Dual Degree MD/MBA

MD/MBA Dual Degree

The Business of Healthcare

Emory University's School of Medicine and Goizueta Business School cooperate in a dual degree Doctor of Medicine/Master of Business Administration to prepare physicians for leadership roles in healthcare.

MD/MBA Format and Duration

The MD/MBA is designed for completion within five years, four of which are spent primarily in the School of Medicine. The semesters spent at Goizueta Business School will follow the clinical block of the medical school curriculum. MD/MBA students may complete the courses using either full-time MBA format: the Two-Year MBA, fall start option or the One-Year MBA, summer start option. MD/MBA students must complete 3 semesters in residency, 50 credit hours including two global requirements, and a directed study project involving a topic which bridges the two fields of study.

Admissions Details

Students must apply to the business school and the School of Medicine separately. If a student is accepted to both programs, they can enroll in the MD/MBA. Entry to the MBA is contingent on satisfactory evaluation of academic standing and professional conduct in the School of Medicine. Students enrolled at medical programs other than Emory University's are eligible to apply to complete their business studies at Goizueta.

We look at test scores, GPA, work experience, essays, recommendations and interview when evaluating candidates. The MCAT may be submitted in place of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Most students interested in a MD/MBA degree do not possess the average 5-6 years of work experience of our typical MBA candidate. Many students proceed to medical school directly from their undergraduate program. However, this does not mean that work experience should not be addressed in your application. The Admissions Committee is most interested in hearing how your life and work experiences will add to MBA class discussions and an eventual business career. A college internship, part-time job, or family business experience can provide relevant work experience to strengthen your file. MBA classes are highly participatory and lively class discussions are a key part of the learning process. Our recommendation is that you prepare your application in a way that highlights the skills you have gained from your work and organizational experiences.

The MCAT may be submitted in place of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If candidates elect to submit GMAT and/or GRE scores, they should prepare vigorously for the quantitative portion of the test as candidates are expected to exceed the 50th percentile on the quantitative section of the exam. Most of our students score at the 75-80th percentile. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions regarding test scores if you have additional questions.

Every applicant who submits a completed application by the Round 3 deadline and is admitted to Goizueta is automatically reviewed for merit-based, school-funded scholarships. No separate application is required; merit-based awards typically range from 20% to full tuition. If a student receives a scholarship, it only applies to the semesters that they are enrolled in the Business School.

Career Opportunities

Business decisions will have a broad impact on the delivery of healthcare in the 21st century and physicians equipped with the proper management and financial skills will be in a better position to effectively function in this environment. Whether managing an individual or group practice, leading a corporate or non-profit hospital department, or contributing to the development of healthcare policy, the understanding of fundamental financial, management, and organizational practices is essential. The combined MD/MBA degree focuses on giving future physicians this necessary skill-set for successfully integrating medicine and business.

Goizueta Healthcare Management Association

The Goizueta Healthcare Management Association (GHMA) is a student organization that focuses on healthcare issues and careers. Recent events have included: Biotech Venture Capital Panel, Healthcare Career Panel, and a networking event with Rollins School of Public Health.