MS Clinical Research at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The MS in Clinical Research from the Institute for Clinical Research Education trains clinicians and other talented individuals from varied disciplines to design and conduct high-quality clinical and translational research. It is built around a core curriculum, a specialty track, grant writing and a thesis project, and is designed for part-time study alongside clinical work.

Faculty: School of Medicine | Department: Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE) | Duration: 2 years part-time | Intake: Spring term (application September 1 - October 31) and Summer term (application December 15 - February 28) | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Four core courses (CLRES 2005 Computer Methods in Clinical Research, 2010 Clinical Research Methods, 2020 Biostatistics, 2040 Measurement in Clinical Research) are taught in July and August, followed by Advanced Grant Writing (CLRES 2071/2072) in year 2. Students choose a specialty track (Clinical Trials Research, Comparative Effectiveness Research, Health Services Research, Translational Science, Implementation Science or Data Science), complete responsible-conduct-of-research training and a master's thesis or substantive research project (standard thesis, grant proposal or two manuscripts). Courses run 1-2 months rather than a 15-week term; summer core courses are in person.

Career pathways

Geared toward clinicians pursuing a research career.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a high level of interest and potential for clinical research as a major career focus; a graduate or professional degree is encouraged but not required. Minimum GPA 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Departments must guarantee protected time (75% during the first two months, with at least 50% recommended for coursework throughout). GRE and MCAT scores are not accepted. Required materials: online application, one-page personal statement, CV or biosketch, official transcripts from all institutions attended, a research mentor with letter of recommendation, two further professional references, and a protected-time letter from the division chief or chair. English proficiency for citizens of non-English-speaking countries (and Quebec): TOEFL iBT 100 (600 paper), IELTS 7.0, Duolingo 120, or USMLE plus ECFMG; exempt with a US regionally accredited bachelor's or higher. The programme cannot issue F-1/J-1 immigration documents, so only US citizens or applicants already holding a valid US study visa can be admitted. An interview may be arranged if more information is needed.

Domestic applicants: USD 32,284 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Medicine, Graduate (PhD, MS, and Certificate); additional fees apply, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 54,838 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Medicine, Graduate (PhD, MS, and Certificate); additional fees apply, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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