Combined Degree Programs

A combined degree program is a formal arrangement between two units offering programs whereby approved students are registered simultaneously in two degree programs. It allows students to obtain both degrees in a significantly shorter time frame than if they are taken separately. The requirements for both degrees must be completed before the student can graduate. The University of Calgary presently offer the combined degree programs listed below.

Students interested in completing two graduate-level credentials that are not offered as a combined degree program may be eligible for Concurrent Program Enrolment.


Leaders In Medicine

The Leaders in Medicine (LIM) program at the University of Calgary offers students the opportunity to simultaneously complete both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and a graduate degree (PhD, MSc, MA, MBA, etc.). The objective of the Leaders in Medicine program is to train clinicians for a diverse range of careers ranging from academic medical research to the design, management, and implementation of health care delivery systems. Individuals trained in the Leaders in Medicine program can expect to develop a unique academic approach to their clinical experiences as well as bring a clinical perspective to their academic domain (research, business, etc.).

Students in the Leaders in Medicine program will be dually enrolled in the MD program and in any of the graduate programs offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Calgary. Although the most common graduate programs participating in Leaders in Medicine are the eight thesis-based programs offered by the Cumming School of Medicine, students from other programs, including Philosophy and Engineering, have taken part.

Students joining the Leaders in Medicine program should have an excellent academic record and strong motivation towards a career in academic medicine. Applicants must apply separately and be accepted into both the MD program and to a graduate program at the University of Calgary. Prospective applicants must also complete a supplemental application for the Leaders in Medicine program: forms may be obtained from the Graduate Sciences Education Office (Cumming School of Medicine).

Students in the LIM program will have a maximum of 10 academic years to complete both the MD and graduate programs.

Each student is required to participate regularly in the LIM journal club and seminar programs.

Continuous registration must be maintained during the combined program.

For more information, contact:

Leaders in Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Room G321

Email: mailto: mdgrad@ucalgary.ca

or visit the website: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse/current/leaders-medicine


Leaders in Veterinary Medicine

The Leaders in Veterinary Medicine (LVM) program at the University of Calgary offers students the opportunity to earn simultaneously both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a graduate degree (MSc/PhD) in less time than completing the two degrees sequentially (i.e., students take approximately one year less to complete the combined degree than they would to take each degree individually). The LVM program is designed for students who wish to integrate their clinical and research knowledge and skills, and who aim to become leaders in their profession. LVM students will have the unique opportunity to work with their graduate supervisor and conduct research both during and after completing the DVM portion of the combined program.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, applicants must also meet the requirements of the DVM and Veterinary Medical Sciences programs.

There are two streams for admission into the LVM program:

Direct Admission into a Combined DVM/MSc or DVM/PhD

Students identify a supervisor as part of their MSc/PhD application, and they apply and are accepted to both the DVM program and VMS program at the same time. Students start in the graduate program in September and then enter the DVM program the following September. If applying for direct admission to the LVM Program, then the completion of a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or equivalent at a recognized university, during which four or more terms (semesters) were completed with a full-time course-load, is required. With the support of the supervisor, students initially pursuing a MSc in tandem with a DVM can choose to transfer to a PhD.

Transition from DVM to LVM Program

Students with a BSc or MSc apply to and are accepted to the DVM program. Students interested in completing a graduate degree in tandem with the DVM program can apply to the VMS program and enter the graduate program (MSc or PhD) full-time after year two of the DVM program. With the support of the supervisor, students initially pursuing the combined DVM/MSc may request to transfer to the combined DVM/PhD.

This program is designed so that the combined DVM/MSc program will take 5 years and the combined DVM/PhD program will take 7 years. The maximum allowable time for the combined DVM/MSc is 8 years and for the DVM/PhD is 10 years.

Students in the LVM program are expected to participate in some of the following events, in consultation with their Supervisor:

Canadian Veterinary Emerging Scholars Summit

Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine Seminar Series

Research Group seminars depending on the interests of the students (eg: One Health Seminar Series, Reproduction and Regenerative Medicine Seminar Series, Cattle Health Research Group Seminars, Infection Biology seminars)

UCVM Graduate Student Research Day

Investigative Medicine elective rotation

Organizing events for the LVM Affiliates Program

Peer mentoring with the LVM Affiliates Program

Participation in selected events will be tracked by registration or sign-in for the event (eg: Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine Seminar Series) or by self-reported attendance in annual progress reports submitted to the UCVM Associate Dean of Emerging Scholars.

Continuous registration must be maintained during the combined program.


Master of Biomedical Technology/Master of Business Administration (MBT/MBA)

The program program provides students with managerial skills as well as essential scientific skills and competencies for successful careers in biotechnology business. The combined degree program is targeted at graduate students who are interested in a dual skill set to prepare them for biotechnology jobs in industry, research and government at all levels from the bench to the boardroom. The combined degree allows students to obtain both degrees in a shorter time frame than would be possible taking each degree separately. See the program descriptions for the Master of Biomedical Technology program and the Haskayne School of Business for further information.


Master of Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MN/MBA)

(This program is currently suspended.)


Master of Planning/Master of Business Administration (MPlan/MBA)

Students admitted to the program program will focus on courses for the MBA during the first year and on MPlan courses in years two and three. Typically, the Real Estate Studies specialization will be completed in year four. See the program descriptions for the Haskayne School of Business and the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape for further information.


Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA)

The program program enables students to complete an undergraduate degree in law while studying for a graduate degree in business. This program is open only to students enrolled in the Haskayne MBA program on a full-time basis. See the program descriptions for the Faculty of Law and the Haskayne School of Business for further information.


Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy (JD/MPP)

The program program is normally restricted to full-time study. It allows students to obtain both degrees in a significantly shorter time frame than if they are taken separately. Please consult the Public Policy program or the Law Program for more information.


Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Policy (MBA/MPP)

Students admitted to the program program will focus on courses for the MBA during the first year and on MPP courses in year two. Typically, the remaining courses required will be completed in the first term of year three. Please consult the MBA Admissions Officer or the Public Policy Program Manager for more information.


Dual Degree Programs

A dual degree program is a formal arrangement between the University of Calgary and another institution whereby students attend and fulfill degree requirements at both institutions as outlined in a formal agreement. Students receive two parchments, one from each institution, and transcripts are issued by both institutions. The University of Calgary presently offers the following dual degree graduate program.


Master of Management/Master of Science (MMgmt/MSc)

The Master of Management (University of Calgary) and Master of Science (Technical University of Munich) is a dual degree program with a focus on innovation. This dual degree is for early-career professionals with a non-business background to gain foundational business knowledge and bridge the gap between management and technology. During year one, students will be expected to complete the program requirements for the Master of Management, and in year two, they will complete the program requirements for the Master of Science. The normal duration of the proposed program will be two years. For more information see: program.


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