SOUTH BEND -- Indiana University School of Medicine students soon will have the opportunity to earn a joint M.D./master's of science in global health degree in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame's Eck Institute for Global Health.

The new integrated dual degree program will begin in August.

Here's how it works: Students will take a leave of absence during their third year of medical studies to join M.S. in Global Health students at Notre Dame for a 12-month program. Upon completion of the master's in global health degree, students will resume their medical degree studies with the option of finishing at the IU School of Medicine-South Bend campus for their third and fourth years. That campus is just south of Notre Dame's main gate.

The one-year supplemental training program consists of 30 credit hours over two semesters and summer involving a six- to eight-week field experience in an international resource-poor location. All students must complete a master's research project.

Although other leading universities offer similar five-year programs, this degree program will be the first dual degree of its type from two collaborating universities, according to the organizers.

For information, contact the Eck Institute for Global Health at 574-631-5617.

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Notre Dame, Indiana University School of Medicine to offer dual degree health program