Clinical Research

The Master of Science in Clinical Research at Yeshiva University offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the rapidly evolving field of clinical research and healthcare innovation. This program provides a solid foundation in research methodology, biostatistics, ethical considerations, regulatory affairs, and medical sciences, equipping graduates with the essential skills needed to design, implement, and manage clinical trials and research studies effectively. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on training through internships and collaborative projects with leading healthcare institutions, gaining practical experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical conduct, and adherence to regulatory standards such as those set by the FDA and NIH, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in the legal and ethical aspects of clinical research. The program is ideal for recent undergraduates, current healthcare professionals seeking specialization, or individuals looking to advance their careers in health sciences, pharmaceutical industries, or academic research. Additionally, students will learn about emerging topics like personalized medicine, digital health, and clinical informatics, preparing them for innovative approaches in patient-centered research. With a dedicated faculty composed of experienced researchers and clinicians, the program fosters an environment of inquiry and professional growth. Graduates of the MS in Clinical Research will be equipped to pursue roles in clinical trial management, regulatory compliance, medical writing, healthcare consulting, and research coordination, among others. The program's flexible format includes evening classes and part-time study options, making it accessible for working professionals. Overall, this degree offers the knowledge, skills, and professional network necessary for a successful career in clinical research and healthcare advancement, making it an excellent choice for those committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical science.

Summer Semester I (July, August)

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 – 12:30 pm 

• Clinical Research Intensive: Principles of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Analysis, and Specific Aims. 
  (Course Leaders: Hillel Cohen, DrPH (Biostatistics I), Carmen Isasi, M.D., Ph.D. (Epidemiology I), Aileen McGinn, Ph.D. (Data Analysis Lab), and Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D. (Specific Aims)

Required Textbooks: 

• “Epidemiology”; By Leon Gordis, 5th edition, WB Saunders (2013) 
• ISBN-10: 145573733X
• ISBN-13: 978-1455737338 Approximate Cost: $44.58
• "Basic Statistics and Pharmaceutical Statistical Applications "; By James E. De Muth, 3rd edition, CRC Press - Taylor Francis Group  
• ISBN-10: 1466596732
• ISBN-13: 9781466596733 Approximate Cost:$89.95

Fall Semester I (September – December)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm 

• Epidemiology II (Course Leaders: Dean Hosgood, Ph.D.; Aileen McGinn, Ph.D.

Required Textbook: 

Epidemiology: Beyond the Basics by MoysesSzklo & F. Javier Nieto.3rd Edition, Jones & BartlettPublishers, Sudbury,Massachusetts, 2012. Approximate Cost: $86.07

• Biostatistics II / Data Analysis Lab (Course Leaders: Hillel Cohen, DrPH; Aileen McGinn, Ph.D.)

Required Textbook: 

Regression Methods in Biostatistics by Vittinghoff et al: available free online through the Einstein Library (to access you must be at Einsteinor have remote access to the library: http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-1353-0  

• Research Ethics I (Course Leader: Ethan Cowan, M.D.)

Required Textbooks:  

Required, recommended, and optional readings from the medical and bioethics literature will be posted on our learning management system at no cost to the student

Spring Semester I (February – May)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00am - 12:30 pm

• Biostatistics III /Data AnalysisLab (Course Leaders: Abdi Negassa, Ph.D.; Cuiling Wang, Ph.D.; Aileen McGinn, Ph.D.)

Required Textbooks: 

• Applied Logistic Regression by David W. Hosmer & Stanley Lemeshow (3rd edition), 2013, Wiley;
• Available via the Einstein Library as pdf at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/book/10.1002/9781118548387 
• Survival Analysis: A Self-learning Text by David Kleinbaum and Mitchel Klein (3rd edition), 2012 Springer;

Available via the Einstein library as pdf at: http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4419-6646-9 

• Works-in-Progress Seminars (Course Leaders: Paul Marantz, M.D., MPH; Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.; Aileen McGinn, Ph.D.)

Required Textbooks: None

• Advanced Topics in Epidemiology (Course Leaders: Ilir Agalliu, M.D.; Aileen McGinn, Ph.D.)

Required Textbook: 

Rothman KJ, Greenland S, Lash TL. Modern Epidemiology; 3rd Edition. 2008. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA. Approximate Cost:$100.05

• Research Ethics II(Course Leaders: Ethan Cowan, M.D.; Ruth Macklin, Ph.D.)

Required Textbooks: None

Summer Semester II (July, August)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

• Advanced Topics in Biostatistics / DataAnalysis Lab (Course Leaders: Shankar Viswanathan, DrPH, M.S.c; Qi Gao, Ph.D.)

Required Textbook: 

Garrett M. Fitzmaurice, Nan M. Laird , James H. Ware . Applied Longitudinal Analysis Wiley; 2 edition (August 30, 2011). (FLW) Approximate Cost:$96.31

• Grant/Manuscript Writing Course I (Course Leader: Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.)

Required Textbooks: None

Fall Semester II (September – December)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am -12:30 pm

• Clinical Research Seminars I (Course Leader: Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.)
• Works-in-Progress (Course Leaders: Paul Marantz, M.D.; Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.)
• Grant/Manuscript Writing II (Course Leader: Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.)

Required Textbooks: None

Spring Semester II (February - May)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 – 12:30 pm

• ResearchThesis (Course Leaders: Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.; Aileen McGinn, Ph.D.)
• Clinical Research Seminars II (Course Leader: Ellie Schoenbaum, M.D.)
• Selective & Elective Courses  

Required Textbooks: None

CRTP Selective & Elective Courses

Scholars are required to take 1 elective or 1 selective over the 2-year CRTP period.

• Electives are courses offered by other graduate programs within the University, including
  • the Sue Golding Graduate Division (Ph.D. program at Einstein);
  • the Masters of Bioethics Program (Einstein-Cardozo);
  • psychology Ph.D. programs (Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at YU)
• Selectives offered by CRTP are:
  • Design and Analysis of Health Outcomes (Course Leader: Arthur Blank, Ph.D.)
  • Decision Analysis/Cost Effectiveness (Course Leader: Clyde Schechter, M.D.)
  • Human Genetics (Course Leader: Herb Lachman, M.D.)

Required Textbooks: None​

Eligibility Criteria

• An academic affiliation with Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • The program considers physicians, sub-specialty fellows, medical or graduate students at Einstein
  • Medical Students applying to the CRTP must be enrolled at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Faculty and Fellows must hold an appointment at Einstein or an affiliated institution for the two years enrolled in the CRTP  
• Strong interest in, and aptitude for, clinical research
• A firm written commitment from the trainee’s department (Chair, Division Head, or Fellowship Director) that all necessary resources will be made to the trainee. This includes protected time with demonstrable reductions in clinical, teaching, and administrative responsibilities (as needed), space, and a computer
• Identification of a research project and a mentor

Application Process 

All application materials must be submitted by March 1 (including all requests for letters through the online application portal) for consideration in the class that commences the following July.

Applications are accepted via our online application system using Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox
The online system also enables you to send email requests for the required letters/documentation. Required elements include:

• Applicant Information Form (online form accessible via the appropriate online application link below)
• A Personal Statement which describes your career goals and explains why you believe this training program will help you to achieve those goals.  Not to exceed one page single-spaced using 12 point font 
• A Research Plan which contains a brief description of your study question and methods.  Not to exceed two pages single-spaced using 12 point font 
• Your full Curriculum Vitae 
• Mentor(s) Letter:  You will be asked to provide an email address for at least one individual who will serve as your mentor during the CRTP.  This individual will be asked to submit a letter which will contain a mentoring plan, a description of the research environment they will provide you, a timeline for your research and how they will advocate that you receive adequate time for research.  They will also be asked to submit their NIH biosketch and a list of former trainees (if applicable).
• Letters of Support:  You will be asked to provide email addresses for two (2) individuals who can provide letters addressing your potential for a career in clinical research.
• Guarantee of Protected Time (Faculty and Fellows only): You will be asked to provide an email address for the appropriate individual who can guarantee your protected time while in the CRTP.  This letter may come from your Fellowship Director, Department Chair or Division Head.  In instances where this letter is signed by more than one individual, please designate only one point person for submission of this letter.  The individual you select will be asked to submit a letter which includes the following:
  • Their support of your participation in the Clinical Research Training Program  
  • That they guarantee you have the required protected time during the two years that you are enrolled in the program in which to attend classes, complete homework, prepare for examinations, conduct research, and develop and defend a thesis
  • Specific acknowledgement of the following:
    • 80% protected time during the first summer (i.e., no more than 8 hours per week based on a 40 hour work week should be committed to non-CRTP activities). 
    • Note: During the first summer, the pace of the program is particularly intense.  Classes are held four days a week for six weeks (i.e., Monday-Thursday 9:00-12:30 and occasional afternoon sessions).  Additionally, there is a take home exam due approximately 2 weeks after the last summer class.  
    • 50% protected time after the first summer (i.e., no more than 20 hours per week based on a 40 hour work week should be committed to non-CRTP activities).  Classes for the remainder of the two year program are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 am -12:30 pm.
    • That they will provide you with appropriate space to pursue your studies and perform research; that they will provide access to a computer capable of running up-to-date statistical and data management graphics software
    • That they will serve as a liaison between you, your mentor, and the director of the training program if the need should arise 
      If you have questions or would like tips/suggestions for approaching your supervisor to obtain his/her support and guarantee of protected time, contact Dr. Aileen McGinn Director, CRTP X  

• Affirmation of Good Academic Standing (Medical Students only):  After submission of your online application, the Dean of Students will be contacted to provide affirmation that you are in good academic standing and that he/she supports your application to the CRTP.

In addition to the online application, Faculty and Fellows only will need to have an official transcript from your doctoral degree institution sent to Clinical Research Training Program Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Scholarships

A number of generous scholarships are available, and most scholars will pay $3,000 or less per year.

The Master of Science in Clinical Research at Yeshiva University is designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of clinical research. This program provides comprehensive training in the principles and practices essential for designing, conducting, and managing clinical trials and other research studies. Students gain a solid foundation in biomedical sciences, research methodology, biostatistics, ethical considerations, and regulatory requirements that govern clinical research. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and knowledge necessary for successful performance in the industry, including data management, pharmacovigilance, and the use of modern technology in research. The program often combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and collaborations with healthcare organizations. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue roles such as clinical research coordinators, study managers, clinical data analysts, and regulatory affairs specialists. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students looking to advance their careers in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, healthcare institutions, and regulatory agencies. It aims to foster critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication skills, which are vital in ensuring the safety and efficacy of new medical treatments. With a faculty comprising experienced professionals and researchers, students benefit from mentorship and industry connections that facilitate career development. The program also emphasizes staying current with the latest regulatory changes by offering updates on FDA and other international guidelines. Collaboration with affiliated hospitals and research centers provides a rich environment for experiential learning, allowing students to participate in real-world clinical studies. The Yeshiva University environment supports a diverse student body and encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from medicine, science, and public health. This program underscores the importance of ethical standards and patient safety in all aspects of clinical research, aligning with overarching goals of advancing healthcare and medical innovation. It prepares graduates to meet the growing demand for skilled clinical research professionals globally and contributes to the development of new therapies, diagnostics, and treatment protocols. With flexible study options, including full-time and part-time tracks, the program caters to a wide range of students, whether they are recent graduates or healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise. Overall, this program embodies Yeshiva University's commitment to academic excellence, professional development, and the advancement of healthcare through rigorous clinical research training.