Dual Degree Program

Specialized academic option for exceptional MD students

The College of Medicine offers a dual degree option for CMU students to consider.

MD-MBA dual degree

Students admitted to the MD program at Central Michigan University and deemed to be in good standing by the Office of Medical Education have the option to earn an MBA degree whereby six credit hours of the MD program will count towards the MBA degree requirement. To begin the MBA application process, students must complete the “Approval Form to Enroll in MBA Program” available through the Office of Medical Education. Next, although MD-MBA students are free to take any combination of on-campus and online MBA classes to match their schedules, needs, and interests, they must begin the MBA admission process by applying to the main campus MBA program.

Admission requirements

  1. Complete the Approval Form. The application must include a one-page statement describing their purpose and general plan for MBA study at Central Michigan University. The statement should discuss how the MBA degree fits into their future career plans and include past or current activities and achievements, including any relevant business, research, or volunteer experiences that make them a good candidate for admission.
  2. Complete the application for admission to CMU's College of Graduate Studies.
  3. Submit College of Medicine transcript demonstrating the student is in good standing at the College of Medicine whereby the GMAT requirement for admission to the MBA program may be waived.

Important dates

MBA admission applications will be accepted between May 1 and May 15 of the M1/M2 year of medical school for Track I and at least one month prior to the start of their gap year for Track II (see description of tracks below). We expect MD students to begin the MBA program in mid-June (for MBA 2nd summer session), August (for MBA fall semester), or January (for MBA spring semester).


Plan of study

MD students admitted to the MBA program can use up to six credit hours of MED 600 toward satisfying the MBA degree requirements, as long as they have a passing grade in MED 600. In this case, two required courses – MBA 640 and 660 will be waived. This will reduce the total number of credits needed for MBA to 30 credit hours. Based on the College of Medicine’s recommendation, students will pick from two alternate tracks:

  • Track I expects MD students to take advantage of the MD curriculum calendar to complete MBA courses simultaneously with MD courses.
  • Track II interleaves an additional year into the MD curriculum that will focus on MBA requiring students to complete the MBA courses during a concentrated leave between M2 and M3 OR M3 and M4.
  • College of Medicine will not approve enrollment into Track II after the start of year three.

MBA Track I, sample plan one (option for students starting CCC in fall)

MD Calendar TimingMBA Calendar TimingSuggested Course(s)
Between M1 and M2

2nd Summer Term

MBA 630 and MBA 650
Between M2 and M31st Summer TermMBA 610 and MBA 620
M3

2nd Summer Term

1st Fall Term

MBA 670

MBA 680

M4

2nd Summer Term

2nd Fall Term

2nd Spring Term

1st Summer Term

MBA 690

BUS 619

BUS 629

BUS 639

 

MBA Track I, sample plan two (option for students starting CCC in winter)

MD Calendar TimingMBA Calendar TimingSuggested Course(s)
Between M1 and M2

2nd Summer Term

MBA 630 and MBA 650
Between M2 and M31st Summer TermMBA 610 and MBA 620
M3

2nd Fall Term

1st Spring Term

MBA 670 and BUS 619

MBA 680

M4

2nd Summer Term

2nd Spring Term

1st Summer Term

MBA 690

BUS 629

BUS 639

 

MBA Track I, sample plan three (option for students starting CCC in spring)

MD Calendar TimingMBA Calendar TimingSuggested Course(s)
Between M1 and M2

2nd Summer Term

MBA 630 and MBA 650
Between M2 and M31st Summer TermMBA 610 and MBA 620
M3

2nd Spring Term

1st Summer Term

MBA 670 and BUS 629

MBA 680 and BUS 639

M4

2nd Summer Term

2nd Fall Term

MBA 690

BUS 619

BUS classes refer to courses included in Value Driven Organization emphasis; these courses can be substituted to match the student’s interest.
*All MBA courses are required and are available in-person, hybrid, as well as online asynchronous; Elective courses are primarily offered online.
Deviations from these plans may be required due to unexpected scheduling changes and students in the MBA program will be advised accordingly. 

MBA Track II

The MBA program can be completed in 12 months between M2 and M3 OR M3 and M4.