Clinical and Translational Science

Admission Requirements Degree Requirements

Mailing Address:
School of Public Health (MC 923)
1603 West Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612-4394

Campus Location: 1145 SPHPI
Program Code: 20FS5140MS (MS)
Telephone: (312) 996-6620
E-mail:  sefurner@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.uic.edu/sph/
Dean of the School: Paul Brandt-Rauf
Director of Graduate Studies: Sylvia Furner

The School of Public Health offers work leading to the Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science.  The degree is intended to train clinicians, primarily post-doctoral or post-residency fellows and junior faculty, to become leaders in clinical research. In addition the School participates with the College of Dentistry in offering the DMD/MS CTS joint degree program; with the College of Medicine in offering the MD/MS CTS joint degree program; and with the College of Pharmacy in offering the PharmD/MS CTS joint degree program. 

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science
  • Baccalaureate Field Baccalaureate degree required.
  • Prior Degrees An applicant must also have (1) a postbaccalaureate graduate or professional degree at the doctoral level OR (2) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian school with concurrent enrollment in a clinical degree program.
  • Grade Point Average 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 hours of undergraduate study and for all cumulative graduate work previously taken.
  • Tests Required MS applicants with a graduate or professional degree at the doctoral level (e.g., PhD, ScD, MD, DDS, DNP, DO, DPT, DVM, PharmD) from an accredited U.S. or Canadian school or who are licensed to practice in the United States are exempt from the GRE requirement, but must instead submit scores for the appropriate exams in their profession such as the USMLE for physicians, National Board Dental Examinations Part I for dentists, and NPTE for physical therapists. (For example, current medical residents would submit scores for Part I and Part II of the USMLE. Medical fellows must submit scores for Part I, Part II, and Part III of the USMLE.)
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required. One of the letters of recommendation must be from the applicant’s immediate supervisor or clinical program academic advisor specifically committing the applicant’s home department to supporting the applicant during their tenure in the MS program. 
  • Personal Statement A career-goal statement outlining (1) reasons for pursuing the MS in Clinical and Translational Science at UIC, including the intended research focus, and (2) career goals.
  • Other Requirements: Applicants must submit a statement of interest and CV/resume to Birute Petrauskas via e-mail, birutep@uic.edu. Selected applicants will be scheduled for personal interviews.

DDS/Master of Science

  • Please note: As of Fall 2011, the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree will be redesignated as the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
  • A student must meet the admissions criteria of both programs and is admitted separately to each through separate applications. Students will also be required to submit a joint degree application to the College of Dentistry. Acceptance into the DDS/MS Joint Degree Program requires approval by the DDS/MS Joint Degree Committee. For students applying to both programs simultaneously, MS admission will be contingent upon both admission to the DDS program and the support of the College of Dentistry director of graduate studies.
  • The UIC College of Dentistry participates in the American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Applications for admission to the DDS program must be directed through AADSAS and can be submitted between June 1st and December 1st of the year prior to matriculation. Applicants will also be required to submit directly to the College of Dentistry transcripts from all post-high school institutions attended.
  • The UIC School of Public Health participates in the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). Prior to admitting students into the MS in CTS degree, HPA will check with COD to determine whether the student has been accepted into the DDS program.
  • Admission to the MS in CTS program will be determined based on the support of the College of Dentistry director of graduate studies, previous academic achievement, research potential, commitment to CTS as evidenced by prior participation in clinical research, and two letters of recommendation. Students already enrolled at the College of Dentistry are to contact the director of graduate studies for further information. A DDS student must apply to the MS by May 1 of the D1 year, so that the student
    may enroll in MS course work during the fall of what would be the D2 year.
  • Letters of recommendation Two required. One must be from a suitable clinical researcher who can attest to the applicant’s research abilities. Both letters of recommendation should address (a) the applicant’s previous achievements in research and/or academics; (b) the applicant’s potential for successfully completing a clinical/translational research project; (c) analysis of the applicant’s career plans and commitment to research, and (d) how the joint degree would advance these plans.
  • Personal Statement Applicants will also submit a personal statement detailing accomplishments to date, and career goals and plans. Specifically, applicants should address background information relevant to their interest in clinical and translational research, and how additional training through the DDS/MS in CTS program would help achieve these goals. The applicant should provide any prior or ongoing research experience and explain how this might interface with the joint degree program.

MD/Master of Science

  • Students must meet the admissions criteria of both programs and are admitted separately to each through their respective applications. All students should contact the MS Program Coordinator who will explain the application process for MS students.
  • For students applying to both programs simultaneously, MS admission will be contingent upon both admission to the MD program and the support of the College of Medicine Dean of Educational Affairs. Prior to admitting students into the MS degree, HPA will check with COM to determine whether the student has been accepted into the MD program.
  • Admission to the MS CTS program will be determined based on the support of the College of Medicine Dean of Educational Affairs, previous academic achievement, research potential, and commitment to CTS as evidenced by prior participation in clinical research.
  • In addition to other application materials, joint degree applicants are also expected to submit the following:
  • Letters of Recommendation Two required, one of which must be from a suitable clinical researcher who can attest to the applicant’s research abilities. Both letters of recommendation should address a) the applicant’s previous achievements in research and/or academics; b) the applicant’s potential for successfully completing a clinical/translational research project; c) analysis of the applicant’s career plans and commitment to research, and d) how the joint degree would advance these plans.
  • Personal Statement Required, detailing accomplishments to date, and career goals and plans. Specifically, applicants should address background information relevant to their interest in clinical and translational research, and how additional training through the MD/MS CTS Program would help achieve these goals. The applicant should provide any prior or ongoing research experience and explain how this might interface with the joint degree program.

 

PharmD/Master of Science

  • Students must meet the admission criteria of both programs and will be admitted separately to each through their respective applications.
  • For students applying to both programs simultaneously, MS admission will be contingent upon both admission to the PharmD program and the support of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the COP. Prior to admitting students into the MS CTS degree, HPA will check with COP to determine whether the student has been accepted into the PharmD program, and to be sure that the applicant has a prior baccalaureate degree or has completed both the P1 and P2 years satisfactorily.
  • Admission to the MS CTS program will be determined based on the support of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the COP, a baccalaureate degree (or successful completion of P1 and P2), previous academic achievement, research potential, and commitment to CTS as evidenced by prior participation in clinical research.
  • In addition to other application materials, joint degree applicants are also expected to submit the following:
  • Letters of Recommendation Two required, one of which must be from a suitable clinical researcher who can attest to the applicant’s research abilities. Both letters of recommendation should address a) the applicant’s previous achievements in research and/or academics; b) the applicant’s potential for successfully completing a clinical/translational research project; c) analysis of the applicant’s career plans and commitment to research, and d) how the joint degree would advance these plans.
  • Personal Statement Required, detailing accomplishments to date, and career goals and plans. Specifically, applicants should address background information relevant to their interest in clinical and translational research, and how additional training through the PharmD/MS CTS program would help achieve these goals. The applicant should provide any prior or ongoing research experience and explain how this might interface with the joint degree program.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science    

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 48.
  • Course Work Required Courses: 18 core course semester hours consisting of: BSTT 400, BSTT 401, EPID 403, EPID 406, HPA 590, MHPE 512, and MHPE 534.
  • Electives: 14 semester hours.
  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options 16 semester hours of required mentored research (IPHS 598), producing a paper that is a scholarly contribution to the field in the form of a journal article, pilot data for a grant application, and a thesis-defense of the paper/research and data.
  • Other Requirements Students must maintain regular attendance at a seminar series; successfully complete required skill development workshops; and a grant proposal based upon the mentored research project.

DDS/Master of Science

  • Please note: As of Fall 2011, the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree will be redesignated as the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
  • The DDS/MS in CTS is a five-year program. Students in the program must satisfy the requirements of the MS in Clinical and Translational Science, a 48 semester hour program, and satisfy four years of the required DDS program.
  • For the College of Dentistry, the student must require no remediation or repetition of D1, D2, or D3 courses and must maintain a minimum grade point average required by the College’s Executive Committee on Student Promotions. Failure to maintain the accepted standard of academic excellence in the College of Dentistry will lead to dismissal from the joint program.
  • For the MS in Clinical and Translational Science, the student must adhere to all relevant Graduate College policies including minimum GPA, and limits on transfer credit.
  • Minimum Semester Hours Required Students in the program must satisfy requirements of the Masters of Science in Clinical and Translational Science, a 48 semester hour program, and satisfy four years of the required Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree program of study.
    • D1 Year—(44 credit hours in the DDS program), plus MS in CTS workshops and seminars.
    • D2 Year—(45 credit hours in the DDS program), plus MS in CTS workshops and seminars.
    • D3 Year—(55 credit hours in the DDS program) with opportunity for shared hours, plus MS in CTS workshops and seminars. With proper planning and prior approval by the executive associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Dentistry, joint degree students may apply up to 4 hours of IPHS 598—Research in Public Health Sciences toward clinical rotation requirements.
    • D4 Year—(52 credit hours in the DDS program) with opportunity for shared hours, plus MS in CTS workshops and seminars. With proper planning and prior approval by the executive associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Dentistry, joint degree students may apply up to 4 hours of IPHS 598—Research in Public Health Sciences toward clinical rotation requirements (community service component).
  • Course Work School of Public Health Required Courses: 18 core course semester hours consisting of: BSTT 400, BSTT 401, EPID 403, EPID 406, HPA 590, MHPE 512, and MHPE 534.
  • Joint degree students take an independent section of HPA 590 that will focus on developing an answerable question, conducting a literature review, drafting specific aims, and understanding the components of a grant application. A draft NIH Small Research Grant (R03) will be be the product of the course.
  • Electives: 14 semester hours of electives chosen with input from the program director and mentors.
  • Mentored Research Component 16 semester hours of IPHS 598—Research in Public Health Sciences. With proper planning and prior approval by the executive associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Dentistry, joint degree students
    may apply up to 8 hours of IPHS 598 toward clinical rotation course work during the D3 and D4 years.
  • No more than 8 total hours during D3 and D4 will consist of shared course work.
  • All students in the DDS/MS program must pursue the joint degree at a full-time pace.

MD/Master of Science

  • Students in the program must satisfy the requirements of the MS in Clinical and Translational Science, a 48 semester hour program, and satisfy four years of the required medical degree program.
  • Minimum Semester Hours Required School of Public Health: MS CTS 48 semester hours. College of Medicine All Campuses: Specific course titles vary from campus to campus. This summary of credit hours by year is for the Chicago program: M1 Year—42 credit hours, plus MS CTS workshops and seminars; M2 Year—52 credit hours, plus MS CTS workshops and seminars; M3 Year—50 credit hours, plus MS CTS workshops and seminars; M4 Year—39 credit hours, with opportunity for shared hours and attendance at MS CTS workshops and seminars.
  • A maximum of 8 hours of credit of the required 16 hours mentored research (IPHS 598) may be applied as a research elective in M4 elective requirement. With proper planning and prior approval by the Dean of Educational Affairs at the College of Medicine, joint degree students may receive additional credit toward the M4 electives by taking an advanced-level Public Health course.
  • No more than 12 total hours will be allowed for shared course work.
  • Course Work School of Public Health Required Courses: 18 core course semester hours consisting of: BSTT 400, BSTT 401, EPID 403, EPID 406, HPA 590, MHPE 512, and MHPE 534.
  • Joint degree students take an independent section of HPA 590 that will focus on developing an answerable question, conducting a literature review, drafting specific aims, and understanding the components of a grant application. A draft NIH Small Research Grant (R03) will be be the product of the course.
  • Electives: 14 semester hours. With proper planning and prior approval by the School of Public Health, joint degree students may receive additional credit toward the MS CTS elective requirement by taking an approved nonclinical medical elective.
  • Mentored Research Component 16 semester hours of required mentored research (IPHS 598), producing a paper that is a scholarly contribution to the field in the form of a journal article, pilot data for a grant application, and a thesis-defense of the paper/research and data. A maximum of 8 hours of the required 16 hours of mentored research (IPHS 598) may be applied as a research elective in M4 elective requirement.
  • No more than 12 total hours will consist of shared course work.
  • All students in the MD/MS program pursue the joint degree at a full-time pace.

PharmD/Master of Science

  • Students in the program must satisfy the requirements of the MS CTS program and the PharmD Program.
  • Minimum Semester Hours Required School of Public Health MS CTS 48 semester hours; College of Pharmacy PharmD 133 semester hours.
  • Course Work College of Pharmacy
    • P1 Year (33–36 hours)—Fall: PHAR 331, PHYB 301, PHAR 321, PHAR 441, Electives; Spring: PHAR 332, PHYB 302, PHAR 322, PHAR 400, PHAR 342, Electives; plus MS CTS workshops and seminars. Note: Students may also take MHPE 512 (1) and an MS CTS elective during the summer following the P1 or P2 year.
    • P2 Year (33–35 hours)—Fall: PHAR 333, PHAR 323, PHAR 401, PHAR 402, PHAR 352, Electives. Spring: PHAR 324, PHAR 343, PHAR 455, PHAR 403, PHAR 404, PHAR 344, Electives; plus MS CTS workshops and seminars.
    • P3 Year (35–40 hours)—Fall: PHAR 405, PHAR 406, PHAR 346, PHAR 445, PHAR 353, Electives; Spring: PHAR 407, PHAR 408, PHAR 354, PHAR 365, PHAR 356, Electives; Summer: PHAR 357; plus MS CTS seminars and workshops and opportunity for shared hours. With proper planning and prior approval by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Pharmacy and the School of Public Health, joint degree students may apply up to 4 hours of approved advanced public health elective course work toward PharmD elective course requirements and/or up to 4 semester hours of MS IPHS 598 Research Hours toward pharmacy elective requirements.
    • P4 Year (24 hours)—Fall: P4 Clerkships; Spring: P4 Clerkships; plus MS CTS seminars and workshops and opportunity for shared hours. With proper planning and prior approval by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Pharmacy, up to 4 hours of P4 Clerkship time may be used to complete the IPHS 598 Research Hours for the PharmD degree.
  • No more than 12 total hours will consist of shared course work.
  • Course Work School of Public Health Required Courses: 18 core course semester hours consisting of: BSTT 400, BSTT 401, EPID 403, EPID 406, HPA 590, MHPE 512, and MHPE 534.
  • Joint degree students take an independent section of HPA 590 that will focus on developing an answerable question, conducting a literature review, drafting specific aims, and understanding the components of a grant application. A draft NIH Small Research Grant (R03) will be be the product of the course.
  • Electives: 14 semester hours. With proper planning and prior approval by the School of Public Health and College of Pharmacy, joint degree students may receive up to 4 hours toward the MS in CTS elective requirement by taking an approved nonclinical pharmacy elective.
  • Mentored Research Component 16 semester hours of required mentored research (IPHS 598), producing a paper that is a scholarly contribution to the field in the form of a journal article, pilot data for a grant application, and a thesis-defense of the paper/research and data. A maximum of 8 hours of the required 16 hours of mentored research (IPHS 598) may be applied toward pharmacy electives and P4 Clerkship credit.
  • No more than 12 total hours will consist of shared course work.
  • All students in the PharmD/MS CTS program pursue the joint degree at a full-time pace.

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