Program Overview

Overview of the Clinical Research Enhancement through Supplemental Training (CREST) Program

The Clinical Research Enhancement through Supplemental Training (CREST) program is designed to provide high-quality training in clinical research for individuals pursuing a career in this field. The program is tailored to meet the needs of postdoctoral candidates with a M.D. or Ph.D. degree interested in clinical investigation or translational research.

Program Design

The CREST program is designed to integrate three key components of successful training: research methods applicable to the area of investigation, application of these methods to a state-of-the-art research question, and collaboration with more experienced investigators. The program requires scholars to have an independent research project, provides didactic and practical training in the methods of clinical research, and creates an environment for scholars to learn from a multidisciplinary faculty who provide individualized guidance for career development.

Curriculum

The CREST program curriculum is broad-based, encompassing major areas of clinical research. The curriculum is designed with courses given over two years, comprising eight modules that cover the principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, patient-oriented research, health services/outcomes research, and data management/informatics. Each module is given over one academic quarter and is comprised of 10 weekly, 2-hour periods of instruction in the early evening.

Targeted Participants

The program is primarily directed towards postdoctoral candidates with a M.D. or Ph.D. degree interested in pursuing a career in clinical investigation or translational research. Potential applicants will have a primary research training focus either in basic science or in clinical research. Scholars are recruited from many departments and disciplines and range from graduate students working towards a Masters degree to individuals holding junior faculty appointments.

Track System

The program incorporates a track system to permit flexibility and accommodate the varying needs of scholars. Track I involves a limited number of modules and is only for those who are interested in attending selected modules. Track II commits to the entire eight-module, two-year curriculum and provides course credit towards a Master's degree in Clinical Research.

Career Development

A key feature of the program is that it addresses the continuum of learning experienced by the scholar. In addition to the curriculum, each scholar who enrolls in the Master's program is required to have an individual research project supervised by their primary research mentor. Each scholar is also paired with a CREST faculty member who serves as a mentor to assist with their individual research project and provide career guidance.

Fees

The fee for UCSD residents and fellows is $1,116 per 2-unit course ($558/unit). The fee for UCSD faculty is $1,396 per 2-unit course ($698/unit). The fee for Non-UCSD affiliates is $1,860 per 2-unit course ($930/unit). The fee covers the costs for all lectures and course materials and books.

Application Procedures

Applicants must read and understand the descriptions and objectives of the courses, review the course start and end dates, and review the overall program goals. Applicants must agree to commit to attending at least 70% of the classes for each course and completing the majority of the homework. Required supplemental documents include a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, unofficial copies of academic records, and a current resume or C.V.

Program Format

The program can be completed in 1-3 years and is comprised of nine modules. Each course is designed to be given over one academic quarter and is comprised of 10 weekly, 2-hour periods of instruction in the early evening. The regularly scheduled core classes are typically held from 4-6 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the UCSD La Jolla Campus.

Pace of Study

Coursework can be completed in one to two years of study, depending upon a participant's time to devote to the program. Students could enter the program in the summer (July) quarter.

Contact Information

For more information about the CREST program, please contact the CREST office.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply?
  • Any doctoral candidates, postdoctoral fellows, or junior faculty who are pursuing a career in clinical or translational research can apply.
• If I am not with UCSD or a UCSD affiliate, can I still apply to the program?
  • Yes, you are eligible to apply through the Master's of Advanced Studies in Clinical Research degree program.
• How do I apply to the program?
  • UCSD and affiliates: Submit the CREST Program Application online. Required documents can be sent to the CREST Program Office.
  • Non-UCSD affiliates: See information at the Master's of Advanced Studies in Clinical Research degree program website.
• What are the admission requirements for the CREST program?
  • Those interested in applying are encouraged to visit the CREST website, read and understand the descriptions and objectives of the courses they are interested in, review the course start and end dates, and review the overall program goals.
• What are the admissions requirements for the Master's of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Clinical Research degree program?
  • Full-time UCSD Employee or Affiliate will apply through the CREST program (Track 2 - transferring to the MAS degree program after 20 units) and enjoy the discounted course fee instead of paying the full MAS fee ($930/unit).
• How long does it take to complete the CREST program?
  • The CREST Program consists of 20 credit units of study. Coursework can be completed in 12 to 24 months of study, depending upon a participant's time to devote to the program.
• How many credit units are needed to earn the MAS degree?
  • The Master's degree in Clinical Research consists of 40 credit units of study. Coursework can be completed in 18 to 30 months of study, depending upon a participant's time to devote to the program.
• How much does CREST cost?
  • The fee for UCSD residents and fellows is $1,116 per 2-unit course ($558/unit). The fee for UCSD faculty is $1,396 per 2-unit course ($698/unit). The fee for Non-UCSD affiliates is $1,860 per 2-unit course ($930/unit). The fee covers the costs for all lectures and course materials and books.