The Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) is an innovative, one- to five-year program that prepares young investigators for academic careers in clinical research. On average, scholars complete program requirements within two to three years. All coursework must be completed within five years of admission to the program.
The evening course format allows for full- or part-time enrollment that can accomodate clinical schedules.
The MS is available in four different tracks: Clinical Investigation, Translational Medicine, Genetics/Genomics, and Dissemination and Implementation.
Program Requirements
Didactic Coursework
All MSCI scholars must complete 33 credit units of didactic coursework, including 16 core credits, 4 credits of Clinical Investigation Seminar, at least 6 credits of electives, and a variable number of credits (6-8) of mentored independent research. For additional information about the specific courses required for each of the concentrations, please visit the MSCI Concentrations webpage.
Core courses include the following:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLNV 5070 | Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Research | 2 |
| CLNV 5110 | Mentored Independent Research (6-8 units required) | 1-8 |
| CLNV 5140 | Clinical Investigation Seminar (4 units required, 1 credit per semester) | 1-2 |
| CLNV 5150 | Introduction to Statistics for Clinical Research | 3 |
| CLNV 5151 | Intermediate Statistics for the Health Sciences | 3 |
| CLNV 5160 | Grantsmanship (CLNV 5160 Grantsmanship *or* CLNV 5170 Scientific Writing and Publishing) | 2 |
| Total Units | 12-20 | |
In addition to didactic requirements, admitted scholars are required to complete the following:
- A thesis
- Seminar
- Mentorship
- Responsible conduct of research
- Institutional Review Board approvals
- Individual development plans
- Career development retreat
- Program evaluation
Please visit the application section of the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation website, or email crtcmsci@wustl.edu with any questions about the MSCI program's application, requirements, or curriculum.
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 Washington University or one of the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) affiliates.
Citizenship
Eligible applicants must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States, or they must have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and have in their possession an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551) or other legal verification of admission for permanent residence. Individuals on temporary or student visas are eligible provided that they hold a valid U.S. visa and a postdoctoral appointment at Washington University or one of the ICTS affiliates. The MSCI program is unable to sponsor visas. Typically, students who desire to enter the program obtain a visa sponsored through their research department. Students must obtain approval from their employer or sponsor and ensure that participating in the program will not affect their visa status.
Research Project
All applicants must be conducting clinical and translational research. Clinical research is defined as patient-oriented research: research conducted with human subjects or on material of human origin (e.g., tissues, specimens, cognitive phenomena).
Mentorship
Applicants must have an established relationship with a senior faculty member prior to beginning the MSCI program. Applicants should look for mentors who match their research interests. They should contact each mentor they are interested in working with directly, stating their interest in the mentor's research and their desire to work with the mentor.
Admissions
Applications are open August 15 through November 1 for January start date and January 1 through April 15 for a fall start date.
Only complete applications will be reviewed. Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documents have been submitted.
In addition to the online application form, applicants must submit the following:
- A current biosketch or curriculum vitae
- An individual development plan, including a course plan
- A research plan
- A letter of support from a mentor
- A recommendation letter from the Department Chair or Division Chief
- Official transcripts
Please visit the application section of the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation website, or email crtcmsci@wustl.edu with an questions about the program's application or curriculum.
Academic Policies
Academic Policies for Clinical Investigation programs can be found in the Student Handbook.