M.D/J.D. Program

Baylor College of Medicine has teamed up with the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) to offer a dual M.D./J.D. Program.

UHLC is consistently ranked among the best law schools in the country, including being ranked in the top five for health law by U.S. News & World Report.

If you've got what it takes to earn both of these prestigious degrees, you are encouraged to apply to both schools through the regular admissions processes for each institution (indicate your interest in the M.D./J.D. program on your BCM application). Applicants to the M.D./J.D. Program are required to take the LSAT also.

Program Structure

Students entering the M.D./J.D. dual degree program will spend 72 months (six years) in pursuit of both degrees. Students admitted to both programs matriculate into the Baylor curriculum in the fall with all other M.D. candidates. The student remains full-time at Baylor for two full academic years of course work and clinical rotations. Before beginning their study at UHLC, students must take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Part I.

At month 25 after Baylor matriculation, students take a leave of absence and matriculate into UHLC's entering class to engage in full-time legal study for a period of 24 full months, including at least one summer session.

At month 49, students will return to BCM to complete core clinical rotations and other degree requirements. During the remaining 24-month period, it is expected that students will complete 10-12 credit hours of legal electives at UHLC. This course may be obtained in additional summer sessions, courses taken in the part-time evening UHLC J.D. program and/or independent legal study approved by the UHLC's Associate Dean for Student Affairs or designee.

Students work closely with the Baylor Office of the Registrar and Office of Student Affairs to ensure proper transition between schools.

Prospective students must separately apply and be admitted to both the Baylor College of Medicine M.D. program and the University of Houston Law Center. Applicants may either apply simultaneously to both schools or apply initially only to the School of Medicine and apply to the University of Houston Law Center during their first of study at the medical school.

Students must be in good academic standing prior to entering the dual degree program.

For information regarding the admissions process at each school, please contact the School of Medicine Office of Admissions and the University of Houston Law Center Admissions directly.

Credit Requirements: Medical School credit requirements based on matriculation year; At month 25 after Baylor matriculation, students will take a leave of absence from BCM, and matriculate into UHLC's entering class and engage in full-time legal study for a period of 25 full months, including at least one summer session. At month 49, students will return to Baylor to complete core clinical rotations and other degree requirements. During the remaining 24 month period, it is also expected that they will complete 10-12 credit hours of legal electives at UHLC. This course work could be obtained in additional summer sessions, courses taken in the part-time evening UHLC J.D. program and/or independent legal study approved by the UHLC's Assistant Dean for Student Affairs or designee. J.D students must complete at least 90 credit hours.

Minimum Time Requirements: 6 years

Academic requirements: Students in the M.D./J.D. program must satisfy all academic requirements for the M.D. degree, including:

1. All required foundational courses
2. All required clinical courses
3. Elective requirements for dual degree students
4. The BCM CPX
5. Pass score on USMLE Step 1, Step 2CK, and Step 2CS
6. Have no professional deficiencies.

Students in the M.D./JD program follow the same course of study as single-degree full-time JD students and must satisfy all of the University of Houston Law Center requirements for graduation. View the University of Houston Law Center academic requirements.

Students in the M.D./J.D. dual degree program will be charged tuition according to the rates effective at the school in which they are enrolled each term. For more information regarding tuition and financial aid, prospective students should contact the Baylor Office of Student Financial Aid, the Office of Student Account Services and the University of Houston Law Center Scholarships and Financial Aid.