Concurrent Degree Programs

PRIME-LA Program is a five-year concurrent-degree program that focuses on Leadership and Advocacy with a long-term goal to develop leaders in medicine addressing policy, care, and research in healthcare for the underserved. Approximately 18 students are admitted yearly. Following successful completion of Year 2 (Required Clinical Clerkships) coursework, students enter DGSOM Discovery for a nearly yearlong period where students may either participate in the DGSOM Discovery Area of Concentration (AoC) Program or enter a concurrent master’s degree program offered at UCLA. PRIME students also have the option of pursuing a master’s degree in an area that compliments the mission of the program outside of the Discovery Year as part of PRIME-LA’s five-year medical education structure.

• MD / Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
• MD / Masters in Public Health (MPH)
• MD / Masters in Public Policy (MPP)
• MD / Masters of Science in Clinical Research (MS)
• MD / Masters in Legal Studies (MLS)
• MD / Masters of Arts in Education (MA) 

David Geffen School of Medicine students who are in good academic standing and have successfully completed Year 2 (Required Clinical Clerkships) may pursue the Master of Business Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, Clinical Research or Legal Studies, as part of the UCLA Concurrent degree programs through DGSOM Discovery or after completion of Y3. For admission, applicants are required to satisfy the regular admission requirements for the respective Master’s Program and be in good academic standing within the School of Medicine at the time of application to the Concurrent Degree Program. Currently MCAT scores may be submitted in lieu of the GRE for the MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/MPP, MD/MS, and MD/MLS programs. Students are advised to review the application requirements for each program for the most up-to-date information each admissions cycle.

The masters portion is concurrent with the last year of MD coursework. Coursework and requirements for both the MD and Masters program must be completed to be awarded the concurrent degree. During their year of Master's degree studies, students in our Concurrent Degree programs may pursue opportunities for clinical experiences and shadowing, to pursue their clinical interests and ultimately ease their transition back to the clinical arena.

It is a requirement for students in PRIME-LA to complete all graduate course work and be awarded a master's degree before or at the time of graduation from DGSOM. Online master's degrees or unaccredited graduate programs do not meet the criteria for PRIME. 

The David Geffen School of Medicine Financial Aid Office administers financial aid for all 5 years of the approved concurrent degree MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/MPP, MD/MS, and MD/MLS programs, including when students pursue their Masters. Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn more.

In addition to the UCLA-based programs, PRIME students may choose any accredited institution. For example, PRIME students have attended the following institutions.