Clinical and Translational Research

The University of Cincinnati offers a comprehensive Clinical and Translational Research program designed to prepare students for the dynamic and interdisciplinary field of medical research. This program equips future researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that improve patient care and public health outcomes. Through a rigorous curriculum, students gain a solid foundation in biomedical sciences, research methodologies, biostatistics, and ethical considerations in human research. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling graduates to design, implement, and analyze innovative clinical studies effectively.

Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members who are leaders in translational science. The curriculum also incorporates training in data management, regulatory compliance, and the use of emerging technologies such as genomics, data analytics, and personalized medicine. Collaborations across various disciplines and institutions foster an environment of interdisciplinary learning and innovation. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in academic research, industry, government agencies, or healthcare institutions, where they can contribute to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare delivery. The University of Cincinnati's Clinical and Translational Research program reflects a commitment to excellence in research education and aims to develop the next generation of leaders in translational science and medical innovation.

To earn the M.S. in Clinical & Translational Research, trainees must complete:

• 30 graduate credit hours (including 2 thesis research credits)
• A thesis

Trainees must complete 9 core courses for a total of 19 credits. Trainees may fulfill the remaining 11 credit hours by:

• Completing an optional Focus Area;
• Additional elective courses of choice; and/or
• Research (ENV-8091)

Required Courses

• Introduction to Biostatistics (online summer only)
• Introduction to Epidemiology (online summer only)
• Design & Management of Field Studies in Epidemiology
• Clinical Research Scholars Seminar*
• Master’s Thesis Research

Research Ethics

Choose one of the following:

• Scientific Integrity (online)
• Ethics in Research

Statistical Programming

Choose one of the following:

• Statistical Computation & Software (SAS, SPSS, and R) (online)
• Introduction to SAS Programming (SAS)
• Computational Statistics (SAS and R)    

Regression Analysis

Choose one of the following: 

• Advanced Biostatistics (R)
• Regression Analysis (SAS)     

Advanced Research Methods

Choose one of the following:

• Study Design & Analysis (online)
• Decision-Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
• Meta-Analysis
• Principles of Clinical Trials (online)

Electives/Research Credits

Suggested Electives

• Pediatric Environmental Health (even years)
• Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Methods for Health Services Research (odd years)
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (even years
• Environmental Health Disasters and What They Can Teach Us
• Application & Practice of Statistics in Clinical Trials
• Neuroepidemiology (even years)
• Introduction to Medical Informatics
• Health Services Research (even years) 
• Genetics of Complex Disease (even years)
• Molecular Epidemiology

MSCTR Focus Areas

Students can specialize in Clinical Epidemiology/ Clinical Effectiveness, Molecular Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Research Informatics (T1 or T2), or Translational Research. Additional coursework is required for each of these tracks (see below). Students may select one of the five specialized tracks to fulfill their remaining credits, or they can take electives or complete research. The tracks below were designed by clinical research experts to provide specialty training in each of the five focus areas. Students do not have to complete a track to complete the MS program. If students wish to ‘specialize’ in a particular focus area, they are encouraged to meet with the director of the focus area to discuss courses, research opportunities, and career pathways.

1. Graduate School Application
2. Three Professional References

   You will be asked to enter information for each of your professional references as part of the Graduate School application (item 1). The references will then receive an email with their login information and a link where they can upload a letter of recommendation or respond to a series of questions about you. Your references should contact the Program Director, Jackie Knapke, atmscrtp@uc.edu or 513-558-0809 if they have questions.
   One of the recommendations must be submitted by a research mentor from a local health care institution, stating that the applicant will have the protected time and support necessary to complete the courses and research thesis that are part of the MS program. Applicants must have a research mentor chosen before they will be considered for admission. Due to the volume of applications the program receives, we cannot match applicants with a mentor.

3. Official TOEFL scores (Institutional code=1833; Department Major Field Code=46), if applicable. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 paper/250 computer test/100 Internet-based is required of all applicants whose native language is not English, unless specifically exempted. The TOEFL requirement is met for applicants with medical or graduate degrees earned from accredited universities and colleges in the US, Canada (except Quebec), England, Australia, New Zealand, or other English-speaking countries.

4. Official transcript(s) from all colleges/universities where you received a degree.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Graduate Assistantships
• Graduate Incentive Award

The Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Cincinnati is designed to prepare students for careers in the evolving field of clinical research. The program emphasizes understanding the entire translational process, from basic scientific discoveries to their application in patient care and community health. Students gain comprehensive knowledge of research methods, biostatistics, ethics, and regulatory affairs, enabling them to lead and manage clinical trials effectively. The curriculum includes coursework in clinical trial design, data management, research misconduct, and health disparities, providing a multidisciplinary foundation.

Participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on training through research practicums, internships, and collaborations with healthcare organizations. The program aims to develop skills essential for conducting high-quality research, including critical thinking, scientific communication, and project management. Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to improving patient outcomes, advancing medical innovations, and translating scientific findings into clinical practice.

The program is suitable for healthcare professionals, scientists, and individuals seeking to enter the clinical research field. It offers flexible learning options, including part-time study, to accommodate working professionals. Faculty members involved in cutting-edge research mentor students, fostering an environment of innovation and academic excellence. Upon completion, graduates often pursue careers in academia, industry, government agencies, and healthcare institutions, where they can influence health policy, improve clinical protocols, and support translational efforts in medicine. The University of Cincinnati's commitment to research excellence and community engagement ensures that students are prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare research and make meaningful contributions to society.