Clinical Research (MS)

Clinical Research (MS)

Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR)

Charles Drew University is pleased to offer an innovative program for health professionals who have the desire and commitment needed to improve the lives and health of the medically underserved. The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) Degree Program accepted its inaugural class in 2004. CDU is accepting candidates in the fall of each year.

The goal of the Master of Science in Clinical Research degree program is to generate clinical researchers who have a solid foundation in clinical and translational research methodologies, biostatistics, clinical trials, collaborative science, research conduct and ethics, grantsmanship and publication practices. Program graduates obtain a unique understanding of the cultural and ethical issues that impact the healthcare of our diverse nation.

The program differs from other traditional approaches to clinical research training in two ways. First, there is a core emphasis on methodologies to address health disparities. Second, researchers receive practical experience in community-based research, health outcomes research, and interactive training on research ethics in multicultural communities. Furthermore, this program is uniquely designed with the working professional in mind; participants can maintain their full-time employment while earning their MSCR degree in only 2 years.

CDU is located in the heart of South Los Angeles with a catchment area of 1.5 million residents. We incorporate our location and the corresponding diversity and complexity of the patient population to create an academic environment unlike any other. Through innovative basic science, clinical, and health services research programs, CDU faculty and students seek to address the health and social issues that strike hardest and deepest among underserved and ethnic minority populations.

The benefits associated with this MSCR degree extend beyond the basics of research and include the following:

  • Conceptualization and relevance of hypothesis-driven research
  • Understanding the principles of evidence-based medicine
  • Biostatistics for medical and biological research and statistical reasoning
  • Clinical epidemiology
  • Translational research and informatics
  • Research in vulnerable populations (ethnic minorities, women, elderly, etc.)
  • Methodologies of health disparities
  • Clinical trials design and analysis
  • Developing scientific written and oral communication skills
  • Research management
  • Ethical, legal and social issues of responsible clinical research
  • Present research at scientific meetings and in the medical literature
  • Critique and interpret the research of others


Admission Requirements/ Prerequisites

Admission to the Master of Science in Clinical Research occurs every year for a fall entry.   Requirements for admission include:

  • A professional health degree (i.e. M.D., D.D.S, D.N.Sc. or Ph.D.). Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy or other clinical disciplines. Applicants without a professional degree, but with an earned Master degree who demonstrate evidence of commitment to clinical investigation will also be considered.
  • Applicants must have salary and tuition support for the duration of the program and a letter of such commitment from their tuition sponsor must accompany the application.
  • It is preferred if applicants have selected and established a relationship with a research mentor prior to admission.

How to Apply
 Submit a completed Admissions Application with the following supplemental information:
Click to download the application

  • Statement of Purpose and Objectives 
  • Curriculum Vitae 
  • $75 Application Fee
  •  Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.  Foreign transcript must be evaluated by one of the approved
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation required - copy as needed (click to download the form)

Selected applicants will be invited for interview with the program director

International Students 
 For more information on specific admissions requirements, please click here.

Application Deadline: 
 July 31       

Tuition
$750 per unit (42 total program units)

For more information, please visit   Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) Degree Program

Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about the Clinical Research graduate program.  Each session will include information regarding admission requirements, tuition, financial aid and an overview of the curriculum.  

Thursday, August 4, 2011            5 to 7 PM
Wednesday, August 10, 2011      5 to 7 PM

Location:  Cobb Bldg., Conf. Rm. 175

RSVP to admissionsinfo@cdrewu.edu