Clinical Investigation

The Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) and the Certificate in Clinical Investigation (CI) are programs for young investigators committed to pursuing academic careers in clinical research. The unique MSCI degree combines didactic course work with mentored research and career development opportunities, and it provides students with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in the areas of clinical investigation most relevant to their careers. The CI certificate is made up of the core MSCI didactic course work in study design, research implementation, statistical approaches, responsible conduct of research, scientific communication and literature critique, leadership, and community engagement. Clinical investigation programs offered through the Washington University School of Medicine are sponsored by the Clinical Research Training Center and the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences.

Students in the 33-credit MSCI program will do the following:

  • Engage in high-quality didactic courses (refer to the MSCI course list) with mentored research and a weekly multidisciplinary seminar to meet the needs of clinicians seeking training in clinical research
  • Gain knowledge in the core competencies of clinical research and investigation, such as study design, research implementation, statistical approaches, responsible conduct of research, community engagement, scientific communication and literature critique, and leadership
  • Pursue one of four concentrations: Translational Medicine, Genetics/Genomics, Clinical Investigation, or Dissemination and Implementation, with each concentration providing focused training that is tailored specifically to a student's interest within clinical and translational research
  • Attend a weekly multidisciplinary seminar to learn about alternative research designs and methods through the discussion and presentation of peers' research and to obtain key feedback from senior faculty and peers with expertise in their fields
  • Attend monthly career development sessions to learn best practices in areas critical to success in clinical research, including grant writing, data management, intellectual property management, budgeting, ethics and other areas
  • Complete a thesis requirement consisting of a manuscript of original clinical research submitted for publication
  • Participate in a formal, structured mentorship program that offers an opportunity to work alongside faculty renowned for their innovative clinical research and teaching experience

Location

Core courses are held on the School of Medicine campus after 4:00 p.m. to accommodate working professionals and full-time students participating in mentored research activities.

Additional Information

Karlee Kreienkamp
Program Manager – Curriculum and Evaluation
Phone: 314-454-8936
Email: k.kreienkamp@wustl.edu

David Warren, MD, MPH
Program Director
Email: dwarren@wustl.edu

Dominic Reeds, MD
Program Director
Email: dreeds@wustl.edu

Washington University School of Medicine
Master of Science in Clinical Investigation Program
Clinical Research Training Center
660 South Euclid Avenue
Mail Stop Code 8051-021-2200
St. Louis, MO 63110

Contact Info

Email:crtcmsci@email.wustl.edu
Website:https://crtc.wustl.edu