Epidemiology and Clinical Research

Degrees Offered

Program Description

The MS in Epidemiology and Clinical Research (Clinical Research Track) is is a 30-credit program designed specifically to meet the needs of clinicians and scientists by providing a combination of coursework and research experiences needed for a successful career in clinical investigation. Students may select from multiple concentration areas: epidemiologic research, patient-oriented research, outcomes/health services research, human genetics, and research ethics.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students will gain the ability to identify important research questions, develop research protocols, select appropriate study designs, generate pilot data, conduct clinical investigations, analyze, and write the results in a publishable form, and develop and submit grant proposals. The program will prepare students to be competitive in seeking external support and be knowledgeable in the complex issues associated with conducting sound clinical research. A total of 30 credits is required for the degree, which can be completed on a part-time basis within two years. Students may select from multiple concentration areas including Epidemiologic Research, Patient-Oriented Research, Human Genetics, Outcomes/Health Services Research, and Research Ethics.

The Certificate in Clinical Research is a 12-credit program that provides training in the core competencies of clinical research, including study design, biostatistics, data management, scientific communication, and the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues in clinical research. The certificate is designed specifically to meet the needs of busy clinicians and scientists who wish to gain skills in the conduct of clinical research but are not able to complete the MS in Epidemiology - Clinical Research track.

Program Admission

Degree-seeking students are admitted into the program during the fall semester only. The MS and certificate application deadline is May 15 of the year in which the student intends to enroll. Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) are mandatory; Medical College Admission Test scores may replace GRE scores for physician applicants. In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the Graduate School and the Graduate Program in Life Sciences (GPILS), applicants should have completed coursework in biology relevant to understanding health and disease processes and have taken college-level math. The program evaluates each applicant individually with attention to areas of strength that relate to the skills and background necessary to succeed in graduate study in epidemiology and human genetics.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses: MS Epidemiology and Clinical Research

Required Courses: Certificate in Clinical Research