to this enterprise. The expectation is that graduates of this program will pursue a career in academic medicine and medical research. The program integrates graduate and medical education in a Christian environment and is designed to allow completion of both the PhD and MD degrees.

Program Website

Program Length

Average 8 years

Possible Careers

Graduates of MD/PhD programs pursue careers as physician-scientists who are involved in biomedical research as well as clinical practices. They often become faculty members at medical schools, universities and research institutes such as the NIH.

Application Deadlines

There are currently no published application deadlines.

Admissions Requirements

The MSP Admissions Committee is looking for applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to medical research as well as a service orientation. Life experiences, academic achievement and research experience are assessed through the application, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Students must submit separate applications to the School of Medicine for both the PhD and the MD. Application to the medical program is done through AMCAS (American Medical College Admissions Service). Both programs must accept applicants before they are admitted to the Medical Scientist Program.

Prerequisites

Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for both the medical program as well as the Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies (IBGS) PhD program that includes the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as well as the basic science courses required for the medical program. Please look up prerequisites for both the MD and PhD program for more specifics.
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2025-2026

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
12 		Year 3
12 		Year 4
12
Tuition & Fees $28,680 $29,920 $14,560 $14,560
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$960 0 0 0

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
12 		Year 3
12 		Year 4
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $12,015 $16,020 $16,020 $16,020
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $19,800 $26,400 $26,400 $26,400
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $20,655 $27,540 $27,540 $27,540
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $7,290 $9,720 $9,720 $9,720
  • Off Campus
    		•  $19,800 $26,400 $26,400 $26,400
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $4,200 $4,200 $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,285 $4,380 $4,380 $4,380
    Federal Student Loan Fees 0 0 0 0
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 0 0 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request

    Notes

    Students in the combined degree program benefit from tuition waivers and
    stipend support while completing their PhD studies. They may also qualify
    for a tuition waiver during their medical studies.
    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.