Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD in Clinical Translational Science Program

The PhD in Clinical Translational Science program is designed for clinicians and health-science professionals who wish to pursue clinical translational science research. The program prepares students for roles in academia and collaborative research.

Program Overview

• The program is a 54 credit hour program, consisting of 36 credit hours of coursework and 18 credit hours of dissertation.
• There are three tracks for incoming scholars:
  • Applicants with no relevant advanced degree prior to applying
  • Applicants with an advanced degree
  • Applicants seeking a dual degree of MSTP-CTSTP

Curriculum

Track 1: Applicants with No Relevant Advanced Degree

• 36 credit hours of coursework, with a minimum of 24 credit hours of graded coursework
• 22 credit hours of required courses, covering four key domains:
  • Clinical and translational theory and practice
  • Research methods
  • Statistical science
  • Professional development and conduct
• 14 credit hours of electives, with a minimum of 2 credit hours of core electives
• 18 credit hours of dissertation

Track 2: Applicants with an Advanced Degree

• Minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework, with 12 credit hours of graded coursework
• Courses depend on individual needs and require academic advisor's approval
• 18 credit hours of dissertation

Track 3: Applicants Seeking Dual Degree of MSTP-CTSTP

• 39 credit hours of coursework, broken down into:
  • 16 credit hours of required courses
  • 2 credit hours of core electives
  • 6 credit hours of research rotations
  • Up to 18 credit hours of CRSP 601 or electives

Admission Requirements

• Application deadline: January 10th for funding consideration, May 16th for summer enrollment
• Required documentation:
  • Complete online application
  • Three recommendation letters
  • Recent curriculum vitae
  • Official transcripts for all higher education degrees
  • ECFMG (if applicable)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (if international student)
  • Personal statement, including reason for seeking admission, research interests, and career goals

Tuition and Fees

• Cost is based on a per credit hour rate, with the PhD program being a 54 credit hour program
• Tuition is evaluated and adjusted each year

Enrollment Status

• Full-time enrollment: 9 credit hours or more
• Part-time enrollment: less than 9 credit hours
• International students must maintain full-time status

Program Completion

• Completion of the program depends on enrollment status
• Full-time enrollment: 3 years
• Part-time enrollment: varies, but must be completed within 5 years

Benefits of the Program

• Prepares students for roles in academia and collaborative research
• Provides training in clinical translational science research

Publication Requirements

• Two research publications required
• One must be first-authored and submitted for publication
• One must be first-authored and published or accepted

Advancement to Candidacy

• Scholars advance to candidacy after completing all required PhD coursework and passing the comprehensive qualifying exam
• Must register for dissertation credit hours and complete dissertation and defense within 5 calendar years.