Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration & Doctor of Medicine (MBA/MD)
Overview
The MBA/MD dual degree program at UNLV is a collaboration between the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine and the Lee Business School. It is designed for students who want to complement their medical education with a strong foundation in business and leadership. This unique, cross-disciplinary program prepares future physicians to lead not only in patient care but also in healthcare systems, hospital administration, public policy, and entrepreneurial ventures within the healthcare industry. Graduates will be well-equipped to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of modern medicine and healthcare delivery.
5 Reasons to Get a Dual MBA/MD Degree at UNLV:
- Top-Ranked Programs: The part-time Lee MBA ranks #77 nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).
- Leadership in Healthcare: Prepare for C-suite, administrative, and clinical leadership roles in hospitals and health systems.
- Health System Innovation: Learn to navigate and influence the changing landscape of healthcare economics and policy.
- Faculty Expertise: Study with experienced educators in both clinical medicine and business leadership.
- Career Versatility: Expand your opportunities beyond clinical roles, including positions in biotech, consulting, and government.
Bridging Medicine and Management
Modern healthcare requires more than clinical expertise—it demands business acumen, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership. The MBA/MD program is designed to prepare future physicians to understand the economic, regulatory, and operational challenges that affect patient care and medical practice.
Whether you aim to lead a hospital department, launch a health-tech startup, or drive policy reform, this program gives you the tools to make a broad and lasting impact on healthcare.
Overall, the curriculum is community-focused, placing great importance on relationships through faculty-student mentorship, extensive experience with healthcare professionals in the delivery of primary care and longitudinal patient-centered care, as well as immersion in community service projects and initiatives. Students will directly apply their learning in the service of others, providing compassionate care in collaboration with numerous other health professionals, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, physical therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other community practitioners, in pursuit of delivering the best patient care.
Faculty
Courses are taught by leading faculty from the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine and Lee Business School, including experts in healthcare systems, economics, leadership, and innovation.
"I chose to pursue an MD/MBA dual degree at UNLV to better understand the business of medicine and to open new opportunities within this constantly evolving field."Trevor Orr
Dual MBA/MD Student
Career Options
Physicians today are more aware of how business and managerial know-how can benefit their healthcare careers. This program provides an opportunity for physician leaders to develop skills in both medicine and management, which contributes substantially to both healthcare and the welfare of people and the community.
Hospitals are business entities and pursuing a dual degree allows future physicians to bridge the gap and develop not only their medical skills but also business skills required for physical leadership that is required with today’s healthcare structures.
An MBA/MD degree uniquely positions graduates for a wide range of impactful careers, including:
- Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
- Hospital or Health System Administrator
- Medical Director
- Healthcare Policy Advisor
- Clinical Innovation Officer
- Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
- Academic or Research Leader
“Pairing an MBA with a medical degree gives physicians a dual lens: clinical insight and strategic vision. This empowers them to drive innovation, improve outcomes, streamline operations, and influence policy. With this unique expertise, they can bridge the gap between patient care and leadership to shape the future of healthcare.”Corrin C. Sullivan, PhD, Assistant Dean for Curriculum
Program Structure
Interested students would first apply to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. Applications are only accepted in the fall semester. Students can add the MBA side of the dual degree in the fall of their second or third year.
- Requires 205 credit hours, with 30 credit hours allocated to the MBA curriculum and 175 credit hours to the Medical School curriculum.
- Can be completed in 5 years as a full-time student (with full-time status defined as enrolling in 9 credit hours per semester).
- MBA courses are available in the evening or online, providing flexibility for both working professionals and full-time students.
The core MBA curriculum includes courses in:
- Accounting for Managers
- Leadership, Teams, and Individuals
- Financial Decision Making
- Market Opportunity Analysis
- Applied Economic Analysis
- Data Modeling and Analysis
Please refer to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV website for more information about the requirements for the MD.
Ready to Apply?
Students must be admitted separately to both the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine and the Lee Business School MBA Program. The dual degree program integrates both curricula, allowing students to graduate with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Spring Term:
This program does not admit students for this term.
Summer Term:
The program does not admit students during the summer term.
Program Advisors Contact
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine
Corrin Sullivan, Ph.D.
702-545-2089
corrin.sullivan@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
MBA Programs
John Baur
702-895-3675
mba.director@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine
Catalog Information
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