Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a combined degree program leading to the D.O. and Ph.D. degrees for highly motivated students who have achieved excellence in research and academics. The purpose of this program is to prepare these select students for careers in biomedical research or academic medicine. Students in the program dedicate themselves to seven or more years of education and training to become medical scientists. Their training will enable them to become physician-scientists working in clinical or basic science research. They may either work mainly with patients in a hospital or clinic or as physicians working in the basic sciences with research animals or cells in the laboratory.

Most graduates of the D.O. Ph.D. will seek careers in osteopathic medical colleges, universities, or major medical research centers. These physician-scientists bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. However, the national reserve of physician-scientists has seriously decreased in recent years. For Osteopathic Medicine, the need for physician scientists is critical. To meet this need MSU COM has developed its D.O. Ph.D. Program.

Seven graduate programs are offered: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Physiology. The interdepartmental program in Environmental Toxicology is also offered by applying to any of the following departments associated with the Environmental Toxicology Program and the D.O. Ph.D. Program: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, or Physiology.