Clinical and Epidemiological Research (MS)

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Degree Offered: MS
Program Leadership:
Elaine Ku, MD, MAS, Director
Admissions Inquiries:
Clair Dunne, Program Administrator

Program Description

Master's Degree Program in Clinical and Epidemiological Research is a two-year program that through enhanced coursework and precepting provides trainees with mastery of clinical and epidemiologic research methods and culminates in a number of required products including a comprehensive literature review, a presentation at a national or international scientific conference, and publication of a peer-reviewed scientific paper.

For complete information on the Master‘s Degree Program in Clinical and Epidemiological Research and degree tracks, please visit our website.

Admission Requirements

Possession of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (equal to a letter grade of "B"). Preference will be given to scholars who have demonstrated knowledge or experience in some aspect of a health-related field (e.g., clinical practice, public health, health promotion) by virtue of either possession of a graduate or professional doctoral degree (MD, DDS, PharmD, PhD or international equivalent), being currently enrolled in such a program, or relevant work experience. Although not required, this prior knowledge or experience is preferred because program scholars will be required to perform original research in an area of their choosing to fulfill graduation requirements. Prior substantive knowledge or experience in a health-related field can be very helpful in identifying a research area of interest and in maintaining motivation for the work.

Established relationship with a research mentor at UCSF, defined as a faculty member in either of the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or Dentistry. Scholars already at UCSF should have this established by the time of application. Those who are applying from outside UCSF should have this established by the beginning of the program. Applicants applying from outside UCSF are encouraged to identify and contact UCSF research mentors on their own or, after acceptance into the program, may request assistance from the TICR Program to help them identify a research mentor.

For scholars who are primarily based in other training programs or positions at UCSF, supervisor's assurance that at least 70% of time will be available August through May to divide between the activities of this program and the conduct of the trainee's clinical research projects.

Affirmation of the Professional Conduct Statement (signed during orientation).

Find application information on our website.

Learning Outcomes

To complete the program, scholars must satisfy program objectives, which are to:

  1. Acquire a mastery of a broad set of clinical research methods
  2. Plan and implement one or more clinical research projects that leads to a first-author publication
  3. Obtain experience in the instruction of clinical research methods

Additional Information

Career Outcomes