The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Investigation (CI) is a 16-credit certificate program for young investigators committed to pursuing academic careers in clinical research. Students will gain knowledge in the core competencies of clinical research and investigation, such as study design, research implementation, statistical approaches, responsible conduct of research, scientific communication and literature critique, leadership, and community engagement.

On average, scholars complete the certificate requirements within one to two years. All coursework must be successfully completed within five years from the start of the first course. Credits cannot be transferred into the program.

The evening course format allows for full- or part-time enrollment that can accommodate clinical schedules.

The certificate is available in four different tracks: Clinical Investigation, Translational Medicine, Genetics/Genomics, and Dissemination and Implementation.

Program Eligibility

Level of Education

Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree. However, most scholars are enrolled in a predoctoral or postdoctoral mentored research program at WashU Medicine or hold a postdoctoral appointment in health science at WashU or one of the ICTS affiliates.

Citizenship

Eligible applicants must be citizens, non-citizen nationals, permanent residents, or hold a valid U.S. visa and a postdoctoral appointment at WashU or one of the ICTS affiliates.

English Language Proficiency

Federal regulations require that F-1 and J-1 international student applicants and prospective J-1 scholars demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For additional information, please visit the Office for International Students & Scholars website.  

Admissions

Applications for the Certificate in Clinical Investigation are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students can be admitted for a fall or spring entry, based on the submission of their application.

In addition to the online application, students will be required to submit the following:

  • Current biosketch or curriculum vitae
  • Official transcripts

Please visit the application section of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Investigation website or email crtcmsci@wustl.edu with any questions about the application or curriculum.

Required Core Courses for the Graduate Certificate

Core courses for the certificate program will be dependent on which track the student chooses. Please consult the Certificate Requirements and Concentrations Table for the requirements of each concentration. 

All certificate students are required to take the below courses, regardless of their chosen concentration, which make up 10 of the 16 credits.

CLNV 5070Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Research2
CLNV 5100Designing Outcomes and Clinical Research3
CLNV 5150Introduction to Statistics for Clinical Research3
CLNV 5160Grantsmanship2
or CLNV 5170 Scientific Writing and Publishing
Total Units10

Academic Policies

Academic Policies for Clinical Investigation programs can be found in the Student Handbook

Contact Info