Clinical Investigation Sciences (MSc)
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants that have had research experience (e.g., research coordinator) or have completed a professional doctoral degree (e.g., DMD, DO, MD) are preferred.
Application requirements are submitted to the Graduate School and include:
- Formal graduate application
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement, a one-page essay that discusses the student’s background and his or her long-term goals in clinical research
- Application fee
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework
- International students’ foreign transcripts must submitted for foreign credential evaluation. This requirement may be waived for foreign students with ECFMG certification.
- Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. This requirement may be waived for applicants who have any of the following:
- A graduate degree from a U.S. institution
- ECFMG certification
- Passed steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)
- Four or more years of clinical research related experience in the U.S. or Canada.
- International students for whom English is not their primary language must show English language proficiency by one of the following:
- TOEFL examination with a minimum score of 79 (after conversion for test type)
- IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher
- Duolingo test score of 105 or higher
- Demonstration of a degree awarded from an institution with instruction primarily in English, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official
For specific information about the degree program or the application process, students should contact Dr. Paul McKinney, Program Director, (502)852-3019, or Bryan Mathis, Program Coordinator Senior, (502)852-6263.
Application Deadline
Fall semester - Completed applications and all required application materials are due by August 1.
International students are encouraged to apply no later than 120 days prior to the start of the fall semester.
Spring semester – Accepted with Program Director approval.
Summer semester – Applications are not accepted.
Curriculum
The typical progression through the MSc curriculum is:
- Develop program of study
- Take coursework
- Select research project and begin work
- Complete research project and prepare professional paper
- Present and defend research project
Faculty Advisor
The program director serves as faculty advisor for each student until the student begins his or her research for the professional paper, at which time the student selects a Principle Advisor for his or her research with the approval of the program director. The Principle Advisor may be any member of the School’s faculty, or (with approval of the program director) a mentor in the student’s laboratory or employment affiliation that is willing to assume the function of faculty advisor.
Program of Study
Upon matriculation in the program, each student meets with the program coordinator and develops a program of study based on the student’s time availability (e.g., typical two-year program or extended three-year program). The program of study may be modified as the student’s needs change or course availability is altered.
Awarding a degree from an accredited school of public health requires successful completion of coursework that provides instruction in foundational public health knowledge. This instruction is delivered through PHPH 523 Public Health in the United States.
Students with a prior degree from a CEPH accredited school or program of public health may be relieved of this requirement, per approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. In the absence of a variance, PHPH 523 satisfies the requirement.
Academic Standing
To maintain good academic standing in the MSc in Clinical Investigation Sciences program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all coursework in the program. A student must be in good academic standing in order to receive the degree.
Any MSc in Clinical Investigation Sciences student with a program cumulative GPA below 3.0 will be placed in probationary status. Any student who remains in probationary status for two consecutive terms may be considered for dismissal from the program.
Program Requirements
- 22 credit hours of required coursework
- six (6) credit hours of elective coursework
- three (3) credit hours of mentored research
The following includes all required courses organized by the semester in which they are offered. Some courses are offered in alternating years (see below).
Course Offerings by Semester
| Fall | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework | ||
| PHPH 523 | Public Health in the United States 1 | 3 |
| PHST 500 | Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I | 3 |
| PHST 624 | Clinical Trials I: Planning and Design | 2 |
| PHPH 632 | Ethical Conduct of Health Care Research | 2 |
| PHPH 631 | Clinical Research Management 3 | 2 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHST 501 | Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II | 3 |
| PHST 625 | Clinical Trials II | 2 |
| PHEP 614 | Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology 5 | 2 |
| PHPH 601 | Evaluating Health Care Literature 5 | 1 |
| PHPH 610 | New Drug & Device Development | 2 |
| PHPH 699 | Mentored Research | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 31 | |
1 PHPH 523 is required of students who do not have a public health degree from a CEPH accredited School of Public Health.
2 PHPH 610 is offered every other spring semester on even numbered years (2022, 2024, 2026, etc.)
3 PHPH 631 is offered every other fall semester on odd numbered years (2021, 2023, 2025, etc.)
4 PHPH 632 is offered every other fall semester on even numbered years (2022, 2024, 2026, etc.).
5 PHEP 614 and PHPH 601 are offered every other spring semester on odd numbered years (2021, 2023, 2025, etc.).
Elective Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Electives | ||
| Six (6) credit hours of electives from the following (other courses on approval of program advisor) | ||
| Advanced Coursework in Biostatistics (PHST-XXX) 4 | 2-3 | |
| Advanced Coursework in Epidemiology (PHEP-XXX) 4 | 2-3 | |
| PHPB 501 | Introduction to Public Health Behavior 5 | 3 |
| LEAD 676 | Instructional Strategies in Health Professions Education | 3 |
| LEAD 685 | Evidence Based Practice in Health Professions Education | 3 |
| PHMS 684 | Project Management for Population Health 6 | 3 |
| PHMS 645 | Health Services Research Methods I 6 | 3 |
| ENGL 677 | Graduate Writing in the Disciplines 6 | 3 |
| SOC 618 | Qualitative Research Methods 6 | 3 |
- 4
Specific courses vary.
- 5
Offered fall semesters
- 6
Offered spring semesters
Professional Paper
A professional paper, based on original research conducted by the student, is required of a candidate for the degree of Master of Science in Clinical Investigation Sciences. It is to be an original work of professional quality and a scholarly achievement that demonstrates the student’s thorough understanding of research techniques in clinical research and the ability to conduct independent research.
Professional Paper Committee
The professional paper is read by a reading committee, chaired by the student’s faculty advisor, and appointed by the dean of the school upon the recommendation of the program director. This committee consists of three members and must include one representative of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences. The professional paper must be approved by the committee and the program director.
Professional Paper Proposal
The proposal for the professional paper is to be developed in written form and presented to the committee for approval.
Professional Paper Approval
The professional paper is to be submitted in completed form to the Principal Advisor of the committee at least fourteen days before the end of the term in which the candidate expects to be graduated, and the candidate is not eligible for the final oral examination until the professional paper has been accepted by the committee.
The committee schedules an oral examination of the candidate during which the student presents his or her professional paper and is asked to defend it and the supporting research. The professional paper is approved by a majority vote of the committee and by the program director.
