MD/PhD Program

The MD/PhD in Public Health Program is available only to students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and have already been accepted to Tulane's School of Medicine (SOM). Until you have earned a baccalaureate degree, you are not eligible to begin or graduate from the MD/PhD in Public Health Program. If you have not been accepted to Tulane's SOM, use this link for more information about applying to SOM. In addition, applicants to the 4-year program must have earned a 28 or higher on the MCAT or a 504 or higher on the MCAT2015. 

If you have already earned a medical or osteopathic degree, or are pursuing your medical degree from a school other than Tulane, you are not eligible for the MD/PhD in Public Health Program; however, use this link to WSPH Office of Admissions, which welcomes your inquiries about pursuing a PhD in public health.

You may not begin the application process until you have received your letter of acceptance from SOM.

Application Deadline

The application priority deadlines for the MD/PhD in Public Health dual degree program is as follows:

December 1: Application deadline. Apply by December 1 to be considered for Fall admission of the following year.

Application Contents

If you are an incoming student or an SOM student, submit each item below.

• School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (WSPH) application. Email Rachael Ruiz to request access to the online application. Please note that the application will include an information release statement that allows the MD/PhD in Public Health program office to copy your SOM application file (so that you do not need to submit additional transcripts, MCAT scores, AMCAS information, or letters of recommendation for your MD/MPH application).
  • Please note that some departments require different test scores (i.e. GRE) and certain required prior coursework.
  • Please note that you must select only one public health department to which you will apply. Please browse the WSPH website and read about each department, including the projects the department is involved in, the research interests and projects of faculty, course descriptions, etc. This information may help you match your interests with the appropriate WSPH department.
• Career Statement. As part of your application, you will also submit a career statement. A written statement of career goals and objectives is required and should not exceed 1,500 words. You must submit a detailed description of your specific research goals and interests and how you plan to incorporate your public health degree into your career as a medical professional.
• Three letters of recommendation to highlight public health. Written recommendations are required from three individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional performance. At least one recommendation must be from a person with an earned doctorate, and preferably at least one recommendation from outside Tulane University. Written recommendations should speak to the applicants' strengths and skills as a PhD applicant. Please have your recommender email or mail them directly to the MD/PhD in Public Health Program office at the following address:

Please visit each department's PhD website for further information on requirements. Some courses in the School of Medicine will be considered on a case-by-case basis for credit towards Public Health coursework. Please discuss with the applicable WSPH department advisor.

MD/PhD in Public Health students pay public health tuition, academic services fees, and technology support services fees as they enroll in WSPH classes. Visit Financial Aid for the current published WSPH rates.

Financial aid is available to help cover the costs of tuition and expenses. MD/PhD in Public Health students should contact the Office of Financial Aid at 504.988.6135 for financial aid information and deadlines. (On the Financial Aid website, choose the "Graduate & Professional Students" link.)