Austin-Area Medical School Options
There are just a few medical schools within about two hours of Austin, Texas. This article looks at two institutions and the degree programs they offer. It also includes a table of information that is pertinent to prospective students, such as tuition, enrollment and the percentage of students receiving financial aid.
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is 87 miles from downtown Austin. Its degree offerings include a Doctor of Medicine (MD), MD with Distinction in Research, MD/Master of Public Health (MPH) and MD/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Texas A&M Health Science Center, is 81 miles from downtown Austin in College Station. Students there can earn an MD, MD/Master of Business Administration (MBA), MD/MPH and MD/PhD.
Comparison of Schools
Individuals who are choosing a medical school should compare their options. This table presents important information about both these schools in a convenient format.
| University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | Texas A&M University - College Station | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year; public | 4-year; public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 3,499* | 72,530* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Midsize city |
| Graduate Tuition (2022-2023) | $8,693 for residents, $22,277 for non-residents* | $13,239 for residents, $40,139 for non-residents* |
| % of Undergraduate Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | N/A* | 78%* |
| Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (2021) | N/A | 64%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Students at the University of Texas Health Science Center can enroll in five different schools. These include the School of Dentistry, the School of Health Professions, the Joe R. & Teresea Lozano Long School of Medicine and the School of Nursing.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
The basic MD program offered at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio focuses on clinical training from the very beginning of the curriculum. By using a systems-based curriculum in combination with hands-on training modules, students are able to gain an understanding of the basic sciences and gain clinical experience at the same time. This is possible because of technological advances and standardized patient care experiences supported by the HEB Clinical Skills Center.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Distinction in Research
This dual degree program combines the basic medical school curriculum with research training in the translational, basic, social and clinical sciences. Students have the entire four years of medical school to complete the required 640 hours of focused research necessary for this designation. However, research logs and progress reports are due to be certified by a faculty member. In addition, this program includes a mentor to assist candidates with planning, directing and executing research goals. At the end of this program, a final manuscript must be submitted to the MD with Distinction in Research Committee for approval.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Master of Public Health (MPH) Dual Degree
The MD/MPH dual degree program focuses on preventative medicine, epidemiology, community health, public policy, health promotion and clinical research. This 4-year program is available in partnership with the University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH). Students are required to begin their studies at UTSPH the summer before entering medical school. The first fall semester will be focused on meeting the requirements of the MD curriculum. Afterwards, courses in epidemiology, infectious disease and biostatistics will be combined with the requirements of medical school.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Dual Degree
After completing the first two years of medical school, participants of this program must complete three years of full-time research to meet the requirements of the doctoral degree program. Possible research subjects include physiology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry and neuroscience. Laboratory research can also be integrated into the first half of medical school in preparation for the doctoral dissertation. At the five-year mark, students return to medical school to complete their clinical training and the MD curriculum. At least seven years of study are required to complete this process. The doctoral dissertation must be completed by the end of a candidate's fourth year of medical school.
Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC)
The TAMHSC is located in College Station, Texas. This 4-year public school offers bachelor's, master's and post-master's degree programs in the fields of nursing, dentistry, medicine, public health and pharmacy. The College of Medicine enrolls offers a variety of programs that can be completed at five campuses. The curriculum for the College of Medicine is shared between five specialties of the Basic Sciences Department. Each specialty conducts individual research and is responsible for the education of all medical students. These specialties focus on the humanities in medicine, cellular medicine, experimental therapeutics, molecular pathogenesis and translational medicine.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Admissions into the MD program requires 90 credits of undergraduate coursework. The program begins with a year and a half of pre-clinical courses, then students will transition to clinical training. The College Station campus track includes one year of pre-clinical courses and then three years of clinical classes. Opportunities for scholarship will be available and students can also participate in a minor during their four years of coursework.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
This dual degree program is offered in partnership with Mays Business School, and medical students can begin the MBA curriculum after their second year of medical training. This 5-year program also requires that students complete a health-related business project in their fourth year. The intensive business curriculum includes the study of accounting, business behavior, finance and operations management. Internships are strongly recommended, and completion of a business consulting project is necessary to earn this joint degree.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Master of Public Health (MPH)
While students earn their MD through the College of Medicine, the MPH degree is earned through the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health (SRPH). Students begin studying public health after their second year of medical school, and a total of five years are required to complete both degree programs. Four concentrations are offered, including epidemiology, social health, health policy and occupational health. A practicum elective credit offered by the College of Medicine is required for this program.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This program prepares students for a career in medical research and academia through a combination of clinical medical training and a background in basic biomedical science. Applicants to the program must have strong academic records, above average MCAT scores and research experience. This MD/PhD dual degree program requires seven to eight years of study, and there are two ways to complete the necessary curricula: students can either begin their laboratory training after their second or third year of medical school. To earn both degrees, students must complete the normal medical school curriculum, file their research proposals and defend their doctoral dissertations.
