Degrees and Programs

Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, offers outstanding education and training programs across all levels of learning. From high school students through postdoctoral scholars, students train with our exceptional faculty. Our education and career development programs foster future cancer research.

At Mays Cancer Center, we’re training the next generation of physicians and scientists. Students across all career levels engage in education and research training to support careers in clinical care, research and education. Our distinguished faculty offer programs in basic, clinical and translational research across multiple cancer disciplines.

For high school and undergraduate students

Mays Cancer Center offers summer and academic-year programs that introduce high school and undergraduate students to cancer research. Students get hands-on laboratory experience and participate in career enrichment activities in a collaborative environment.

Biomedical research program

The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy offers a two-year biomedical research, educational and college preparatory program for rising high school juniors. Students partner with biomedical scientists in faculty-mentored research and learn about careers in biomedical research.

Research and career education programs

For high school students, summer programs at Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and the Mays Cancer Center offer a variety of opportunities in hands-on lab research and career exploration.

Drug development internship

Our oncology research internship program offers the opportunity to learn about cancer drug research and development. High school and undergraduate students work closely with researchers at the Institute for Drug Development.

Research and career exploration program

Sponsored by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), this program offers bench research and career development activities in cancer prevention. At the end of the Summer Undergraduate Research Scholar Program, students present their research results in a poster session.

Bioinformatics training

Students in quantitative fields such as computer science, statistics and related disciplines train with faculty researchers at Mays Cancer Center in cancer biology. This summer program offers undergraduates the opportunity to learn more about careers in science and medicine. 

Career development and enhancement core

Since 1974, we’ve established a reputation for excellence in medical education. We’re expanding these efforts with specialized training and professional development. Our program encourages aspiring young scientists at the high school and undergraduate levels to explore cancer research career opportunities. Find out more about cancer research and career enhancement.

For graduate students

Our graduate-level programs offer training and experience in basic, clinical and translational research in a variety of cancer topics. Students gain knowledge and skills to help further their careers in patient care, education and research.

Latino cancer research and career enrichment

Exito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training encourages master’s-level Latino students to pursue a doctoral degree and a career in Latino cancer health disparities research.

PhD in biomedical research

We offer a PhD in Integrated Biomedical Sciences, with seven disciplines for students to choose from for their area of research focus.

PhD in craniofacial, dental and oral research

The Craniofacial Oral-Biology Student Training in Academic Research (COSTAR) program offers advanced training in dental, oral and craniofacial research. It offers DDS/PhD, PhD, and postdoctoral fellowship programs.

Cancer biology research training

Sponsored by CPRIT, this program for predoctoral students provides training in cancer biology, drug development and clinical trials. The program covers current research in the molecular biology of tumor formation and an overview of common cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic and prostate cancers.

PhD in radiological sciences

The Radiological Sciences graduate program prepares students for careers that use radiant forms of energy in diagnosing and treating diseases. Cross-disciplinary research topics include radiation biology, chemistry, medical physics, neuroscience, imaging and computer science.

Professional doctorate in medical physics

This graduate program offers education and training for medical physicists who want to pursue a clinical career. Students in the Doctorate of Medical Physics program can choose either an imaging or a therapy track.

MD/PhD dual degree

The Medical Scientist Training Program is a seven- to nine-year MD/PhD program that trains physician-scientists in clinical and translational biomedical research in culturally diverse settings.

For postdoctoral trainees

Our educational programs, led by world-renowned faculty, provide clinical and research training opportunities for postgraduate scholars preparing for research careers. 

Craniofacial, dental and oral research

The Craniofacial Oral-Biology Student Training in Academic Research (COSTAR) program offers advanced training in dental, oral and craniofacial research. It offers DDS/PhD, PhD, and postdoctoral fellowship programs.

Cancer biology research training

Sponsored by CPRIT, this program for postdoctoral students provides training in cancer biology, drug development and clinical trials. The program covers current research in the molecular biology of tumor formation and an overview of common cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic and prostate.

For residents and fellows

Our residency and fellowship programs focus on clinical and research training to help future physicians and scientists prepare for careers in patient care.

Medical physics residency

Our two-year, radiation oncology medical physics residency program educates and trains medical physicists to prepare them for professional practice. The program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, includes instruction, clinical training and research projects. 

Radiation oncology residency

UT Health San Antonio offers a four-year radiation oncology residency certified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Our program provides physicians with comprehensive clinical training and an introduction to research. 

Hematology/oncology fellowship program

Our three-year hematology/oncology fellowship program prepares fellows for dual board certification in hematology and oncology. The program includes patient-focused clinical training and translational research.

Pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship program

We offer a three-year pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship program with specialized training in clinical care, research and education. Fellows gain knowledge and experience for careers dedicated to research and care for children with cancer and hematologic disorders.

Institute for Drug Development fellowship

The world-renowned Institute for Drug Development offers the Advanced Oncology/Hematology Drug Development fellowship for medical oncologists. The program provides clinical and research experience in drug development to treat people who have advanced disease.

Certificates and other medical education programs

Mays Cancer Center offers certificates and other education programs for students, physicians and other health care professionals.

Breast oncology preceptorship

This two-week program is designed specifically for breast oncologists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The breast oncology preceptorship helps early-career medical oncologists develop clinical skills and apply translational science in caring for patients from these countries.

Certificate in cancer prevention

The Graduate Certificate in Cancer Prevention offers training in topics related to cancer prevention. It’s designed for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and other health care professionals who want additional training to supplement their clinical or basic science training. 

Certificate in medical dosimetry

Our one-year certificate in medical dosimetry provides education and clinical training for students preparing for clinical practice as medical dosimetrists. Our program is one of a few in the country accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Medical dosimetry review course

This three-day medical dosimetry review course helps candidates prepare for the board exam. Practicing dosimetrists and junior physicists may also find this course helpful.